Although Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, most visitors can easily spend half a day here and history or art lovers can spend a whole day.

The good news is that the main attractions lie within walking distance of a few minutes.

The bad news? If you arrive without a plan, you may spend most of your time in queues.

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Visit St. Peter's Basilica with a view

If you only have time for one attraction in Vatican City, it should be St Peter's Basilica.

The greatest experience is not only the interior itself, but also the view under Michelangelo's dome and the atmosphere of one of the most important churches in the world.

Entrance to the basilica is free, but expect long queues in high season.

The ascent to the dome of the basilica is one of the best views in Rome.

After climbing several hundred steps, you'll be treated to a view of:

• the whole of St. Peter's Square.
• the historic centre of Rome
• the Vatican Gardens
• the Tiber River and the more distant parts of the city

If you're hesitating between a visit to the dome and one of the paid sights in Rome, the dome usually wins.

I describe the details, booking prices and when it's advisable to book entry online in my article on St Peter's Basilica.

Browse the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are one of the most famous museum complexes in the world.

It's not just the Sistine Chapel, but also:

• Raphael's Rooms
• The Gallery of Maps
• extensive collections of ancient sculptures
• dozens of historical halls

Please allow at least 3 hours for your visit.

How far in advance to book tickets? Find out in our detailed article on the Vatican Museums.

Walk around St. Peter's Square

St Peter's Square is much more than just the area in front of the Basilica.

It's worth it:

• Walk the Bernini Colonnade
• find the optical trick with the columns
• photograph the Egyptian obelisk
• enjoy the atmosphere of one of the world's most famous squares

It is most beautiful early in the morning or after sunset.

Send a view from the Vatican Post Office

Perhaps the least known but surprisingly popular activity.

Poste Vaticane operates its own postal system and a postcard sent from here gets a Vatican postmark and stamp.

The whole stop only takes a few minutes, but it is an original souvenir of a visit to the smallest country in the world.

How to send a postcard, how much does a stamp cost when it is open? Details in the article about the Vatican Post Office.

Attend the Papal Audience

If you're lucky enough to have a date to visit, you can see the Pope in person.

Most often:

• Wednesday's general audience.
• during the Sunday Angelus

The atmosphere during these events is completely different from a normal visit to the Vatican.

How much time to set aside for the Vatican?

It depends on what exactly you expect from a visit to the Vatican.

You have 2-3 hours

• St. Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Square
• ascent to the dome

You have half a day

• St. Peter's Basilica
• Dome
• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel

You have the whole day

• St. Peter's Basilica
• Dome
• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• Vatican Gardens
• Castle of the Angels in neighbouring Rome

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