Vatican City 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Vatican City

Morning:

  • Start your day by having breakfast at a local café near your accommodation.
  • Visit Vatican Museums: Open from 9:00 AM, it’s best to get there early to avoid the crowds. Purchase skip-the-line tickets online in advance. The museum complex houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, including the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

Afternoon:

  • Continue your exploration at St. Peter’s Basilica: After exiting the Vatican Museums, you will find St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the dome for a stunning view of Rome.
  • Take a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens (available only on request, with advance booking). The gardens offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to see a different side of Vatican City.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants near St. Peter’s Square or in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Things to Know:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
  2. Photography is allowed, but some areas may have restrictions.
  3. It’s customary to pay a small fee for the guards who watch over your belongings while you visit the Sistine Chapel.
  4. Vatican City uses Euro as its official currency.
  5. The Vatican is closed on Sundays, except during religious holidays.

Day 2: Discovering More of Vatican City

Morning:

  • Spend your morning at the Vatican Library: Appointments are required to visit this historic library. It houses millions of ancient and rare books.
  • Visit the Borgia Apartments: Located within the Apostolic Palace, these apartments showcase some of the finest Renaissance art in Vatican City.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Raphael Rooms: These four rooms are decorated with frescoes by Raphael and his students. They were originally designed as private apartments for Pope Julius II.
  • End your day at the Pio-Christian MUSEUM: It houses a collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, as well as a number of religious artworks.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening in Rome, perhaps taking a stroll along the Tiber River or visiting one of Rome’s many vibrant nightlife spots.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the Schengen Area countries can enter Vatican City without a visa. All other nationalities should check with their local Italian embassy for visa requirements before traveling.

Transportation: Vatican City is easily accessible by foot from Rome’s city center. Alternatively, you can take buses 40, 64, 65, 70, 81, 92, 32, 49, and 982 or the Ottaviano-San Pietro Metro station (line A) to reach St. Peter’s Square.