Vatican City 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Vatican City

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Vatican City

Morning: St. Peter’s Basilica & Square

  • Start your day at the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica. Marvel at its grandeur, and don’t forget to check out the famous dome designed by Michelangelo.
  • Take a stroll around the vast St. Peter’s Square, admiring Bernini’s beautiful colonnade.

Afternoon: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  • Head to the Vatican Museums (preferably after 2 PM when crowds have lessened). Explore the rich art and historical collections, including the Egyptian Museum, Raphael Rooms, and Gallery of Maps.
  • End your visit with the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s famous frescoes on the ceiling.

Evening: Castel Sant’Angelo & Tiber Island

  • Cross the Tiber River to reach Castel Sant’Angelo. Climb its towers for a stunning view of Rome and Vatican City.
  • Have dinner at a local trattoria on the Tiber Island such as Da Teo or Osteria del Gregorio. Enjoy traditional Italian dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe.

Tips:

  • Dress appropriately for visiting churches (no shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops).
  • Avoid long lines by purchasing skip-the-line tickets online in advance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Day 2: Vatican Gardens & Surrounding Areas

Morning: Vatican Gardens & Braccio Nuovo

  • Explore the Vatican Gardens (available with an additional fee or with a guided tour). Walk along the beautiful paths, visit the Grottoes, and enjoy panoramic views of Rome.
  • Visit the Braccio Nuovo, home to modern and contemporary art exhibitions, including works by Giacometti, Warhol, and Botero.

Afternoon: Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori

  • Head to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares filled with baroque fountains and vibrant street artists.
  • Visit the Campo de’ Fiori market, where you can taste local produce, cheese, and have lunch at a nearby restaurant like Flaminio or Roscioli.

Evening: Trastevere & Ponte Garibaldi

  • Spend your evening in picturesque Trastevere. Wander its charming cobblestone streets, enjoy an Aperol Spritz at one of the many bars, and have dinner at places like Da Enzo or La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.

Tips:

  • Take a boat tour along the Tiber River for a unique perspective on Vatican City and Rome.
  • Explore lesser-known churches in the area like Sant’Agata dei Goti, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, or San Callisto.

Day 3: Off the Beaten Path in Vatican City

Morning: Vatican Library & Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana

  • Visit the Vatican Library (available with a guided tour). See ancient manuscripts, including original copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Gutenberg Bible.
  • Explore the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, the personal library of the Pope, which houses numerous important religious documents and manuscripts.

Afternoon: Raphael Rooms & Niccoline Chapel

  • Re-visit the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican Museums, focusing on the details and symbolism in each room’s frescoes.
  • Visit the beautifully decorated Niccoline Chapel, which was designed by Bramante.

Evening: Gianicolo & Dinner near Piazza Venezia

  • Head to Gianicolo Hill for a stunning sunset view over Rome and Vatican City.
  • Have dinner at a restaurant near Piazza Venezia, such as La Pergola or Rosati, for some of the best Italian cuisine in the city.

Tips:

  • Don’t miss out on trying traditional Roman dishes like artichokes, cacio e pepe, and porchetta.
  • Take a nighttime walk along Via dei Corridori, a charming street near Castel Sant’Angelo that is illuminated by thousands of lights during the evenings.