Vatican City 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Vatican City

Day 1: Arrival & St. Peter’s Square

  • Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Rome.
  • Transport: Take a train from Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome’s Termini Station (approx. 30 minutes). From there, take the A Line Metro (OTP) and get off at Ottaviano – San Pietro – Musei Vaticani station (approximately 15 minutes).
  • Check-in at your hotel. We recommend staying near Vatican City for convenience: Hotel Alleva Vaticano, Hotel Santa Maria Della Scala, or Casa Fendi.
  • Visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by some of history’s greatest architects, including Bernini and Bramante. Climb to the top for a stunning view of Rome (fees apply).
  • Dinner: Dine at La Carbonara, a traditional Roman trattoria offering delicious pasta dishes just steps away from St. Peter’s Square.
  • Things to know: Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Its official language is Latin, but Italian and multiple other languages are commonly used.

Day 2: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Eat!, an eatery within the Vatican Museums complex, or opt for Pizzeria Vaticano nearby for classic Roman pizza.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps. End your tour at the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, decorated with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.
  • Evening: Stroll around the beautiful Viale Vittorio Emanuele II and sample some gelato from Gelateria del Teatro, a local favorite.

Day 3: St. Peter’s Dome & Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Morning: Return to St. Peter’s Basilica for an in-depth visit of the dome (you can climb up here as well).
  • Lunch: Sit down for a leisurely lunch at Mordi e Vai, where you can sample traditional Roman street food.
  • Afternoon: Head to Castel Sant’Angelo, a historical fortress overlooking the Tiber River with panoramic views of Rome.
  • Dinner: Dine at Rosetta, offering contemporary Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.

Day 4: Vatican Gardens & Bramante Staircase

  • Morning: Book a guided tour to explore the Vatican Gardens, home to various sculptures, fountains, and even a pinecone from ancient Rome!
  • Lunch: Have lunch at La Galleria, located within the Vatican Museums complex.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bramante Staircase, a spiral ramp leading to the Belvedere Courtyard of the Vatican Palace. Climbing this staircase requires a separate ticket but offers stunning views of the Vatican City and beyond.
  • Evening: Spend your evening exploring the charming Trastevere neighborhood, filled with cobbled streets, colorful houses, and lively piazzas. Have dinner at Da Enzo al 29 or Osteria da Fortunata.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Transport: Follow the same route back to Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your departure.

Tips:

  • Buy skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica to save time in line.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, with knees and shoulders covered.
  • Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle – tap water in Rome is safe to drink.
  • Use the efficient public transportation system in Rome, including buses, trams, metro, and regional trains. Buy a Roma Pass for unlimited travel and discounted entrance fees at select attractions.