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2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Vatican Museums

10

4.6/5

1.7k reviews

The Vatican Museums are among the earliest museums in the world, bringing together ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts along with the finest art of the Renaissance, making it a museum that houses priceless treasures. Although the Vatican Museums occupy a modest footprint, their collection of monumental masterpieces is beyond counting. Michelangelo's "Genesis" is housed here and is well worth seeing. At the same time, for those interested in archaeology, the museum's holdings of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts are equally worthy of study. Of course, beyond the collections inside, the museum's own architectural style also deserves high praise. The ancient exterior walls that resemble fortress ramparts, the spiral ramp at the exit, and the sculpture "Sphere Within Sphere" in the Pinecone Courtyard are all worth savoring in detail. The Vatican Museums are located within Vatican City and are a world-renowned complex of museums, with collections tracing a path from ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek and Roman civilizations all the way to Renaissance art. Their origins can be traced back to the early 16th century, when Pope Julius II brought the unearthed statue "Laocoön" into the palace for public display; over the following centuries the collections continued to expand, and today the museums are linked together by numerous exhibition halls and art galleries. The visiting route is largely one-way: entering from the side of the Pinecone Courtyard, visitors pass through the Gallery of Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps, ending at the Sistine Chapel. Classical sculpture is widely regarded as the museum's main attraction. The "Laocoön" and the "Apollo Belvedere" in the Octagonal Court have been classics repeatedly copied and interpreted since their excavation; the "Belvedere Torso" at the center of the Hall of the Muses, though only a torso remains, once profoundly influenced Michelangelo's work with the vitality bursting from its muscles. The Egyptian collection houses mummies and stone artifacts dating back thousands of years, while the Etruscan collection brings together artifacts from early Italian civilizations. In the Pinecone Courtyard, the first area reached after entering, beside the bronze pinecone about 4 m tall, Arnaldo Pomodoro's bronze sculpture "Sphere Within Sphere" is the first photo spot for many visitors. The Renaissance section is equally dazzling. The Raphael Rooms were originally the papal apartments, and the frescoes in the four chambers form a continuous whole; among them, "The School of Athens" in the Room of the Segnatura brings philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle together in a single scene and is regarded as one of the representative works of the High Renaissance; the nearly 20 tapestries in the Tapestry Gallery, woven by Brussels craftsmen after Raphael's cartoons, and the wall-to-wall giant maps of Italy and the ornate ceiling in the Map Gallery are all worth slowing down to examine closely. In the culminating Sistine Chapel, looking up brings Michelangelo's "Genesis" ceiling fresco into view, and "The Last Judgment" behind the altar is equally breathtaking; photography is not allowed inside the chapel, which is just as well for quietly contemplating the works. A few tips: a full walkthrough usually takes more than half a day, and when it is crowded, it is advisable to prioritize your energy and time for the Sistine Chapel; the painting gallery next to the entrance courtyard is not on the main visiting route, and Raphael's "Transfiguration" and Leonardo da Vinci's unfinished "Saint Jerome" are both housed here, so it is easy to miss while rushing through; at the exit before leaving the museum, the double-helix ramp designed by Momo is itself an architectural work, and shooting downward from the top of the ramp is a highly photographed vantage point in this museum.

Vatican · 397m from downtown

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Vatican

Saint Peter’s Basilica

9.4

4.7/5

1.3k reviews

Saint Peter's Basilica is located in the Vatican and serves as the central sanctuary of the Catholic world, traditionally believed to be built on the burial site of Saint Peter. The current church was constructed in the early 16th century, taking over a hundred years to complete, with Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Raphael contributing to its design. It can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers simultaneously. The central dome, designed by Michelangelo, spans over 40 m in diameter and stands more than 130 m tall, towering as one of Rome's most recognizable landmarks. The expansive square in front is encircled by a colonnade topped with statues of saints, creating a majestic atmosphere. The facade features five gates, from right to left: the Holy Door, the Door of the Sacraments, the Central Door, the Door of Good and Evil, and the Door of Death, each adorned with reliefs of biblical figures and stories. The Holy Door opens only during Jubilee years, typically every 25 years, and remains closed otherwise. Inside the nave, massive pillars divide the central aisle from the side passages, with arches between them covered in sculptures and decorations so lavish they take one's breath away. The interior is an artistic treasure trove, with three masterpieces not to be missed: Michelangelo's "Pietà," housed in a small chapel to the right of the entrance, depicts the Virgin Mary cradling Christ's body with solemn restraint—now viewable only behind protective glass; the bronze baldachin above the main altar, crafted by Bernini, features four spiral columns approx. 20 m tall supporting a nearly 30 m-high structure, adorned with a white dove at its center and guardian angels at the corners, surrounded by eternal lamps; and Bernini's "Chair of Saint Peter" at the far end of the nave, where a gilded bronze throne is crowned by cherubs encircling a stained-glass window with a white dove, radiating light. Additionally, the bronze statue of Saint Peter inside has had its right foot polished shiny by generations of visitors, making it a bustling spot. To reach the top, follow the passage marked "Cupola" to the right of the entrance: the full climb involves over 500 narrow spiral steps, though an elevator can take you partway, leaving about 300 steps to ascend. The dome's interior is adorned with exquisitely detailed mosaic panels arranged in petal-like layers. From the circular platform inside the dome, you can overlook the entire nave, then climb a narrow staircase to the outdoor terrace for panoramic views of Rome, including a close-up look at the 13 statues on the facade's cornice, with Christ holding the cross at the center. If visiting on a Sunday, you might witness the Pope leading prayers in the square, adding a special memory to this itinerary.

Vatican · 94m from downtown

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Vatican

Sistine Chapel

7.6

4.8/5

330 reviews

The Sistine Chapel is located in the Vatican. It serves as the chapel for the Catholic pope and the venue for the secret election of new popes—when white smoke rises from the chimney on the roof during an election, it signifies the birth of a new pope. The chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 1470s and consecrated in 1483. It measures over forty m in length and approx. thirteen m in width, with no supporting columns inside. Six semicircular arched windows are set high on each side wall, while a towering vaulted dome spans overhead. Light pours in from above, perfectly illuminating the frescoes on the walls and ceiling. What made it world-famous are the two sets of frescoes Michelangelo left here. Commissioned by Pope Julius II at just 33 years old, he spent over four years painting the Genesis-inspired ceiling on the high vault, with nine scenes arranged in reverse narrative order, surrounded by figures of prophets and sibyls. More than two decades later, now in his sixties, he returned to the chapel and spent approx. five years painting The Last Judgment on the entire wall behind the altar. These frescoes are hailed as "the divine comedy of painting history." Standing in the chapel and looking up, the densely packed figures and dynamic compositions create a powerful impact. During your visit, note these details: The ceiling is about 20 m above the ground, making brushstrokes hard to discern with the naked eye—bringing a small telescope will reveal finer details. To protect the frescoes, photography and videography are prohibited inside the chapel, and silence is required, so allocate ample time for quiet contemplation. The side walls are equally noteworthy, featuring Botticelli's The Trials of Moses, Rosselli's The Crossing of the Red Sea, and Perugino's depiction of Moses' departure. Together with the ceiling fresco and The Last Judgment, they form a comprehensive collection of Renaissance murals.

Vatican · 90m from downtown

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Cupola di San Pietro

5.9

5.0/5

18 reviews

The Cupola di San Pietro has an inner diameter of approximately 42m and covers the entire basilica. The history of this great dome spans a century of twists and turns. It was first designed by Bramante in 1506, and after his death in 1514, Raphael took over. Six years later, Raphael also passed away. The church authorities, drawing inspiration from Gothic design for the top of the basilica and emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow, adopted rose windows. Consequently, the dome was canceled due to considerations regarding the light contrast effect at the entrance of the basilica. Later, at the age of 71, Michelangelo took over the work and restored the dome in the name of "love for God, the Virgin Mary, and St. Peter." There are 11 statues on the cornice of the dome, with the statue of Jesus Christ in the center. On either side of the cornice, there is a clock; the one on the right shows Greenwich Mean Time, and the one on the left shows Rome time. The great dome is one of the symbols of Rome.

Vatican · 264m from downtown

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Vatican

Saint Peter's Square

5.2

4.7/5

478 reviews

Saint Peter's Square is the central square and an important site for Catholic pilgrimages and religious activities. It was primarily constructed in the 17th century and is situated directly in front of the basilica. The area is spacious, and the overall layout is solemn and symmetrical, echoing the magnificent facade of the basilica and reflecting the artistic characteristics of Baroque architecture that seeks grandeur, spatial depth, and visual impact. Today, it is the main venue for the Pope's public audiences, important religious ceremonies, and festive events. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the world gather here to admire the square's architecture, sculptures, and the magnificent exterior of the basilica.

Vatican · 293m from downtown

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Raphael Rooms

4.9

4.7/5

38 reviews

Raphael Rooms are a suite of interconnected rooms that formed the public part of the papal apartments. They typically include four main rooms: the Hall of Constantine, the Room of Heliodorus, the Room of the Segnatura, and the Room of the Fire in the Borgo. Among them, the Room of the Segnatura houses Raphael's masterpiece, "The School of Athens." "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," located in the same room, expresses Christian theological thought and forms an artistic layout that corresponds with "The School of Athens." Today, this is an important part of the museum tour route, where visitors can admire the details of the frescoes up close and learn about Raphael's artistic achievements, as well as the close connection between art, philosophy, and religion during the Renaissance.

Vatican · 265m from downtown

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No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Vatican

Gardens of Vatican City

4.5

The Vatican Gardens, located in Vatican City, are a private urban garden and park that covers more than half of the land area, located in the western part of the territory and belongs to the Pope. The gardens include buildings such as Vatican Radio and the Governor's Palace. The gardens cover an area of about 23 hectares, about half of the city's area. Stone walls enclose the gardens on the north, south and west sides. The gardens and parks were built during the Renaissance and Baroque periods and are decorated with fountains and sculptures. The history of the gardens can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when orchards and vineyards extended to the north of the Apostolic Palace. In 1279, Pope Nicholas III moved his residence from the Lateran Palace back to the Vatican and surrounded the area with walls. He planted an orchard, a lawn and a garden. They first appeared near the Church of Sant'Egidio, where the courtyard of the Belvedere Palace and the museum are located today. The Vatican Gardens are a site that combines natural beauty with religious culture. It not only displays the exquisite skills of the art of horticulture, but also carries a rich historical and spiritual connotation. For tourists, a visit to the Vatican Gardens is a rare opportunity to gain insight into the cultural heritage and religious traditions of the Vatican.

Vatican · 271m from downtown

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Vatican Necropolis

3.6

4.0/5

1 reviews

Vatican Necropolis is an underground cemetery of great historical and religious significance located in Vatican City, situated beneath the foundations of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Dating back to the 1st century, this cemetery was an important burial site during the Roman Empire, providing valuable archaeological evidence for the study of early Christianity and Roman history. A well-known part of this cemetery is the area associated with Saint Peter, who is said to be buried there. The cemetery preserves exquisite frescoes and carvings, showcasing ancient Roman artistic styles and religious symbolism. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of these historical sites through guided tours and experience their religious and cultural significance. Due to its unique historical and religious value, Vatican Necropolis attracts numerous visitors and scholars. Visits require advance booking to protect these precious sites.

Vatican · 148m from downtown

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St. Peter's Baldachin

4.1

4.8/5

7 reviews

St. Peter (Baldacchinodi San Pietro) under the canopy, also known as the bronze canopy, was completed by Bernini himself, and it is also one of the three outstanding treasures in the church collection, second only to Michelangelo's "Saint". The semi-circular balustrade in front of the canopy is permanently lit with 99 lanterns, and below it is the altar where the Pope holds mass, facing the rising sun in the east and holding the mass in front of the pilgrims. On both sides of the altar, there is a large pipe organ. When Mass is held, a low, soothing and beautiful melody is issued from the pipe organ, filling the entire hall.

Vatican · 82m from downtown

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St. Peter Square Obelisk

4.1

4.5/5

26 reviews

The obelisk is 37 meters high and is carried by four bronze lions. It is a wordless stele, and there are no Egyptian hieroglyphs inscribed on the stele like other Roman obelisks. From the top of the cathedral overlooking the large obelisk, is a very spectacular view.

Vatican · 329m from downtown

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Experiences you can't miss in Vatican

FromTRY 3,298.77

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Rome Vatican Travel Pass [Instant Ticket Issuance/Includes Vatican Museums, Colosseum & Other Popular Attractions/Includes Public Transportation]

3.9/5

· 9 reviews· 379 booked

Duration: 72 hrs

English

189 travellers saved

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4.4/5

· 22 reviews

Duration: 5 hrs

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Featured Food & drink in Vatican

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Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 3–4 hrs

Free cancellation

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Fettuccine & Tiramisu Masterclass: Pasta & Dessert

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Vatican: Fun Treasure Hunt for Kids and Families with Gelato

Duration: 2 hrs

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Rome: Chocolate Tour with Artisanal Specialities and Gourmet Tastings

Duration: 2.5 hrs

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FromTRY 4,025.62

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Italian Food Tastings & Pottery Workshop

Duration: 1.5 hrs

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FromTRY 4,265.48

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Rome: VIP Golf Cart Food Tour

4.9/5

· 14 reviews

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Highlights of Rome: E-bike Tour of the City with Gelato

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FromTRY 4,193.36

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Rome: Breakfast & Tour of Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

4.7/5

· 12 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

FromTRY 5,988.11

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Featured City sightseeing in Vatican

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Vatican museums admission ticket + Vatican city tour - open bus Giardini

Duration: 2 hrs

English

FromTRY 6,960.12

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4.9/5

· 27 reviews

Duration: 75–90 mins

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27 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 2,516.02

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From Civitavecchia Port: Rome in a Day Guided Day Tour

4.7/5

· 72 reviews

Duration: 8 hrs

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59 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 3,885.84

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More things to do

Private Tours in Vatican

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3 reviews

EnglishPrivate Tours

From TRY 33,704

漫天狂舞的飞雪9 August 2023

5.0

The smallest country in the world, with a small population, but a high international status

St. Peter Square Obelisk

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Trip Moments in Vatican

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Vatican?

Don't miss these attractions in Vatican: Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel. If you like Culture & history, try Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours.

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Vatican?

You can give Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours and Fettuccine & Tiramisu Masterclass: Pasta & Dessert a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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