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Vatican Museums
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Vatican Museums

10
4.6/5
1.7k reviews
The Vatican Museums is one of the earliest museums in the world, consisting of 12 exhibition halls and 5 art galleries. It brings together ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as the artistic essence of the Renaissance, making it a museum housing priceless treasures. Museum collection Although the Vatican Museums cover a small area, their collection of masterpieces is countless. For instance, Michelangelo's ceiling painting "The Creation of Adam" is housed here and is well worth seeing. At the same time, for friends who love archaeology, some ancient Greek and Roman artifacts collected in the Vatican Museums are also worth studying. Of course, besides the collections inside, the architectural style of the Vatican Museums itself is also highly commendable. The ancient, fortress-like outer walls, the spiral ramp at the exit, and the sculpture "Sphere Within a Sphere" in the Pinecone Courtyard are all worth savoring in detail. The Vatican Museums is located in Vatican City, a world-renowned comprehensive museum complex with collections spanning from ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman civilizations to Renaissance art. Its origins can be traced back to the early 16th century when Pope Julius II publicly displayed the excavated statue of Laocoön in the papal palace. Over the centuries, it has continuously expanded and now consists of multiple exhibition halls and art galleries connected in series. The visiting route is generally one-way: entering from the Pinecone Courtyard side, passing through the sculpture gallery, tapestry gallery, and map gallery, and ending at the Sistine Chapel. Classical sculptures are widely recognized as the highlight of the museum. The "Laocoön" and "Apollo Belvedere" in the Octagonal Courtyard have been classic works repeatedly copied and interpreted since their excavation. Although the "Belvedere Torso" in the Hall of the Muses only remains as a torso, the vitality bursting from its muscles profoundly influenced Michelangelo's creations. The Egyptian Gallery houses mummies and stone artifacts from thousands of years ago, while the Etruscan Gallery gathers excavated artifacts from Italy's early civilizations. In the Pinecone Courtyard, the first area visitors encounter upon entering, Arnaldo Pomodoro's bronze sculpture "Sphere Within a Sphere" stands beside a bronze pinecone approx. 4 m tall, serving as the first photo spot for many travelers. The Renaissance section is equally dazzling. The Raphael Rooms, originally the papal apartments, feature interconnected frescoes across four chambers. Among them, The School of Athens in the Stanza della Segnatura, which brings together philosophers like Plato and Aristotle in a single composition, is regarded as one of the masterpieces of the High Renaissance. The Gallery of Tapestries displays nearly 20 wall hangings woven by Brussels artisans based on Raphael's designs, while the Gallery of Maps boasts floor-to-ceiling grand maps of Italy and an ornate ceiling, all worthy of a slow, attentive viewing. The crowning Sistine Chapel showcases Michelangelo's ceiling fresco The Creation of Adam, with the equally awe-inspiring The Last Judgment behind the altar. Photography is prohibited inside the chapel, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in quiet contemplation. A few tips: The full tour usually takes half a day or more. During peak hours, it's advisable to prioritize your energy and time for the Sistine Chapel. The picture gallery near the entrance atrium isn't on the main route – Raphael's The Transfiguration and Leonardo da Vinci's unfinished Saint Jerome are housed here and easily missed when rushing. Before exiting, the double helix ramp designed by Momo at the museum's exit is an architectural masterpiece in itself. A top-down shot from the ramp's peak is one of the museum's most photographed angles.Vatican · 397m from downtown
Saint Peter’s Basilica
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
Sistine Chapel
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

Experiences you can't miss in Vatican

Featured Culture & history in Vatican

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Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour & St. Peter's
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4.7/5
· 73 reviews· 264 booked
Duration: 1–3 hrs
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Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Skip-the-Line Tour
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4.7/5
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Duration: 3 hrs
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St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entry
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4.4/5
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Duration: 5 hrs
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St. Peter's Basilica: Audio Guide + Dome Access Via Stairs
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St. Peter's Basilica: Audio Guide + Dome Access via Elevator
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3.0/5
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Omnia Vatican and Rome Pass: Top Attractions and Travelcard
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4.1/5
· 161 reviews
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Featured Food & drink in Vatican

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Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
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Rome: VIP Golf Cart Food Tour
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4.9/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Vatican: Fun Treasure Hunt for Kids and Families with Gelato
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Highlights of Rome: E-bike Tour of the City with Gelato
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Rome: Chocolate Tour Artisans Specialities Gourmet Tastings
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Italian Food Tastings & Pottery Workshop
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Rome: Breakfast & Tour of Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
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Fettuccine & Tiramisu Masterclass: Pasta & Dessert
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Featured Day tours in Vatican

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Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica VIP Guided Tour
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4.6/5
· 174 reviews· 77 booked
Duration: 150 mins
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91.4% of travelers recommend
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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 2.5–3 hrs
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Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group
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4.9/5
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
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4.8/5
· 3.2k reviews· 27 booked
Duration: 2–4 hrs
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Rome: St. Peter's Basilica Tour, Exclusive Underground Access
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Rome: St.Peters Basilica, Tombs & Dome Guided Tour
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Featured City sightseeing in Vatican

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Rome: Retro Fiat 500 car tour with Pro Photographer
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Vespa Sidecar Tour In Rome with Pickup, Drop-off, Gelato included
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Rome Vespa Tour: Hidden Gems and Iconic Landmarks
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4.9/5
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Skip-the-Line Vatican Entry & Panoramic Open Bus Tour
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Rome: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Navona Tour
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Rome by Night: St. Peter's, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon
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4.4/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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From Civitavecchia Port: Rome in a Day Guided Day Tour
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4.7/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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What travellers say about Vatican

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hol***jw26 October 2026
5.0
It exceeded expectations, especially our tour guide, a Taiwanese woman surnamed Zhou. Despite her small stature, she possessed immense energy, delivering a captivating and passionate explanation that completely enthralled everyone. The three-plus hours allowed us to appreciate the highlights of the museum and cathedral—truly excellent value for money.

Vatican Museums

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cathyjy23 September 2026
5.0
Director Lu's explanations were professional and engaging. He explained the background and stories behind the important works in great detail, which was very rewarding. It was definitely worthwhile to follow my fellow Shanghainese, Director Lu, to appreciate the precious collection.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

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淡定求不得29 May 2025
5.0
It is very convenient to make an appointment and buy tickets, which can reduce uncertainty. We went there at the appointment time and were quickly inside. This place is definitely worth a visit, as it houses a wide variety of collections from successive popes, as well as murals.

Sistine Chapel

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SUNSHINE ONUS30 April 2025
5.0
The world's largest Catholic church is highly recommended. It is majestic, luxurious and meaningful. St. Peter's Basilica is known for its magnificent architecture, exquisite art and profound religious significance. Countless art treasures are displayed inside the church. The most famous ones include Michelangelo's sculpture "Pietà" and Bernini's "Throne of St. Peter". These works of art not only show the artists' superb skills, but also convey deep religious emotions. The walls and domes of the church are decorated with a large number of mosaics and murals. These works are based on religious stories, with bright colors and rich details, showing the artistic styles of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Cupola di San Pietro

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poohwubear7 June 2023
5.0
Wow, wow, wow! St. Peter’s Square is stunning and larger than I imagined. The fountains, the architecture is all so grand!

Saint Peter's Square

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Georgezou10 October 2019
5.0
The Raphael Rooms contain four rooms where Raphael worked. Here are displayed 16 murals created by Raphael and his students over a period of 10 years. The most famous is the Academy of Athens, which is magnificent and a place worth lingering.

Raphael Rooms

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漂鸟Wandervoge25 May 2020
5.0
From the top circular walkway inside St. Peter's Basilica, you can overlook the entire interior of the cathedral. It is an absolutely stunning visual experience. You are so close to the dome and the masters of the Renaissance, yet so far away from the world...

St. Peter's Baldachin

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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

Trip Moments in Vatican

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 Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour & St. Peter's. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours.

You can give Rome: Vatican Food Tours, Cooking classes & Free Tours and Rome: VIP Golf Cart Food Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica VIP Guided Tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, and Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Vatican is around USD 16.97 – USD 101.3. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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