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Vatican Museums

Vatican City, Europe

The Vatican Museums house an incredible collection of art and historical artifacts accumulated by the Catholic Church over centuries. Known for masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael's Rooms, the museums offer a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual heritage of Western civilization. Each room and gallery tells a story, making it a captivating stop for art lovers and history buffs alike. An awe-inspiring journey through time, the Vatican Museums represent the pinnacle of Renaissance artistry and religious devotion.

Quick facts

Target stay

1-2 days

Type

Cultural Site

Vibe

History

Airport

Ciampino

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

10 Best Things to Do in Vatican Museums

1. Visit the Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Michelangelo's stunning frescoes and iconic ceiling.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1.5 hrs

2. Explore the Raphael Rooms

Admire Raphael's masterpieces in stunningly decorated rooms.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1 hr

3. Wander through the Gallery of Maps

Discover beautiful artistic maps of Italy's regions.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

< 1 hr

4. Visit the Pinacoteca

View an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1 hr

5. Admire the Borgia Apartments

Experience the opulence of the papal apartments.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

< 1 hr

6. Stroll in the Vatican Gardens

Relax in beautifully manicured gardens with stunning views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1 hr

7. See St. Peter's Basilica

Visit one of the world's largest and most famous churches.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

8. Join a Guided Tour

Enhance your experience with expert insights and history.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

2 hrs

9. Attend a Papal Audience

Witness the Pope addressing the faithful in St. Peter's.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

2 hrs

10. Visit the Vatican Museums Courtyards

Explore beautiful outdoor spaces between museum buildings.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

< 1 hr

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

No data

Safety

No data

LGBTQ+ safety score

-8 (#127 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Italian

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Fettuccine

V

Flat pasta served with sauce. (National dish)

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Veal wrapped with prosciutto and sage.

Carciofi alla Romana

VE

Roman-style artichokes, braised and seasoned.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Pasta with eggs, cheese, and pancetta.

Gelato

V

Italian-style ice cream, creamy and sweet.

Phrases to learn

English

Italian

Hello

Ciao

(Chow)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Grazie

(Grah-tsee-eh)

Excuse me

Scusi

(Skoo-zee)

How much?

Quanto?

(Kwan-toh)