19 Unmissable Things to Do in Vatican City for First-Time Visitors

Discover interesting things to do in Vatican city for a day!

First time visiting the Vatican and searching for unique things to do in Vatican City?

Discover what to prioritize with this Vatican must-see and experience highlights from my first trip to the world’s smallest country and the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church ~ Vatican City!

By Karen Mae | June 04, 2026

I’ll be sharing my authentic Vatican experiences and travel photos to spark ideas for your Vatican itinerary about what to do in Vatican City for a day!

Plan your Vatican trip smoothly with these top picks of the best things to do in Vatican City in one day. I’ve also included highly rated Vatican tours and my travel pictures to inspire your Vatican travel planning.

In this Vatican travel blog, I am going to share the highlights of my Vatican City tour from my Italy trip to help you save time and make the most of your trip!

Discover what to see in the Vatican Museums and what not to miss with Vatican trip tips! I have also included what to do in Vatican City for free!

I had a half-day trip to the Vatican with my sisters and found visiting the Vatican worth it! We booked Vatican tours that saved us time without needing to wait in a long line. If you’re short on time, I recommend booking guided tours instead of doing it on your own.

Whether you’re visiting the Vatican for a half-day or planning to spend a full day exploring, this Vatican travel guide shows the best things to do in Vatican City, such as the unmissable attractions of St. Peter’s Square, Vatican Museums, Holy Door, and more!

This blog is all about the top things to do in Vatican City!

Best Things To Do in Vatican City

1. Explore St. Peter’s Square

One of the best things to do for free in Vatican City that I enjoyed is walking around St. Peter’s Square and taking memorable photos!

If you’re visiting on a budget, short on time, and don’t plan to visit inside the basilica and museums, St. Peter’s Square is worth exploring for its remarkable architecture.

You absolutely cannot miss taking photos of this beautiful square! It’s a must-see attraction in Vatican City!

In this square, you can admire the Egyptian obelisk, watch the Swiss Guards, and see the free drinkable water fountain.

It functions as the grand entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica and one of the world’s most impressive public spaces. Did you know that during significant religious events and papal celebrations, the square can hold more than 300,000 people?

Travel Tips:

• Arrive early in the morning, at sunset, and during evening illuminations for photos/view.
• Cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Plan your visit and check Pope’s schedule.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection

2. Visit the Vatican Museums

If you’re spending half a day or one day in Vatican City, a visit to the Vatican Museums is one of the top things to do in the Vatican to add to your itinerary!

My honest experience:

I felt so overwhelmed visiting the museums because there was A LOT to see with little time. This was the first museum I’ve been to where I felt everywhere I looked, there was always an interesting art, sculpture, or artifact that caught my attention, and I found it difficult to just focus on one while listening to our tour guide and taking photos at the same time.

I still enjoyed my time walking through the galleries and seeing the art and masterpieces collections. It was such an amazing experience to step back in time to see and learn insight about the artworks and Vatican history.

Must-Know:

• There are plenty of galleries and rooms to explore in the Vatican Museums. It’s a massive collection of historical artwork, sculptures, and artifacts.
• Expect to spend at least 3-4 hours as a first-time visitor. You might need extra time if you want to explore everything in detail, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
• Photography is NOT allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

Vatican Travel Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle! Expect plenty of walking.
• Save time by booking a guided tour of the Vatican with FAST-track access (Must book in advance)
• For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Short on time? Focus on the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, Pinecone Courtyard, and Sistine Chapel.

3. Admire the Gallery of Maps

What to see in the Vatican Museum that you cannot miss is the Gallery of Maps! This was my favorite highlight during the Vatican museum tour!

My honest experience:

My head kept looking up at the beautiful ceilings since I found it really amazing to see and learn about the Vatican’s preserved art and masterpieces from centuries ago!

It’s my first time seeing beautifully creative, LONG, designed and painted ceilings in my life, which overwhelmed me with such great fascination!

I’ve never experienced looking up at ceilings with such awe for a very LONG time until I visited the Vatican museums! I remember my experience not knowing where to focus my attention, as everywhere there were interesting paintings and details to look at.

It’s that kind of feeling when I haven’t completely processed such beautifully designed artwork yet, then, it seemed like at every second in every corner, wherever I turned, there was another interesting piece of art I found fascinating, and everything just continued filling up to process in my brain, that I remember getting overwhelmed.

I enjoyed my experience as there’s so much to see and admire!

Other Vatican highlights found inside the museum:

• Raphael Rooms
• Ancient Roman sculptures
• Egyptian collections
• Renaissance art
• Incredible painted corridors and maps

4. Photograph the Vatican Dome

A must-see in the Vatican is the amazing view from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. If you have a full one day in the Vatican and time allows, you can do both the dome climb and the Vatican Museums. It’s perfect for photographers and first-time visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the top of the Dome.

Climb to St. Peter’s Basilica Cupola if you’re looking for an action-packed experience, and be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome at the top, and also learn about the history and architecture of one of the most significant religious monuments in the world!

Know Before You Go | Travel Tips

• Per the Basilica website, there are 551 steps in total to reach the top of the Dome.  It is reduced to 320 steps using the lift.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
• Save time by booking a Priority Access Tour. From what I heard, for regular tickets, the waiting time may take 1-2 hours.
• Check the weather. Plan your visit on a clear day for the view/photos!

5. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the best places to visit in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica. Did you know it’s constructed over the tomb of the first Pope, Saint Peter, and took more than 120 years to complete?

I am grateful for visiting one of the world-famous churches in the world and a must-see attraction in the Vatican! Admiring its history, architecture, massive dome, beautiful artwork, and chapels were some of the highlights from my Vatican trip.

Travel Tips: 

• Combine with guided tours to save time and avoid waiting in long lines. Expect security screening.
• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Highlights (inside):
  • Bernini’s Baldacchino
  • The Holy Door
  • The Altar of St. Jerome
  • Michelangelo’s Pietà
• Climb the dome to see the amazing views over Vatican City and Rome!

6. See the Baldacchino di San Pietro

This is one of the interesting highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica. Take time to admire the intricate details as the structure is decorated with angels, bees, laurel leaves, and religious symbols.

Appreciate the history and its significance through a guided tour.

The Baldacchino di San Pietro aligns with Michelangelo’s dome above it and stands directly above the tomb of St. Peter.

For the most remarkable perspective of the baldacchino framed by Michelangelo’s dome, stand directly beneath the middle aisle.

It may be hard to appreciate it in photos, but seeing it in person and from different angles inside the basilica makes its significance noticeable.

7. Admire the Porta Sancta (“Holy Door”)

One of the unique things to do in Vatican City is taking a moment to appreciate one of the most significant religious symbol and tradition in Vatican City.

It’s important to note that Holy Door signifies forgiveness, renewal, and a spiritual journey of faith.

Only during the Jubilee Years is when the Holy Door opens by the Pope, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The Holy Door remains closed during non-Jubilee years.

It’s still worth stopping by to admire its religious significance and take photos.

8. See the mosaic altar of St. Jerome

Another highlight inside St. Peter’s Basilica is the Altar of St. Jerome. It’s one of the side altars.

It is devoted to Saint Jerome, the scholar and priest who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). The altar’s massive mosaic shows The Communion of St. Jerome.

Although many tourists mistakenly believe it to be a painting, it is actually a very intricate Vatican mosaic intended to permanently preserve the artwork.

If you’re looking for a quieter space for reflection and prayer, this chapel is a peaceful place to visit.

9. Sistine Chapel

One of the top things to do in Vatican City is to see Michelangelo’s amazing artwork in person at the Sistine Chapel, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

10. Learn about the unique & ancient sculpture collection

Discover intriguing sculptures from the past when you visit the Vatican Museums!

(Left of the photo) The Belvedere Torso is one of the most famous and mysterious torsos that survived time. It’s found in the Hall of the Muses.

Did you know that Michelangelo gained inspiration from its muscular detail for some of his masterpieces?

(Right of the photo) An interesting figure, the Ephesian Artemis is a must-see in the Vatican Museums. The notable ancient sculpture is a well-known ancient fertility and “great mother goddess,” representing protection, abundance, and prosperity.

The statue’s characteristic multi-breasted form, symbolizing fertility, reflects her prominence as a powerful goddess revered throughout ancient Mediterranean culture.

11. Gallery of Tapestries

One of the best places to see in the Vatican Museums (and one of my favorites) is the vibrant corridors of the Gallery of Tapestries!

I really appreciate slowing down and just admiring the beautiful, magnificent, and colorful biblical scenes displayed that are significant events in Christian history.

Don’t forget to LOOK UP! Notice the intricately painted and designed ceiling that surrounds the gallery itself!

I really enjoyed seeing the enormous scale, incredible details, and lively colors of the religious masterpieces here!

12. Room of the Immaculate Conception

What to see in the Vatican Museums that you cannot miss is the Raphael Rooms. One of my favorites that is adjacent to the Raphael Rooms is the colorful Room of the Immaculate Conception.

It’s stunningly beautiful to walk there and pause for a moment to appreciate the significance and rich details of the paintings.

13. See the massive sculpture of St. Gregory the Illuminator

See and learn about St. Gregory, who helped make Armenia the first Christian nation through his missionary work.

His statue is massive and easily noticeable outside during a visit to the St. Peter’s Basilica exterior.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome and only have time to visit inside St. Peter’s Basilica, book skip-the-line tickets here for a smoother and more enjoyable experience that saves you time!

14. Watch the Swiss Guard change of guard

Appreciate the active security personnel protecting the Pope and the Vatican church.

We got lucky when it was such perfect timing arriving at St. Peter’s Basilica exterior and seeing that there’s a changing guard ceremonial taking place, where people gathered to watch.

I first noticed their colorful and unique Renaissance-style uniform.

You can see the guards stationed at the entrances of St. Peter’s Basilica and around Vatican grounds throughout the day.

15. See the surrounding views at Pinecone Courtyard

A must-stop highlight inside the Vatican Museums route is walking around the courtyard to appreciate the open-air spaces and impressive architecture. It also offers photo opportunities as it’s one of the best photo spots inside the Vatican Museums.

Did you know that in ancient Roman symbolism, pinecones represented immortality, regeneration, and enlightenment?

The Pinecone Courtyard serves as a resting point between galleries on numerous guided Vatican tours.

For me, the open-air space is worth stopping for, featuring modern sculpture, Renaissance architecture, and ancient Roman symbols all in one area. One of the courtyard’s modern highlights is the famous “Sphere Within Sphere” sculpture.

16. Photograph the exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica

Just like anything in life, the view from afar (the big picture) gives a different perspective from the view up-close (the details).

Seeing St. Peter’s Basilica from different angles was such an awe-inspiring experience!

It’s really worth the effort to take the time to look at its façade up close and appreciate the intricate details of this world-famous church. It’s so massively stunning that I cannot put into words its immense beauty and religious significance.

17. Experience the free drinkable water fountain bliss

Stay hydrated for FREE while exploring! It’s one of the best money-saving tips in Vatican City!

Experiencing free drinking water from the drinkable fountain is one of the unique things to do in the Vatican since they are free near St. Peter’s Square and accessible around the Vatican Museums entrances.

Must-Know Travel Tips:

• Bring a refillable water bottle, especially in the summer.
• Check for signage like “acqua potabile” (drinkable water) (as shown in the above photo)
• Best refill spots are just outside queues (before museum entry or after basilica security).
• Per research, the water is safe, cold, and regularly tested.

18. Taste the authentic food!

The best places to eat within walking distance of Vatican City (per research):

Right outside St. Peter’s Square:

• Borgo & Prati neighborhood. It’s the closest with the best value. It’s authentic Roman food, and I heard it’s not tourist-trap pricing.

Want something fast? For quick bites near the Vatican Museums exit:

• Pizzarium Bonci (famous pizza al taglio ~ Roman-style pizza )
• 200 Gradi (panini sandwiches)

19. Enjoy a refreshing gelato after exploring the Vatican City

More Things To Do in Vatican City

• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Vatican Necropolis
• Gardens of the Vatican

May this post about things to do in Vatican City help you plan your travel itinerary to include the must-see attractions, scenic views, where to eat, and travel tips (First-Timer’s Guide)

Traveling to Rome? Read next:

• Rome in One Day: Best Itinerary For First-Time Visitors (Must-Do, See & Eat)

Thank you for considering these Vatican City travel ideas! I hope I have sparked your Italy trip planning!

~ Safe travels and enjoy visiting the Vatican ~

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• Florence in One Day Itinerary: What to prioritize & experience for your first visit!
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