Vatican City is small, quiet, and unforgettable. It’s surrounded by Rome but feels like a world of its own. Inside, you’ll find grand churches, priceless art, and peaceful courtyards tucked behind ancient walls.
People come for different reasons. Some arrive early to see the Sistine Chapel. Others stand in St. Peter’s Square, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Pope at his window. Many just want to walk through the museums and take in the beauty.
It doesn’t matter what brings you here. Whether you’re drawn by faith, curiosity, or the art on the ceiling, this place stays with you. It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t need to be. One visit is enough to understand why it matters.
Highlights of Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica
The largest church in the world and the crown jewel of Vatican architecture. Step inside to witness Michelangelo’s Pietà, the ornate bronze Baldachin by Bernini, and climb the dome for breathtaking views over Rome.
St. Peter’s Square
A vast, open space framed by curved colonnades and crowned with the Vatican Obelisk. This is where people gather for Papal blessings and historic moments. It is the heartbeat of the Vatican experience.
Stand on one of the two marble discs set into the square’s pavement, and you’ll witness a clever architectural illusion designed by Bernini. From that exact spot, the four rows of columns visually align into a single row, creating the impression that the colonnades are just one layer deep. It’s a moment of quiet genius in the midst of grandeur—easy to miss unless you know where to look.
The Vatican Museums
A sprawling network of galleries, chambers, and courtyards housing one of the greatest art collections on Earth. From Raphael’s Rooms to ancient Roman sculptures, you could spend days wandering these halls and still not see it all.
The Sistine Chapel
Arguably the most iconic ceiling in the world. Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and Creation of Adam have awed generations. Silence is requested here not only out of respect but because words rarely do it justice.
Vatican Gardens (by appointment only)
A lesser-known treasure. These beautifully landscaped grounds are peaceful and filled with fountains, monuments, and quiet pathways. Tours are limited and require booking, but they offer a tranquil counterpoint to the crowds.
Apostolic Palace
While most of the Apostolic Palace is closed to the public, it remains one of the most important buildings in Vatican City. This is where the Pope resides and where he appears at the window to deliver his Sunday blessing to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Parts of the palace (including the Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments) can be visited as part of the Vatican Museums tour, offering a glimpse into its historic and artistic legacy.
Castel Sant’Angelo (Angel’s Castle)
Although technically just outside Vatican City’s borders, this fortress is deeply tied to its history. Once a papal refuge and part of the Vatican’s defense system, it is connected to St. Peter’s Basilica by a secret elevated passage known as the Passetto di Borgo. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Vatican dome and the Tiber River, especially beautiful at sunset.
Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About Vatican City
1. The Pope has Swiss bodyguards—and it’s not just for show
In 1506, a group of young Swiss soldiers arrived in Rome to serve the Pope. That group became the Swiss Guard, and they’ve been on duty ever since. Dressed in bold, Renaissance-style uniforms, they might look decorative, but they are trained to protect. Every guard must be Swiss, Catholic, and complete military service back home before applying.
2. Vatican euro coins are real—but you probably won’t spend one
Vatican City uses the euro, but it also mints its own coins. They’re small works of art, often featuring the current Pope. You won’t see them in cafés or shops—they’re made in limited numbers and snapped up by collectors almost instantly.
3. Choosing a new Pope means closing the doors—literally
When the time comes to elect a new Pope, the cardinals gather inside the Sistine Chapel and stay there until they reach a decision. No phones, no internet, no outside contact. This tradition, called a Conclave, has been in place for centuries to keep the process private. Only when white smoke rises above the chapel do we know a choice has been made.
4. It tops the world in crime stats—but numbers can be misleading
Vatican City has fewer than 1,000 residents, but millions of people pass through its gates each year. That means even a few incidents—usually pickpocketing in busy areas—can make its crime rate per person look sky-high. In reality, it's a very safe place to visit.
5. Hidden behind Vatican walls is a library of wonders
The Vatican Library is home to some of the oldest and most valuable documents on Earth. Ancient texts, early maps, handwritten manuscripts—it’s all there. Most visitors can’t go in, but scholars from around the world apply for access to study its treasures.
Essential Travel Tips for Vatican City
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Avoid peak summer if you can as it is hot, busy, and lines can get long.
Money & Payments
Currency: Euro (€).
Cards: Widely accepted for museum tickets and in gift shops.
Cash: Helpful for small purchases or donations in churches.
Dress Code
Modest attire is required inside Vatican buildings. Cover shoulders and knees (especially important for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel). Bring a scarf or light wrap just in case.
Security & Entry
You will go through airport-style security for most sites. Arrive early or pre-book to avoid long lines. Morning visits are quieter. Wednesdays are busiest due to the Papal Audience.
Getting Around
Vatican City is walkable and there are no taxis or public transport inside its walls. Wear comfortable shoes and expect cobblestones.
Language
Italian is the official language, but most staff in museums and visitor areas speak English well.
Staying Connected in Vatican City
Despite its ancient atmosphere, Vatican City is surprisingly well connected. Wi-Fi is available in some cafés and public areas, but it can be slow or unreliable, especially in crowded museum zones or outdoor queues.
Buying a local SIM card in Rome takes time, registration, and setup—and can be inconvenient if you are only visiting for a day.
JetSet eSIM keeps it simple.
Activate your Vatican City JetSet eSIM before arrival and stay online throughout your visit. Whether you are navigating museum halls, uploading a photo from the dome of St. Peter’s, or checking tour times for the Vatican Gardens, you will be connected.
Need more data? Top up instantly without changing SIM cards or visiting a mobile store.
From ancient corridors to artistic wonders, JetSet eSIM keeps you connected in the world’s most extraordinary places.
