Vatican City , Italy

Vatican City 2H Guided Walking Tour

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About this experience

Experience during 2H the Vatican City with a local tour guide, it's the headquarter of the Papacy and the Catholic world and the smallest state. Walk by St Peter's Square to the Castel San Angelo and stop at the best viewpoints to take pictures of Rome.

Available options

Italian Tour

Vatican City 2H Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Local Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

It's the smallest state in the world (440m2), but one of the richest. It is also the least populated state in the world with its 1000 inhabitants. We will walk by the square St Peter, surrounded by a majestic quadruple colonnade displays the largest church of the Christian world: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro).
It is also the heart of Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which was in antiquity occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter were martyred.

Stop 2 Pass by

The St Peter's Basilica is the heart of the Vatican and the largest of the Christian world, with a length of 186 meters, a 46-meter tall nave and its dome peaking at 136 meters.
The interior can accommodate 20,000 people over an area of 22,000 m².
Saint Peter’s preserves many valuable works of art, including ten thousand square meters of mosaics, Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Castel Sant’Angelo, also called Hadrianeum or Sepulcrum Antoninorum, structure in Rome, Italy, that was originally the mausoleum of the Roman emperor Hadrian and became the burial place of the Antonine emperors until Caracalla. It was built in AD 135–139 and converted into a fortress in the 5th century. It stands on the right bank of the Tiber River and guards the Ponte Sant’Angelo, one of the principal ancient Roman bridges.

A large avenue, the Via della Conciliazione, connects the Tiber and the Castel Sant'Angelo to St. Peter's Square and its basilica.
This space was the old Borgo, a district with narrow streets that was demolished during the great works undertaken by Mussolini, radically transforming the appearance of the place.

To the north of the Vatican, the well-to-do area of Prati and Clodio, between the Palace of Justice in Piazza Cavour and the court in Piazzale Clodio, is very airy and rather residential, with cafés, bars and various restaurants, as well as quality stores for clothes and luxury.

What's not included

Guided tour inside and entrance ticket to the Vatican Museum : cost 17€

Guided Tour inside of the Basilica's St Peter : Free entrance

Food and drink

Air-conditioned vehicle

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your tour guide will be at the meeting point with a flag with the name of the company

About Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

Top Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry (€8 for dome climb)

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Museum/Art 3-4 hours €17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Pasta Vegetarian

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.

Appetizer Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)

Tiramisu

A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking tours Strolling through historic neighborhoods Visiting parks and gardens Museum visits Art tours Historical site exploration Boat tours on the Tiber River

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian, Latin
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City

By train

Roma San Pietro Station

By bus

Roma Termini Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Borgo Prati

Day trips

Rome

0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ostia Antica

30 km from Vatican City • Half day

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25

Pro tips

Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.