Vatican City, VA
Vatican City
A city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City

A city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

Top 10 Things to See in Vatican City
Vatican City flag

Vatican City Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Vatican City

Location:

A city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy,

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Area:

44 ha

Population:

825 (2019)

Languages:

Latin, Italian, French

Religion:

100% Roman Catholic Church

TimeZone:

UTC+1

Tel Code:

+379

Things to Do

  • 1. St. Peter's Basilica

    Visit the largest church in the world and explore its stunning architecture and religious artwork.

  • 2. Vatican Museums

    Discover the extensive art collections of the Vatican, including masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel.

  • 3. Sistine Chapel

    Admire Michelangelo's famous frescoes and the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

  • 4. St. Peter's Square

    Experience the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, where many papal ceremonies and events take place.

  • 5. Vatican Gardens

    Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Vatican, filled with lush greenery and peaceful ambiance.

  • 6. Castel Sant'Angelo

    Explore the ancient fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo, offering panoramic views of Vatican City and the Tiber River.

  • 7. Vatican Necropolis

    Descend into the ancient burial grounds beneath St. Peter's Basilica and uncover the secrets of the past.

  • 8. Piazza Navona

    Visit one of Rome's most beautiful squares, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere.

  • 9. Colosseum

    Witness the grandeur of the ancient Roman Colosseum, an iconic symbol of the city's history and power.

  • 10. Roman Forum

    Step back in time as you explore the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum, once the center of political and social life.

Weather

Climate in Vatican City

The Vatican City has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in Vatican City ranges from around 7°C (45°F) in the winter to around 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The summer months (June to September) are the warmest and driest, while the winter months (December to February) are the coolest and wettest.

Best time to visit Vatican City

The best time to visit Vatican City depends on what you want to do while you're there. If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums and other indoor attractions, the spring and fall months (March to May, September to November) are the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer tourists.

If you're more interested in outdoor activities and visiting the Vatican Gardens, the summer months (June to September) are a great time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the gardens are in full bloom.

For those who want to avoid the crowds, the winter months (December to February) are good too, as the city gets fewer tourists, and the weather is mild enough to explore the city.

Overall, any time of the year is good to visit Vatican City, as the city has a lot to offer all year round, but it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Accommodation

Luxury Hotels

The Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, and there are many luxury hotels located nearby that offer breathtaking views of the Vatican and the city. Some of the most famous luxury hotels in the area include the Hotel de la Ville, the St. Regis Rome, and the Hotel Raphael. These hotels offer world-class amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and fine dining restaurants.

Boutique Hotels

If you're looking for something a little more intimate and unique, there are a number of boutique hotels located nearby that offer a more personal and luxurious experience. Some popular boutique hotels in the area include the Hotel Splendide Royal, the Hotel Lord Byron, and the Hotel Sant'Anselmo. These hotels offer a more personalized service and often have a more exclusive feel.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

The Vatican City is located in Rome, which is a popular tourist destination, so there are many budget-friendly accommodation options available nearby. Some budget-friendly hotels in the area include the Hotel Columbus, the Hotel delle Muse, and the Hotel San Carlo. Additionally, there are also some vacation rentals and apartments available for rent in the area, which can be a great option for travelers looking for more space and privacy.

Hostels

For those traveling on a tight budget, there are several hostels located near the Vatican City that offer more affordable accommodation options. Some popular hostels in the area include The Yellow, the Ostello Bello Grande, and the Beehive. Hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as they offer comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Transportation

Metro

The metro is a convenient way to get to the Vatican City, the closest metro station is Ottaviano-San Pietro, which is located just a short walk from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. The metro is a fast and efficient way to get around Rome, and it's a great option for travelers who are on a budget.

Bus

The bus is another convenient way to get to the Vatican City, the closest bus stop is Piazza Risorgimento, from there you can take the bus n. 32, 46, 49, 62, 81, 916, 982, or 990 to reach the Vatican City. The bus is a great way to get around Rome, and it's a more affordable option than taking a taxi.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Rome, and they're a convenient way to get to the Vatican City. Taxis can be found at taxi stands throughout the city, or you can flag one down on the street. However, it can be quite expensive to take a taxi in Rome, especially during peak hours.

Bike

For those who want to explore the city in a more eco-friendly way, bike-sharing services are available in Rome, and it's a great way to get around and see the sights without having to worry about parking or traffic.

Walking

The Vatican City is relatively small, and many of the main attractions are located within walking distance of one another, so walking is a great way to get around and explore the city.

Money

Currency

  • The currency in Vatican City is the Euro (€).

Cash And Cards

  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Vatican City.
  • It is recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

ATMs

  • There are ATMs available in Vatican City.
  • Make sure to check with your bank for any international fees.

Tipping

  • Tipping is not expected in Vatican City, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

Cost Of Living

  • Vatican City is one of the most expensive places to live in the world.
  • The cost of living is significantly higher compared to other European countries.

Scams

  • Be cautious of street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
  • Avoid giving money to beggars, as it may encourage more begging.