Vatican City Travel Information

The Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, is home to some of the most famous works of art and architecture in the world. It is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. The Vatican's museums and basilicas are a treasure trove of history, culture, and art. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Vatican City:

1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most famous and impressive churches in the world, and it's a must-see attraction when visiting Vatican City. The basilica is home to many famous works of art and sculptures, including the famous statue of St. Peter by Gianlorenzo Bernini.

2. Explore the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a complex of museums and galleries that house some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Sistine Chapel. The museums are home to a wide variety of exhibits, including ancient sculptures, frescoes, and tapestries.

3. Visit the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous chapels in the world, and it's a must-see attraction when visiting Vatican City. The chapel is famous for its frescoes, including the famous ceiling painting by Michelangelo.

4. Visit the Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms are a series of four rooms in the Vatican Palace that were decorated by Raphael and his workshop. The rooms are famous for their frescoes, which are considered some of the finest examples of Renaissance art.

5. Visit the Vatican Grottoes

The Vatican Grottoes are a series of tombs located beneath St. Peter's Basilica. The grottoes are the final resting place of many popes and other important figures in the Catholic Church.

6. Attend a Papal Audience

The Papal Audience is a weekly event where the Pope addresses the public in St. Peter's Square. The audience is a great opportunity to see the Pope and hear him speak, and it's a unique experience that you can't miss.

7. Visit the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are a beautiful collection of gardens and parks that are located within the Vatican City. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they're a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views.

8. Visit the Vatican Library

The Vatican Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world and it is home to a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other documents. The library is open to the public, but you'll need to make a reservation in advance to visit it.

9. Visit the Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is an underground cemetery located beneath St. Peter's Basilica. The necropolis is the final resting place of St. Peter and other early Christian martyrs.

10. Visit the Vatican Pharmacy

The Vatican Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, and it's a unique attraction that you won't find anywhere else. The pharmacy is still in operation today, and it's a great place to learn more about the history of medicine and pharmacy.

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.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

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.

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 Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.