Vatican City 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Vatican City Itinerary

This itinerary assumes you have 5 days to spend in Vatican City. While you can see the highlights in a day or two, this allows you to delve deeper into the treasures it holds.

Day 1: The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  • Morning: Explore the vast collection of art and artifacts at the Vatican Museums.
    • Things to do:
      • Purchase tickets online (highly recommended) to skip the lines.
      • Book a guided tour (3-4 hours) for a more insightful experience. Consider one focused on the Renaissance rooms or ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Afternoon:

  • Relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Caffè Vaticano, located inside the Vatican Museums. Their outdoor terrace offers stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens.
  • Evening: Visit the Sistine Chapel during its open hours (usually in the afternoon). Be prepared for crowds and potential long lines.

Things to know:

  • The Vatican Museums are a collection of museums, galleries, and gardens containing some of the most important art and historical treasures in the world.
  • You can see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and many more.

Day 2: St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican City Gardens

  • Morning: Explore the awe-inspiring grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Visit St. Peter’s Square afterwards for a peaceful stroll and to admire the architecture.

  • Things to do:

    • Marvel at the breathtaking art:
      • Sistine Chapel: Book a ticket in advance for this popular attraction.

  • Experience the awe of history: * Visit the Necropolis of St. Peter, an ancient Roman cemetery beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Enjoy the tranquility:

    • Explore the Vatican Gardens and experience their serene beauty, including a variety of gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

Afternoon:

  • Climb to the top of the dome: The climb is strenuous but worth it for the panoramic views.

Day 3: Vatican Hill & Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Visit St. Peter’s Basilica: Explore the intricate details inside.
  • Discover the history of Vatican Hill: See the ancient Roman ruins and the breathtaking art, including the Sistine Chapel.

Things to know:

  • The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays: Consider visiting the Vatican City Gardens on a different day.

  • Enjoy the history of Rome: Spend the afternoon exploring the historical sites around the Vatican, such as the Castel Sant’Angelo, which offers stunning views of the city and was once an imperial mausoleum.

Things to do:

  • Vatican Museums: Explore the museums at your leisure, including the Pinacoteca (Gallery of Paintings) and the Vatican Museums’ collection of classical antiquities.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica:

    • Visit the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient Roman cemetery located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Vatican City:

  • Explore the historic center of the city, including Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican Necropolis.

  • Visit the Vatican Pharmacy: One of the oldest pharmacies in the world (established in 1277!), it’s a fascinating historical site that offers a unique glimpse into the past.

Day 4: Vatican City & St. Peter’s Square

  • Explore the Vatican Museums: Explore the extensive collection, including the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Vatican Necropolis: Book a tour that includes access to this fascinating underground area.
  • Climb the stairs of the Vatican City Hall (Sala de Cavalieri): Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top.
  • Indulge in Italian cuisine: Have dinner at a traditional trattoria near the Vatican, such as Trattoria da Enzo al 29, known for its authentic Roman dishes and warm atmosphere.

Day 5: Vatican City Gardens & St. Peter’s Basilica (again)

  • Enjoy the beauty of the Vatican Museums: Spend another morning exploring the vast collection, taking in the masterpieces and history.
  • Experience the serenity of the Vatican Gardens: Reflect on the peaceful ambiance and stunning views.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Vatican City’s Vatican Gardens, a beautiful oasis with a rich history.
  • Explore the Vatican City Museums: Take your time to explore the museums, including the Sistine Chapel, which is a must-see for any art enthusiast.

Other things of interest to tourists in Vatican City:

  • Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by land area, making it easy to explore on foot.

  • St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro):

  • History and Architecture: Immerse yourself in the history of the Vatican by visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and exploring the architecture of the surrounding buildings.

  • Art and Sculpture: Enjoy the beautiful art and sculpture that can be found throughout the Vatican City.

Vatican City is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Columbus: This elegant hotel near the Vatican offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica (some rooms even have direct access to the rooftop).

Things to note about the Vatican City:

  • Vatican City is a sovereign state, which means it has its own laws and customs, and visitors should be respectful of these when visiting.
  • The Vatican Museums are closed on Wednesdays.

Other things to do:

  • Visit St. Peter’s Square:

  • Vatican City:

  • Attend a Papal Audience: This is a free event that takes place every Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square, and it’s a great opportunity to see the Pope in person (if you are lucky enough to get a ticket!).

  • Explore the Vatican Gardens on your own: You can enjoy the beauty of the gardens at your own pace.

  • Enjoy the Papal Audience:

  • Vatican City

  • Visit the Vatican bookstore: Find unique souvenirs and gifts related to the Catholic faith, including books, posters, and religious artifacts.

  • For a more immersive experience, consider visiting the Vatican City on multiple days to see all it has to offer.