Vatican City 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Vatican City

  • Places to Go: St. Peter’s Basilica (open daily from 7am to 6pm)
  • Activities:
    • Visit the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, a must-see in Vatican City
    • Explore the Piazza San Pietro, a large public square surrounded by beautiful architecture and fountains
  • Things to Know:
    • The Vatican is a city-state, making it the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world
    • The official language is Italian, but many locals speak English as well
  • Transportation: There are no buses or taxis within Vatican City. Instead, you can walk or take a tram (which runs every 10-15 minutes) from the city’s perimeter to Piazza San Pietro
  • Visa Requirements: As Vatican City is not part of the European Union, it has its own visa requirements. However, since most tourists will be arriving from Italy, it’s unlikely you’ll need a separate visa

Day 2: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

  • Places to Go: Vatican Museums (open daily from 9am to 6pm) and the Sistine Chapel
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most famous art and artifacts, including works by Michelangelo
    • See the stunning ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512
    • Explore the Pio-Clementino Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures
  • Things to Know:
    • The Vatican Museums are very crowded during peak season, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening
    • Be respectful of the Sistine Chapel’s quiet atmosphere – no photography is allowed inside the chapel
  • Transportation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: St. Angel Castle and Pontifical Villas

  • Places to Go: Castel Sant’Angelo (open daily from 9am to 7pm) and the Pontifical Villas
  • Activities:
    • Explore the ancient fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, which now serves as a museum and art gallery
    • Visit the Pontifical Villas, where the Pope’s summer residence is located (open by appointment only)
    • Take in the stunning views of Rome from the top of Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Castel Sant’Angelo during peak season
    • The Pontifical Villas are not open to the general public, but it’s worth trying to visit if you’re interested in architecture or history
  • Transportation: Same as Day 1

Day 4: Explore Vatican City’s Perimeter

  • Places to Go: The perimeter of Vatican City (a series of walls and fortifications)
  • Activities:
    • Take a self-guided tour of the perimeter, which offers a unique perspective on the city-state
    • Visit the Museo Gregoriano Etrusco, which houses an impressive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts
    • Explore the Piazza della Santa, a charming square with beautiful architecture and a small park
  • Things to Know:
    • The perimeter is not as well-known as other attractions in Vatican City, but it’s worth visiting for its unique history and architecture
    • Be respectful of any events or ceremonies that may be taking place along the perimeter
  • Transportation: Same as Day 1

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

  • Places to Go: St. Peter’s Square (one last visit before departure)
  • Activities:
    • Spend your last morning in Vatican City shopping for souvenirs or browsing the local market
    • Take one final stroll through St. Peter’s Square, which is always bustling with activity
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the airport (if you’re departing)
    • Don’t forget to grab a last-minute coffee or snack before heading out
  • Transportation: Same as Day 1

Additional Tips:

  • Respect the Vatican’s rules and regulations, especially during peak season
  • Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking involved in exploring Vatican City
  • Consider purchasing a guided tour to get the most out of your visit
  • Don’t forget to try some delicious Italian food while you’re in Rome!