Rome: Vatican City

Day 2

Morning

✨ Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is a profound experience that requires careful planning, especially during the 2025 Jubilee Year.

To fully appreciate the masterpieces within, it’s essential to book your tickets well in advance. Opting for the earliest time slot allows you to explore Raphael’s frescoes and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling with fewer crowds, enhancing the intimacy of the experience.

Standing beneath these iconic artworks, the emotional impact is overwhelming, often moving visitors to tears. Remember, reservations are crucial this year to ensure you don’t miss this unparalleled journey through art and history.

Get Your Guide:

Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-line Entry Ticket

Cost: £29.10

Tips:

Secure Tickets in Advance: given the high demand, especially during the Jubilee Year, it’s essential to book your tickets ahead of time. Opt for early morning slots to enjoy the art with fewer crowds. Booking in advance not only ensures your entry but also helps you avoid long queues.
Consider a Guided Tour: a guided tour can provide valuable insights into the vast collections and often includes skip-the-line access.
However, if like me you purchase an Entry Ticket only please make sure that you follow an Audio Tour not only to know where you are going but also to appreciate the art. I recommend to listen to Rick Steves’ Audio Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Choose the Right Time to Visit: weekdays during the winter months are typically less crowded (or so they say!). Additionally, late afternoons can offer a more serene experience. I opted for an 8am start and as much as it was already busy I was still able to enjoy the works of art without the crowds.
Dress Appropriately: ensure both shoulders and knees are covered, as the Vatican enforces a strict dress code.
Travel Light: all I had with we was a bottle water and my phone
Plan Your Route: know where you are going and what you want to see! Honestly there’s so much that you really don’t t want to miss anything out. The Vatican Museums offer an official app with an interactive 3D map and guided tours, which can be a valuable tool during your exploration.

Late Morning

✨ St. Peter’s Basilica

Climb to the dome for breathtaking views of Rome. Don’t miss the Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin.

Tips:

If you are looking to climb the dome I would do that first as exiting the Dome will take you into St. Peter’s Basilica hopefully avoiding having to do a second queue.
To climb to the Dome there are two options. The first you can walk the 551 steps to the top for €10. The second option is to pay €15 to take you halfway up in a lift but then you’ll have to walk the rest of the way. Keep in mind that during peek season the lift is going to be super busy so get your trainers on and prepare to climb.
Make sure that when entering St. Peter’s your keens and shoulders are covered.
Bring a reusable water bottle (many fountains offer drinkable water)…you’ll need it, trust me!