Exploring the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know the best way to go about it. To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to start at the Vatican and make your way to St. Peter’s Basilica afterwards. The two attractions are around a twenty minute walk apart, so you should allow enough time to make the journey. It is also suggested to arrive as early as possible, as this will help you to avoid crowds and long queues. By taking this approach, you will also be conveniently located closer to the historic city center when you finish your visits. This can be especially helpful if you plan to explore the city center on foot afterwards.
It pays to have a substantial breakfast before visiting the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, as the nearby eateries are not known for their gastronomic excellence. The Vatican Museum café should be avoided at all costs, so make sure you get your fill of food first thing in the morning. Keep in mind that due to the large size of the Vatican complex, lunch is not likely until the afternoon. Therefore, it is wise to make sure that your breakfast is hearty enough to sustain you until the midday meal.
If you’re planning to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum, it is essential to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes. While both attractions offer a plethora of sites to explore, they also require a significant amount of walking, and there are few places to rest in between. Spending two to three hours in these places could be quite taxing on one’s feet, so it is best to choose a pair of shoes that will offer a great deal of comfort and support. The right shoes can make a big difference to one’s experience, so it’s wise to invest in a good pair of walking shoes prior to the visit.
When visiting the Vatican, it is important to remember that backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. In order to avoid any unnecessary delays, visitors should check their backpacks at the entrance. This can provide a more convenient experience and help save time when they enter and exit the museum. Rather than carrying a backpack, it is recommended to bring a smaller bag that can be easily tucked away. This will ensure visitors can move quickly through the museum and take advantage of every moment. Additionally, it can help to make sure that all items are kept safe and secure during the visit.
Visiting the Vatican Museum on Free Days can be a challenge. On one of our visits 8 years ago, we arrived before the museum opened, only to find ourselves already behind a long line of people waiting to get in. This made for a slow, tiring experience, a stark contrast to our visits on “normal” days when we had more room to move and explore. For those planning to take advantage of the Free Days, we recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.
In conclusion, the Vatican City is a major priority for visitors to Rome, and it can easily justify a half-day to full-day visit. With its rich history, stunning artwork, and breathtaking architecture, it is easy to see why people flock to the area to get a taste of what Rome has to offer.
