About Vatican City

This is the land of double-cheek pecks, espresso, and Prada. It is where history meets reality and pizza is the order of the day!! Expect to come across numerous gelato flavors along with the mesmeric landscapes, misty mountains, sun-kissed shorelines, and sylvan scenery. In the midst of all of this in all religious fervor. The spiritual and governing center of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City, needs no introduction. The glory of this city is known to many people across the world. It has many greats to its credit. Though it is the smallest country in the world, it happens to be the richest place of worship in the world. It is also the abode of the Pope who has an absolute monarchy with full legislative, judicial, and executive authority.

The name Vatican predates Christianity. This city, which is surrounded by Rome, was founded in 1929 and it has a population of only 800 people. The surprising element here is - out of the 800 population - only 450 people have Vatican citizenship. The rest are only allowed to live there without the benefits of citizenship. Geographically too, the city is quite tiny as it covers an area of only 44 hectares and is only about 1/7th the size of New York City's Central Park.

When you are in Vatican City, no doubt, you will get immense pleasure witnessing its architecture and design. But that's not all. It has multiple world-famous attractions which include palaces, chapels, museums, apartments, and meeting rooms. So, whether you are religiously inclined or a connoisseur of the arts and all things aesthetic,  the Vatican is waiting to be explored and eulogized about.

Public Transport System

Heliport, Railway, Buses, Taxi, Uber, Metro, Metre bus

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness:High; Efficiency: High

Mode & Cost of Transports

Ticket Option                      Validity                          Cost

B.I.T. Standard ticket        One day                         €1.50

24H                                  24 hours                         €7.00

48H                                 48 hours                         €12.50

72H                                 72 hours                         €18.00

C.I.S                                7 calendar days             €18.00

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle EUR 0.00
Cup of Coffee EUR 0.00
Milk Carton Pack EUR 0.00
Rice/Kg EUR 0.00
White Bread EUR 0.00
Eggs (12) EUR 0.00
Combo Meal EUR 0.00
Fine Dining EUR 0.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi EUR 0.00
Domestic Beer EUR 0.00
Imported Beer EUR 0.00
Bottle of Wine EUR 0.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) EUR 0.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) EUR 0.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). EUR 0.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) EUR 0.00

Dos:

  • Do learn a few basic Italian words that you may use when commuting, ordering and when greeting.
  • Do say a greeting with a smile whenever you are entering a  museum, shop, or restaurant because Romans are generally very polite and expect the same from visitors.
  • Do always carry along your passport and other identification cards.
  • Do book your accommodation well in advance as there is no low season and most hotels are almost always booked well in advance.
  • Wear appropriate clothes when visiting holy places such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. You need to cover your knees, midsection, and shoulders. You can take a scarf along for this purpose.  The rule applies to both men and women.
  • You can take a taxi without hesitation. The transport system is pocket-friendly in Vatican City.
  • Carry a map with you so that you do not get puzzled with the local language.
  • You can walk freely on the city roads at night as this city is free from crime.
  • If booking a taxi do take one that is officially accredited. If keeping an eye on your expenses do take the Metro wherever possible.
  • Do get your bus and train tickets validated or stamped to avoid paying a fine.
  • Do pay by cash rather than your traveler’s cheques or credit/debit cards. Do carry on your person just the correct amount of money for your expenses as there have been a few cases of pickpocketing.
  • It is sensible to carry a hat /cap in summer as also an umbrella to avoid the scorching sun or the occasional downpour. Also, make it a point to carry a bottle of water.

Don’ts:

It is better not to disclose your identity to strangers as it might land you in trouble sometimes.  Though people are friendly, sometimes mistakes might cost you a  lot.Don’t share your photographs with strangers as it might lead to risky outcomes.Don’t walk long distances in the nights. If you want to avail yourself of a taxi, you can’t get it after 12 p.m.  Don’t pose for photos when visiting the Vatican, because it will be in gross violation of the ’No Photo’ rule.Don’t point your pinkie and index fingers at the same time as it is considered vulgar.Don’t eat when inside a church or museum.

Night Life

Nightlife is amazing in Vatican City. Welcome to an evocative and unique nocturnal scenario. Take an open tour with a  knowledgeable guide to take you on an open tour of the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel at night (7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.). Exploring way after the closing times in a calm and tranquil state ensures one a dramatic and serene aura in a setting with a lesser crowd to contend with. Another nighttime experience with the illumination of the moon is to listen to the lilting music of the concerts with the dome of the Basilica of St. Peter silhouetted as a backdrop. Enjoy a sumptuous and delectable buffet indulging your sensory faculties in the Pinecone Courtyard overlooking the Vatican Gardens. Taking a stroll along St. Peter's Square can be a truly memorable experience. Peter's Basilica, that enshrines the remains of St. Peter is a spellbinding edifice, especially at night.

The hotels are excellent with all the facilities. This, however, tapers down in the off-season during the summer months. There are many bars, pubs, and dance clubs that provide abundant enjoyment offering different programs. So, savor the pizzas, the pasta, the lasagne or the cheese and down it with a twist along with some ale. Some of these include Cul de sac Wine Bar, Cioccolata e Vino, Escape Room Campo Dei Fiori, and Beershop, La Botticella, The Basement, Peaky Blinders, Ice Club, The Naughty Monkey, Hassler Bar, and many such. Come on over to the Vatican. After the religious fervor in you sobers down, unleash the night owl in you and indulge your sensual side to the fullest possible.

Must See

  • Get to the Vatican City via Ponte Sant'Angelo, an ancient bridge. You can see beautiful statues of angels.
  • Walk through the wide Via della Conciliazione to admire this outstanding elliptical square.
  • Visit the Saint Peter's Basilica. It is one of the largest churches in the world.
  • Climb the Dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica. 
  • Visit the museum to see the paintings and sculptures created by Renaissance greats.
  • Enjoy the amazing Italian dishes at the restaurants.
  • Visit the Vatican at night for an ethereal experience without the milling crowds. Just book your tickets via the museum website. You need to select a Friday between April and October and then pick a suitable timeslot.
     

Experiences

  • Take a trip to Civitavecchia Port to see Rome. The duration is 60 minutes.
  • Enjoy the music and light at Sistine Chapel. The duration is 60 minutes.
  • Have €1 espresso at Cupola span.
  • Go on a hike and climb the mountains if you have an adventurous streak.

Activities

Shopping

No data available
  • Souvenirs are not cheap in Vatican City.
  • You can buy a rosewood rosary but it is a bit expensive.
  • Another option is collecting postcards and letter envelops from the museums.
  • It will be great to have a collection of 2 Euros to keep them as memory.
  • Another fascinating thing is getting holy cards.
  • Buy religious theme gifts or souvenirs.
  • At the Philatelic and Numismatic Office, one can acquire coins and stamps which can make an interesting collection.
  • Popular souvenirs include rosaries, stamps, medals, calendars, t-shirts, posters, crosses and a variety of jewelry.

Official Language

Italian, Latin

Other Language

English, French, German, Spani... Read more

Spoken Language

Italian is more widely spoken,... Read more

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Population

0.00084 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 11.27°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

09:45 AM (GMT +02:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

118

 

Police Icon

Police

113

 

Electric socket

N/A

Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Rome Ciampino - CIA

Airport Name / IATA Code

Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport - FCO

Best time to visit

Mid-March to June, mid- September to November. The best time to travel is during spring, coinciding with the months starting from mid-March to June. With the oppressive heat of summer behind one and with the weather being pleasant, late September to early November with fewer crowds is also ideal. November happens to be the wettest month. June starts the onrush of visitors that goes on to mid-September. High season, however, happens from May through September in spite of the scorching sun. Mini-high seasons are seen around holidays like Easter, one to two weeks prior to Christmas leading up to the New Year.

Moderate time to visit

December to mid-March.The moderate time for a visit to the Vatican is the colder months of winter. Tourism isn't high during the colder seasons like December, January, up to mid-March. With fewer crowds, you would have the attractions and sights practically all to yourself. It gets to be chilly with plenty of rain but temperatures rarely dip below the freezing point.

Worst time to visit

July and August are arguably the most unpleasant months to visit. Most of the locals will have gone on holidays and the city is teeming with international visitors trying to brave the unbearably oppressive high levels of mercury. The reprieve comes after sunset and the happening nightlife.

Taxi

Start Tariff: EUR 4.00

1 Km. Tariff: EUR 1.41

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: EUR 30.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Vatican City (Contact directly)

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