Vatican City
Southern Europe · Europe
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Currency
- Euro (EUR €)
- Language
- Italian, Latin
- Timezone
- UTC+1
- Safety rating
- 8.7/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (October) bring comfortable weather and slightly thinner crowds; book museum tickets well ahead year-round.
Overview
The world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City is the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and an unrivaled treasury of art. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, St. Peter's Basilica and its dome, and the vast Vatican Museums draw millions of pilgrims and art lovers. A papal audience and the Swiss Guard add to its singular atmosphere.
Visa requirements
Entered freely from Rome with no border controls, Vatican City is accessed through Italy and the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for many nationalities for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Safety information
Vatican City is heavily monitored and very safe, but its dense crowds make it a prime spot for pickpockets around St. Peter's Square and the museums. Keep valuables secure and beware of unofficial 'skip-the-line' touts.
Travel tips
Reserve timed entry for the Vatican Museums online to skip long lines. A strict dress code requires covered shoulders and knees to enter the basilica and chapel. Cards are accepted, and the site is reached easily via Rome's metro and buses.