One Day Vatican City Itinerary: Top Places to Visit and Things to Do

Day 1: Vatican City Exploration

Vatican City, Vatican City

9:00AM

St. Peter's Square

Begin your day at the iconic St. Peter's Square, the grand entrance to the Vatican City, surrounded by impressive colonnades and the stunning St. Peter's Basilica in the background.
St. Peter's Square is easily accessible by walking from the nearest bus stop or metro station. It is a 5-minute walk from the Ottaviano-S. Pietro metro station.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

St. Peter's Basilica

Explore the largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, known for its magnificent architecture, Michelangelo's Pietà, and the dome offering panoramic views of the city.
St. Peter's Basilica is located within St. Peter's Square and is a short walk from the square itself.
Free entry, optional guided tours available at an extra cost, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Vatican Museums

Head to the Vatican Museums, home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts including the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps, showcasing centuries of history and culture.
Walk from St. Peter's Basilica to the Vatican Museums, approximately a 10-minute walk.
Entry fee required, ticket prices vary, 2-3 hours

3:00PM

Sistine Chapel

Visit the world-famous Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis, a masterpiece of Western art and a must-see in Vatican City.
The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums complex and can be reached on foot from the museum entrance.
Included in Vatican Museums ticket, 1 hour

4:00PM

Castel Sant'Angelo

End your day at Castel Sant'Angelo, a historic fortress with panoramic views of the city, once a papal residence and now a museum displaying art and military artifacts.
Walk from the Vatican Museums to Castel Sant'Angelo, approximately a 15-minute walk.
Entry fee required, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability