Vatican City

Vatican City is home to many famous attractions, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Visitors should plan to spend several hours exploring each of these sites, as they are full of rich history and beautiful art. Additionally, the Vatican Gardens and the Apostolic Palace are worth visiting for those with more time.

The best time to visit Vatican City is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. During these times, the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. Summer is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and longer lines. Winter can be cold and rainy, but it is also a quieter time to visit.

Aside from visiting the famous attractions, there are many other activities to do in Vatican City. Visitors can attend a Papal Audience, take a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens, or climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica for a stunning view of the city. Additionally, there are many food and wine tours available for those interested in Italian cuisine.

Accommodations in Vatican City can be expensive, but there are a few affordable options available. Hostels such as the Alessandro Palace Hostel and the Yellow Hostel offer dormitory-style rooms at a lower cost. Additionally, many budget hotels can be found in the nearby neighborhood of Prati.

Visitors to Vatican City are expected to dress modestly. This means that shorts, skirts, and dresses should cover the knees, and shoulders should be covered. Hats should also be removed before entering churches or other religious sites.

Vatican City is a small city-state, so it is easy to get around on foot. However, for those who prefer not to walk, there are also hop-on-hop-off buses available. These buses make stops at all of the major attractions in Vatican City.

While most of the attractions in Vatican City require an entrance fee, there are a few that are free to visit. These include St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Post Office, and the Vatican Observatory. Additionally, visitors can attend a Papal Audience for free, but tickets must be reserved in advance.

While it is not necessary to book tours in advance, it is highly recommended. The lines at popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica can be extremely long, and booking a tour in advance can save a lot of time. There are many tour companies that offer skip-the-line tickets and guided tours of Vatican City.

Vatican City uses the euro as its official currency. Most places in Vatican City accept credit cards, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand as well.

Vatican City is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any major city, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other crimes. It is also important to note that Vatican City is a religious site, and visitors should show respect for the culture and traditions of the area.