When visiting Rome and Italy, there are many tips and must-sees, but you should always take tips for visiting the Vatican. It would be a huge mistake to miss your chance to have a small tour around this unique town. This famous country and city at once are where you will get to see some of the most epic places regarding art, culture, and religion. The word “Vatican” has many meanings for many people around the globe, and here is your ultimate guide for adding this holy place to your travel bucket list.
Am I Visiting a Country or a Town?
People are always confused about this question, so here is some clarification. The Vatican is both a city and a country. Vatican City is recognized as the smallest independent state in the world, and it has a population of 1000 citizens. The official language in the Vatican is Italian, and you need to pay in euros when it comes to currency. However, this country is not a member of the European Union. This is a place of immeasurable significance for Catholic Christians since the Vatican is the capital of the Catholic Church, with the Pope as the head. Indeed, the Pope lives in his official residence in the Apostolic Palace with a Swiss guard, which ensures his greatest safety. To ensure the best possible experience, it is best to book some Vatican Tours 2023 in advance. This way, you will make the most of your time.
Is the Vatican Free for Visits?
Another question asked by many. The good news is that the Vatican is open to the public. You can walk in since there is no physical boundary. Yet, as a tourist, you are only permitted to visit certain buildings, some of which have a fee. You can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens, and the Apostolic Palace.
How to Avoid Queues in Vatican City?
It is inevitable that Vatican City is a popular place to visit and, hence, very busy. It is not ideal, but it is the way it is. However, you should be aware that pushy salespeople do not always tell the truth, and you should not believe them when they claim that every queue lasts at least two hours, which is not always the case. For instance, the queue for visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica seems to be extremely long, but you will be surprised by how fast it moves. On the other hand, you can expect to wait for about half an hour before you enter the Vatican Museums. If you’re curious about how long other people have been waiting, walk to the end of the line and ask others how long they’ve been waiting.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Vatican?
The best tip for visiting the Vatican is to choose the best season. The greatest crowd in Vatican City can be avoided in the right season. There are the least crowded months in the Vatican, and those are November and February. Besides, there are also the best days for visiting the place – Tuesday and Thursday, since the Pope holds an audience on Wednesday. Also, Saturdays are very busy days. In addition, you need to know that the best time for visiting the Vatican Museum is at opening or after 3:00 PM. The reason for this is that the museum is less crowded at this time.
What Is the Dress Code?
Keep in mind that Vatican City has its dress code. Italy is very strict with clothing regulations, and this dress code is quite simple. You need to know that knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Also, keep in mind that hats and caps should be avoided. Since the weather in the Vatican is pretty warm, you should wear loose dresses, and if your clothing shows off your arms, having a light scarf in your bag is a good idea. For men, long pants made of natural materials in combination with a T-shirt or light shirt will look beautiful.
The Vatican is one of the fascinating places in Europe and is surely a place that should be kept on your travel bucket list. It is a country within a country, and you should behave that way. Since this is a sacred place, take your time to enjoy your surroundings and cherish the peaceful atmosphere you do not get to experience so much these days.