Whether you’re Catholic or not, the home of the Pope is a great destination to explore. There are numerous museums, artifacts and chapels to discover, as well as an endless line of shops to spend your money.
The trick to having the best time is to go on the last Sunday of the month, when entrance to the museums is free. You can also catch a short sermon from the Pope himself every Wednesday when he’s in town, though the vantage point isn’t the best. He typically delivers his speech from a room high up from St. Peter’s Basilica and it’s difficult to see without the aid of a teleprompter.
The Basilica itself is enormous and grandiose — it’s certainly not to be missed. The architecture is extravagant and absolutely stunning. The line to get in can take up to an hour of standing in the hot sun, which was kind of a downer, but you can avoid the lines by heading over in the early afternoon.
The real highlight of the Vatican is the museums. Endless corridors of paintings and sculptures lead you through the halls of Vatican City all the way into the famed Sistine Chapel. Now, truth be told, Michelangelo’s masterpiece is a beautiful work of art, but the experience does leave a bit to be desired. Throngs of people are shuffled into a chapel that’s likely smaller than you imagined and are constantly yelled at to not take pictures or make noise. It’s packed, and at certain times it can be difficult to even walk.
However, it’s definitely worth a trip to see one of the world’s most famous paintings. The artworks leading up to the Sistine Chapel and after it are spectacular in their own right, and there were other ceilings that were just as extraordinary as the most popular of them all.
If you’re in Rome, Vatican City should definitely be a top priority and given at least a full day to explore.
Read This Next
Murano: The Home of Venetian Glass
History
Apr 14, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
ShareThis