Temples & religious sites
St. Peter's Basilica
What you'll see
St. Peter's Basilica is the principal church of Vatican City, built on the site traditionally held to be the burial place of the Apostle Peter. Inside, the scale is the main draw: a vast nave, Bernini's bronze baldachin over the papal altar, and Michelangelo's Pietà near the entrance. Many visitors also climb to the dome for a view over St. Peter's Square and the surrounding city.
Getting there
From central Rome, the basilica is reachable by metro (Line A to Ottaviano, then a walk of about 10 minutes) or by bus. Traffic and pedestrian volume around the square can slow things down, so allow extra time on top of the transit itself. Coming from the airport, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO) connects to central Rome by train, followed by the metro or bus leg described above.
How long to spend
Plan on at least an hour inside the basilica itself. If you intend to climb the dome, add another 45 minutes to an hour depending on the queue and whether you take the stairs the full way or use the lift partway up.
When to go
The basilica draws large crowds, especially around midday and during peak tourist season. Arriving early in the morning tends to mean shorter lines and a quieter interior. Security screening at the entrance is standard, so factor in some waiting time regardless of when you arrive.
What to combine it with
The square in front, Saint Peter's Square, is effectively part of the same visit. The Sistine Chapel and Apostolic Palace are both close by, about 0.1–0.3km away, and are usually visited as part of a Vatican Museums route rather than separately. The Vatican Museums themselves, roughly 0.5km off, are worth pairing with the basilica if you have most of a day free, since seeing both properly takes some time.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
GetYourGuide
Klook
Tiqets
KKday
WeGoTrip
Booking.com
Hotels.com
