Vatican & St. Peter's
Climbing St. Peter's Dome: Steps, Views & Tips
Standing atop Michelangelo's dome, looking down the length of St. Peter's Square and out over all of Rome, is one of the most thrilling things you can do in the…
How Early Should You Arrive at the Vatican?
The Vatican is the most crowded attraction in Rome, and timing your arrival is the single biggest factor in whether your visit feels magical or miserable. Arrive…
Papal Audiences & St. Peter's Square, Explained
You've traveled all the way to Rome — why not also see the Pope? It's easier than most visitors realize, and it's free. Each week the Pope holds a General…
Castel Sant'Angelo: Tickets, History & the Passetto
Few buildings in Rome have lived as many lives as Castel Sant'Angelo. It began as an emperor's tomb, became a fortress, served as a papal refuge, a prison, and a…
St. Peter's Basilica Without the Wait
Here's the paradox that catches almost every first-time visitor to the Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, yet it can cost you more time than any…
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Tickets & Timing
The Vatican Museums are among the most visited — and most strictly managed — museums on earth, and that combination is exactly why first-timers get tripped up.…