Even though it is the smallest state in the world, Vatican City is among the most loved Rome’s attractions. It boasts some of the greatest art of the world which means there are rare places that can beat this city in art history.

From classical statuary to high renaissance work, Vatican City has it all!

When planning a trip to Rome, it is a must to visit this breathtaking city. Being a popular destination, this city attracts millions of tourists from around the globe. This also means all the popular tourist’s attractions are always pretty crowded.

Fortunately, we have some useful tips to help you beat the crowd and have the time of your life exploring Vatican City.

1.   Planning Ahead

One of the major mistakes majority tourists make is just turning up in this city for a visit without any planning. This is why they have to wait for around four to five hours in a colossal queue!

You would not only have to stand in the blistering summer heat but you would also have to deal with unofficial ticket sellers who will approach you persistently.

Therefore, it is ideal for to plan ahead and book your Vatican tours in advance, so you have more time exploring the city instead of standing in lines.

2.   Eating Before Visiting

Here is an insider’s tip – eat before you visit the Vatican City or bring your meals. Why? The cafés and restaurants around the city are underwhelming and overpriced.

These eateries take full advantage of the tourists who are looking for a quick coffee and snack during their sightseeing. They charge a ridiculous price for a small sandwich and even a small coffee.

Pack your lunch and snacks or make sure that you have a hearty meal before you visit the city to save your wallet from a major dent.

3.   Setting Aside Sufficient Time

The Vatican City is pretty vast even for being the smallest state in the world. It has a population of 1,000 and spans more than 110 acres. It boasts plenty of places you wouldn’t want to miss.

Therefore, make sure you have set enough time aside to explore all the things this city has to offer. The must-see places to visit in this city include the Cupola, The Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, The Gallery of Maps and the Hall of Tapestries, and Vatican Museums. Of course, you can’t miss the stunning Bernini’s colonnade, St. Peter’s Piazza, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

There is plenty to see and soak in so ensure you have plenty of time to really enjoy the beauty of this city. Don’t forget to rest and hydrate yourself while looking at the breathtaking sights.

4.   Pacing Yourself

Be prepared to walk a lot!

Vatican Museums take more than three hours to explore. Remember, you will only be able to visit the Sistine Chapel at the end of the visit to the museums.

Of course, you can always skip ahead, but then you would be missing out on some of the most amazing works the museums have to offer.

The main highlights are the School of Athens, Rooms of Raphael, and the Map Room. Make sure you check the map beforehand to determine which room you want to allocate more time in.

5.   Visiting Between Tuesday and Friday

Another insider’s tip – try to visit the Vatican City, especially St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums, between Tuesday and Friday.

This is because weekends are typically the busiest, and many of the tourists visit these places on a Monday when the museums in Rome are not open.

This way, you can beat most of the crown and have a much-relaxed visit. If possible, try going to the museums during a Wednesday when the pope attends to his morning audience at the St. Peter’s square

6.   Visiting in Off-Season

The best time to visit any country is during the off-season when you can skip the majority of the tourist crowd. Same goes for Rome.

If possible, plan your trip to Rome and Vatican City when there are few tourists, and the weather is also mild. When you visit the sights without the crowds and lines, you can truly get a much better perspective of the place and how Romans live.

The ideal times to visit the city is from November to the mid of December and from the middle of January to March.

7.   Exploring Museums on Free Days

If you can only visit the Vatican City during the weekend, try heading to the Vatican museums on the free day of the month, which is every month’s last Sunday or on World Tourism Day.

You can explore the museum without any entrance fee!

However, this also means that many tourists and even locals might visit the museums the same day which is why make sure that you visit as early as possible to beat the crowd.

8.   Keeping in Mind the Dress Code

When visiting the Vatican City, you should keep in mind that it is a religious state, being the home of the Catholic Church. Therefore when you visit, especially the Basilica and the Museums, make sure you dress appropriately.

Cover your midriffs, neckline, thighs, and shoulders – meaning no tank tops and shorts. Long shorts are okay for men to wear, but women must wear long dresses, skirts, or wear pants. If you are wearing sleeveless or a tank top, bring a shawl to cover yourself.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your backpacks will be thoroughly searched so to make it short, pack lightly. In some places, you are not allowed to take in large backpacks and bags, so make sure you take the right bag.

Your trip to Rome cannot be truly complete without exploring the beautiful Vatican City. Keep these tips in mind when you visit to thoroughly enjoy the most impressive art in the world.