Rome, The Vatican, Italy, St Peter'S Square

If you’re thinking about visiting the Vatican, there are some preparations tips you should keep in mind. There are many things you can do to avoid crowds or save a little money during your stay.

Read on and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about checking out the Pope’s quarters on a budget.

  1. Make Sure To Book Online

The last thing you want to do if you’re visiting Rome is voluntarily wait in a very long line. That’s exactly what you’ll be doing, however, if you don’t book ahead before visiting the Vatican.

The lines to get into the famous and historic locale can be hours long. Thousands of people attempt to get in and see Michaelangelo’s famous frescos every day. If you don’t want to be stuck queuing with them, it’s important to get online before the day of your visit and make a reservation.

Yes, you will have to pay a small reservation fee, but it’s well worth the price to save you all of that time stuck doing nothing.

  1. Heed The Dress Code

One thing that could lose your time and money is not heeding the Vatican dress code. This a sacred place, and visitors coming into the Vatican must dress appropriately according to the Vatican’s standards.

That means no shorts for men and no bare shoulders for any of the ladies. The last thing you want is to pay to travel across town, buy tickets, wait in line, and get turned away at the last second due to your clothing.

You might even have to stop into a store nearby and purchase more appropriate clothing. Don’t let this happen to you! Dress right and your Vatican trip should go smoothly and without interruption.

  1. Go When It’s Free

If you’re hoping to enjoy one of the excellent vatican tours but don’t want to spend too much, it might be worth looking at the calendar.

The Vatican museums are open to the public for free on the last Sunday of every month. That means you can go and see the sights free of charge, and that does indeed include the wonders of the Sistine Chapel.

However, you know the drill: free entry means very long lines, and you’ll likely need to set your whole day aside if you plan to go in without paying.

Tips for Visiting The Vatican

If you’re planning on visiting the Vatican during your next Rome vacation, you should seriously look into the above tips and tricks. They can help you save time and money during your trip, and allow you to have the most enjoyable Vatican experience possible.

Need more travel tips and tricks? Keep scrolling our blog for more advice.