These Tips Will Come in Handy If You Travel to the Vatican

(Patria) - A trip to the Vatican is often on the wish list of history, spirituality, and art lovers.

And although it is the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is literally a treasure trove of content that will delight you - and potentially leave you with a few euros less if you fall into classic tourist traps.

If you are looking for a reason to visit this destination right now, perhaps it is the announcement of reforms and the new direction of the church under the pontificate of the new Pope, who attracts believers, the curious, and tourists from all over the world with his approach.

However, regardless of faith, the Vatican offers so much that even a whole day might not be enough for you - especially if you don't plan it in advance, writes Punkufer.

Vatican Museums

This collection of over 70,000 works of art (of which about 20,000 are exhibited) attracts millions of visitors annually. Buy tickets online in advance, preferably early in the morning to avoid crowds and the strong midday heat.

The ticket price for adults is around 20 euros, and you can pay extra for a guided tour. A combined ticket also includes the Sistine Chapel - a must-see stop for every visitor.

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's masterpiece "The Last Judgment" will surely amaze you, but be prepared - photography is not allowed inside, and guards constantly warn you to be quiet. This may sound strict, but once you enter, you will understand why.

St. Peter's Basilica

Admission to the Basilica is free, but the queue can be long, with waits of up to 90 minutes. We recommend arriving very early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM.

In the Basilica, be sure to see Michelangelo's "Pietà", Bernini's monumental baldachin over St. Peter's tomb, and the stunning mosaics and bronze statue of St. Peter, whose foot is worn smooth from the touch of believers.

Don't miss climbing the dome, which offers a spectacular view of Rome and St. Peter's Square. This pleasure costs 8 euros on foot or 10 euros with an elevator (but you still have 320 steps to the top). The view? Spectacular.

Vatican Square

St. Peter's Square, with its colossal colonnades and Egyptian obelisk, is a place where you feel small - but connected to something larger. If you're lucky, you might catch a papal audience (Wednesday mornings) - it's free, but tickets are distributed in advance.

You can request tickets in advance through the official form on the website of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, and they are picked up the day before (Tuesday) in the afternoon in front of the Bronze Gate (Portone di Bronzo) on the right side of St. Peter's Square. Although tickets are free, it is recommended to arrive early due to high demand.

Postage Stamp

The Vatican has its own post office and postage stamps. If you like unusual souvenirs, send a postcard from the Vatican - many claim their mail arrives faster than mail from Rome.

Restricted Areas

Although the Vatican functions as an open destination, many parts of this smallest country in the world are strictly closed to the public - including the Apostolic Palace, which houses the Pope's residence, as well as a large part of the Vatican Gardens, which cover almost half of the Vatican's territory.

Access to these areas is not possible without prior notice and special permission, and any attempt to "peek" over fences or through passages is under the strict supervision of the Vatican guard.

Dress Appropriately

Regardless of the temperature, shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Basilica and museums. If you are wearing shorts and a top, you will likely not be allowed in.

Restaurants and Cafes

In the vicinity of the Vatican, many restaurants take advantage of the crowds and tourists' inattention - check the menu and prices in advance, check Google reviews, and avoid the "persuaders" at the entrance. Or simply cross the bridge and look for local trattorias in Trastevere.

We admit - as travelers who have traveled almost half of Europe, we made a beginner's mistake in the Vatican. We ordered coffee and cake, expecting the usual Roman price, and ended up paying 44 euros for two people - they brought us coffee, but we had to get the cake ourselves from the counter.

Service, by the way, was not included in the price. The price would not have been a problem if the staff had been friendly and the cake fresh. Be smarter than us!

Free Toilet?

Most public toilets are paid (which is fine), and those in cafes are often only available to guests. The museums have the cleanest options, so take advantage of the opportunity while you're inside.