What to see and do in the Vatican City in one day, covering our tips and tricks and all the best attractions…
Short on time? Only have one day to see some of the greatest works of art Italy has to offer? Perhaps only a morning to see some iconic buildings renown worldwide? Have no fear because we are here to tell you it’s possible! With our careful planning, you can see the Vatican’s best attractions in just one jam-packed day! Here are our tips to optimize your time in exploring the city’s vast treasure troves.
- Set out a Schedule
Sorting out what to see before you set off on your adventure is the best way to get organized. Don’t forget to get the entry tickets. Doing things like researching the opening and closing times of your favorite attractions also means you won’t have any disappointing surprises. The majority of the main attractions in the Vatican open at 9 am, but St. Basilica actually opens at 7 am, letting you start your day earlier to fit more in. Also, it’s often worth organizing your day around avoiding peak times so that you make the most of your day and avoid a lot of foot traffic. Usually, the busiest times are from 10 – 12 in the morning, with most tourists leaving for lunch or other attractions around midday. So, organize either going as soon as it opens or in the afternoon. - Work out how you will be getting around
There is nothing worse than wasting an hour walking around desperately lost whilst trying to find your next stop. Therefore, working out which stations, bus stops, tour companies, and walking routes you’ll need to take beforehand makes hopping from one site to the next all the easier. Checking the schedule is also another way to reduce your waiting time and ensure miss out on any public transport frustration. - Choose the right Day
When visiting Vatican City, most days are easy. But if you’re one free day happens to land on a Sunday, you might have some difficulty. The Vatican Museums are open every day excluding Sunday, with the exception of every last Sunday of the month. Some days can also be busier than others, with Saturdays always swarming with large crowds and long lines. Most tourists find Friday, Tuesday, and Thursday to be the quieter days.
Travel Clothes and Packing Perfectly
You’ll notice that while everyone thinks most about clothing, one of the most important parts of your travel wardrobe will be comfortable walking shoes or boots (depending on the season) because exploring Italy means walking your way through the big cities, historic towns, charming villages, or the scenic countryside.
Visiting Italy in winter, early spring, or late fall? Here’s how to pack light for the cold seasons in Italy. Good for the soul and making memories, we have plenty of inspired ideas for you to warm up in Italy this winter – plus several great reasons to consider off-season travel in Italy!
If you’re visiting Italy during the hot lazy months of July and August, here’s what you need to pack for summer vacations in Italy.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
For those who love the arts, of course, you know that Italy is an art enthusiast’s dream vacation. In addition to the centuries of great paintings and sculpture, you’ll discover here, Italy is also a music lover’s dream vacation destination and boasts vibrant nightlife in cities such as fabulous Florence or Rome.
History lives here too, in the countryside, hilltop towns, and ancient cities. The possibilities to investigate the past include the ruins of Ancient Rome or the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, or the historic canals and heritage cityscape of Venice.
Everywhere you go you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery and wonderful examples of architecture, but you can also indulge your senses with the regional culinary delights and fine Italian cuisine, perhaps booking one of our many Italy wine and food tours.
Are you ready for an unforgettable Italy trip? Come and experience la Bella vita (the good life!) in Italy