St. Peter's Basilica Tickets and St. Peter's Square: The Ultimate Guide

If you're planning a trip to Rome, a visit to the Vatican City is an absolute must. And at the heart of Vatican City is St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. These two iconic landmarks are the most visited attractions in Rome and for good reason. From the stunning architecture to the rich history and culture, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square offer a truly unforgettable experience.

In this ultimate guide, we'll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about St. Peter's Basilica Tickets and St. Peter's Square, including how to get there, the best time to visit, what to see and do, and how to make the most of your time at these incredible landmarks.

Getting There

Before we dive into the details, let's talk about getting to St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. The easiest way to get there is by public transportation. You can take the Metro A line to Ottaviano-San Pietro or the bus lines 62, 64, 81, or 590. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service.

Best Time to Visit

St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square are open to visitors all year round, but the best time to visit is during the off-season, from November to February. During these months, there are fewer tourists, which means shorter lines and a more peaceful experience.

If you're visiting during the high season, from March to October, we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Keep in mind that the Basilica and Square can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets

If you want to visit St. Peter's Basilica, you don't need a ticket. Admission to the Basilica is free, but you may have to wait in line to get in. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

If you want to climb to the top of the Dome, you will need to purchase a ticket. The ticket costs €10 for adults and €8 for students and seniors. You can purchase your ticket at the ticket office located on the right side of the Basilica or online in advance.

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Square is a large public square located in front of St. Peter's Basilica. The square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

The square is open to visitors all year round and admission is free. We recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the square. Guided tours are available in several languages and can be booked in advance.

What to See and Do

St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square offer a wealth of things to see and do. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

St. Peter's Basilica - The Basilica is the largest church in the world and is home to many stunning works of art, including Michelangelo's famous sculpture, the Pieta.

Dome - Climbing to the top of the Dome is a must-do activity for anyone visiting St. Peter's Basilica. The climb is steep, but the views from the top are well worth it.

Sistine Chapel - The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums and is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including Michelangelo's famous ceiling fresco.