St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets & Tours
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Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- Enjoy a guided tour to Vatican's three gorgeous landmarks in a choice of six languages.
- Starting with the Vatican Museums, your expert historian guide will fill your tour with fascinating anecdotes about the world-famous sculptures and paintings housed in these corridors
- Serenade your senses with the timeless beauty of Raphael Rooms, Tapestries Gallery and other marvels of immense significance
- Next up is the Sistine Chapel that is home to Michelangelo’s iconic artworks, including the elaborate fresco on the ceiling
- Wind up this memorable day at the St. Peter’s Basilica, the central pilgrimage in all of Christendom and a treasure trove of Renaissance art
Inclusions
- Entry tickets
- Professional English/French/Spanish/German/Italian/Portuguese-speaking guide
- Wireless audio headsets
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: visitors must cover knees, arms, and back.
- On Wednesday mornings and afternoons, St. Peter's Basilica may be closed as the Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. If you’re considering visiting St. Peter's Basilica, please make plans on another day.
- The Basilica is also subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it’s closed, you will be taken to see the Vatican Library instead.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Small-Group St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
- Head over to St. Peter's Basilica, and enter one of the most magnificent churches ever built that holds a pride of place at the Vatican.
- You will be accompanied by an official Vatican guide who will take you through the impressive Basilica and educate you on all the aspects of this holy monument.
- Check out the stunning works of art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Bernini, Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, and more.
- Pay homage to the grand tomb of St. John Paul II on this guided tour.
- Choose between English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German-guided tours.
Inclusions
- Entry into St. Peter's Basilica
- Specialized guide for small groups (no more than 25 people)
- Vox City Guide
This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:
- English Guided Tour
- French Guided Tour
- Italian Guided Tour
- German Guided Tour
- Spanish Guided Tour
- Pro Tip: The best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica is during the morning or Wed afternoon to avoid long queues.
Dress Code
- To pay your respects, you must abide by the Basilica's dress code. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour
- Your tour starts with climbing to the top of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, alongside an expert local tour guide.
- Once at the top, gaze out and catch awe-inspiring views of Rome, its popular landmarks, and the surrounding hills.
- Pick up interesting facts and details regarding the dome of Michaelangelo and the Papal Tombs from your guide.
- Explore the dazzling interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Sarcophagi once you've visited the top of the dome.
- Appreciate the artistic brilliance of Michelangelo and Bernini while at the Basilica.
- Dress code: Please be dressed appropriately. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Inclusions
- Admission to the St. Peter’s Basilica
- Dome climb
- Visit to the Papal Sarcophagi (optional)
- Expert local guide (English, Spanish, French, or Italian-speaking)
Exclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Visit to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
- This tour is not wheelchair-friendly.
- On days close to religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour such as the Papal Tombs may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.
- Please note that this tour includes a climb of a substantial number of steps and requires a decent level of physical fitness to undertake.
- Please be dressed appropriately. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
St Peter's Basilica Dome Climb with Tour of Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Commence your tour by climbing to the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will uncover unmatched panoramic views of Rome from atop Michelangelo’s Cupola.
- Make your way to the other parts of the Basilica, marvel at its unique Barocco style, and cultural artifacts like Michelangelo's Pieta.
- Head next to the fantastic Papal Sarcophagi, where you will witness Renaissance masterpieces of Bernini and Michelangelo.
- Enjoy fast-track entry into the glorious Vatican Museums, and tour around its many alluring galleries, such as the Chandelier’s Gallery, the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and many others.
- Continue your tour by paying a visit to the beguiling Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the cherished murals here, such as the painted ceiling and The Last Judgement by Michelangelo.
Inclusions
- Expert local guide
- Admission to the Sistine Chapel
- Fast-track entry into Vatican City Museums
- Tour of Vatican City and its Museums
- Admission to the St. Peter’s Basilica
- Dome climb and visit to the Papal Sarcophagi
Exclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Visit to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:
- English-Guided Tour
- French-Guided Tour
- Spanish-Guided Tour
- Italian-Guided Tour
Note: The Spanish tour only runs on Mondays and Saturdays.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms, and back.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Papal Audience with Free Viewing Experience
- Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the audience with the Pope.
- Learn about the history and traditions of the papacy from your expert English or Spanish guide.
- Be a part of the beautiful gathering at the iconic St. Peter’s Square as your audience tickets are free.
- Get a quick look at two beautiful attractions in the area - Castel Sant’Angelo and the tomb of Emperor Hadrian.
Inclusions
- Expert guide in English or Spanish
- One run, no stop, hop-on hop-off tour
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Tips
- Guaranteed seats
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: The best seats are on the front row or on the aisle so try to grab an aisle seat. The Pope will come through the crowd, so you will have a better chance of getting close to him.
- Only the papal viewing is free of cost.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- This experience is available in English and Spanish.
- Strict Dress Code: No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. This dress code is strictly enforced and you will risk being refused entry if you fail to comply with the requirements.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
5-Hr Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Gardens with Papal Audience Tickets
- See the Pope up close during the guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, and get a special early-access visit to the Papal Audience ceremony.
- Get your ticket for the Papal Audience from the Piazza del Sant'Uffizio and watch as the Pope makes his way to the stage.
- Don’t forget to join the weekly assembly for prayers, blessings, and a homily.
- Take a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous in the world.
- Admire treasures like Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino as you tour the Renaissance-style church with its iconic dome and unparalleled architecture.
- On an open bus, take an audio-guided tour around the Vatican Gardens and listen to informative commentary.
Inclusions
- Papal audience invitation
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Vatican Gardens tour by open-roof bus
- Audio guide in 5 languages at Vatican Gardens
- Assistance at the meeting point
Exclusions
- Guided tour during Papal Audience
- Entrance and guided tour of St Peter's Dome
- Please note that the Basilica may have long waiting periods, of up to 1 hour, at the entrance.
- Audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 9%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour
- This economical guided tour combo is the go-to choice for those looking to delve deeper into the art history of the Vatican.
- Start your tour learning about the 120-year-long resilient process of creating St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, from your expert guide.
- Worried about exploring the series of 1400 rooms in Vatican Museums? Fret not, your guide will ensure you don't miss out on the greats with a perfectly-planned itinerary.
- Said to house the largest collection of art in the world, the museum will awe you with Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Da Vinci.
- During your Sistine Chapel tour, ask your guide about Michelangelo’s self-portraits in the Last Judgement and the hidden references to the human anatomy in the magnificent fresco.
Inclusions
St. Peter's Basilica
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of the Sistine Chapel
This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:
- English-guided tour
- Spanish-guided tour
- French guided tour
St. Peter's Basilica
- Strict dress code: Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
- Expect a considerable wait time as you queue for the security checks. It could take up to an hour during the peak season.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Photography is allowed, only without flash. Taking videos and photos for commercial purposes, or live broadcasting of a show is strictly prohibited.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
St. Peter's Basilica | Renaissance-era Church in Vatican City
Boasting the tallest dome in the world, a visit to Vatican City is incomplete without exploring St. Peter’s Basilica. The basilica stands on the burial ground of St. Peter, widely considered the first Pope. Completed back in 1626 under the heavy influence of famed artists like Raphael, Bernini, Bramante, and of course, Michelangelo, the church serves as a prime example of Renaissance-era architecture.
Why Visit St Peter's Basilica?
- Religious Significance: Built on the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope, St. Peter's Basilica has a rich history that makes it one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world.
- Renaissance Architecture: Designed by renowned architects, including Michelangelo and Bernini, the basilica is absolute vision.
- Tallest Dome in the World: Climbing the dome is an experience you should not miss. From the top, you will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rome
- Artistic Treasures: The basilica houses numerous works of art by Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael, among other greats.
Your St. Peter's Basilica Tickets Options Explained
Guided Tours
Duration: 2-5.5 hours
- Explore the length and breadth of this classic landmark with a guided St. Peter’s Basilica tour.
- Your expert tour guide will enlighten you with interesting trivia about the history, construction, and contemporary influence of this monument.
- Depending on your ticket, you will enjoy access to more than just the main premises, such as the Dome, Papal tombs, etc.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Tickets
Duration: 2-5.5 hours
- If you’re looking to explore further opt for a St. Peter’s Basilica Dome ticket.
- A professional tour guide will take you right to the top of the dome, from where you can witness the interior design up close.
- Step onto the terrace to view ancient statues and enjoy splendid panoramic views of the twin cities.
Papal Audience
Duration: Flexible
- See the Pope in person and watch him address the crowd.
- Enjoy the opportunity of participating in a unique cultural experience.
- Your expert guide will educate you on the history and traditions of the papacy.
Combo Tours
Duration: 3-5 hours
- Explore more of Vatican City and explore Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Opt for tickets that allow skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums to make the most of your visit.
- A guided tour option will allow the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city.
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica
Entry into St. Peter’s Basilica is free and does not require a ticket. However, if you would like to have a fruitful visit, it is best to go on a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. With a guided St. Peter's Basilica tour ticket, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will fill you in with all kinds of interesting information about the church.
All St. Peter’s Basilica tickets include either an audio guide or a professional tour guide. We recommend opting for an accompanying tour guide, as they will not only guide you past the long lines, but also inform you about history, art and culture associated with the basilica.
Not all St. Peter’s Basilica tickets include access to the Dome. You would have to purchase tickets that specifically allow access to the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome.
There are no direct skip-the-line tickets to St. Peter's Basilica. All visitors have to go through a mandatory security check and this could take as much as 3 hours. However, arriving early and booking tickets in advance could help you to skip the lines.
To get to the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, there are two steps: first, you can take either the elevator or climb up about 231 stairs which lead directly into the Dome from where you can also step onto the terrace; second, you can go right to the top of the Dome but that would require you to climb another 320 steps up a narrow, winding staircase.
Not all tickets include access to the Dome. You would have to purchase tickets that specifically allow access to the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome.
While entry to the cathedral is free, you would have to pay an extra amount to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome. However, if you purchase a St. Peter’s Basilica ticket, your tour would include access to the Dome.
Yes. Not only can you witness the fine interiors of the dome up-close, but if you step out on the terrace, you also have the opportunity to soak in some stunning panoramic views of Rome and Vatican City,
The Vatican Necropolis is an ancient burial ground built under St. Peter’s Basilica. According to ancient history, St. Peter is said to be buried under the basilica.
Not all St. Peter’s Basilica tickets include access to the Vatican Necropolis. You would have to book tickets that specifically allow access to the Necropolis.
Yes. You can book a guided tour of the Vatican Necropolis. However, ensure that you book one well in advance since the intake is limited to small groups of visitors per day.
Beyond St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican Museums
Raphael, Bramante, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio are just a few exemplary artists whose works have been featured in the Vatican Museums. Renowned worldwide for hosting one of the largest and most impressive, influential collections of art in history, a visit to this ancient city is incomplete without losing yourself in the sheer beauty of the Vatican Museums. There’s no end to the number of art pieces, sculptures, and ceilings you can observe across the 54 galleries. Explore the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, Spiral Staircase, and more on your visit to the Vatican Museums.
Know More
Sistine Chapel
If there’s a work of art that best describes Michelangelo’s thought and prowess, it’s the Sistine Chapel. Visitors flock from all around the world to get a glimpse of the spectacular Sistine Chapel and its glorious ceiling. Adorned with vibrant colors and an array of biblical characters, each part of the Sistine Chapel narrates a story -- be it the Sacrifice of Noah, or Original Sin and Banishment from the Garden of Eden, or the fascinating, widely-studied Giudizio Universale. Located right at the end of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is a must-visit in Rome.
Know MorePlan Your Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica opening hours vary depending on the season. From 1 April to 30 September, it is open between 7 AM to 7 PM and from 1 October to 31 March, it is open between 7 AM to 6:30 PM.
Opening hours for St. Peter’s Basilica Dome are 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
The best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica is between November to March (excluding Christmas and New Year’s time). You would experience lesser crowds and shorter waiting lines.
Getting to St. Peter’s Basilica is easy with multiple transport options available. You can take the Rome Metro, a train, or a bus to Vatican City, and simply walk to the basilica located at St. Peter’s Square.
Yes, taking the Rome metro is the easiest way of getting to St. Peter’s Basilica. Get off at the Ottaviano stop, from where St. Peter’s Square is a 5-minute walk.
Yes. Buses 40 and 64 are the best options to get to St. Peter’s Basilica. Bus 40 stops at Traspontina/Conciliazione, about 6 minutes walking distance from St. Peter’s Basilica. Bus 64 stops at Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro, about a 4-minute walk away from St. Peter's Basilica.
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. Temporarily, the entrance through the Sistine Chapel is closed, so visitors can use the main entrance at St. Peter's Square.
The Vatican has a strict dress code that visitors must adhere to. Low-cut or sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts, etc. are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Yes. Photography is permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
No. Food and drinks are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
On weekdays, mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is held at the following hours: 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM.
On public holidays, Holy Mass is held at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:30 PM
Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is held daily from Monday to Sunday. However, timings and location of the mass vary according to the day. You can get complete details about mass at St. Peter’s Basilica here.
Tickets are available to attend mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Ensure that you book your tickets in advance to avoid losing out on a seat.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peter's Basilica Tickets
A. Yes, you can now book your St. Peter's Basilica tickets online now. You can purchase your St. Peter's Basilica tickets here.
A. Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free and you do not need a ticket to enter. You only need to purchase tickets for tours. You can choose between an expert-guided tour or a self-guided audio tour of the St Peter's Basilica. However, you will need to purchase tickets to access the Dome.
A. It depends on the St. Peter’s Basilica ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 24-48 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.
A. To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you would have to use its main entrance at St. Peter’s Square. Temporarily, the entrance through the Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public.
A. St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7 AM to 7 PM between 1 April to 30 September, and from 7 AM to 6:30 PM between 1 October to 31 March.
A. St. Peter’s Basilica is easily accessible by public transport. Take a metro to the Ottaviano Station located near the Vatican Walls. From there, it is a short 5-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.
A. Yes. A dress code is strictly enforced at St Peter's Basilica. Clothing above the knees, low cut tops, and bare shoulders are not allowed. Hats and large bags are also not allowed inside and must be checked in.