Travel Tips :: Vatican

Three things I wish I’d known before I visited Vatican City:

1. Summer Clothing 
----> You are not allowed to wear anything that exposes your thighs and shoulders. Now, i did know this so I wore leggings and a light sweater. What I did not know is that there was a way around this rule. Especially during the hot summer months, we just have to wear something airy and light. Walking around in the searing heat with pants and a sleeved top can become unbearable. Based on experience, my tip would be to wear your normal summer clothing (skirt/shorts/dresses) and then bring a large light scarf/shawl which you could drape over your shoulders or wrap around your legs when entering St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum (Yes! They also check your clothing in the museum). Afterwards, you can easily roll it up and store it away in your bag. No need to sweat for the rest of the day.

2. Waiting in line
----> The queue to St. Peter’s Basilica may look daunting but it’s not half as bad as it looks. The progress was fairly quick. For the Vatican Museum, it is best not to get there before opening time. I was standing in line before it was open and the queue was ridiculously long, going down the entire one side of the museum and right around the block. By the time I came out though (around noon time), the queue was less than half than it was in the morning. Once the museum opens, people are admitted quickly and efficiently.

3. Cupola
----> You can go up to the Cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica. A few people I know didn’t know that this is possible. Luckily, I had the great pleasure of having a priest based in Rome take me and my companions on a private tour around the Vatican. It was like having an insider tell you about all those little secrets the public doesn’t know. He brushed up our history, told anecdotes and pointed out things to us that a regular tourist would have overlooked (like the pope’s window). He told us about the cupola. So, if you are not afraid of heights then take time to got up. You will be treated with a wonderful view of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Rome.

If my tips helped just one person, I’m happy with that! I hope you have a wonderful time! 

Thanks for reading!