vatican city open bus tour

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Vatican Garden tickets & tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour

• Enjoy guaranteed access to the greatest of Vatican City attractions, spend less time waiting in ticket queues, and more time gazing at the natural and man-made treasures.
• Settle in a comfortable open-top bus and bask in the charming scenery of the Vatican Gardens which occupy roughly half the size of Vatican City.
• Enjoy the views of different landscaped gardens designed in Italian, French, and English styles as you tune into a multilingual audio guide to learn more about the beauty surrounding you.
• Later, immerse yourself in the immense collection of Renaissance masterpieces at the Vatican Museums.
• Gape at Michelangelo's incredible work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, along with other breathtaking frescoes.
• Vatican Gardens tour by open bus
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Entry tickets to the Sistine Chapel
• Multilingual audio guide onboard
• Free Wi-fi at the meeting point
• Audio guide for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Tip: Start your visit with the Vatican Gardens aboard an open bus with an audio guide, then continue by visiting the Vatican Museums at your own pace.
• Please note the chosen time must be respected and latecomers will not be accommodated.
• The onboard audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese.
• Strict Dress Code : Guests must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Experience the Vatican with a skip-the-line private tour tailored to your interests, at your pace.

• Your Vatican, your way! Customize your tour to explore the sections that fascinate you most, like the Borgia Apartments or the Braccio Nuovo.
• Bypass the ticketing lines and head straight to the Vatican Museums, giving you more time to explore.
• Explore leisurely with lesser crowds, and delve deeper into the Vatican's wonders with ample time to appreciate each area.
• Benefit from an expert guide as they bring the Vatican's history to life at the Pinoteca Gallery or Raphael's Rooms.

###Need to know

• Tip: Unwind in the tranquil Cortile della Pigna, a hidden gem within the Vatican, featuring ancient sculptures like the iconic bronze pine cone.
• Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
• Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
• Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
• Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
• Private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
• Expert English/Spanish/French/Italian-speaking guide

Top things to do in Rome

Vatican Gardens | Historic gardens of the Papal residence

Spanning 57 acres, which accounts for almost half of the Vatican City, the Vatican Gardens offer a serene Renaissance landscape rich in history. Adorned with ancient monuments, sculptures, and lush botanicals dating back to the 6th century, it has been a papal sanctuary for centuries, offering unparalleled views of St. Peter's Basilica and the surrounding cityscape.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Vatican Gardens

• Timed entry: Respect the time chosen by you for your visit to the Vatican Gardens. Latecomers will not be accommodated at the attraction.
• Limited access: Book your tickets for the Vatican Gardens in advance. Booking online allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket office. Additionally, entry to the gardens is limited, and only a small amount of reservations are taken each day. 
• Guided tours only: The Vatican Gardens can be visited only through guided tours or with an audio guide, not allowing for independent exploration.
• Opt for a bus tour: You would spend a long time walking around the Vatican Museums and the basilica leaving you tired. An open-top bus tour is especially beneficial during hot days or for those who don't prefer walking. However, this is not specified on most tickets, so it's advisable to confirm the means of transport at the time of booking. 
• Not suited for children under 6: The Vatican Gardens are accessible only to children aged 6 and above. The tour, akin to a museum visit, involves extensive walking and historical narratives that may not captivate very young children's attention. 
• Separate tickets for other attractions: Tickets for the Vatican Gardens are separate from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica . You'll need to purchase separate tickets or choose a tour that includes them if you wish to visit these attractions. 
• Accessibility constraints: Some parts of the Vatican Gardens may not be accessible for people with reduced mobility. However, you can opt for guided tours along an ad hoc route accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties or in wheelchairs.

Why visit Vatican Gardens?

• Different landscaping styles: The Vatican Gardens are landscaped in three distinct architectural styles-Italian, French, and English. Italian sections boast precise geometrical patterns and Renaissance elegance, French areas dazzle with baroque artistry and water features, while the English gardens offer a whimsical mix of natural and artificial elements.
• Discover the Papal past: Pope Nicholas III's historic relocation to the Vatican in 1279 marked the inception of the Vatican Gardens. Initially an exclusive papal space with an orchard, meadow, and garden enclosed by walls, these gardens now welcome the public, offering a rare glimpse into the papal state's serene and verdant retreat.
• Exclusive and intimate experience: Given that the Pope regularly visits the Vatican Gardens, access to the garden is limited to only a small number of visitors each day, ensuring an exclusive and uncrowded experience. This exclusivity adds to the allure, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. 
• Vast green expanse: Covering over 57 hectares, more than half of Vatican City, the gardens are an expansive green haven. This vast area allows for an immersive experience, away from the urban sprawl, where nature and artifice harmoniously coexist.
• Artistic and cultural treasure trove: Home to ancient sculptures, fountains, and monuments dating back to the 6th century, the gardens are a living museum. Each step unveils a piece of history, art, and culture, making it a paradise for history buffs and art enthusiasts.
• Experience Papal life: Visiting the Vatican Gardens is not just about appreciating their visual splendor. It's also an opportunity to connect with the daily life of the Papal State, offering insights into a world often unseen by the public.
• Spectacular views: There are a series of vantage points in the Vatican Gardens that offer spectacular views of Vatican City. These spots are perfect for capturing the beauty of the gardens against the backdrop of iconic structures like St. Peter’s Basilica.

Explore Vatican Gardens

A splendid example of Renaissance landscape design, characterized by its formal and geometric features, the gardens boast a diverse array of vegetation, with trees blooming for three-quarters of the year. The flowers in the Italian Garden evoke a sense of wonder and beauty, enhancing the overall mood of visitors with their unusual associations and colors.

Admire the classic Baroque artistry with elegant statues and playful water features.

A harmonious blend of natural and artificial elements, featuring caves, streams, and a variety of flora.

What to see inside the Vatican Gardens?

Fountain of the Eagle

The fountains, monuments, and sculptures in the Vatican gardens are synonymous with their different landscaping styles. The Fountain of the Eagle is one of the most stunning fountains in the Vatican Gardens and symbolizes the return of water to the Vatican from the Acqua Paola.  

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is an artificial cave that has been created in the French garden of the Vatican Gardens. It is modeled after the famous French Grotto of Massabielle, where a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous saw a vision of the Madonna.

Saint John’s Tower

Originally built by Pope Nicholas III in the 16th century, the tower has been the site for important events over the years, including Pope Benedict XVI’s meeting with former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2008. Today, this tower space is mainly used today as papal apartments.

Governor’s Palace

Overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, the Governor’s Palace, with its peach-colored facade, is the administrative heart of Vatican City. It provides insights into the governance of this unique city-state.

Papal Coat of Arms

Made from hedges, this Papal Coat of Arms features a crown and the keys of St. Peter planted in colorful perennials.

Palazza di Leone XIII

Erected in honor of Pope Leo XIII, the building contains two fountains, green hedges, arches of climbing roses, and the last exotic tree planted by the Pope before his death in 1903.

Images of Mary

In 1902, with the Our Lady of Lourdes the Vatican Gardens started a collection of the different images of Mary. Today, the Vatican Gardens have 17 “Maria” images, symbolizing prayers for the Virgin Mary in various languages and cultures.

Plan your visit to Vatican Gardens

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays 

Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Vatican Gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Avoid visiting the gardens on Saturdays since the attraction sees maximum crowds on this day.  

Address: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City. Find on maps . 

Getting there

• By metro: Line A  Nearest stop: Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station
• By bus: 49, 40, 64 Nearest stop: Musei Vaticani
• By train: RE 12524 towards Civitavecchia or RE 4134 towards Pisa Centrale Nearest Stop : St. Pietro
• By Tram: 19 Nearest stop: Piazza del Risorgimento
• By car: 29.4 km from Leonardo Da Vince-Fiumicino Airport Car parking: You will not be permitted to enter Vatican City in a car unless it is for official business. 

• Multilingual audio guide
• Limited wheelchair accessibility
• Elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility

• Visitors have to adhere to a strict dress code when visiting the Vatican Gardens. Both men and women have to ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. 
• Ensure that you reach on time on the day of your visit. Latecomers are not permitted at Vatican Gardens. 
• Since you’ll be walking a lot during your Vatican Gardens tours, it is a good idea to wear comfortable footwear. 
• Photography and mobile phones are prohibited during the Vatican Gardens tour. 
• Bags no larger than 40X30X20 cm are allowed at the Vatican Gardens. The bags must be carried on the front or held at your side. 
• Pets and other small animals, except guide dogs, are not permitted at the Vatican Gardens. 

• Ristorante dei Musei : Just a few steps away from the Vatican Gardens, is the Ristorante dei Musei. The restaurant is an authentic Roman eatery that serves delicious pasta. 
• Angelo’s : Angelo’s restaurant serves yummy pasta, seafood, and other classic Italian dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant also has sidewalk seating for its visitors. 
• La Vittoria : Indulge authentic Italian cuisine at La Vittoria. The restaurant has comfy seating, a brick-vault ceiling, and delicious dishes. 
• Ristorante Pizzeria Castello : Ristorante Pizzeria Castello has patio seating, and offers a range of dishes such as pizza and pasta. You can also enjoy coffee and wine at the restaurant. 

Budget: Vatican City Guesthouse (2.2 km), Hotel Paolo II (1.8 km), Pratinn Vatican (2.4 km). 

Mid-range: Vatican Relais Rome (1.4 km), Vatican Style Rome (1.5 km), Hotel Della Conciliazione (1.9 km). 

Luxury: Residenza Paolo VI Hotel (1.8 km), Relais Clivo Vaticano (2.3 km), B&b Lunaria Suites Rome (1.4 km). 

Frequently asked questions about Vatican Gardens tickets

Tickets to the Vatican Gardens start from €49 and go up to €75.05. Ticket prices vary according to the type of ticket you have purchased. 

It is mandatory to book tickets to the Vatican Gardens online . The Vatican Gardens take only a small number of reservations every day, and walk-in visitors are not accommodated at the attraction. 

• Cheaper rates: Online tickets for the Vatican Gardens are comparatively cheaper to buy. 
• Discounts and offers: Many discounts and offers are available online for the Vatican Gardens. You can enjoy significant time and cost savings by purchasing your Vatican Gardens tickets online. 
• Multiple options: You can choose from different Vatican Gardens tickets online. Be it combo tours or entry tickets , you can choose the option that works best for you. 
• Guaranteed entry: Booking your Vatican Gardens tickets online guarantees you entry to the gardens on the day of your visit, irrespective of the peak or off-peak season. 

Your Vatican Gardens tickets include an open-bus tour of the Gardens and access to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. If you opt for the combo tour tickets , you get additional entry access to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and the St. John Lateran complex. 

You cannot get skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Gardens. However, your Vatican Gardens tickets include skip-the-line access to the Vatican museums. 

Your Vatican Gardens tickets include entry access to the Gardens, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Entry access to the St. Peter’s Basilica is not included with your tickets, but it is worth knowing that entry to the Basilica is free all year round. 

You cannot cancel or reschedule your Vatican Gardens tickets. 

It will take you around 3 hours to complete a Vatican Gardens tour.

+39 055 5321180

print your voucher

• Vatican Museums & Sistine
• Vatican Gardens Bus Tour

Garden Tour

The Vatican Gardens Tour by bus

VATICAN GARDENS TOUR- Minibus tour with audio guide to discover the green heart of the Vatican , a 45-minute tour on an eco-friendly minibus. Includes a ticket to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the same day with no lines. 

Every day, except Saturday and religious holidays. Several morning time ranges may be booked. 

Entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is only allowed to visitors who are appropriately dressed. Low-cut or sleeveless outfits, shorts, miniskirts, and hats are not allowed.

Electronic voucher can be shown on tablet or cell phone. The voucher image must be clear and legible for the scanner.  The voucher is sent by email.

About 45 minutes

The ticket includes booking to skip the line at the entrance. 

 The tour is currently not accessible for people in wheelchairs. 

Tour by mini bus with audioguide

+39 055 5321180 (Mon-Fri 8:30 am -6:30 pm/ Sat-Sun 8:30 am -4:30 pm)

Description of your booking

The tour of the Vatican Gardens in an eco-friendly open bus , letting visitor comfortably admire the marvels of the smallest State in the world, its great monuments, works of art and natural wonders. The tour is accompanied by a multilingual audio guide Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Russian  to let you discover this unforgettable architectural and artistic heritage. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and there are no planned breaks. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed on this tour. After the garden tour is over, visitors can go into the Vatican Museums with the same ticket from a special entrance without waiting in line.

What is included

- Tour of the Vatican Gardens in eco-friendly open bus - Multilingual audio guide of the gardens - Quick admission ticket to the Vatican Museums - Admission to the Sistine Chapel

What is not included

- Guided tour of the gardens - Guided tour inside the museums - Audio guide of the museums

Note : This tour is very popular and there are few dates with a limited number of spots per day. Online availability may, therefore, not always be updated in real time. Please consider the booking confirmed only upon receipt of the voucher. If the date and time you requested are sold out, we will contact you to find the best alternative. Italy Travels cannot be held responsible for partial closing museum rooms, itinerary variations inside the museum, cancellations or entrance delays due to unexpected events, strikes or decisions taken by the museum direction or unexpected variations of the Pope movements which involve the museum buildings.

children 6 -17 years old and students 18-25 years old with valid International Student Card or a student identity document.

Buying a reduced ticket without the necessary qualifications or not presenting a valid student identity card will require you to buy another entrance full ticket. The reduced ticket will not be refunded.

Children under 6 years old no admitted to this tour. Disabled people (over 74% disability with certification) do not need any reservation. Price includes skip-the-line service 4.00 euros and on line reservation fee 5.00 euros.

Cancellation policy

Vatican Garden tickets are non-refundable in any case and cannot be cancelled. This booking is in NO way refundable, even partially. You may change the tour time and/or date only once within 2 working days before the booked date based on the museum's availability for the selected date. After that point, the voucher may no longer be changed. The new date must be within 55 days from the original date. The change will be accepted subject to availability. Only one change is allowed that may apply simultaneously to the time and date of the tour. The two factors – date and time – may not, however, be changed upon two separate occasions. The type of ticket, number of tickets, and booked service may not be changed. If you need to make changes, please contact our offices by email a  [email protected]  or by phone +39 0552670402. Requests of changes must always be communicated in writing by email. Visitors must always print out the modified voucher and show the print-out at the ticket office on the day of the tour. If you need to make changes to your booking, please contact our offices by email a  [email protected]  or by phone +39 0552670402. Requests of changes must always be communicated in writing by email. Visitors must always print out the modified voucher and show the print-out at the ticket office on the day of the tour.

From Monday toSaturday TIME RANGES 08.45-09.15 09.45-10.15 12.15-12.45 The exact tour starting time will be communicated on the reservation voucher sent by email within the range of time choosed.

Instructions for entry are printed on the voucher that will be sent by email to confirm booking and vary based on the type of booking. Address : Viale Vaticano, Vatican City, Rome Metro:  line A, stop Cipro/Musei Vaticani

Useful info

Backpacks, suitcases, or large bags may not be brought in the sites. The ticket allows you to access to museums only once. You must go through  security checks at the metal detectors . The wait for these mandatory procedures cannot be avoided. Do not forget to bring a valid identification card or valid passport (one per person). Italy Travels cannot be held responsible for partial closing museum rooms, itinerary variations inside the museum, cancellations or entrance delays due to unexpected events, strikes or decisions taken by the museum direction or unexpected variations of the Pope movements which involve the museum buildings.

What you will see with this booking

Tour description: the tour of the Vatican Gardens lets visitor have a glimpse in the smallest State in the world, its great monuments, works of art, and natural wonders. A ticket includes the option of a (non-guided) visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The tour is given in a minibus with no stops, letting you discover unforgettable architectural and artistic heritage. An audio guide takes visitors through the tour, explaining what they are seeing.

Vatican Gardens minibus tour with audio guide

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Opinions of this experience, faq - all you need to know to visit the vatican museums.

How much time it takes a visit at the Vatican Museums?

To visit the Vatican Museums it takes at least 3 hours. Once inside the museum you can stay inside until the closing time.

In which times of entry it is possible to visit the Vatican Museums?

Vatican Museums are open from Monday to Saturdays from 09:00 am to 6:00 pm, the last bookable entry is at 3:30 pm.

In which days the Vatican museums are closed?

Vatican Museums are closed every Sundays and for public holiday days.

What happens on the last Sunday of the month at the Vatican Museums?

On the last Sunday of the month the museums are exceptionally open and entrance is free. Visits are possible from 09:00 am to 2pm, last entrance at 12:30.

Is there a Dress code for the Vatican Museums?

To visit the Vatican Museums it is necessary to be properly dressed. For this reason, sleeveless, low-cut clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed.

How long do I have to wait if I do not have the reservation?

The line for the entrance at the Vatican Museums is usually very long. We are not able to know precisely the waiting time, it may depends on the days and the period.

Is it possible to take photos and/or videos inside the Vatican Museums?

In the exhibition halls it is possible to take photos and/or videos without flash. Non- authorized professional equipment are not allowed and must be authorized from the museums.

Is it possible to take photos and/or videos inside the Sistine Chapel?

Inside the Sistine Chapel it is strictly forbidden to take photos and / or videos with or without flash.

Is it possible to talk inside the Sistine Chapel?

Inside the Sistine Chapel it is not possible to talk, official guides also do not have the permission to give explanations inside.

It is possible to eat inside the Vatican Museums?

Inside the exhibition halls it is not possible to eat. Along the museum path you can find many vending machines and refreshment points, snack bars, restaurants, a pizzeria and a self-service.

Is the Sistine Chapel included in the entry ticket?

Yes, in the simple entrance tickets for the Vatican Museums the Sistine Chapel is included.

Do I have to print the voucher for the Vatican Museums?

For the no-line entrance at the Vatican Museums it is possible to show the voucher from the mobile phone.

Do families visiting the Vatican Museums have any reductions?

No, there are no reductions for families.

Do I have to pre- pay the ticket to jump the line at the Vatican Museums?

Yes, the ticket must be paid in advance.

Is there an access for people with reservation at the entrance?

Yes, there is a reserved access for visitors with reservation, restricted by barriers and marked by a sign.

Are People older than 65 entitled to discounts or free tickets?

Visitors older than 65 years old need to pay the full ticket.

Are teachers entitled to any reductions for the Vatican Museums?

No, they do not have any reductions; they need to buy the full price ticket.

Are journalists entitled to gratuity?

Yes, they gain free ticket at the entrance if they present the journalist press pass. However, if they wish to jump the line they need to pay the full ticket, as the free entrance is considered only without reservation.

Are students entitled to any reduction for the Vatican Museums?

International students not older than 25 years old are entitled to a reduced ticket.

Which ticket do I have to purchase if I am under 18 years old?

Children under years old do not need any ticket and they are free. Visitors from 6 to 18 years old must book the reduced tickets.

Can I pay the tickets of the Vatican Museums with bank transfer?

Yes, when the date of the visit is not too near. The bank transfer takes 2 or 3 days to be effective and during the high season the availability of the museum may change rapidly. The order will be worked just when the amount of the bank transfer will reach the bank account.

How does it work reservation for schools?

Schools willing to reserve entrances for the Vatican Museum should contact directly the Vatican Museums.

Once that I did the order, how should I expect the tickets to arrive?

The ticket is sent per e-mail and can be shown directly from the mobile phone. The bar code on the voucher must be visible.

Can I reserve the ticket on line and pay it at the museum?

No, the ticket must be paid when reserved.

Once that I received the voucher it is possible to modify the date or the time?

Yes, it is allowed to do just one modification at the date or the time with a forewarning of 48 hours at least. The modification is subordinated to the availability of the places.

It is possible to cancel the reservation at the Vatican Museums?

Once that the voucher is emitted it is no longer possible to cancel the reservation.

How can I require a modification at my reservation?

To require a modification for the ticket or the tour it is necessary to send an e-mail to [email protected] in the due time specified on the voucher.

Can I change the type of the reservation?

No, if you reserved a ticket you will be able to modify just the date or/and the time. It is not possible to modify the type of the ticket from full to reduced nor it is possible to change the activity reserved, for example from ticket to guided tour. In this case it will be required to do a new reservation and the first one won’t be refunded.

It is possible to visit the Vatican Museums in the evening?

Yes, from April to October there are evening openings every Fridays.

How much does the evening ticket cost?

The ticket has the same cost of the ordinary ticket that permit the entrance during the day.

It is possible to visit the Vatican Museums during the evening with a guide?

Yes, by reserving a tour with a private guide.

What it is possible to see during the evening openings at the Vatican Museums?

All the halls opened by the administration and the Sistine Chapel.

It is possible to bring luggage, bags or backpacks inside the museum?

It is not possible to bring inside the Vatican Museums luggage that the museum does not consider proper. You can deposit your personal objects by the cloakroom, which is free for the visitors of the Vatican Museums.

When is it the cloakroom?

Ground floor, in front of the ticket offices.

How much is the cost for the cloakroom?

The service is free.

It is possible to bring pets inside the Vatican Museum?

It is not possible to bring any pets inside the Vatican Museum. The only exception is for guide dogs for blind people with certificate attesting support for therapeutic treatments.

How does it work the entrance for people with disability?

All visitors with certified disability superior to 74% can go directly at the tickets office with the disability certification and have free access.

Does the person accompanying the disable people have to pay at the Vatican Museums?

The people accompanying has free entrance just if the disable person is certifies as non self-sufficient.

Are there wheelchairs available at the museums?

Yes, it is possible to rent wheelchairs for free while stocks last.

It is possible to have a guided tour for the Vatican Museums?

Yes, it is possible to reserve guided tours or private tours. All our proposals are on line on our site. For special requests or large groups you can send an e-mail to [email protected] or call us at the +39 055 2670402.

How much does a guided tour at the Vatican Museums cost?

Fares may vary, on our site they are in any case updated. The cost of the guided tour varies belonging to the type and duration of the tour.

How much does a private tour at the Vatican Museums cost?

A tour in English with private guide of the Vatican Museums for two persons has a cost that starts from € 290.00 on. Rates are subject to variations based on seasonality, language and number of people. The price varies according to the number of participants, the language in which the tour takes place, if it takes place in holyday days or during the evening and to the duration. For any other information, please visit our website or call us at +39 055 2670402.

How can I visit the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums. You can visit it by purchasing the ticket for the Vatican Museums.

Can I visit just the Sistine Chapel?

Once inside the Vatican Museums, you can go directly to the Sistine Chapel by following the signs "Sistine Chapel - short path" which are situated along all the rooms.

Is there a ticket just for the Sistine Chapel?

No, the ticket is the same for the Vatican Museum.

Can I book a tour just for the Sistine Chapel?

Yes, it is possible to book a tour with a private guide that will focus just on the Sistine Chapel. In this case it is a special tour that it is necessary to require per e-mail to [email protected]

How can I visit the Vatican Gardens?

The Vatican Gardens can be visited with a tour by bus or a walking tour.

Is there a ticket for the Vatican Gardens?

There is a ticket that permits the visit at the Vatican Gardens.

Which kind of tour can I do at the Vatican Gardens?

It is possible to book a tour with ecological bus with multilingual Audio Guide, a group tour with a guide or a visit with private guide.

Where is the entrance for the Vatican Museums?

If you have the reservation for the Vatican Museum, it is necessary to entry from Viale Vaticano from the main entry of the Vatican Museum.

What is included in the tour of the Vatican Garden?

All the tours of the Vatican Garden include also the ticket to see the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which can be visited once that the visit at the Garden is finished.

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Vatican Gardens Tours with Audio Guide

Get skip the line vatican gardens open bus tour.

Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

You have the flexibility to change your Tour plans if needed Read more

Experience the Vatican Gardens like never before with tickets to the exclusive Vatican Gardens tours in open bus. Step aboard the open-air bus and receive your headphones and guidebook for an immersive Vatican audio tour.

Guided Tours of Vatican Gardens Itineraries

Everyday (Sunday off)

Tour Departure Point:

Via Paolo VI, 31, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

25 minutes before the scheduled start of the tour

Tour start time:

Travelers can choose the time while booking a tour

Explore Vatican Gardens Tours on Open Bus

The Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour is a journey of discovery. It takes you through the lush landscapes and hidden gems of the Vatican’s picturesque gardens. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect on your Vatican Gardens Bus Tour:

You will begin by boarding the open-air bus and setting off on your journey through the gardens. As you pass through the gates, you’ll be greeted by the sight of meticulously manicured lawns, serene fountains, and vibrant floral displays.

You’ll be making your way to the Vatican Palace. Here you’ll have the opportunity to admire the elegant frescoes and sculptures that adorn its walls.

Next, you’ll pass by the Pope’s residence and the famous Swiss Guard, two iconic landmarks that you won’t want to miss.

As we continue the Vatican Gardens Audio tour, we’ll take a stroll through the beautiful Vatican Gardens. Here you’ll be able to explore the various sections of the garden. Including the Grotte, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Niccoline Chapel, and much more. Our multilingual Vatican museum audio guide open bus tour of the Vatican Gardens makes the journey 10x enjoyable.

You can also make a stop at the Vatican Museum. Although a guided tour is not available there. But you can access through the Vatican Gardens tickets to see some of the most famous works of art in the world.

This Audioguide open bus tour of the Vatican Gardens will take approximately 45 Minutes. Our expert audio tour guide will provide you with a fascinating history and cultural significance of the Vatican Gardens. It will make this tour a truly unforgettable experience.

So get ready to be transported to a world of ancient heaven. Let’s explore the hidden gems of the guided tours of Vatican Gardens on our open-air bus.

What to see at Vatican Gardens Audio tour

Embark on a journey through the verdant oasis of the guided tours of Vatican gardens. Take in the breathtaking beauty of meticulously manicured lawns, serene fountains, and vibrant floral displays as you wind your way through this magnificent garden paradise.

Here’s what you can expect to see at Vatican Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour.

Vatican Palace:

The Vatican Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace. It serves as the official residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. It boasts a rich history dating back to the Renaissance era.

As the starting point of your tour, allocate around 5-7 minutes to admire the exterior of the Vatican Palace.

While you won’t enter the palace during the Vatican Gardens guided tour, you can admire its magnificent architecture from the outside. It includes Renaissance and Baroque elements. Look for intricate details such as statues, arches, and ornate facades.

Pope’s Residence and Swiss Guard:

The Pope’s residence is located in the Vatican City. It is where the current Pope resides. While its interiors are not accessible to the public, the exterior offers a glimpse into the daily life of the pontiff.

The Swiss Guard was established in the 16th century. It is one of the world’s oldest and smallest standing armies. Dressed in colorful uniforms reminiscent of the Renaissance era, they serve as the papal bodyguards and ceremonial guards.

Spend approximately 3-5 minutes passing by the Pope’s residence and observing the iconic Swiss Guard.

The Grotte:

This secluded area of the Vatican Gardens features lush greenery, winding pathways, and small grottoes adorned with religious sculptures and symbols. It provides a serene retreat away from the bustling city.

Allocate 7-10 minutes to explore the tranquil atmosphere of The Grotte.

Pinecone Courtyard:

Named after the colossal bronze pinecone sculpture at its center. The Pinecone Courtyard is surrounded by ancient statues. It serves as a tranquil gathering space within the Vatican Gardens.

Spend 5-7 minutes in the Pinecone Courtyard, soaking in the charming ambiance and admiring the architectural beauty of this picturesque setting.

Niccoline Chapel:

Built in the 15th century, the Niccoline Chapel is renowned for its breathtaking frescoes painted by Fra Angelico and his assistants. Although not accessible during the bus tour, its exterior offers a glimpse of its artistic splendor.

Dedicate 7-10 minutes to marvel at the exquisite frescoes and intricate details of the Niccoline Chapel.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel:

The Vatican Museums house one of the most extensive art collections in the world. It comes with masterpieces spanning various periods and styles. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps.

While not part of the Vatican Museums open bus tour, visitors can explore after the tour. With Skip-the-Line Vatican Gardens tour with open bus tickets they can explore the museums at their leisure. Immersing themselves in the rich artistic and cultural heritage preserved within its walls.

You can allocate additional time after the bus tour to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace. Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours or more to fully appreciate the vast collection of art and artifacts housed within the museums.

Our Multilingual tour guide will bring to life the rich history and cultural significance of the Vatican Gardens. This Vatican City Open Bus Tour is available in 7 different languages. English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. You choose your preference for the Audio Guide during the booking process.

Spotlight on Vatican Gardens Tickets

Explore Vatican Gardens on an open-air bus

The Audio guide provides a rich history and cultural significance

See Pope’s residence, Swiss Guard, and famous landmarks

Visit the Vatican Museum and see famous artworks with Vatican Museums Self Guided Tour

Marvel at Sistine Chapel frescoes by Michelangelo

Entrance fees to the Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museums

Audio guide in multiple languages

Transportation on an open-air bus

A knowledgeable Audio Tour Guide

Food and beverages

Gratuities (Tips) for the tour guide

Any other personal expenses

Audio Guide for the Vatican Museums

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: The disabled visitors who have verified invalidity of more than 74% are given free admission to the Vatican Museums. Additionally, free entry is offered to a companion for those tourists who are not self-sufficient.

We don’t offer free tickets for disabled visitors. These free entry tickets for the disabled and accompanying persons are distributed directly at the special permissions and/or reception desks in the museum hall upon presentation of an invalidity certificate. When necessary, a companion of a visitor with a disability is given priority skip-the-line entry.

If you need a wheelchair, you can obtain one from the Museum cloakroom for free with a valid ID and a deposit.

It’s not always simple for persons with disabilities to enter sites or museums, and many might not even be aware that they are entitled to free admission. The staff of the Vatican Museums is always sensitive to the needs of visitors with disabilities. The Vatican has made accessible to Blind and Deaf visitors by designing appropriate free tours that are offered upon request. Visitors with disabilities cannot tour the Vatican Gardens.

Ans: The Vatican Gardens by Open Bus tour is a guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through the Vatican Gardens aboard an open-air bus. It provides an overview of the lush greenery, historical monuments, and architectural wonders within the Vatican Gardens.

Ans: The Skip-the-Line Vatican Gardens Tour typically utilizes open-air buses specially designed for sightseeing purposes. These buses often feature panoramic windows and an open-top design, allowing passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the Vatican Gardens and its surroundings. Additionally, they are also equipped with audio commentary systems to provide informative narration throughout the tour.

Ans: Yes, tourists can visit the Vatican Gardens. However, access is typically restricted and requires a Vatican Gardens Guided Tour. The Vatican Gardens are part of the Vatican City State, the independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. These gardens are a private area of the Vatican and are not freely accessible to the public without proper authorization.

Visitors interested in exploring the Vatican Gardens can do so by booking guided tours offered by the Vatican Museum Tickets. These Vatican Gardens Audio tour provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the lush landscapes, historic monuments, and sacred sites. Such tours teach about their history and significance from knowledgeable guides.

Ans: The Vatican Gardens are not generally open to the public without authorization. Access to the gardens is restricted. Visitors are required to join guided tours of Vatican Gardens or obtain special Vatican Gardens tickets to enter. The Vatican Gardens are part of the Vatican City State, a sovereign city-state within Rome, and they serve as a private retreat for the Pope and the Vatican officials.

To visit the Vatican Gardens, you will need to make a reservation for Vatican Gardens open bus tour through us. Our guided tours provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the gardens while learning about their history, significance, and the various landmarks within the area.

Ans: Yes, a Guided tour is available for our Vatican Garden tours. The most convenient option available here is an Audio guide accessible in 7 languages. This offer is often limited, so it is advisable to book your ticket in advance.

Ans: Yes. your Vatican City bus tour includes skip-the-line access, which allows you to avoid large queues. You will also be provided with a reservation ticket with an ecological open bus to tour around the Vatican Gardens.

Ans: No, the Vatican Gardens bus tour is only limited to Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Museums audio guide is not included. But you can visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on your own using the same Vatican Gardens tickets only after completing your Vatican Gardens Tour. But that would be Vatican Museums Self Guided Tour.

Ans: No, the Vatican Gardens audio-guided tour does not cover either the Vatican Museums audio guide or the Sistine Chapel audio guide. But you can use the same Vatican Gardens tickets to access the skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. But the audio guide is not involved there.

The visiting hours at the Museum can be changed due to special events at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Ans: Yes, Vatican City mostly contains religious sites, so there is a strict dress code all year round that has to be maintained by men and women. Visitors’ shoulders must be covered and their pants/skirts must be below the knee.

Also one must wear comfortable shoes during the tour as this tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Ans: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the Vatican Gardens Bus tour, as visitors may have the opportunity to explore certain areas on foot. Additionally, attire should be respectful and adhere to the dress code guidelines for visiting Vatican City.

Ans: Absolutely! The Vatican Gardens are worth visiting for those seeking a unique and serene experience in the heart of Vatican City. Here are some reasons why the Vatican Gardens should be on your itinerary:

• Tranquil Oasis:

The Guided Tours of Vatican Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds and busy streets of Rome. Spanning approximately 57 acres, these beautifully landscaped gardens provide a tranquil oasis. Here visitors can relax, stroll along winding paths, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.

• Historical Significance:

The Vatican Gardens have a rich history that dates back to the Renaissance period. They were initially designed as private retreats for popes, providing them with a secluded space for reflection and meditation. Vatican Gardens guided tour allows you to connect with centuries of papal history and experience a place that has been cherished by numerous pontiffs.

• Stunning Landscapes and Architecture:

The Vatican Gardens open bus tour boasts various flora, including meticulously maintained lawns, vibrant flower beds, and ancient trees. As you wander through the paths, you’ll encounter charming fountains, statues, and architectural elements. That adds to the visual appeal of the surroundings. From the top of the gardens, you can also enjoy panoramic views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.

• Hidden Treasures:

Within the Vatican Garden Tours, you’ll discover hidden treasures that are not accessible to the general public. This includes the Pope’s private heliport, the Teutonic Cemetery, and the grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. These exclusive sights offer a glimpse into the Vatican’s inner workings and provide a deeper understanding of its significance.

Ans: Opting for an audio-guided tour of the Vatican Gardens can greatly enhance your visit. Make it more worthwhile. Here are some reasons why the Vatican Gardens audio guide tour can be a valuable addition to your experience:

• Enhanced Understanding:

The Vatican Gardens have a rich history and are filled with symbolic elements that may not be immediately apparent to visitors. A Vatican audio tour provides in-depth information about the gardens, including their historical significance, and the purpose behind certain features. The stories are associated with specific areas. This knowledge can deepen your appreciation for the gardens and make the visit more meaningful.

• Detailed Explanations:

The Vatican audio guide offers detailed explanations about the various plants, trees, fountains, and architectural elements you encounter during the tour.

It can provide botanical insights, architectural styles, and anecdotes related to the design and development of the gardens. These explanations help you understand the craftsmanship and artistic significance of the features you see.

• Flexibility and Personalization:

With an audio guide, you have the freedom to explore the gardens at your own pace. You can pause, rewind, or replay the audio whenever you want. Using the Vatican Gardens walking tour, you can experience it all.

It ensures that you don’t miss any information or details that pique your interest. This flexibility allows you to personalize your experience and focus on the aspects that captivate you the most.

• Multilingual Narration:

Vatican Audio guides are available in multiple languages. It allows visitors from different countries to enjoy the tour. This ensures you can fully comprehend and engage with the information provided, enhancing your understanding and overall experience.

• Self-Guided Convenience:

The Vatican Gardens audio guide allows you to embark on a self-guided tour. It gives you the freedom to explore the gardens at your own pace and follow your own interests. You can take your time to soak in the peaceful ambiance, pause for photos, or simply enjoy the tranquility without feeling rushed by a guided group.

Ans: Audio guides offer several advantages for visitors exploring attractions or sites:

• Audio guides provide visitors with the flexibility to explore at their own pace.
• With an audio guide, visitors can enjoy a self-guided experience. Allowing them to immerse themselves in the attraction or site without being part of a group or following a tour guide.
• In comparison to guided tours, audio guides are often more cost-effective, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Audio guides provide consistent and standardized information to all visitors.

Ans: No, you cannot walk around the Vatican Gardens for free. The Vatican Gardens are part of the Vatican City State and are considered a separate attraction from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Access to the Vatican Gardens is typically limited. Vatican Museum and Garden Tickets are required to visit them.

To visit the Vatican Gardens, you must purchase a Vatican Gardens ticket or join a Vatican Gardens open bus tour to access the gardens. The cost of tickets or guided tours for the Vatican Gardens can vary. Kindly contact Vatican Museum Tickets for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ticket prices and availability.

Ans: Yes, you can walk around Vatican City. Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, located within the city of Rome, Italy. And after completing your Vatican Gardens open bus tour, you can walk around Vatican City all your own. Vatican audio tour is not available then, it is only limited to Vatican Gardens.

Ans: Access to the Vatican Gardens is limited. Visits were primarily conducted through guided tours. It is not open to the public without authorization. However, it’s worth noting that policies and offerings can change over time.

While it is not possible to visit the Vatican Gardens without a tour at this time. We offer an authorized Vatican Gardens open bus tour with a Vatican audio guide to visit it.

Our Vatican Gardens tour tickets offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling crowds and city noise. Take your time to appreciate the tranquility, listen to the sounds of nature, and find a quiet spot to relax and reflect.

Ans: The duration of a Vatican Garden tour can vary depending on your specific tour package. Generally, guided tours of the Vatican Gardens last approximately 45 minutes. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the highlights of the gardens, learn about their history and significance, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Vatican Gardens group tour may involve walking at a leisurely pace, with stops at various points of interest along the way.

It’s important to note that the Vatican Gardens cover a vast area, and some parts may not be accessible to visitors. Therefore, the tour will typically focus on the main areas that are open to the public. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Vatican Garden tour, it’s recommended to check with the Vatican Gardens tickets official site or contact Vatican Museum Tickets.

Ans: The Vatican Gardens tour price can vary depending on the specific tour package and the tour operator you choose. The Vatican Gardens tour cost started from around €56 per person. However, it’s important to note that these prices are subject to change. It’s recommended to contact us directly for the most up-to-date information on the Vatican Gardens entrance fee.

When planning your visit to the Vatican Gardens, it’s advisable to research different tour options, compare prices, and consider factors such as the duration of the tour, the level of access provided, and any additional services included in the package.

Ans: The main difference between a guided tour and an audio guide lies in how information is delivered to visitors:

Audio Guide:

• An audio guide is a pre-recorded audio commentary that visitors listen to while exploring an attraction or site independently.
• Visitors are provided with handheld devices or smartphones equipped with headphones, and they can listen to the commentary at their own pace.
• The audio guide offers information about the points of interest, providing historical background, explanations, and anecdotes.
• Visitors have the flexibility to move at their own pace, pause or replay sections of the commentary, and explore areas of interest independently.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages, allowing for accessibility to a broader range of visitors.

Guided Tour:

• A guided tour is led by a knowledgeable tour guide who provides live commentary and leads visitors through the attraction or site.
• The tour guide offers explanations, insights, and anecdotes about the tour. They share various points of interest, answering questions and engaging with the group.
• Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the guide, ask questions, and receive personalized attention.
• Guided tours typically follow a specific itinerary and schedule set by the tour operator.

Well, the choice between a guided tour and an audio guide tour depends on the visitor’s preferences. If you prefer a self-guided Vatican Gardens walking tour, then audio guided tour is for you.

Ans: Checking Vatican gardens tour with open bus reviews before booking can be a helpful step to ensure you have a positive experience.

Reviews from previous visitors can provide insights into the quality of the tour, the comfort and convenience of the open bus, the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, and overall customer satisfaction.

By reading reviews, you can get a sense of what to expect and make a more informed decision about whether the tour meets your expectations and preferences.

Additionally, reviews may highlight any potential issues or drawbacks that you may want to consider before booking.

Ans: Yes a discount is available for students under 26 years. To avail of this discount, students must bring a valid student ID during the time of the tour.

Ans: This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 6.

Children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are going to take this tour must be accompanied by an adult.

Ans: If you have any mobility issues, you have to contact us for private access. But one thing should be noted, the sites are not wheelchair accessible. So if you use one unfortunately you can’t visit this place.

Ans: Accessibility options may vary, but efforts are typically made to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. It’s advisable to inquire about wheelchair accessibility when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

Ans: Photography policies may vary, but visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the Vatican Gardens minibus tour. But follow the photography rules when you are inside the museums. Flash photography and tripods may be prohibited to preserve the environment and ensure the safety of visitors and landmarks.

Ans: If you booked the tour 72 hours before the travel time, no cancellation is allowed here.

Ans: It is best to be at the tour meeting spot 25 minutes early. The customer must arrive on time. If you arrive late or don’t show up, we are sorry but we cannot accommodate you because we are already at the tour destination with other participants. Furthermore, the Vatican tour ticket price is non-refundable. A refund or cancellation of the Vatican Gardens Tickets is not possible. As a result, if you miss it, you will not be refunded your ticket money.

Ans: Yes, we have a hotel pick-up/drop-off service available. But this is optional and comes with an extra charge. You have to choose the hotel transportation service during the tour booking process and based on the availability we arrange the transportation for your group.

Ans: Call us at +39 062 757 630 to cancel any trip; we’re available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please review other cancellation-related FAQ of this tour and the Cancellation Policy of Vatican Museum Tickets before canceling this tour.

Ans: At Vatican Museum Tickets, we are acutely aware of the circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are solely responsible for keeping you up to date with the most correct information.

After the post-COVID-19, reserving your ticket online is required to avoid unnecessary gathering in the ticket office.

There is no longer a requirement for a Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or test certificate to access the Vatican. Furthermore, there is no certificate needed to enter restaurants, museums, historical sites, etc. When traveling to Vatican City, there is no need for quarantine.

You need to take the following measures while on the tour:

• You are required to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose the entire time you are here. Wearing a mask is still required in some locations.
• Maintain a social distance while on the tour.
• While entering the venues, the visitor’s temperature could be checked. A body temperature of 37.5° C or above may prevent entry to the location.
• Due to social distance, guided tours now only allow a certain number of participants, including the guides.

Visit Covid-19 Update for the latest travel information at the Vatican.

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A Guide to Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tours & Tickets in Italy

22 Nov 2023 Vatican

Welcome, fellow explorers and enthusiasts of all things Italian! Get ready to dive into the captivating world of Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour Italy. We’re about to unveil the secrets of this lush haven right in the heart of Vatican City. This comprehensive guide isn’t just about tours. It’s a journey through history, nature, and enchantment.

Nestled within the sovereign city-state of the Vatican. The Vatican Gardens are a living canvas of art, spirituality, and horticultural wonders. As we navigate this green oasis, our guide will reveal the beauty of the Vatican Gardens. We also shed light on the unique experience an open bus tour brings to this timeless spectacle.

Imagine a sunny afternoon, the air filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The gentle hum of an open bus winds through meticulously manicured landscapes. This is more than a tour. It’s a symphony of senses. A dance between the ancient and the contemporary. All against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Join us as we navigate ticket options and uncover hidden gems within the gardens. And provide insider tips to make your journey not just informative but truly unforgettable. This guide is your key to unlocking the treasures that await in the Vatican Gardens.

So, buckle up (metaphorically, of course). Start exploring Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tours & Tickets in Italy. Let the adventure begin!

What is the Vatican Open bus tour?

The Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour is not merely a journey. It’s a portal into the soul-stirring fusion of history, culture, and natural splendor. Imagine a charismatic guide on wheels. An open-roofed bus inviting you to explore the heart of the Catholic world in a way that transcends the ordinary.

As you step aboard, the cityscape transforms into a living tapestry of stories. The Vatican, a treasure trove of antiquity, unfolds before your eyes. The breeze tousles your hair as you glide through the iconic streets. The sun casts a golden glow on the centuries-old architecture.

But this isn’t your average bus tour; it’s a curated odyssey. The open roof becomes your window to a panorama of marvels. Offering unobstructed views of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museums. And not to forget the Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

It’s not just a ride. It’s an immersive experience where every turn reveals another layer of the Vatican’s rich narrative. The guided tours of the Vatican gardens help you transport through the annals of history. You’re not just a spectator. You’re an active participant in the unfolding drama of art and spirituality.

Facts and History of Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens is located within Vatican City. There is a collection of gardens and green spaces that cover approximately 57 acres (23 hectares). Here are some facts and historical details about the Vatican Gardens:

Creation and Development:

• The Vatican Gardens were established during the Renaissance period. It has undergone various changes and expansions over the centuries.
• Pope Nicholas III (1277-1280) is often credited with the initial creation of a garden at the Vatican.

Layout and Design:

• The gardens are situated within the Vatican City walls. They are adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica.
• They feature a combination of formal and informal gardens. With a variety of plants, flowers, fountains, and statues.
• The design incorporates both classical and Renaissance elements.

Access and Visitors:

• The Vatican Gardens are not typically open to the general public. Access is usually restricted to guided tours. Visitors can explore them with the guidance of an official Vatican guide.
• The tours provide an opportunity to see the lush greenery, various plant species, and historical elements within the gardens.

Historical Significance:

• The Vatican Gardens hold historical and religious significance. As they are located within the Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world. It is also the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Some areas of the gardens are associated with important events in the history of the Catholic Church.

Art and Sculptures:

• The Vatican Gardens house numerous statues, sculptures, and artworks. Including pieces from different historical periods.
• Some sculptures in the gardens are ancient. While others were added during the Renaissance and subsequent periods.

Papal Residences:

• The Vatican Gardens are adjacent to various papal residences. Including the Apostolic Palace and the papal apartments.
• Popes throughout history have used the gardens as a place for relaxation and contemplation.

Restorations and Conservation:

• The Vatican Gardens have undergone restoration. And conservation efforts to preserve their historical and cultural value.
• Efforts are made to maintain the original design principles. While ensuring the sustainability and health of the plant life.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability within the Vatican City. Including initiatives related to the Vatican Gardens. Pope Francis, in particular, has been vocal about environmental issues and the need for ecological responsibility.

The Best time to visit Vatican Gardens

Visiting the Vatican Gardens is a unique and exclusive experience. Access is generally restricted to guided tours. The timing of these tours can vary. Here are some considerations for the best time to visit the Vatican Gardens:

Guided Tours:

Access to the Vatican Gardens is typically granted through guided tours. Organized by the official Vatican Museums. Or you can book through Rome Tour Tickets. The availability of tours may be limited. It’s essential to check the official Vatican Museums website. Or contact us directly to inquire about the current schedule.

Seasonal Considerations:

The gardens can be visited throughout the year. However, the experience may vary depending on the season.

• Spring (April to June) is often considered an ideal time as the gardens are in full bloom. Showcasing vibrant colors and lush greenery.
• Autumn (September to October) is another pleasant time to visit. with cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds, makes it ideal.

Consider the weather when planning your visit. The gardens are primarily outdoors. So a day with mild temperatures and clear skies can enhance the experience.

Avoid extreme weather conditions. Such as very hot summer days, to ensure a comfortable visit.

Special Events and Liturgical Calendar:

The Vatican Gardens may be closed or have limited access. Especially during special events, ceremonies, or significant dates in the liturgical calendar.

Check the Vatican Museums’ official website for any announcements. Or contact Rome Tour Tickets regarding closures or limited access on specific dates.

Booking in Advance:

Due to the restricted access and high demand, it’s advisable to book your guided tour in advance. This ensures that you secure a spot and allows you to plan your visit more effectively.

Time of Day:

Morning tours are often recommended for a more serene and peaceful experience. The gardens are likely to be quieter. And the lighting can be particularly beautiful.

Keep in mind that the guided tours of Vatican Gardens are part of a comprehensive tour. It may also include other areas of Vatican City.

Papal Audience Days:

Look for the schedule of papal audiences and events in St. Peter’s Square. As it can influence the availability of tours and access to certain areas. Including the Vatican Gardens.

Always check the latest information and guidelines from the Vatican Museums. As policies and access may change. Additionally, consider your personal preferences. Such as whether you prefer a more tranquil experience. Or if you are willing to navigate larger crowds during peak times.

How to visit Vatican Gardens?

Step 1: Choose a Tour Option:

The Vatican Gardens are typically part of a Vatican City tour and museums – open bus. It includes other areas of Vatican City, such as the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Select a tour option that suits your interests and preferences. Some tours focus specifically on the gardens. While others provide a broader exploration of Vatican City.

Also while doing so make sure to book your ticket in advance. As this is a high-demand tour. Also due to the limited number of visitors allowed at one time. So it’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance. Book this Vatican Gardens tours from Rome Tour Tickets. They are authorized resellers of this tour.

Step 2: Arrive on Time:

Plan to arrive at the designated meeting point for your tour on time. Late arrivals may result in missing the tour. Access to the Vatican Gardens is generally restricted to guided groups.

At Rome Tour Tickets we advised the visitor to arrive at least 25 minutes prior to the tour. It will ensure a smooth transition for the traveler.

Step 3: Follow the Dress Code and Rules:

The Vatican has a strict dress code for visitors. Ensure that you dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing hats or clothing with offensive messages or graphics. Follow any additional rules provided by the tour organizers.

Step 4: Join the Guided Tour:

Once you have your tickets, join the guided tour group at the designated meeting point. Tours are typically led by knowledgeable guides. At Rome Tour Tickets, this guided tours of Vatican Gardens is available in 7 different languages. Such as English, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. Our multilingual tour guide provides information about the history, art, and significance of the Vatican Gardens.

Step 5: Enjoy the Tour:

Take in the beauty of the gardens, sculptures, and historical landmarks. Listen to the guide’s commentary to gain insights into the cultural and religious significance. This audio tour helps you understand the ancient masterpieces and the story beneath them.

Step 6: Complete the Tour:

The audio-guided tour will likely cover specific areas of the Vatican Gardens. It may conclude in another part of Vatican City, such as St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

So after your comprehensive tour of Vatican Gardens. Take a relaxing skip-the-line dip at Vatican City tour and museums – open bus. The audio guide is not available there.

Remember that access to the Vatican Gardens is subject to availability. It’s crucial to check the latest information on the official website for the most up-to-date details.

Highlights of the Vatican Gardens Bus Tour

The Vatican Gardens are a lush and culturally rich green space within Vatican City. It offers a variety of attractions, sculptures, and historical landmarks. The specific details of what you can see may depend on the route of your guided tour. Here are some key features and masterpieces often included in private tour of the Vatican gardens and museums.

Circumference of Vatican City:

A bus tour around the Vatican Gardens often provides visitors with a view. Not just any view. A view of the entire circumference of Vatican City. It offers a unique perspective of the world’s smallest independent state.

The Gardens’ Layout:

The Vatican Gardens are intricately designed with a mix of formal and informal elements. The layout includes various thematic areas, pathways, and open spaces.

Fountain of St. Peter’s Square:

The tour often begins near the Fountain of St. Peter’s Square. An iconic landmark designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It’s a beautiful starting point before entering the Vatican Gardens.

Obelisk and Spherical Sundial:

Within the gardens, you may encounter an Egyptian obelisk. Surrounded by a circular area that functions as a spherical sundial. This is a fascinating combination of ancient and Renaissance elements.

The Green Wall:

One distinctive feature is the “Green Wall.” A structure covered in a variety of plant species. Providing both an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly element.

Renaissance Loggias:

The tour often takes you through Renaissance loggias (covered galleries). It with beautifully crafted arches and columns, offering scenic views of the gardens.

Vatican Radio Station:

You might pass by the Vatican Radio Station. An important media center for the Vatican. It emphasizes the integration of modern technology within this historical setting.

Bramante’s Casino:

The Casino di Pio IV was designed by Bramante. It is an architectural gem within the Vatican Gardens. This Renaissance building is known for its harmonious proportions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And within this Vatican Gardens bus tour, you might see that as well.

Statues and Sculptures:

The gardens are adorned with numerous statues and sculptures. Including classical and contemporary pieces. Notable sculptures often include religious figures, historical figures, and depictions of nature.

Gregorian Tower and Vatican Observatory:

The Gregorian Tower and Vatican Observatory are part of the Vatican Gardens complex. The observatory has played a role in the history of astronomy. It is associated with the Vatican Observatory – one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world.

The gardens surround various papal residences. Showcasing the intimate connection between the popes and this green oasis. Some areas may have been used for private reflection and contemplation by different pontiffs.

St. Peter’s Basilica Views:

Depending on the route, you may have vantage points offering stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica and its iconic dome.

How to properly spend at Vatican Gardens

Spending time at the Vatican Gardens is like a no-brainer game. There is so much to see and experience that you do not have enough time. But if you want to experience it to the fullest within this short period of time. This guide is for you.

Look for specialized tours that focus on specific themes or aspects of the Vatican Gardens. Some tours may emphasize art and history. Or the spiritual significance of the space. Choose accordingly what you want to get a more fulfilling experience.

Already mentioned this point, but we can’t say enough. Opt for a morning or evening tour for a quieter and more atmospheric experience. The soft light during these times can enhance the beauty of the gardens. And the atmosphere is generally more tranquil. So go for it.

Consider a private tour or a tour with a small group on this ecological bus tour. Smaller groups allow for a more intimate experience. It enables you to ask questions and interact with the guide more easily.

If possible, visit the Vatican Gardens during different seasons. It helps to witness the changing colors and blooming flowers. Spring and early summer may showcase vibrant blossoms, while autumn brings rich foliage.

Check for special events or open-air concerts that occasionally take place in the Vatican Gardens. Attending one of these events can add a unique cultural dimension to your visit.

Take advantage of the serene atmosphere for meditation or contemplation. Find a quiet spot to sit and absorb the spiritual ambiance of the Vatican Gardens.

Pay attention to the diverse plant life within the gardens. Some tours offer insights into the botanical aspects. Highlighting rare and unique plant species.

Some tours may offer nighttime visits when the gardens are illuminated. This provides a completely different perspective. And adds a touch of magic to the experience.

If you’re visiting with children, look for tours that have interactive elements designed for younger audiences. Educational and engaging activities can make the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

Inquire about the Vatican’s environmental initiatives within the gardens. Some tours may provide insights into sustainability efforts. And how the Vatican is promoting eco-friendly practices.

Bring a camera and capture unique angles of sculptures, fountains, and architectural elements. The Vatican Gardens offer plenty of picturesque views that can become lasting memories.

Spend a moment of reflection at the Lourdes Grotto. Which is a replica of the grotto in Lourdes, France. It’s a peaceful spot for personal contemplation.

FAQs about Vatican Gardens Tours and Tickets

Are the vatican gardens worth visiting.

Answer: Absolutely, the Vatican Gardens are unquestionably worth visiting. It offers a multifaceted experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attraction. This verdant sanctuary within the heart of the Vatican is not just a collection of plants and flowers. It’s a living canvas of history, spirituality, and artistic brilliance.

The gardens are steeped in history, dating back to medieval times. They have witnessed the unfolding of centuries of papal events. Making every tree and pathway a silent witness to the rich tapestry of the Vatican’s past.

The gardens are adorned with architectural gems, including fountains, statues, and monuments. The juxtaposition of lush greenery against these masterpieces creates a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity.

Opting for a Vatican city tour and museums – open bus adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The elevated vantage point offers unparalleled views. It allows you to appreciate the grandeur of the gardens and the surrounding Vatican City in a unique way.

If you have the opportunity, exploring the Vatican Gardens is an enriching and rewarding experience.

Can you visit the Vatican Gardens without a tour?

Answer: No, access to the Vatican Gardens is typically allowed only through guided tours organized by the Vatican Museums.

Go for a Vatican Gardens open bus tour Italy tickets for an immersive experience.

What is the best way to tour the Vatican?

Answer: The best way to tour the Vatican is through a guided tour. It often includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

How long is the Vatican Garden Tour?

Answer: The duration of the Vatican Garden Tour varies. But it typically takes around 45 minutes to 2 hours. Depending on the specific itinerary and the pace of the tour group.

How big are the Vatican Gardens?

Answer: The Vatican Gardens cover approximately 57 acres. Which is equivalent to about 23 hectares. This green space is situated within Vatican City. The smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. The gardens feature a combination of formal and informal landscaping, statues, fountains, and historical monuments.

What is the Vatican Gardens entrance fee?

Answer: The entrance fee for the Vatican Gardens can vary depending on the type of tour and the specific package you choose. The Vatican Gardens are usually accessible through guided tours. The cost is the combination of guided tours for individuals – Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel. At Rome Tour Tickets you can access this tour at €49.

It’s important to note that fees and tour options are subject to change. So its recommended to contact us directly for the most up-to-date information on entrance fees, tour packages, and any special offers.

Embarking on a Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour in Italy promises a captivating journey. Securing your Vatican tickets in advance ensures a seamless and enriching encounter. It provides insight into the papal history, sculptures, and architectural gems.

As the bus winds through historic pathways, visitors have the chance to capture the essence of the Vatican Gardens from a unique perspective. So, whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff this guided bus tour promises an unforgettable journey.

Book your tickets and immerse yourself in the allure of this botanical haven. Get ready to uncover the secrets that make the Vatican Gardens a must-visit destination in the heart of Italy.

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Vatican Gardens and Open Bus Vatican&Rome

The visit to the Vatican Gardens, with an ecological Open Bus, will allow you to comfortably admire the beauties of the smallest state in the world, including great monuments, works of art and natural wonders.

The tour, carried out with the help of a multilingual audio guide (Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian), will lead you to the discovery of an unforgettable architectural and artistic project.

At the end of your visit to the Vatican Gardens, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic tour aboard our Vatican&Rome Open Buses with the support of an audio guide system in eight languages. You will discover events that have made history, you will learn anecdotes and you will appreciate the most beautiful views of the capital.

• Guaranteed access to the Vatican Gardens by reservation
• Panoramic ride aboard one of our Vatican&Rom e Open Buses (one round)
• Receive your tickets by email
• The panoramic tour by Open Bus does not necessarily have to be done on the same day as the visit of the gardens 

For more details on the map and timetables, see the dedicated page   Vatican&Rome Open Bus Service

What’s included

• Visit of the Vatican Gardens aboard an ecological minibus with multilingual audio guide (duration: approximately 45 minutes, there are no stops during the itinerary)
• Panoramic tour aboard one of our Vatican&Rome Open Buses (one round) with multilingual audio guide (duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)

What’s not included

• Entrance to the Vatican Museums
• Guided tour
• Anything not expressly indicated in the "What's included" section

Service Information

Adult participation fee € 28.00

Participation fee 6/17 years € 23.00

Office in Piazza Pio XII, 9 (near St. Peter's Square)

How to reach us:

• Metro : line A, Ottaviano - San Pietro stop
• Tram: 19, Piazza del Risorgimento plus a short walk (about 10 minutes)
• Bus: line 40 or 64. Lines 32, 81 or 982, Piazza del Risorgimento, terminal station(10 minutes on foot)

It is mandatory to book the date and time of the visit.

For information and reservations write to [email protected]

ANTI COVID SECURITY MEASURES:

To access the Vatican Gardens it is mandatory from 21/08/06 to present the Green Pass Covid-19 or equivalent document together with a valid identity document, wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth. The mask will be kept worn for the entire duration of the visit.

Each visitor will be subjected to body temperature checks. The check is mandatory.

The value of the experience

In the Vatican Gardens you can admire Mediterranean flowers and plants, exotic species imported from distant continents, green meadows, ancient trees, hedges, and even a small wood.

It is a unique concentration of architectural and artistic structures: temples, houses, caves, fountains, towers, ancient walls, statues, archaeological finds.

After your visit to the Vatican Gardens, comfortably seated on board one of our Vatican & Rome Open Buses, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic tour and take advantage of an audio guide system in eight languages that will accompany you on your visit to the capital.

Booking online coming soon For more information write to [email protected]

Add more experiences

Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Accompanied by an official guide you will discover the artistic treasures preserved in the Pope's museum.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Entrance into one of the world’s greatest museums.

The Vatican&Rome Open Bus service

Discover the Eternal City aboard our unmistakable yellow Vatican&Rome Open Bus and explore new routes using the fleet of our partners Big Bus Roma  and City Sightseeing Roma .

Rome is an open-air museum. Comfortably seated and with a multilingual audio guide system, you can look at the Eternal City from another point of view.

An experience loved by young and old.

• General conditions

• Vatican Guided Tours

Vatican Gardens - Open Bus Tour

Vatican Gardens Audio Guided Open Bus Tour

Duration: about 45 minutes

Availability: every day except Sunday

Audio guides language: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese

Starting Time: 9:00 am; 10:00 am; 11:00 am; 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm

The price of the tour includes: entrance ticket to the Vatican Gardens open Bus Tour with audio guide booking fees (5.00 € per person)

Check Availability for: Vatican Gardens - Open Bus Tour

IMPORTANT: children under 6 years of age are not admitted to this tour.

IMPORTANT: The tour is not currently accessible to wheelchair users.

electronic voucher accepted

Tour main features: A unique audio-guided tour that allows visitors to admire the hidden oasis of the Vatican City: the beautiful Vatican Gardens. On an ecologic open bus you will appreciate, comfortably seated, the treasures that this place has to offer.

Notes: - Proper attire is required, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

CANCELLATION POLICY NO REFUND OR CANCELLATION OF THE VATICAN GARDENS GUIDED TOUR IS ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

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Visiting the Vatican - Top tips you need to know!

By Elyssa Bernard

August 8, 2024

Planning on visiting the Vatican when you come to Rome?

Here's everything you need to know!

Visiting the Vatican - everything you need to know

Here is what you really need to know about visiting the Vatican:

• When to go ? (what time of year and time of day)
• What to see ? (St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and much more!)
• Which should you visit first, the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) or Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to skip the lines for Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to get tickets/skip the line to the Vatican museums ?
• Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel ? 
• Can you see the Sistine Chapel without crowds ?
• How do you visit the Vatican Gardens ?
• How do you visit St Peter's tomb ?
• How to plan all your Vatican visits for your trip ?
• How to get to the Vatican ?
• Where to eat near the Vatican ?

The first time I came to Rome as an adult, I missed seeing the Sistine Chapel because I had no idea the Vatican Museums closed at 2pm (long before smartphones and Google, ahem.) 

It must have been a Free Sunday, when the Vatican Museums are open and free but with reduced hours.

Now that I live here, I go often to Saint Peter's Basilica , Saint Peter's Square , and the Vatican Museums .

I also helped thousands of our guests plan their visits in the 17 years we ran our B&B .

Based on years of first-hand experience, I know what to do and what not to do.

You can avoid a stressful visit to the Vatican by reading my tips first!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISITING VATICAN CITY

• You don't need a passport.
• Vatican City is a separate state from Italy, with just over 500 residents.
• The two main places to visit are Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is.)
• The pope is head of Vatican City.
• The pope's church is not Saint Peter's Basilica. It is Saint John in Lateran.
• You can visit the Vatican, and you can stay nearby, but you cannot sleep inside the Vatican.

Visiting the Vatican - When to go

• There really is no "best day" for visiting Vatican City, i.e. when there are fewer people. The Vatican is Rome's most popular tourist destination and is pretty much always busy. You might consider Tuesday or Thursday as your best bets. Dates around a weekend can be a bit busier, and on Wednesday there is (usually) the Papal Audience , meaning even more crowds.
• In the mornings, many tour groups show up, including those offering early skip-the-line access. Also, people in general come early to try to "beat the line," so you may find the Vatican Museums much more crowded in the early morning than you expect, and  slightly less crowded in mid-afternoon.
• St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums tend to be even more crowded on Saturdays, when Rome fills up with weekend visitors.
• The Vatican Museum is closed Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month , when they are free . This is the most crowded day you can imagine for visiting the Vatican Museums .
• On Wednesdays (except for  July , when the pope generally takes a break), the pope holds an audience at St Peter's Basilica . In warmer months, it will be in Saint Peter's Square . In colder months, or if it's raining , it will be in an auditorium-type hall just to the left of the basilica. This means that the whole area will be packed due to all the people who attend the papal audience , many of whom visit the Vatican Museums after the audience.
• If you do visit Vatican City on a Wednesday, keep in mind that St Peter's Basilica will be closed until the papal audience is over (around 12-1pm.)
• As for time of year, winter low season months are best if you want to be more relaxed and find smaller crowds. This means most of December (except  December 8 , and Christmas through the Epiphany, January 6 ), January and February . Believe it or not, it's Vatican City is just as crowded between Christmas and January 6 as it is during summer .
• Here's  how and when to include visiting the Vatican in a 3-day itinerary in Rome .

IMPORTANT TIPS :

• To visit St Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, you must be properly dressed : no bare knees, midriffs or shoulders.
• Sandals and jeans are fine.
• Be careful when wearing knee-length shorts and skirts; the opinions of the Vatican guards as to what is acceptable may vary.
• You may wish to bring a scarf or sarong ,or wear the kinds of shorts that have attachable legs, such as hiking trousers .
• In a pinch, you will find plenty of vendors just outside the Vatican, who sell t-shirts or scarves.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Visiting the Vatican - What to see?

The main things to see when visiting the Vatican are  Saint Peter’s Basilica  and the  Vatican Museums .

You can see one and not the other, although v isiting both in a single day is very do-able.

Looking for Michelangelo's masterpieces?

Michelangelo’s Pietà is inside Saint Peter's Basilica .

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums .

Just try not to plan any other big visit like another museum or archeological site like the Colosseum  for the day you visit the Vatican, as you will be pretty exhausted.

Do you really want to visit the Vatican and Colosseum in one day? Here's how!

Or take the stress out of it by taking this "Rome in a Day" Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center.

St Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica  is a Renaissance-era church and by many standards, the world’s largest. 

The Vatican is a basilica but not a cathedral, as it does not have its own bishop.

The main cathedral of the “Bishop of Rome”, as the pope is called, is San Giovanni in Laterano, or Saint John in Lateran .

But the pope is head of Vatican City , where he resides.

It's a little confusing isn't it?

Anyway, just think of the Vatican as a huge church, with a lot to see inside.

Click here to read more about what exactly the Vatican is.

Click here to visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's Basilica and its history, and things to see and do there.

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St Peter's Dome

It's worth  visiting the basilica's dome , but you should know it can get a little crowded up there, and there are a LOT of steps.

The first level is 231 steps, but there is an elevator option.

( Someone in a wheelchair or with walking difficulties can take the lift to this first level.)

The second portion is another 320 steps, with no elevator option.

The dome gets narrower as you go up, so you will be climbing this part single file, and with the roof slanting over your head.

I say this as someone with a close relative with vertigo: you may want to avoid climbing the dome at the Vatican if you suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia.

But if none of that is an issue, then do it!

You'll love the views from up there, both of the church and of the surrounding city.

Visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's dome and how to climb it.

Michelangelo’s Pieta

My favorite piece of art inside of  St Peter's Basilica  is Michelangelo’s Pietà .

Actually, it may be my favorite piece of art in the world.

An exaggeration?

I can't help it...just look at it:

It’s on your right as soon as you walk inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

When I visited it with my mom, she cried, saying “look at her face, it’s just about a mother’s love for her child."

Unfortunately, someone wielding an axe once attacked it, and it’s now behind glass.

But you can still see it very well.

And take note of Mary’s face.

It’s really special when you see it in person.

Michelangelo Tidbit :

This was one of Michelangelo’s first major works.

He made it when he was only 22.

He was not sure people would know he did it, so he snuck in late one night and carved his name (Michelangelo Buonarroti) on Mary’s sash.

The Pietà is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed (or needed to sign.)

Vatican Grottoes - The Tombs of the Popes

Inside Saint Peter's Basilica, you can go down one level and see the area where some of the popes are buried.

Saint Peter is said to be entombed just underneath the church .

This is why many popes are also buried here. 

It's quite interesting to visit the popes' tombs , called the Vatican Grottoes   - there is a lot of history down there.

Don't worry, it's not dark or claustrophobic.

On the contrary, it's a huge open space full of light and lots to see (no photos allowed.)

To visit the Vatican Grottoes, get up close to Bernini's Baldachin and look for the entrance nearby.

It's free to visit the Vatican Grottoes.

You should make sure you are done visiting the basilica or have a plan to go back up, because the normal route through the grottoes has you exit the basilica entirely.

Not to be confused with St. Peter's tomb

When people talk about visiting the Vatican grottoes, they are referring to a place where you can see the tombs of many popes (as I wrote above.)

But this is not the same as visiting the  Vatican Necropolis , where St. Peter is said to be buried.

A  visit to Saint Peter’s tomb , also referred to as a scavi  visit, is a special and wonderful thing to do, and I highly recommend it.

(" Scavi " means "excavations".)

It is a delicate archeological site, and they only take 250 people in per day, in 12-person tours at a time, so you must  book way in advance . (No photos allowed.)

NEW FOR 2024!

The archeological area of the Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now open for visitors.

This is an ancient Roman burial site that is within the Vatican walls and before now was very difficult to get access to.

You can only enter as part of an official Vatican tour group, and tickets need to be purchased through the official website .

This is an entirely separate visit, so you will not have access to either St Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Click here to watch my YouTube video about it and see what it's like!

The Vatican Museums

The second major site to visit at the Vatican is the Vatican Museums.

This is the part about Vatican City that will take most of your time and energy.

The Vatican Museum contains the world’s largest private art collection (and just imagine that much of the art they own is not even on display!)

They are called "museums" and not just singular "museum" because the museums were started in 1506 and have been added to many times over the centuries.

They now occupy many different buildings all connected to on another.

That's one reason there is so much to see!

You will see a lot of art inside the Vatican Museums, including paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts, and much more.

I think the number one thing people want to see when they visit is the Sistine Chapel.

For more about the Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel, visit my dedicated pages:

• Visiting the Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel
• Visiting the Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museums Must Sees
• Vatican Museums Tickets
• Vatican Museums Tours
• Vatican Secret Rooms

More things you will see at the Vatican:

Besides the two main sites - the museums (Sistine Chapel) and the basilica, there are more things you will see when you visit Vatican City.

Look for these as you walk around:

St. Peter's Square

It would be easy to take Saint Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro in Italian, for granted.

After all, if you're beelining to get into the basilica, you might be focused on the security queues and wondering how long you will have to wait.

But St. Peter's Square, also called Vatican Square, is worth visiting and enjoying by itself.

It's the only part of Vatican City you can visit without any tickets or queuing.

If you have very limited time , you may even decide that this is about as much as you want to see of Vatican City, since everything else involves queues and/or tickets plus an involved visit inside.

Click here to visit my page all about St. Peter's Square, its history, and what to see.

The Swiss Guard

You might spy one or more of the Swiss Guard at the gate to Vatican City.

The Swiss Guard wear different outfits depending on their duties, but they are all dressed in costumes originally designed in the early 1500s (although not by Michelangelo, an urban myth.)

The Swiss Guard have a specific duty to guard the pope's life and Saint Peter's Basilica.

They are the world's smallest army and they are well trained.

You will not see the Swiss Guard at the Vatican Museums.

There, you will see Vatican Museums guards who dress in more modern attire.

The Leonine Walls

In the 9th century, Pope Leo IV had defensive walls built around Vatican City following the sacking by raiders of Old St. Peter's Basilica in 846.

You can still see those walls today in and around the Vatican, especially if you visit the Vatican Gardens .

You can also see parts of these walls surrounding Saint Peter's Square on the side where the security gates are, and along the way from the Vatican to nearby Castel Sant'Angelo .

Click here to read a more detailed yet brief history of the Vatican.

The Vatican Post Office

Don't miss a visit to the Vatican Post Office if you want to mail any postcards. 

It's easier and more efficient than going to the Italian Post Office, and your mail will get there faster!

There is also a Vatican mailbox up on the roof ( Saint Peter's Dome ), and usually another post office in Saint Peter's Square .

More sites you can visit in Vatican City

Besides Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, there are some more sites you can visit in Vatican City.

You have to pay for these (and for the scavi and gardens, you must book in advance.)

You will find more details about each one on their respective dedicated pages:

• Saint Peter's Tomb (Vatican Necropolis or Scavi )
• Saint Peter's Dome
• Vatican Gardens

Which to see first - The Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter's Basilica?

If you book a tour of the Vatican, usually this means taking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums , which ends with the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours include taking the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel into St Peters Basilica.

There has been some back and forth recently about whether the shortcut is available or not, but as of 2024, it is once again the case that  you can only take the shortcut  from the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

The Vatican can, and does, change their mind frequently on this matter, so if it is important to you to be able to take this shortcut, I recommend booking a tour that ends in St Peter's Basilica to be on the safe side.

If you are on a tour that ends in the Basilica the decision is made for you.

But if you are taking a Vatican Museums tour that does not include the Basilica, or if you are visiting the Vatican Museums on your own, you'll have to decide what order to visit the museums and the basilica in, assuming you want to visit both on the same day, which many people do.

How long does it take to visit the Vatican Museums?

To  visit the Vatican Museums  (where the Sistine Chapel is),  you need a purchase a ticket  (unless you  come on the Free Sunday .)

Once inside, even if you go quickly, you will need about 2 hours for this this visit.

If you are not able to take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to Saint Peter's basilica, you will exit the museums where you entered them.

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from Saint Peter's Square and the entrance to the basilica.

Click here to see a map of Vatican City and how far apart the entrances of the Museums and the Basilica are  (it opens in a new window.)

St Peter's Basilica Shortcut

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

The shortcut is open from 9:30 am - 5 or 5:30PM, and it's ONLY accessible to tour companies or private guides that you book OUTSIDE the Vatican Museums website.

The Vatican Museums does not have any ticket or tour that includes the shortcut.

This means that you won't have access to the shortcut during the  KeyMaster tour , the  Extra Time tour , or any other tour that does not specifically include the basilica.

If you book any tour of the Vatican Museums, you can check the details to see if it finishes in the  Sistine Chapel  or the basilica.

Click here to view a map of Vatican City  (it will open in a new page.)

How long does it take to visit Saint Peter's Basilica?

A visit inside Saint Peter's Basilica could take anywhere from 1-2 hours, not including the time you spend in line waiting to go through security (assuming you go through security in the front and do not take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel.)

To visit Saint Peter's Basilica, you do not need (nor can you buy) tickets, as it's free to go inside.

But you do have to wait in the line for security, which is airport-style - there is an x-ray machine to put your items in and you will walk through a metal detector.

And that can cause the queues to get pretty long.

Lately, the lines to get into Saint Peter's Basilica have been so long, they are looping back again around the square.

Wondering which tour to take of the Vatican Museums?

Visit my page about Vatican Museum tours to find out all the options!

If you book a Vatican Museums tour that does not allow you access to the Basilica, and/or you want to visit the Basilica separately, even on a different day, I'd suggest getting to Saint Peter's Basilica when it opens at 7 AM (if you want to avoid the line).

The lines are longest from about 10 AM - 5 PM, and in high season can be long throughout the day, even from 7 AM until closing!

Skipping the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica

The easiest way to skip the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica is to visit it using the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel (which currently is only available on booked museum tours that end in Saint Peter's Basilica).

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

If you only plan to visit Saint Peter's Basilica, and not the museums, or you decide to visit these two sites separately, you can avoid the queues by following the tips in my video above:

• Come when it opens at 7 AM
• Come in Low Season
• Book a visit to Saint Peter's tomb
• Use the Pilgrims' entrance - reserved for prayer or attending mass or confession

Wondering where the bathrooms are at the Vatican?

Find out here .

Brief History of Vatican City eBook

The history of the Vatican stretches back thousands of years, and to know everything about this incredible micro-state would take a lifetime to learn.

With this eBook, discover the brief history of Vatican City - where it got its name, who built the basilica, where the Popes are buried and more!

Topics covered include:

• Details about the Vatican's origin , going back to the time of Ancient Rome
• The role important artists such as Michelangelo played in the creation of the Vatican as we know it today 
• How the Vatican came to be an independent city state within the boundaries of Rome

What else is included in this Brief History of Vatican City e-book?

• 50+ pages of information covering all areas of the Vatican's history
• Dozens of stunning and original photos showcasing the Vatican
• Insightful diagrams and drawings to help illustrate the more detailed elements of the Vatican's history
• + much more!

Look inside:

Skipping the line to get into the Vatican Museums

This may be the number 1 question I get about visiting Rome - How to skip the line for the Vatican Museums?

It's quite simple:

• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through the Vatican's website . This means that you will not have to stand in the line waiting to buy tickets. You will, however, have to wait in a very short line of others like you, who have pre-booked tickets and have to pick them up. (The tickets you purchase in advance are more of a voucher, and they must be converted into physical paper tickets to enter the museums.) You also still need to go through security as everyone does. So you do not entirely skip the line, but your line will be much shorter.
• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through a ticket reseller . There is usually a small surcharge for this but it can be worth it due to 1) Ease of use and/or 2) the possibility of finding tickets available here when tickets are not available on the Vatican Museums' website.
• You can purchase an Omnia Pass  or Turbo Pass . These will also get you a tour with a guide from the Vatican Museums, as above. It’s not as simple as it sounds and you will need to be careful to understand what you are getting into. Click here to go to my page about the Roma Pass and Omnia Pass  or to this page about other Rome City Passes for more details about these passes.
• You can  book a tour of the Vatican Museums , either with a tour company or with the Vatican Museums themselves. Your entry tickets are included in the tour, so you only have to go through the security line.
• If you book a visit to the Vatican Gardens , skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums are included!
• I do not recommend this at all, but if you have not booked tickets, and they are sold out online, and you find yourself arriving at the Vatican Museums, you will ALWAYS find touts selling you a skip-the-line ticket or tour. I don't recommend it because you cannot be sure they are legit, and if they are, you have no idea what kind of tour you are getting. I also just can't stand, in principle, to be so bombarded by these guys every time I am within a mile of Vatican City. But it can be a good option if it's your last recourse and the lines are crazy long. Just be aware that  only licensed tour guides may give tours inside Vatican City .

Visiting the Vatican Museums with a Guide

Most Vatican City tourism consists primarily of a visit inside the Vatican Museums, which always includes  the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours also include a visit or even a tour inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

You may expect a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Basilica to last roughly three hours total.

To find out about the many different kinds of tours you can book, visit my page about Vatican Museum Tours , which breaks down your options between group tours, early access tours, semi-private tours and more.

Can you just see the Sistine Chapel?

No, you cannot just see the Sistine Chapel .

To see the Sistine Chapel , you must go through the entire Vatican Museums, which can take at least 2 hours if you tour it and see the highlights .

The Sistine Chapel is at the very end. 

That said, if you are interested in an "Express Tour" of the Sistine Chapel, you can book this tour that skips the line then beelines to the Sistine Chapel and finishes in Saint Peter's Basilica .

This tour is only 1 hour and 45 minutes and does not include a tour of the rest of the Vatican Museums.

You do still have to walk through them, but the focus of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica.

(If you are really pressed for time, you could peel off once you get to the basilica and just not finish the tour.)

is it worth taking the time to explore the museums?

I really do believe that visiting the Vatican museums  is absolutely worth doing in its entirety, even if you really only wanted to see the Sistine Chapel.

The  rest of the museums   are truly wonderful.

You have the Raphael rooms, the maps gallery, the floor-to-ceiling tapestries, papal apartments, Etruscan art, and  so much more.

Click here to visit my page about the top 10 Vatican Museums must-sees.

I highly suggest  taking a tour  to visit the museums. 

They will take care of getting your tickets.

But if you go your own without a tour, you could get the audio guide, or follow my instructions here for the best way to visit the Vatican Museums .

And you will have to book your tickets on your own .

If you are heading to the Vatican in the morning, as I said above, I suggest you visit Saint Peter’s Basilica first, and the museums later, because the queues for Saint Peter's Basilica have gotten so long (sometimes it's a 1-2 hour wait to get in!)

If you decide to go to the Vatican Museums first, just make sure to leave enough time to stand in line to visit Saint Peter's so that you get inside while there is still some daylight, so you can enjoy the sun coming through all the stained glass.

Here's a great Vatican Highlights Tour with St. Peter’s Dome Climb .

Can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

Perhaps the easiest way to see the Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds is to come in really low season .

But we hardly have a low season anymore in Rome, and even when we do, somehow the Vatican is always still crowded.

So how can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

It is possible!

With the below tours, you will have a VIP, exclusive experience, and you'll get to enjoy the Sistine Chapel almost alone :

Open the Vatican Museums with the Key Master

On this exclusive tour with Walks of Italy , you will have true VIP access to the Vatican museums - literally accompanying the guard who opens all the doors to get the museums ready for visits.

You will accompany the Vatican Museums Key Master as you walk through the museums, turning on the lights, even inside the Sistine Chapel!

Watch my video to see what it's like:

How to plan all your Vatican trips during your stay

The typical way of visiting the Vatican is to spend half a day seeing the  Vatican Museums  and  Saint Peter's Basilica .

These are both easy to fit into a typical  3-day visit to Rome .

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

I have found that often when people can get tickets to special things at the Vatican, like St Peters tomb (the Vatican Necropolis, or scavi), the Papal Audience, or the Vatican Gardens, they often want to also visit the Vatican Museums on the same day.

Here's my advice for visiting Vatican City when you want to see more than just the Vatican Museums:

Including the Papal Audience

How to visit the vatican museums and attend the papal audience.

Papal Audience tickets  are not difficult to come by, and since it's "in the morning", many visitors assume it would be a good idea to go to the Vatican Museums right after the audience.

I don't agree.

If you are really short on time, then, you CAN go to the Vatican Museums after the Papal Audience.

It's just that this is going to make for a pretty exhausting day.

To go to the Papal audience, you need to get there by 8am to get a decent spot, let alone a seat.

The audience begins around 9:30 AM and finishes around noon.

You'll probably want to grab at least a snack or lunch somewhere in there .

This means going inside the museums from about 2 PM once you have made your way to the Vatican Museum entrance.

If you also visit St. Peter's Basilica after the museums (which is typical), that is a 3-4 hour visit.

And a very long day.

(Also, if you want to climb the dome , you likely won't get there in time.)

My suggestion?

If you can break these visits up over two days, I would.

Attend the Papal Audience and then go inside Saint Peter's Basilica (and climb the dome if you want.)

Then on a separate day, visit the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel.

Including a visit to the Scavi (St Peter's tomb)

How to visit the vatican museums and also take a scavi tour.

At the end of the  scavi  tour (St. Peter's tomb), you wind up inside  Saint Peter's basilica .

So you will already see that.

You could also  climb St. Peter's dome  if you have time and energy.

Visiting the Vatican Museums takes easily 2.5 - 3 hours, and that does not include the time it takes GETTING there once you leave the basilica.

If you are coming to the museums from St. Peter's basilica, you need to factor in about 15-20 minutes' walk to the Vatican museums entrance.

This is after you've already done a 1.5 hour scavi tour, and spent time walking around one of the largest churches in the world.

So as you can see, adding the Vatican Museums makes it a pretty exhausting day.

If you need to do it all in one day, make sure to book your scavi tour first, then book your museums visit with at least 4 hours between visits.

Break this up over two days.

Book the scavi tour.

You have no control over when they will grant you tickets, so if you are lucky enough to get them, you can then book other things around that. 

Plan to see St. Peter's basilica (and climb the dome) on this day.

Then, book your Vatican Museums visit for another day. 

HOW TO VISIT ST PETERS TOMB, THE VATICAN MUSEUMS (SISTINE CHAPEL), AND ATTEND THE PAPAL AUDIENCE

You are definitely going to need two days.

First book the scavi visit  which is never on a Wednesday mornings anyway (the Papal Audience is on Wednesdays.)

Plan to  visit St Peter's Basilica  after that, since you will come out into the basilica after the tour anyway.

If you want to  climb St Peter's dome , you will do it on this day.

This is a pretty long and full day by itself.

Then, once you get your  Papal Audience tickets , book your tickets or tour of the Vatican Museums for after the audience (even if I said above I discourage doing all this in one day, at least if you don't include the basilica it's a little less tiring).

This will be a very full and long day also.

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Including a visit to the Vatican Gardens

If you want to visit the vatican gardens and visit the scavi (st. peter's tomb).

TWO Vatican Gardens

On this page, I'm referring to the gardens inside Vatican City , i.e. directly behind Saint Peter's Basilica.

There are ALSO papal gardens at the Pope's summer residence, the Apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo.

To learn more about the gardens at Castel Gandolfo and how to visit them (it's easy!), visit my dedicated page here.

If you are able to get tickets to St. Peter's tomb ( scavi ) and also the Vatican Gardens , congratulations!

Here's how to include visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's basilica as well.

First book the scavi visit .

Then book the Vatican Gardens tour on a different day, and plan to visit the Vatican Museums right after the gardens, as it's included in your ticket price with the gardens.

Visit St. Peter's Basilica after the scavi, again, on a different day from the Gardens/Museums.

If you want to do it all - visit the Vatican Museums, vatican gardens, papal audience, scavi tour and st peter's basilica and dome

How you plan your days fitting in these visits will depend on two things - the Papal audience , which is always Wednesday morning 10am - 12pm (although you need to get there by no later than 8am); and the time of your scavi booking (which depends on the scavi office - you cannot control this).

Once you get those two bookings, the next difficult booking to get is for the Vatican Gardens . 

So book that one around the Papal Audience and scavi tour.

Note that tours of the Vatican Gardens are at 9am or 11am.

They are also not held on the morning of the Papal Audience.

I'd suggest you spread this over 3 days.

Or, to fit this into two (intense) days, try to do the scavi tour after the Papal audience, if you can get scavi tickets for the afternoon.

Then book the Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums , and St. Peter's Basilica on a separate day.

(And climb St. Peter's dome once you are inside St. Peter's basilica if you like.)

How to Get to Vatican City

You have several options for how to get to the Vatican.

But the most important factor to consider is what you are visiting first.

Click here to see a Google map showing where the different entrances are for the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's Square, and the scavi entrance .

It will open in a new window.

How to get to the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano .

If you plan to take a taxi , just tell the driver "Vatican Museums".

Visiting the Vatican Museums and arriving by Metro

Otherwise, the most common way to get there is by Metro.

Rome's metro red line A has two stops, equidistant from the entrance to the museums (about a 10-12 minute walk): Ottaviano and Cipro.

The Ottaviano metro stop is the first one you will come to if you are coming from Rome's center.

When you emerge from the metro station, you just need to follow the crowd towards Vatican City.

Once you see Michelangelo's bastions (walls), follow them to the right and you will come to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.

If you are visiting the Vatican museums from the opposite direction, or if you forget to get off at Ottaviano, or, better yet, if you want to get off at the next stop to get some fabulous pizza by the slice from Bonci's Pizzarium, then you will get off at Cipro stop. 

However, from this stop, you cannot see the same stream of people, nor can you immediately see the Vatican City walls, so you will need to navigate a little bit to find the walls.

Once you see the walls, follow them until you come to the entrance.

Visiting the Vatican Museums and Arriving by Bus

Another option for arriving at the entrance of the Vatican museums is to take a bus or buses.

Many buses will get you pretty close to the entrance of the Vatican museums.

These include the 492, 49, 23, and the 81.

How to Get to Saint Peter's Basilica and Square

The entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is on Saint Peter's Square .

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Vatican Museums, so if you are not visiting the Vatican Museums (or not visiting them first), and want to go directly to the basilica, you can still take the metro, but make sure to get off at Ottaviano, not Cipro.

From Ottaviano metro stop, St. Peter's Square is about a 10-15 minute walk .

Follow the crowds, but at the walls, do not make a right towards the museums, just keep going straight. 

Buses that arrive closest to St. Peter's Square include the 40 and the 64.

How to get to the Scavi/St Peter's Tomb

If you are visiting the Vatican for an appointment to see St. Peter's tomb, the fastest and easiest way to arrive is by taxi .

They can drop you right in front of the entrance where you need to go, which is at the Swiss Guard, to the left of the basilica as you face it.

If you take a bus, get the 64, as it drops you about a block away.

To take the metro , make sure to get off at Ottaviano, and give yourself about 20 minutes' walking time from there to get the the entrance of St. Peter's tomb.

Where to Eat Near the Vatican

There is no place to eat inside St Peter's Basilica or in St Peter's Square (there is a tiny snack bar on the roof of the basilica, which you can only access if you climb the dome .)

There are some cafés and fast-food options inside the Vatican Museums.

There are also fun dining options you can book, and combine with your visit to the Museums.

Otherwise, visit my page about lots of options for eating breakfast, lunch, dinner and aperitivo near the Vatican . 

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Quebec City: Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour

Exploring the historic charm of Quebec City has never been easier than with the Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour . This immersive sightseeing experience allows visitors to discover the city’s most iconic landmarks at their own pace, hopping on and off the bus as they please. From the panoramic views atop the double-decker to the multilingual audio commentary that brings the city’s rich history to life, this tour offers an unparalleled way to experience the unique culture and heritage of Quebec City. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the tour promises to unveil the hidden gems that make this destination truly captivating.

• Explore historic Quebec City at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off open-top double-decker bus tour, offering flexibility and panoramic city views.
• The tour covers 15 strategically placed stops, including must-see attractions like the Museum of Civilization, Place Royale, and Plains of Abraham.
• Multilingual audio commentary provides insightful historical context and enhances the sightseeing experience.
• Two convenient starting locations, Place d’Armes and Saint-Roch, allow easy access to the bus service.
• Ticket options range from 1-day to 2-day durations, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour With Funicular Included
• Guided Hike in Jacques-Cartier National Park
• HIstorical Lower Town & Neighborhoods Private Bike Tour
• Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City

Tour Overview

Quebec City: Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the historic city at their own pace.

The tour offers 1-day or 2-day ticket options, and it’s likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Priced from €44.11 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The wheelchair-accessible buses have an open-air top deck for panoramic views, and the multilingual audio commentary is available in several languages, ensuring an engaging experience for all.

Explore Quebec City

The hop-on hop-off bus tour offers visitors the freedom to explore Quebec City’s top attractions at their own pace.

With 15 strategically placed stops, the tour covers the city’s must-see sights, including the Museum of Civilization, Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham, and the Citadelle de Quebec.

Passengers can hop on and off as they please, enjoying the panoramic views from the open-air top deck and the multilingual audio commentary .

The duration of the complete loop ranges from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, with buses departing every 30 to 45 minutes, providing ample flexibility for travelers to customize their experience.

Panoramic City Views

Riding atop the open-deck of the bus, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of Quebec City’s captivating cityscape. The elevated view provides a unique perspective, allowing them to admire the city’s stunning architecture , from the iconic Château Frontenac to the historic buildings in Old Town.

As the bus winds through the streets, passengers can marvel at the majestic Plains of Abraham , the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River , and the impressive Citadelle de Québec.

The audio guide, available in multiple languages, enhances the experience, offering insightful commentary that brings the city’s rich history and culture to life.

This hop-on, hop-off tour offers a seamless way to discover Quebec City’s most iconic landmarks.

Audio Guide Options

Complementing the panoramic views from the open-top bus, the audio guide provides an immersive experience for passengers.

Available in 10 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese, the multilingual commentary allows everyone to fully appreciate the rich history and architecture of Quebec City.

The audio guide:

• Highlights key landmarks and their significance.
• Offers historical context and anecdotes.
• Provides insightful commentary on the city’s culture and traditions.
• Enhances the overall sightseeing experience with a seamless blend of visuals and narration.

Earphones are provided, ensuring a clear and comfortable listening experience throughout the tour.

Tour Starting Locations

Passengers can join the Quebec City hop-on hop-off bus tour from two convenient starting locations: Place d’Armes , near the iconic Château Frontenac, and Saint-Roch, a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy shops and cultural attractions.

Both starting points provide easy access to the bus service, allowing visitors to hop on and explore the city’s highlights at their own pace.

The bus tour offers panoramic views from the open-air top deck, ensuring an immersive sightseeing experience.

With tours departing every 30 to 45 minutes , passengers can conveniently plan their day to maximize their time in Quebec City.

Main Attractions Covered

The Quebec City hop-on hop-off bus tour takes visitors to several of the city’s most iconic attractions.

These include the Museum of Civilization , a renowned cultural institution showcasing the region’s rich history and heritage. Guests can also explore the charming Place Royale , the birthplace of French civilization in North America, and stroll through the historic Old Quebec neighborhood.

Plus, the tour provides access to the Plains of Abraham , the site of a decisive 1759 battle, and the impressive Citadelle de Quebec , a star-shaped fortress and the official residence of the Canadian monarch.

With strategic stops and flexible hop-on hop-off access, travelers can curate their ideal sightseeing experience.

Tour Duration and Frequency

The Quebec City hop-on hop-off bus tour lasts between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for a full loop.

Buses depart from the two starting locations – Place d’Armes (near Chateau Frontenac) and Saint-Roch – every 30 to 45 minutes. This gives visitors the flexibility to explore the city at their own pace, hopping on and off at any of the 15 strategic stops along the way.

The audio guide , available in multiple languages, provides insightful commentary on the city’s main attractions, including the Museum of Civilization, Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham, and the Citadelle de Quebec.

Whether you opt for a 1-day or 2-day ticket , the tour allows you to make the most of your time in Quebec City.

Participant Information and Policies

Adults aged 13 to 99 can purchase tickets for the Quebec City hop-on hop-off bus tour . Children aged 6 to 12 are also welcome, while infants 5 and under can ride for free without a ticket.

To ensure a pleasant experience for all, certain policies are in place:

• Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
• Pets, large bags, and luggage aren’t allowed on the bus.
• The tour departs from the first stop at Place d’Armes near the Chateau Frontenac.
• Cancelations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund .

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Quebec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise
• 4 Hour Electric Bike Rental in Quebec City
• 2 Day Hop on Hop off Tour and Cruise in Quebec City
• Private Arrival Transfer From Quebec Airport YQB
• Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour
• Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour / Walking Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to reserve my spot in advance.

While reserving in advance is not required, it’s recommended to do so, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. This tour is likely to sell out, so booking ahead can help secure your spot.

Is Food And/Or Drinks Provided During the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not provided during the tour. Passengers are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The tour focuses on providing hop-on hop-off transportation and multi-lingual audio commentary to explore Quebec City’s main attractions at their own pace.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, many similar sightseeing tours in Quebec City often offer reduced prices for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Leave My Luggage on the Bus While I Explore?

Unfortunately, passengers cannot leave their luggage on the bus while exploring. The tour does not allow large bags or luggage to be brought on board. Guests are advised to leave any bulky items at their accommodation.

What Happens if I Miss the Last Bus of the Day?

If the rider misses the last bus of the day, they’ll need to make their own way back to their starting point or desired destination. The tour operator doesn’t offer transportation outside the scheduled hop-on hop-off service times.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• 2-Hour Walk Through Québec Citys History
• Quebec City – E-Bike Tour Along the St Lawrence River
• Jacques-Cartier National Park: Skiing Excursion
• Quebec City: Hotel De Glace Overnight Experience
• Quebec City: Old Quebec Walking Tour With Funicular Ride
• Old Quebec: Nordic Spa Thermal Experience
• Old Québec: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour
• Canyon Sainte-Anne: Park Admission Ticket
• Quebec City – Tandem Bike Rental on Ile D’Orléans
• APP Self-Guided Routes Quebec With Multi-Language Audioguide
• Quebec City: Guided Visit of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
• Quebec City: Museum of Civilization Entry Ticket
• Quebec City: Island of Orleans Wine Tour
• Quebec City: Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour
• Quebec: German Christmas Market Tasting Tour

The Quebec City Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour offers an immersive and flexible way to discover the city’s top attractions. Passengers can hop on and off at their leisure, taking in panoramic views and learning about the city’s rich history through multilingual audio commentary. Whether visiting for a day or two, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore Quebec City at one’s own pace.

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