Vatican Garden Tickets & Tours

4.4(205.1K Ratings)

Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.




Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps on a Guided Tour
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
St. Peter's Baldachin
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps on a Guided Tour
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
St. Peter's Baldachin
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps on a Guided Tour
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
St. Peter's Baldachin
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Guided Tours
4.1(29.1K)

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

from
€69
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Unlock skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica with this 3-in-1 tour!

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience coupled with expert insights about the smallest country in the world with this guided tour.
  • This is the only experience that grants you fast-track access to all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • An engaging storytelling experience awaits. Watch art and history come to life as you walk through the Gallery of Maps with your guide.
  • Get the flexibility to choose skip-the-line entry or a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and curate a Vatican City experience that suits you best.
  • The cherry on top? With this tour, you'll head to St. Peter's Basilica via a back door from Sistine Chapel saving you 20 mins of walking time and a 2-hour queue.

Unlock skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica with this 3-in-1 tour!

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience coupled with expert insights about the smallest country in the world with this guided tour.
  • This is the only experience that grants you fast-track access to all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • An engaging storytelling experience awaits. Watch art and history come to life as you walk through the Gallery of Maps with your guide.
  • Get the flexibility to choose skip-the-line entry or a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and curate a Vatican City experience that suits you best.
  • The cherry on top? With this tour, you'll head to St. Peter's Basilica via a back door from Sistine Chapel saving you 20 mins of walking time and a 2-hour queue.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Skip-the-line entry or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Headphones

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Dome
  • Tip: Planning your Rome itinerary? Be sure to set aside one entire day to fully explore the Vatican City. Comfy shoes are a must as you traverse all the nooks of this tiny nation!
  • 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 chatter, no phones, and no photos, just pure awe. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the details before you step inside.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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?

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

Italian Garden
French Garden
English Garden
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.

Vatican Gardens

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

Vatican Gardens

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

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

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 Tower vatican gardens

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

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 - Vatican Gardens

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

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

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

Timings
Location
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Timings - 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. 
Free wifi
  • Free Wifi
  • Multilingual audio guide
  • Limited wheelchair accessibility
  • Elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility

Tips
  • 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. 
Pasta
  • 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. 
Hotel

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

How much is a ticket to the Vatican Gardens?

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. 

How to book tickets to the Vatican Gardens?

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. 

Why should I book Vatican Gardens tickets online?
  • 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. 
What do Vatican Gardens tickets include?

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. 

Can I get skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Gardens?

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. 

How do I access the Gardens, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica?

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. 

What is the cancellation policy for Vatican Gardens tickets?

You cannot cancel or reschedule your Vatican Gardens tickets. 

How long does it take to complete a Vatican Gardens tour?

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