What if we just want to visit St. Peter's Basilica? Are tickets required to get in? Do you have to buy museum tickets and go through the Museum to see the basilica? I can see lots of helpful advice about Vatican Museum tickets, but none for the church itself.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6662 posts
When we went to Rome a few years ago, we were told that tickets are not needed for St. Peter's. You do not need to go through the museum. There wasn't at the time, but I imagine there can be a queue to get in. We were there late afternoon which seemed to be a good time to visit. We did do the Vatican Museum and Sistine, but we were with a tour. I typically like to do things on my own, but the Vatican museum was so crowded that I appreciated being shepherded around by a guide.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1129 posts
It's free to enter, no ticket needed. There is a dress code.
https://thecatholictraveler.com/guides/rome/churches/saint-peters-basilica/
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
The Basilica is free.
Even if you pay for a guided tour, you won't skip the security line. Nobody does, unless they re-open the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately it's been closed since Covid.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9055 posts
It's an active church so you might be restricted by ongoing services.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you everyone! I am much reassured now.
Posted by
Washington DC
28372 posts
Expect a long line unless you arrive before the church opens (which I think is at 7 AM), and I'm sure others will have the same idea. I stopped by after 4:15 PM one day in March of this year and saw quite a line. I have no idea how long it would have taken me to get in; I decided not to attempt it that day. I'm pretty sure the line would have been worse earlier in the day, though.