St. Peter's Basilica: on our own or with a guide?

Posted by bhorner3 on 03/10/26 02:30 PM

We're headed back to Rome this fall for a short (2 night) visit. We squeezed a lot in on our first trip a couple of years ago, but missed St. Peter's Basilica. We've seen the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and figured we'd use Rick's audioguide to see Basilica on our own. HOWEVER, one of Rick's suggested guides is available on our date and we're considering a 3-hour guided visit with her.

What I'm wondering:

is St. Peter's Basilica better with a guide, or should we save the €270 and use Rick's audio for the church?
if we did opt to go with a guide, what's worth seeing with a guide close to the church that's not the museums or the Chapel?

Thanks...

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

03/10/26 03:23 PM

8991 posts

The Basilica now offers a timed entry that incudes an audioguide
I would consider that option

Posted by Barbara G.

Pennsylvania

03/10/26 03:33 PM

413 posts

We used the RS Audioguide and were happy/satisfied with it. But I’m sure the RS recommended private guide is fantastic, so it probably depends on your priorities and budget.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

03/10/26 03:58 PM

9235 posts

I would be tempted to go with Christine's suggestion. The new booking system gives to the option to reserve a time, using a separate security line, and gives you a Vatican developed audioguide, though less Rick Steves Dad-joke humor. You can also book your ticket/time to climb the dome, which includes the audioguide, and the suggestion to arrive like 90 minutes early to tour the Basilica first. You could also use the Rick Steves Audio guide as a second reference

Make sure you are using the official site: https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/

A private guide of course would be an excellent experience, if the cost makes sense, go for it. Me, I am kind of frugal (OK, well, cheap) so I tend to look at my options.