St. Peter’s Basilica – Best Activities & Things to Do in 2025
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Vatican City and one of the most important churches in the world. Marvel at Michelangelo’s soaring dome, Bernini’s bronze baldachin, the Pietà, crypts of the Popes and sweeping views over Rome. This 2025 guide walks you through the best things to do, top tours and smart tips for planning your St. Peter’s Basilica visit.
Top Experiences Inside St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s is more than a quick photo stop. It’s a place to slow down, look up and take in centuries of art, faith and history. Here are the essential things to see and do once you step inside.
Admire Michelangelo’s Dome
Stand beneath the massive dome designed by Michelangelo and look up at the mosaics and Latin inscriptions. A guided explanation helps you understand how this engineering masterpiece was built.
See the Pietà Up Close
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. The delicate marble folds and expressions are even more powerful when you know the story behind the work.
Bernini’s Baldachin & High Altar
In the center of the basilica, look for Bernini’s towering bronze baldachin over the high altar, marking the spot of St. Peter’s tomb directly beneath.
Walk the Central Nave & Chapels
Wander along the central aisle, stopping in side chapels filled with altars, relics, tombs of Popes and intricate mosaics that reward slow, careful looking.
Visit the Papal Grottoes
Below the main floor lie the Papal Grottoes, where many Popes are buried. Guided visits give more context to the symbolism and history of the tombs.
Climb to the Dome (Cupola)
Take the elevator and stairs to the top of the dome for one of the best panoramic views in Rome: St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens and the rooftops of the Eternal City.
Attend Mass or a Papal Ceremony
If timing allows, experience the basilica during a Mass, blessing or Papal audience. These moments show the building as a living place of worship, not just a monument.
Use Audio or Guided Commentary
Audio guides and professional tours help you decode the stories in the art and architecture, so you’re not just walking through a beautiful interior but truly understanding what you see.
Things to Do Around St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican & Rome)
St. Peter’s sits at the heart of the Vatican, surrounded by famous landmarks and classic Roman streets. Build a full day around your basilica visit with these nearby activities.
St. Peter’s Square
Start or end your visit in St. Peter’s Square, framed by Bernini’s sweeping colonnades and the central Egyptian obelisk. It’s especially atmospheric at sunrise or after dark.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Combine St. Peter’s with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel for a full Vatican day. Many tours include museum entry, Sistine Chapel and an expert-led basilica visit.
Castel Sant’Angelo & River Walk
Walk down Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant’Angelo, then follow the Tiber River for views of bridges, domes and evening lights.
Borgo & Prati Neighborhoods
Explore the nearby Borgo streets and the Prati district for cafés, trattorias, gelaterias and relaxed, local-feeling side streets.
Guided Vatican City Walking Tours
Join a Vatican City walking tour to learn about the Swiss Guard, the Vatican walls, hidden viewpoints and the story of how this tiny state functions today.
Evening Rome Highlights
After visiting St. Peter’s, head into central Rome for an evening city highlights tour: the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and more.
Which St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket or Tour Should You Choose?
You can enter St. Peter’s Basilica independently or join a guided tour that covers the dome, crypts and surrounding Vatican sites. Here are popular ways to visit:
Basilica Tour with Dome Climb & Crypts
A small-group tour that includes commentary inside the basilica, access to the dome (cupola) and a visit to the Papal crypts beneath the main floor.
Priority Entry & Dome Ticket with Audio
Skip the general entry line, head straight inside with a host, and use an audio guide as you explore the basilica and climb to the dome viewing platform.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s
A comprehensive Vatican experience: follow a licensed guide through the museums and Sistine Chapel, then continue to St. Peter’s Basilica with full historical context.
Early-Morning or Late-Afternoon Visits
Some tours time your basilica visit for quieter hours, helping you avoid the hottest part of the day and the heaviest crowds in peak season.
Rome in a Day with Vatican Stop
Short on time? Choose a Rome-in-a-day itinerary that combines the Vatican area with key city highlights so you see the essentials without planning each step alone.
Tip: The basilica itself is usually free to enter, but dome climbs, guided tours and museum entries require tickets. Always double-check what’s included and the latest cancellation policy on your chosen product page.
Food & Drink Near St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican area is packed with quick bites and sit-down spots, from simple pizza al taglio to candlelit trattorias. Plan where to eat so you don’t end up choosing in a rush.
Borgo Pio Trattorias
Wander the Borgo Pio streets just behind the basilica for casual trattorias serving pasta, Roman specialties and carafes of house wine.
Coffee & Cornetto Stops
Grab an Italian breakfast of espresso and a cornetto at a standing-room bar before morning entry to the basilica or museums.
Gelato After Your Visit
Reward yourself with gelato on surrounding streets – ideal in the warmer months after climbing hundreds of steps up to the dome.
Evening Dinner in Prati
Cross into the Prati district for more local-feeling restaurants, wine bars and pizzerias, popular with Romans as well as visitors.
Quick Visitor Tips for St. Peter’s Basilica
Best Time to Visit
Early morning and late afternoon are often quieter, especially outside major holidays and Papal ceremonies. Midday tends to be busiest.
Dress Code
St. Peter’s is an active church with a modest dress code: generally covered shoulders and knees for all visitors. Bring a light scarf or shawl if you’re unsure.
Security & Lines
All visitors pass through airport-style security. Lines can be long at peak times, so arrive early or use a hosted entry or guided tour to streamline the process.
How Long to Allow
Plan at least 60–90 minutes for the basilica itself, plus extra time if you’re climbing the dome, visiting the crypts or combining with the Vatican Museums.
Accessibility & Elevators
Some areas of the basilica are accessible, and there is elevator access for part of the dome climb route. Check the latest accessibility details before you travel.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is generally allowed without flash, but always be respectful: avoid blocking aisles, stay quiet during services and follow staff instructions.
Money & Tickets
Bring a physical or digital copy of your tour voucher and some cash or card for small purchases, donations, candles or souvenirs.
Safety & Belongings
As in any busy area, keep valuables close and be aware of pickpockets, especially in queues and crowded parts of St. Peter’s Square.
Ready to Explore St. Peter’s Basilica in 2025?
Walk beneath Michelangelo’s dome, see the Pietà, visit Papal tombs and enjoy sweeping views over Rome. Book your St. Peter’s Basilica tickets and tours, combine them with the Vatican Museums and make the most of your time in Vatican City.