Basilica Papale di San Pietro, popularly called St. Peter’s Basilica, is the world’s largest basilica. This Italian High Renaissance church was built over a century, between 1506 and 1626. As the masterpiece of brilliant minds like Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, Bernini, etc, this basilica is the most renowned work of Italian Renaissance architecture. For centuries, St Peter’s Basilica has stood as the global center of Christianity and holds high historical and religious significance.
On this page, you can find everything you need to plan a visit, including St. Peter’s Basilica tickets and things to do. We will cover different ticket options like guided tour, dome climb experience, necropolis, exclusive private tours and budget-friendly passes. We have curated this page based on our years of visits, topped with the latest information we have gathered during our latest visit to the Vatican this summer (2025). This guide is written and designed to help you understand the ticketing process, choose the best tours, enjoy discounts, and make the best of your visit to this amazing city of the Vatican.
Experience St Peter’s Basilica Your Way
If you are short on time, here is our hand-picked top experience at St Peter’s Basilica you can choose based on your preference. We have tried various tours like self-guided, guided, dome climb, etc and recommend these for our dear readers and fellow travelers.
Complete Guide to the St Peter’s Basilica Tickets
First, let’s try to understand what things are to do at St Peter’s Basilica and what tickets are available for them. When you enter the Vatican City, you will be welcomed by St. Peter’s Square. Following that, you can tour inside the basilica and climb the dome of the basilica. Under the basilica lie layers of history. The first level of the underground – the Vatican grottos – the final resting place of popes and saints. Further underground on the second level is the Vatican Necropolis – an ancient burial ground believed to predate the time of Christ.
You might also come across the name, Papal Tombs. Visitors often get confused by this. Papal Tombs simply refers to the resting place of Popes. This is spread across both Grotteos and Necropolis. However, you must be very careful with this term while booking your tours. When booking a visit to the Papal Tombs, we urge you to check the inclusions twice because often it means only the Vatican Grottoes.
Now that we are covered with the basics, what are the types of tickets available to visit St. Peter’s Basilica? Every attraction has different ticket requirements. St Peter’s Square and the basilica are free to visit. While you can just walk through the square without any waiting, you need to get in line outside the city to enter the basilica. To skip the line, you can pay a small fee and get the skip-the-line St Peter’s Basilica ticket or join a guided tour. If you plan to visit the dome, grottoes, or necropolis, you will need separate tickets for all of them. To keep things simple for visitors, some tours include access to all these areas.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Do not fret! We have gone through numerous tickets, read reviews, and tried them ourselves to bring you the best of the best. As you read ahead, you can also find the quick link to buy your Vatican Museum tickets now without further confusion or doubts.
1
St Peter’s Basilica Reserved Entrance and Audio Guide
$ Budget Friendly
The St Peter’s Basilica skip-the-line ticket is the best choice for visitors who wish to visit only the basilica but do not want to spend hours waiting in queues. With this ticket, you can get priority entrance to the basilica for the time slot you have selected. Ticket holders can join the security check directly through a shortened reserved entrance. You can then tour the basilica at your own pace. To learn more about the basilica, this ticket also includes a multi-lingual audio guide. Guests can download it before arriving and let the guide navigate them inside the basilica. If you are visiting in 2025, you can also walk through the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica with this ticket.
€19
per visitor above 16 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour
2
St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
The St Peter’s Basilica guided tour is perfect for visitors who want to explore the world’s largest church with the insights of an expert guide. This tour begins at St. Peter’s Square, where your guide will share fascinating stories about the history of the Vatican, St. Peter, and the basilica itself. You will then be escorted inside through a priority entrance, avoiding long queues. Once inside, your guide will lead you through the cathedral, explaining the significance of its stunning architecture, statues, and artwork. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s Baldachin, you will get to know the stories behind the masterpieces that make the basilica one of the most visited religious sites in the world. The tour is available in multiple languages to ensure visitors from around the globe can enjoy a rich and engaging experience.
€22
per visitor above 17 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
3
St Peter’s Basilica Dome Tickets
Get a closer view of the massive St Peter’s Basilica Dome with the dome climb experience. This ticket lets you climb to the top of the basilica and view the artwork on the dome from up close. Following that, you can climb further to the terrace and enjoy panoramic views of the Vatican City and Rome from the biggest basilica in the world. There are 551 steps to the top and visitors can either take the stairs or the elevator (only halfway) to climb. All ticket holders are offered an elevator on their way back to the basilica’s ground floor. Post your climb, you can explore the basilica at your own pace. Audio guides are available for both the basilica and the dome. For a smooth experience, all ticket holders will get a personal host who will greet them at the Vatican and escort them to the dome.
€30
per visitor above 4 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
4
St Peter’s Basilica and Dome Guided Tour
✰ Our Pick
The St Peter’s Basilica and Dome guided tour is the most popular option among all visitors. The tour is led by an expert guide who will escort you to the basilica through a priority entrance. The tour begins at St. Peter’s Square, where the guide will share with you the story of the Vatican, St Peter, and the Basilica, and point out hidden facts about the city, like papal apartments and more. Then you will be escorted into the basilica for a thorough tour. You will hear facts about all the statues, the domes, the altar, etc. Make sure you stay close to your group and don’t miss out on all the interesting parts. As the last leg of the tour, you will ascend to the dome and get a closer look at the masterpiece. You will either climb up via elevator or stairs, based on the tour you have booked. This tour is available in multiple languages to keep it suitable for foreign visitors.
€54
per visitor above 17 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
5
St Peter’s Basilica, Dome and Papal Tombs Tour
✰ Visitor’s Choice
The St Peter’s Basilica, dome and Papal Tombs tour is the most popular option and our favorite tour. If there is one tour we recommend for all visitors, it has to be this. With this guided tour, get a complete tour of the square, basilica, the dome, and the Papal Tombs. Your tour begins in the magnificent St Peter’s Square, where your expert guide will introduce you to the history of the Vatican and its architectural marvels. You will then descend to the Vatican Grottoes, home to the Papal Tombs, where generations of popes have been laid to rest. Next, explore the grand interiors of St Peter’s Basilica, learning about its artworks, sculptures, and hidden details. The tour continues with an ascent to the Dome, where you will get a closer view of its intricate mosaics before reaching the terrace for panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome. Once the guided part of the tour ends, you are free to explore the basilica at your own pace.
€58
per visitor above 18 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
6
Museum and St Peter’s Basilica guided tour
The second most popular option among visitors is the Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Basilica guided tour. This tour lets you get a complete Vatican City tour. The experience begins at the Vatican Museums, where your guide will lead you through its most celebrated galleries, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel. Afterward, you will head to St Peter’s Square, where you’ll learn fascinating facts about the Vatican’s history, architecture, and daily life. The tour then continues inside St Peter’s Basilica via a priority entrance. Inside, your guide will share stories behind the basilica’s most important artworks, from Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s altar. This tour is available in multiple languages, making it ideal for international visitors.
€70
per visitor above 17 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
7
Papal Audience ticket
Witness one of the most unique experiences in the Vatican – the Papal Audience. With this ticket, you will be part of a special gathering where Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The audience typically takes place in St Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall, depending on the season and weather. Your host will guide you to the designated seating area and provide information about the event’s significance, schedule, and traditions. Listen as the Pope delivers his blessing, prayers, and messages in multiple languages, creating a memorable and spiritual experience. Please note that this is not a guided tour of the Vatican’s monuments but an opportunity to take part in an official Papal event.
€20
per visitor above 17 years of age
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
St Peter’s Basilica Ticket Prices
The St. Peter’s Basilica ticket prices vary based on different factors like age, discounts, season and type of ticket.
Standard Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
$ Budget-friendly
€19
The St Peter’s Basilica skip-the-line ticket costs €19 for adults (16+ years). Children (4 to 15 years) pay €15 for entry and kids (below 3) get free entry.
Basilica Guided Tour
€22
The St Peter’s Basilica guided tour costs €22 for adults (17+ years). Children (7 to 16 years) pay €17 for entry and kids (below 6) get free entry.
Dome Ticket
€30
The St. Peter’s Basilica Dome tickets cost €30 for all guests above 4 years of age. Infants under 3 years get free entry to the dome.
Basilica and Dome Guided Tour
€54
The St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome guided tour costs €54 for adults (17+ years) and €49 for children (4 to 16 years). Infants 3 or below can join for free.
Complete St Peter’s Basilica Tour
€54
The St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome and Papal Tomb tour costs €54 for adults (18+ years) and €49 for children (7 to 17 years). Kids 6 years or below can join for free.
Museum and Basilica tour
€85
The Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Basilica guided tour costs €85 for an adult (19+ years) and €77 for Children (7 to 18 years).
Papal Audience
€20
The Papal Audience experience costs €20 for adults (18+ years) and €12 for children (6 to 17 years). Kids 5 years or below can join for free.
Free Ticket
€0
St Peter’s Basilica is free to enter for all guests. You only need to pay for skip-the-line access, audio guide and other attractions.
Why Book St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets Online?
Skip the long queues and secure your visit with our convenient online booking
Get Priority Entrance
Skip the long ticket queues and head straight to the security check through the dedicated entrance.
Best Price Guarantee
Get the best available rates with our official partner pricing and escape last-minute price hikes and ticket scams.
Guaranteed Entry
Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
Simple Online Ticket Booking Procedure for St Peter’s Basilica Tickets and How to Use Them
If you have decided to book your tickets online, head to the booking page and pick the ticket that suits you best. Add the number of visitors and pick a suitable date and time slot for the visit, and proceed to book. Once you enter your personal details and the payment is successful, you will receive the ticket in your email immediately. On the day of your visit, present the e-ticket and enjoy your visit.
If you have opted for guided tours, you will receive further information about your guide, meeting point, and more in a follow-up email before the tour date.
St Peter’s Basilica Tickets are Timed!
All St Peter’s Basilica tour tickets are timed, meaning you must select your preferred visit time when booking. This system helps manage crowds and ensures a smoother experience for all visitors.
Please arrive at the basilica’s designated entrance 15 minutes before your reserved time and join the queue based on your ticket type. Early queuing is not permitted. Visitors who miss their time slot will not be allowed entry.
If you are joining a guided tour, meet your guide at the assigned meeting point at least 15 minutes before the start time. Your guide will then accompany you to the entrance and assist you through security.
All tickets include free cancellation up to 48 hours before the visit
Which St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket to Choose
If you’re unsure which St Peter’s Basilica ticket to choose, this visual guide will help you decide. Simply select the attractions you’d like to visit, such as the basilica, dome, tombs, Vatican Museum and choose whether you prefer a self-guided visit or a guided tour. Based on your preferences, you’ll find the ticket that fits your needs best. To book instantly, just click on the ticket title and you’ll be directed to the secure booking page.
| Ticket | Basilica | Dome | Papal Tombs | Museum | Guided |
| Skip-the-Line ticket | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Basilica tour | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dome ticket | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Basilica, dome guided tour | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Basilica, dome, papal tombs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Museum and Basilica tour | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Visitor Information
Everything you need to know for your visit to the Vatican Museum
Opening Hours
Basilica hours
7:00 to 19:10
Dome Hours:
Summer
Winter:
7:30 to 18:00
7:30 to 17:00
Guided Tour Timings:
Monday to Saturday:
Sunday and Holidays:
9:30 to 17:30
13:30 to 15:30
Last Entry
30 minutes before closing time
Directions
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Metro Station: Ottaviano and Cipro on the Rome Metro Line A
Bus Stop: Vatican Museum stop on bus number 49.
Dress Code
Visitors must follow a strict dress code to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
Shoulders and knees must be covered, so avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts.
Hats are not allowed inside
Modest, respectful clothing is essential as the basilica is a place of worship.
Visitors who do not follow the dress code will be asked to purchase a cover-up or denied entry.
Free Entry
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free for all visitors. However, security checks can result in long queues, especially during peak hours. Optional guided tours or access to certain areas, like the dome, require a ticket. Arriving early can help avoid long waiting times.
St Peter’s Basilica Location
550 m from
Metro station
35 m from
Bus Station
1.8 km from
Rome City Center
6.7 km from
Colosseum
St Peter’s Basilica Highlights
Discover the must-see masterpieces that you can’t miss at Basilica di San Pietro
The Basilica
The heart of Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica, is the largest church in the world, known for its awe-inspiring Renaissance architecture, grand altar, and priceless artworks.
Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the cathedral completely
Explore More >
St Peter’s Square
Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this monumental piazza welcomes visitors with its sweeping colonnades and central obelisk.
Heart of the Vatican City filled with masterpieces you should notice
Explore More >
Dome
An architectural masterpiece by Michelangelo, offering panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome after a climb of 551 steps (or a partial elevator ride).
Enjoy views from 136.57 meters from the ground level
Explore More >
Necropolis
Located beneath the basilica, this ancient burial site is believed to hold the tomb of St Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope.
Needs special tours to visit
Explore More >
Grottoes
Also known as the Vatican Grottoes, these underground chapels house the tombs of past popes and saints, along with stunning religious mosaics and sculptures.
Directly beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
Explore More >
Papal Audience
A unique opportunity to see Pope Francis and hear his blessings and messages during an official gathering of pilgrims and visitors.
Only on wedensdays
Explore More >
Skip the Line to See All Highlights
Book your guided tour to ensure you don’t miss any masterpieces
519
Year Old Basilica
23,000
Square Meters of Basilica area
91
Papal Tombs
What to Expect in St Peter’s Basilica
Visitors to St Peter’s Basilica can anticipate a journey through centuries of faith, art, and history. From its ornate chapels to its towering dome, here’s what makes it a truly unmissable landmark:
Magnificent Interiors
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the richly decorated chapels.
Spiritual Significance
As the burial site of St Peter and a major pilgrimage destination, the basilica holds deep religious importance for millions worldwide.
Architectural Grandeur
From the vast nave to the intricate dome mosaics, every detail reflects the genius of Renaissance and Baroque artistry.
Panoramic Views
Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking cityscapes stretching across Rome.
Historic Depths
Venture below to the grottoes or necropolis to uncover centuries of papal history and early Christian heritage.
Special Events
Attend a Papal Audience for a truly memorable spiritual experience.
Take a sneak peek into St Peter’s Basilica through our lens!
Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co Image: museivaticani.co
Things to do at St Peter’s Basilica
What to do in the St Peter’s Basilica:
Explore the Basilica: Admire masterpieces like the Pietà, the ornate altar, and the stunning chapels.
Visit St Peter’s Square: Take in Bernini’s grand design and capture perfect photos of the basilica’s façade.
Climb the Dome: Get close-up views of its mosaics before stepping onto the terrace for sweeping vistas of Rome.
Discover the Necropolis: Join a guided visit to explore the burial site of St Peter and ancient Roman tombs.
Tour the Grottoes: Pay respects at papal tombs and view intricate religious art.
Attend a Papal Audience: Witness Pope Francis addressing the crowd and offering blessings.
Join a Guided Tour: Learn about the basilica’s history, symbolism, and hidden details from an expert guide.
Shop for Souvenirs: Browse Vatican-approved shops for religious items, books, and keepsakes.
Send Postcard: Send your friends, family or loved ones back at home a stamped postcard from the Vatican post office.
Also Note
Main Attractions
The basilica, St Peter’s Square, Dome, Necropolis, Grottoes, Papal Audience
Height of Dome:
136.6 meters (448 feet)
Steps to Dome Top:
551
Recommended Time:
3 to 4 pm
EXPLORE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Nearby Attractions
Make the most of your visit with these nearby Paris highlights
Castel San’Angelo:
A monumental fortress turned into a museum rising above the Tiber, where emperors rest and popes once sought refuge.
850 meters
Pantheon:
The best-preserved temple of ancient Rome, crowned by an unrivaled oculus that opens to the heavens.
1.8 kms
Trevi Fountain:
This breathtaking masterpiece is the city’s most famous spot, where you can’t miss tossing a coin in the cascading waters for good fortune.
2.4 kms
Save with combo tickets
Get the best value by combining your visit to Vatican City with nearby attractions
Vatican + Colosseum
Vatican + Castle S’Angelo
Vatican + Pantheon
Transportation Guide
Parking nearby
Restaurants nearby
Dress Code
St Peter’s Basilica Ticket FAQs
Everything you need to know about visiting the St Peter’s Basilica
1. Do you need a ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica?
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free for all visitors, so you don’t need a ticket to access the main church. However, special experiences like guided tours, skip-the-line access, and dome climbs require paid tickets, which can be booked in advance online or through tour operators.
2. How much are tickets to St. Peter’s Basilica?
There is no fee to enter St. Peter’s Basilica itself. The St Peter’s Basilica skip-the-line ticket costs €19 for adults (16+ years). Children (4 to 15 years) pay €15 for entry and kids (below 3) get free entry.
3. Can you just walk into St. Peter’s Basilica for free?
Yes, visitors can walk into St. Peter’s Basilica without buying a ticket, as general admission is free. You will still need to pass through airport-style security checks. Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons and religious events. However, the wait time for this could be from 1.5 hours to 2 hours. So to skip the wait, you can purchase the skip-the-line tickets.
4. How to buy a St. Peter’s Basilica dome ticket?
Dome tickets can be purchased online through museivaticani.co, or in person at the basilica. Online booking is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. You can choose between a full-stair climb or partial elevator access for a quicker and less strenuous experience.
5. How do I skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?
To skip the line, book a skip-the-line ticket, guided tour, or combination Vatican ticket that includes priority access. These options allow you to bypass the long queues and enter through a reserved entrance, saving significant time, especially during busy mornings and peak tourist seasons.
6. Is it worth going to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, the dome climb is one of the most rewarding experiences in Vatican City. You get a close view of Michelangelo’s dome artwork and breathtaking panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens, and Rome’s skyline – making it a must-do for photographers and history lovers alike.
7. Can I buy tickets at the Basilica?
Yes, you can buy dome climb tickets and some guided tours directly at the basilica. However, queues for on-site purchases can be long, and availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak seasons. Booking online in advance ensures you secure your spot and preferred time slot.
8. Should I book St. Peter’s Basilica tickets in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended for the dome climb, skip-the-line access, or guided tours. Booking secures your preferred time slot, helps you avoid long ticket queues, and ensures availability, particularly during the busy summer months and major Vatican events.
9. Do St. Peter’s Basilica tickets sell out?
While general basilica entry is free and unlimited, tickets for the dome climb, guided tours, and skip-the-line access can sell out quickly, especially in summer and during religious celebrations. Booking online at least a few days in advance is the safest way to guarantee availability.
10. Are children allowed inside the Basilica?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Entry is free for them, but guided tours and dome climbs may have age restrictions or reduced pricing. Parents should note that the dome climb involves many steps, which may be challenging for younger kids.
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