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Experience the best of St Peter's Basilica

The heart of Catholicism, this Renaissance basilica boasts Michelangelo’s dome and stunning art.
4.4/5
106,339 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 15, St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and altar in Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and altar in Vatican City.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica at your own pace with an English digital guidebook or a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of art, faith, and history to life.

  • Follow a digital map across 27 highlights, from Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino to the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, where a quieter atmosphere invites reflection alongside centuries of papal history.

  • Upgrade to reserved entry or hosted assistance for a smoother arrival, then explore independently or with an expert English-speaking guide.

  • Add Dome access by stairs or elevator, or upgrade to a complete Vatican experience including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Papal Tombs.

More details
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica at your own pace with an English digital guidebook or a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of art, faith, and history to life.

  • Follow a digital map across 27 highlights, from Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino to the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, where a quieter atmosphere invites reflection alongside centuries of papal history.

  • Upgrade to reserved entry or hosted assistance for a smoother arrival, then explore independently or with an expert English-speaking guide.

  • Add Dome access by stairs or elevator, or upgrade to a complete Vatican experience including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Papal Tombs.

from
€5
Slide 1 of 11, St. Peter's Basilica with obelisk in Vatican City, Rome, surrounded by tourists.
St. Peter's Basilica with obelisk in Vatican City, Rome, surrounded by tourists.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica at your reserved time and explore its sacred spaces, masterpieces, and Papal Tombs with fewer waiting hassles.

  • Stand atop Michelangelo's Dome for breathtaking views over St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and Rome after climbing all 551 steps or taking the elevator to the terrace.

  • Follow a multilingual audio guide and digital map covering 27 highlights, from Renaissance masterpieces to hidden Basilica details.

  • Discover the stories behind the Basilica’s art, architecture, and traditions at your own pace with immersive self-guided commentary.

  • Upgrade to an expert-led tour in English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian for deeper insights alongside Dome access via elevator.

More details
  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica at your reserved time and explore its sacred spaces, masterpieces, and Papal Tombs with fewer waiting hassles.

  • Stand atop Michelangelo's Dome for breathtaking views over St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and Rome after climbing all 551 steps or taking the elevator to the terrace.

  • Follow a multilingual audio guide and digital map covering 27 highlights, from Renaissance masterpieces to hidden Basilica details.

  • Discover the stories behind the Basilica’s art, architecture, and traditions at your own pace with immersive self-guided commentary.

  • Upgrade to an expert-led tour in English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian for deeper insights alongside Dome access via elevator.

from Original price€31
€24

23% off

Slide 1 of 9, Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum.
Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum.
2 hrs - 4 hrs 30 mins
  • Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.

  • Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.

  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.

  • Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

More details
  • Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.

  • Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.

  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.

  • Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

from
€57.50
Slide 1 of 14, Tour group with guide at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
Tour group with guide at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
1 hr - 3 hrs
  • Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide and uncover the stories behind its art, architecture, and centuries of Catholic history.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, a sacred space often missed by visitors exploring on their own.

  • Enter through a reserved entry line and spend more time discovering the Basilica’s masterpieces instead of waiting in queues.

  • Choose your preferred language with guided tours available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Upgrade your visit with Dome access by elevator and stairs or a complete Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel experience.

More details
  • Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide and uncover the stories behind its art, architecture, and centuries of Catholic history.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, a sacred space often missed by visitors exploring on their own.

  • Enter through a reserved entry line and spend more time discovering the Basilica’s masterpieces instead of waiting in queues.

  • Choose your preferred language with guided tours available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Upgrade your visit with Dome access by elevator and stairs or a complete Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel experience.

from
€16
Slide 1 of 18, Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.
Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Cover Rome’s most important landmarks in one single pass; from ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces without juggling multiple bookings.
  • Step into the Colosseum at your chosen time, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours, with an audio guide bringing imperial Rome to life.
  • Skip ticketing lines at the Vatican Museums and end at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment unfold in breathtaking detail.
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica at your own pace with an audio guide, discovering masterpieces like Pietà and the Papal Tombs beneath.
More details
  • Cover Rome’s most important landmarks in one single pass; from ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces without juggling multiple bookings.
  • Step into the Colosseum at your chosen time, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours, with an audio guide bringing imperial Rome to life.
  • Skip ticketing lines at the Vatican Museums and end at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment unfold in breathtaking detail.
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica at your own pace with an audio guide, discovering masterpieces like Pietà and the Papal Tombs beneath.
from Original price€85.28
€66.86

22% off

Slide 1 of 5, Vatican Museums courtyard and St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Vatican City.
Vatican Museums courtyard and St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Vatican City.
1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs
  • Enjoy saving up while taking a deeper look into the most important sights offered by the Vatican on this combo guided tour available in 3 languages.

  • Enjoy an educational tour of the St. Peter's Basilica with a local expert guide, and check out stunning works of art by Bernini, Carlo Maderno, and more.

  • Pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter - presumed to have been used by St. Peter, the first Pope of Christianity.

  • Make your way with the host to the intriguing Vatican Museums and admire the masterpieces it houses on a guided tour with a carefully curated itinerary.

  • Explore the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more!

  • Marvel at the breathtaking murals by Botticelli and Michelangelo that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

More details
  • Enjoy saving up while taking a deeper look into the most important sights offered by the Vatican on this combo guided tour available in 3 languages.

  • Enjoy an educational tour of the St. Peter's Basilica with a local expert guide, and check out stunning works of art by Bernini, Carlo Maderno, and more.

  • Pay homage to Pope John Paul II at his tomb and learn about the iconic chair of St. Peter - presumed to have been used by St. Peter, the first Pope of Christianity.

  • Make your way with the host to the intriguing Vatican Museums and admire the masterpieces it houses on a guided tour with a carefully curated itinerary.

  • Explore the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more!

  • Marvel at the breathtaking murals by Botticelli and Michelangelo that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

from Original price€108.90
€86.86

20% off

Slide 1 of 14, Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, with tourists exploring.
Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, with tourists exploring.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Get timed-access to a 2nd century mausoleum and the world's largest church, in one booking.

  • At St. Peter’s Basilica, admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pietà and gain expert insights into its artistic and spiritual significance.

  • Descend into the Papal Tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to witness the final resting places of past popes, surrounded by centuries of history.

  • Explore all five floors of Castel Sant’Angelo, where statues, artwork, and historical weapons are preserved.

  • With a multilingual audio guide, uncover how this castle functioned as a fortress, residence, and even a prison.

More details
  • Get timed-access to a 2nd century mausoleum and the world's largest church, in one booking.

  • At St. Peter’s Basilica, admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s life-sized Pietà and gain expert insights into its artistic and spiritual significance.

  • Descend into the Papal Tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to witness the final resting places of past popes, surrounded by centuries of history.

  • Explore all five floors of Castel Sant’Angelo, where statues, artwork, and historical weapons are preserved.

  • With a multilingual audio guide, uncover how this castle functioned as a fortress, residence, and even a prison.

from Original price€37.33
€29.17

22% off

Slide 1 of 6, Tourists gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
Tourists gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
2 hrs 30 mins - 5 hrs
  • Attend the Wednesday Papal Audience and witness Pope Leo XIV address pilgrims from around the world.

  • Enjoy a guided introduction to papal traditions, ceremony structure, and the history of the Vatican.

  • Relax knowing your free ticket is pre-reserved and collected for you—no need to navigate the booking process.

  • Arrive early with your guide to secure a prime spot in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall.

  • Upgrade to include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and explore its sacred interiors with expert insight.

More details
  • Attend the Wednesday Papal Audience and witness Pope Leo XIV address pilgrims from around the world.

  • Enjoy a guided introduction to papal traditions, ceremony structure, and the history of the Vatican.

  • Relax knowing your free ticket is pre-reserved and collected for you—no need to navigate the booking process.

  • Arrive early with your guide to secure a prime spot in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall.

  • Upgrade to include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and explore its sacred interiors with expert insight.

from Original price€36
€18

50% off

Slide 1 of 13, Omnia Card and Roma Pass in front of the Colosseum, Rome.
Omnia Card and Roma Pass in front of the Colosseum, Rome.
Extended validity
1 more
  • Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.

  • Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.

  • With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.

  • Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.

  • Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.

More details
  • Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.

  • Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.

  • With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.

  • Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.

  • Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.

from
€149

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Guided tours: St Peter’s Basilica is packed with artworks by famous artists and tells the exceptional story of faith, religion, history, and art. A guided tour is the best way to enhance your experience and learn of the significance of what you see there.

Skip the line tickets: Though the entry to the Basilica is free, access to certain parts like the Cupola is ticketed and the ticket queues can be long. Bypass these lines with Skip-the-line tickets and gain priority access to the Dome, Vatican Grottoes, etc.

Audio guide: If you would like to explore at your own pace but still want a guided experience, consider renting a multilingual audio guide. It offers insights into the basilica’s highlights and history as you explore.

The Papal audience tour: To see the Pope, book a Papal Audience tour, which includes seating and a guide to explain the events. For a full experience, select the ticket with St. Peter's Basilica access.

Combo tickets: Make the most of your Vatican visit with a combo ticket covering the must-see "holy trinity" at a budget-friendly rate: St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.

About St Peter's Basilica

Distinguished as the largest church in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, with its impressive array of sculptures like Michelangelo’s Pieta, paintings, and carvings is bound to leave you speechless. Built over what is believed to be the tomb of St Peter, the Basilica in the Vatican City is a pilgrimage site and a cultural landmark that leaves thousands of visitors inspired every day. While general entry to the church is free, visits to certain parts are ticketed. Learn on the move with our guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and tickets granting access to the Dome, Necropolis, and more.

Great for
Solo Travellers
Couples
Art & Culture Lovers
Architecture Enthusiasts

AddressPiazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Year opened1626
Visitors per year10000000
Unesco status1984

Did you know?

St Peter’s Basilica, sits over what is presumed to be the tomb of St Peter, the Apostle of Jesus, and the first Pope executed by Emperor Nero. In fact right below the basilica, is the Vatican Necropolis, the remains of an ancient Roman burial ground with tombs dating back to the 1st and 4th centuries.

The Dome of the Basilica was designed by Michelangelo and was inspired by the Pantheon. The dome then went on to be the muse of many buildings including the Capitol in Washington and St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

There’s plenty to say about the dome but the sheer size of it is baffling. The height of the dome is 136.5 meters. Let us put that in perspective - it is so tall that you could fit the Statue of Liberty inside it!

The paintings in the Basilica are in fact not paintings at all. They are all glass or ceramic mosaics. Zoom in close on the paintings and you can make out the mosaic tiles that constitute the images.

The famed Pieta was carved out of a single piece of Carrara marble by a mere 24-year-old Michelangelo. The sculpture is the only artwork that bears his sign.

Why visit St Peter's Basilica?

Spiritual icon

Revered across the globe by people of faith, St Peter's Basilica is the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and the resting place of St Peter the Apostle. The Basilica is also the site where the Pope conducts many liturgies and a treasure trove of Christian relics. 

Michelangelo's Pieta

One of the most recognized marble sculptures in the world, the Pieta makes a visit to St Peter’s Basilica all the more compelling. The only artwork bearing Michelangelo's name, Pieta depicts an emotionally stirring sculpture of the Mother Mary cradling the body of Jesus after crucifixion and is renowned for its artistry and evocation of grief.

St Peter's Cupola

Envisioned by Michelangelo and completed by his student, the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica, inspired by the Pantheon, is one of the tallest domes in the world and intricately designed on the inside and out. Ascend to the top of the dome and behold remarkable views of Vatican City, and Rome.

Legacy of Renaissance artists

The St Peter’s Basilica is a still-standing testimony to the splendid craftsmanship of the Italian Renaissance. All the master craftsmen of the age like Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, Maderno, and Raphael have contributed to its making along with many other artists, making the visit to the church an artistic immersion and a lesson in art history. 

Vatican Necropolis

An ancient burial site discovered during excavations under the Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis, literally meaning “the city of the dead” has tombs of popes, mausoleums, and ornate sarcophagi. The Necropolis with the tomb of St Peter, has fascinated believers and history buffs alike and adds to the mysteries surrounding St Peter’s Basilica.

Highlights

Plan your visit

St. Peter's Square Entrance

St. Peter's Square Entrance

The main entrance to St Peter’s Basilica is accessed from St Peter’s Square. With a splendid view of the Basilica, this entrance is free but also packed with crowds. The security check waiting line can take a while.  

Hidden Entrance

Hidden Entrance

A lesser-known entrance to the Basilica can be found on the right side of the Sistine Chapel via a small door. This entrance is also free.

Cupola Entrance

Cupola Entrance

The Cupola or the St Peter’s Dome entrance can be found on the right side of the Basilica portico. The entry point is marked by a ticket office and an elevator. 

Vatican Necropolis entrance

Vatican Necropolis entrance

The ancient burial site housed under the Basilica should be accessed through the Necropolis entrance. The entry is ticketed and has a limit of 250 people per day. Make your way into the Basilica and you will the Necropolis entrance and the Excavations Office on the left while facing the altar. 

Sacristy & Treasury Museum Entrance

Sacristy & Treasury Museum Entrance

The Sacristy and the Treasury Museum are in a separate building attached to the Basilica. The ticketed entrance can be found below the Monument to Pius VIII on the left side while facing the altar.

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What our guests say

Vincenzo M

Italy
Group
4 days ago

+1 more

Impeccable service! I booked this visit about 3 weeks ago and, right up until the last minute, wasn't sure if I'd done everything correctly (unfortunately, we all know the scams that go around). Instead, I had a fantastic experience: upon arriving at the designated spot, I received the tickets, went straight in, and the included audio guide made the visit unique. I can only thank you and give you my compliments! Keep it up!!

Combo: Colosseum + Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s Basilica Entry Tickets

Diane B

Canada
Couple
4 days ago
It was an amazing experience. Totally worth the extra money to walk right past the long, long lines and get in within a few minutes. We took the shortcut to the Sistine Chapel and it was amazing and also less crowded. We then backtracked and saw the rest of the museum.

Combo: Colosseum + Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s Basilica Entry Tickets

Victor R

Family
4 days ago
We were a small group (only 6 people in total) and didn't have to wait in the extremely long entrance lines. Our guide, Petre, was excellent, dedicated, and very knowledgeable.

Combo: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour

Graham M

United Kingdom
Couple
Last week
Very professional and informative. Always keen to answer our questions. This tour was easy from start to finish. Would use them again.

Combo: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour

Pascal R

Couple
5 days ago

+3 more

Even though admission was free, using an audio guide made it much more enjoyable for me, with lots of useful information. The €5 was definitely not wasted.

St. Peter's Basilica Entry with Audio Guide

Eline F

Norway
Solo
Last week
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica was an unforgettable experience. I was struck by the sheer scale and beauty of the architecture, from the towering dome to the intricate details in every corner. The atmosphere felt both peaceful and powerful, and knowing the history behind the place made it even more meaningful. It was not just visually impressive, but also deeply moving on a personal level. Using Heaout made it easy - a much shorter line, as well as an easy experience.

St. Peter's Basilica Entry with Audio Guide

Vasileia T

Greece
Couple
Last week
Bogdan is a great guide, he made all the experience easy to keep up, interesting and funny. we liked his way to keep us together, in a good pace even for the elders, always giving history hints and knowledge with humour! Vatican museum and Cappella Sistina stand at their height of expectations for anyone who have never visited them, but better do this with guide if it's your first time visiting. We didn't had the chance to visit the basilica since it was Wednesday and every Wednesday there is a pop auditorium. Although we just visited the basilica next day on our own, no ticket needed just some queue waiting. Better try it late in the afternoon and before 19.00 nothing to complain about, except the really crowded and touristic vibe you bump on allover the city, but this is inevitable.

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

Katharine B

United States
Couple
Last week

+5 more

Highly recommend this tour! Our guide Magie was great. She has over 17 years experience as a tour guide in Vatican City . We learned so much we would have never known on our own. Loved everything about this experience! Thank you!

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

Nearby cities to explore

Experience Saint Peter’s Basilica with Dex

The Saint Peter’s Basilica Dex experience is an interactive self-guided tour available exclusively with selected Saint Peter’s Basilica admission tickets booked through Headout.

Put on your earphones and follow a story that unfolds from the square into the basilica, connecting the Pietà, the baldachin, and the dome with the floor markings, tombs, and mosaics that most visitors walk over.

Historical characters and voices from the basilica’s past lead you through stories of the first church raised over the tomb of St. Peter; Michelangelo’s Pietà and the dome he designed; Bernini’s bronze baldachin and the colonnade that frames the square; the bronze statue of St. Peter with its worn foot; and the measurements of other churches marked along the nave and the grottoes below, accompanied by original music and restrained sound design.

How Dex guides you through the basilica

  • Dex uses your phone’s location to guide you along a recommended route covering St. Peter’s Square and the colonnade, the nave and its floor markings, the Pietà, the baldachin and Cathedra Petri, the side chapels, and the Vatican Grottoes.
  • As you reach each location, it automatically begins the story connected to what you are seeing.
  • The route is only the starting point. When a mosaic, a statue, or an inscription catches your attention, pause and ask your Dex guide a question. Photograph a supported artwork, inscription, or architectural detail to uncover more about it, open a related story, or return to the route when you are ready.
  • Dex also points you towards details of the mosaics, floor, and colonnade that are easy to walk past and quieter parts of the basilica. You decide when to pause, where to go deeper, and when to continue.

How Dex differs from an audio guide and a group tour

An audio guide gives you a collection of prepared recordings. Dex builds those stories into a location-aware route, automatically connects them to what is around you, and lets you ask questions or investigate supported objects along the way.

A group tour gives you live interpretation from a human guide while following a scheduled departure, shared route, and group pace.

Dex offers a different experience: a structured tour that you can begin when you choose, pause whenever something interests you, and explore at your own pace. Choose Dex if you want the direction and storytelling of a guided visit with the freedom to explore the basilica independently.

Unlock Saint Peter’s Basilica Dex

Selected Saint Peter’s Basilica admission tickets booked through Headout unlock the complete Saint Peter’s Basilica Dex experience at no additional cost. It is not available as a standalone purchase or with tickets bought elsewhere.

After booking:

  • Download the Dex app.
  • Sign in with your Headout details.
  • The Saint Peter’s Basilica experience will unlock automatically.

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