Headout logo. Link to home.
Help

4.2(34.7k Ratings)Rated 4.2 out of 5.0 from 34678 Ratings.

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the Catholic church's official seat at St. Peter's Basilica and discover its remarkable Renaissance architecture. Browse through our extensive collection of St. Peter's Basilica tickets and choose from skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, & combo tours with Vatican Museums and more.

Open today

7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

St. Peter's Basilica

Bestseller

vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-1
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-2
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-3
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-4
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-5
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-6
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-7
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-8
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-9
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-10
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-11
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-12
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-13
vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica guided tour-14

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

4.3
(10.8K)
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hrs
Guided tour
from €78

Top Experiences

Free cancellation
go city rome explorer pass: choose 2 to 7 attractions-1
City Cards
Go City Rome Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
Instant confirmation
4.5
Rated 4.48 out of 5.0 from 1918 reviews.
from €74
Free cancellation
the official angels & demons tour-1
Guided Tours
The Official Angels & Demons Tour
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.44 out of 5.0 from 849 reviews.
€75
Selling out fast
vatican museums + sistine chapel small group tour-1
Guided Tours
Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour
Instant confirmation
4.5
Rated 4.48 out of 5.0 from 136 reviews.
from €96

Headout's Top Recommendations

Selling out fast
st. peter’s basilica dome guided tour-1
Guided Tours
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
4.3
Rated 4.26 out of 5.0 from 1998 reviews.
from €38
Free cancellation
st. peter's basilica and dome entry ticket with audio guide-1
Religious Sites
St. Peter's Basilica and Dome Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Instant confirmation
New
€29
Selling out fast
st. peter’s basilica & dome guided tour with breakfast-1
Guided Tours
St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Guided Tour with Breakfast
Instant confirmation
4.8
Rated 4.78 out of 5.0 from 9 reviews.
€49
Select a Date
Duration
2 hrs - 2 hrs 30 mins
Flexible
3 hrs
Inclusions

Admission to the St. Peter’s Basilica

Dome climb

Visit to the Papal Sarcophagi (optional)

Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide

Admission to St. Peter's Basilica and Dome

Elevator ride to Cupola's base

Insightful audio guide

Climb to Dome's top

Assistance at the meeting point

Entry with guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome

Expert English or French-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Elevator access to the Dome’s 1st level

Breakfast

Cancellation policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Travel Guides and Tips

Millions love heading out with us

Marianne Sautet
ES

Marianne

5/5
Spain
review-image
review-image
review-image
What I liked the most of my whole trip to Rome was the visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Spectacular both inside and out, the best of baroque art without a doubt.
View original review in Spanish
English Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs
Volker Singer

Volker

5/5
review-image
review-image
review-image

See More

We were lucky that we only had to wait a short time. The tour was very nice and interesting. Many thanks for the good service
View original review in German
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour
ANNA PARALOUSI
GR

Anna

5/5
Greece
review-image
review-image
We came few minutes later at the tour. No one was answering our calls BUT we were lucky that a security guy knew our tour guide and contacted him directly. The tourguide was amazing, friendly happy to explain. The agency though never answered our calls or messages in which we were informing them that we were late and lost! Maybe this is something that can be improved. Place amazing! The tourgide very good and kind!
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour
Isabel María Castro Carballa
ES

Isabel

5/5
Spain
review-image
Our guide Katy was wonderful! Despite the hour wait in a coma to get in, she made it very enjoyable and you can tell she has great knowledge and taste for the history of this country. The experience was awesome. We had already visited the Vatican without a guide and this time it was 100% worth it.
View original review in Spanish
Small-Group Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Heike Paul

Heike

5/5
review-image
Lots of "insider knowledge" from someone who gives daily tours of St. Peter's Basilica. ATTENTION - you still have to queue at security, for us it was only 20 minutes, but you should be aware of this.
View original review in German
Small-Group Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Purple N Kandiyil
US

Purple

5/5
United States
review-image
review-image
review-image
Max was awesome and the experience was definitely a once in a lifetime one and was very grateful for it. The reservation was easy to do and the team let me know a few days in advance where to meet and communication was great. Overall wonderful experience - thank you!
Guided Tour of Papal Audience with Free Viewing Experience
Aaron Rushbrook

Aaron

4/5
It was great and once at the top an amazing view of Vatican City and Rome, would say need to be fit to walk to the top of the dome but worth the climb.
St Peters Basilica, Popes Tombs, & Dome
Theodor Sagen Erni

Theodor

5/5
Rich was great! Along with a great tour he gave us answers to all the questions we could think of during our two hours. Could not imagine doing the tour without him. 5/5 experience that really brought the buildings to life.
St Peters Basilica, Popes Tombs, & Dome

St. Peter's Basilica Guide

Built over a period of 100 years, St. Peter’s Basilica is Italy’s largest and most opulent church that comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Holy See. Located within Vatican City, this 16th-century Basilica is steeped in history and heritage and is renowned for its renaissance architecture, worked upon by master designers such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Said to be the burial site of the apostle St. Peter, it is regarded by Catholics worldwide as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom." Explore all your ticket options and plan your visit to this remarkable religious landmark here.
One of the most popular attractions in the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica sees millions of tourists every year creating vast crowds and excruciatingly long lines. However, there is a variety of ticket options to choose from; from skip-the-line access to the basilica to combo packages that allow you to explore other places of interest in Rome along with the church. You may also choose guided tours to include the services of a knowledgeable guide.
The biggest advantage of a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica is that you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The guide will not only ensure that you are not lost during the tour, but will also help you understand the history behind every single attraction on the way. Depending on your choice, your St. Peter's Basilica tour could include complimentary access to Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Basilica dome, one of the most magnificent domes in the city of Rome. Depending on your ticket you may also get access to and guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Why go for these tickets?

  • On a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, you are accompanied by a professional guide who will enthrall you with stories about every major attraction at the basilica, including the dome.
  • Soak in an eagle’s view of Vatican City from Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Basilica dome, a truly unparalleled experience.
  • Get access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in our all inclusive guided tours.

Recommended Experiences

Enjoy guided tour of Rome and Vatican City with these combo tickets. On your tour, enjoy top attractions with skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Why go for these tickets?

  • Experience Rome like never before as you explore top attractions including the Colosseum and Vatican Museums with St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Some combo tickets take you through an in-depth tour of unique attractions like the Papal Audience which are not part of regular tours.
  • With a multilingual tour guide, discover the history and significance of top attractions in Rome and Vatican City.

Recommended Experiences

If you are looking for an in-depth tour

If you are looking for an in-depth tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome, and other attractions, then our guided tours come highly recommended. You will learn all about its fascinating history and architecture with a licensed tour guide. 

If you are looking to explore more in Rome and Vatican City

Explore the St. Peter’s Basilica and a variety of attractions in Vatican City and Rome like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountains, the Vatican Gardens, and more with combo tickets.

Discounts

Get up to 9% off on our combo tickets and up to 10% off on our guided tours.

Cashback

You can a cashback up to 10% on your purchase of St. Peter’s Basilica tickets.

Free Entry

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free to all. However, long queues at the site make it very difficult to enter. You may access skip-the-line tickets or guided tours to overcome this.

What are the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica?

From 1 April to 30 September, St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7 AM to 7 PM; from 1 October to 31 March, it is open from 7 AM to 6:30 PM.

When can I attend the mass at St. Peter's Basilica?

On weekdays, mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is held at 7 AM, 7:30 AM, 8 AM, 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM on weekends and holy days, the mass will be held at 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM.

How long does it take to tour St. Peter’s Basilica?

Exploring everything that the historical basilica has to offer, including the grottos and museums will take you between 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on the attractions you choose to visit. If you’re looking to attend a mass as well, you could easily end up taking over 4 hours to finish your St Peter’s Basilica tour.

What is the best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica?

Fall (autumn) is the best time of the year to visit St Peter’s Basilica. St Peter’s Basilica tends to get crowded during Christian festivals and holy days. The time between September and November features the lowest number of Christian holy days, making it the best season to visit the Vatican and avoid crowds. As the basilica opens quite early, it is recommended that you visit the monument between 7 AM and 9 AM to avoid the crowd. The number of people visiting St Peter’s Basilica tends to increase by midday. On Wednesday, in lieu of the Papal Audience, there is generally a huge crowd at the basilica.

Where is St. Peter's Basilica located?

The basilica is located at Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City.
Google Map Directions

How do I get to St Peter’s Basilica?

St Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican city, which is located towards the north of the Rome city center. You can get to Vatican City via public transport, Metro, Hop On Hop Off buses or private cabs.

How do I get to St Peter’s Basilica by Metro?

To reach St Peter’s Basilica, you have to take the Rome Metro and get down at Ottaviano-S. Pietro, which is just outside the Vatican. Line A direction Battistini, Ottaviano or Cipro stations of the Metro have trains running every few minutes. It's a 5-minute walk from the Metro to both St Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums.

Can I get to St Peter’s Basilica by bus?

To reach St Peter’s Basilica, you have to take either one of the following;
Bus 49 - stops at the square in front of the Vatican Museums
Buses 32, 81, 982 - stops at Piazza del Risorgimento
Buses 492, 990 - stops at Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni

What are different entrances to the St. Peter's Basilica?

Beside the main entrance, one can enter St. Peter's Basilica by four ways - the Dome, the Necropolis, the Sacristy, & through the Sistine Chapel.

Is St. Peter's Basilica wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, St. Peter's Basilica is wheelchair-accessible due to the presence of ramps and elevators.

Is photography allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the basilica. However, flash photography is not permitted.

What is the dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Since the basilica is a place of worship, guests are expected to dress modestly. Knees and shoulders must be covered at all times, and low-cut tops/shirts are not permitted.

Are return transfers included in St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

There are no return transfers available on any of our St. Peter's Basilica tickets.
St Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an Italian Renaissance Church and the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture in the world. It is also the largest church in the world and was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Besides its obvious historical and artistic significance, it has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

St Peter's Basilica Dome

Designed by Michelangelo, the dome was completed by Giacomo Della Porta, Michelangelo’s pupil. The dome, with an inner diameter of 42.56 metres measures 136.57 metres from the base to the top of the cross. There is a viewing platform at the base of the lantern from where you can enjoy an unparalleled panorama over Rome, which can be reached by stairs or elevator. This dome was used as a model for other domes in the western world, like Saint Paul’s in London (1675), Les Invalides in Paris (1680-1691) and the Capitol building in Washington (1794-1817).

St Peter’s Basilica Architecture

The basilica was completed around 349AD on the orders of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, and was marked for renovation by Pope Nicholas V in the late fifteenth century. However, once he died, the restoration plans were halted, until almost a century later, Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church and appointed architect Donato Bromante to structure the iconic high dome. The dome was further worked upon and modified heavily by architects and designers like Michelangelo Buonarroti, Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno.

Grottoes

The grottos contain chapels dedicated to various saints and tombs of kings, queens and popes, dating from the 10th century, and are found sandwiched between the Renaissance Basilica and Constantine’s 4th century basilica. The holiest spot here is Peter’s tomb, containing the "memory", built in the 4th century on the spot were the Apostle’s tomb was venerated. The monuments to Paul VI (1978) and Pope John Paul II (2005) are also in the grottos. There is also a fresco by the 14th century Roman painter Pietro Cavallini called “Madonna della Bocciata”, because of Mary’s swollen face. According to an old legend, her face bled because a drunken soldier had thrown a bowl into the holy image after he lost a game of bowls.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, or scavi, is often confused for the grottoes, the latter of which resulted from the construction of St. Peter's Church and is located on the ground level of the old Constantinian basilica. It was originally a burial ground built on the southern slope of the Vatican Hill, adjacent to the Circus of Caligula. In accordance with the Roman law, it was forbidden to bury the dead within the city walls. For this reason, burial grounds sprang up along the roads outside of the city cemeteries. It is thought to be the site of Apostle Peter’s tomb.

St. Peter’s Tomb

Saint Peter's tomb is located under St. Peter's Basilica and includes several graves and structures built to enshrine the location of Saint Peter's grave. Quite a few Popes have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period as it is the burial site of St Peter and is hence one of the four highest-ranking churches or ‘Major Basilicas’ in the world. It is the only one to be located in Vatican City and is directly under the jurisdiction of the Holy See.

The Chair of St. Peter

The Throne of St. Peter, a wooden throne that was supposedly used by Apostle Saint Peter, the leader of the Early Christians in Rome and first Pope, is on display at St Peter’s Basilica. The relic itself is described as an oaken chair damaged by cuts and worms, while the back and front are trimmed with carved ivory. The wooden throne was a gift from Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Bald to Pope John VIII in 875. The spiritual significance of the chair is a symbol of the special mission of Peter and his Successors to tend Christ’s flock, keeping it united in faith and in charity.
If you're looking to further explore top things to do in the cities of Rome and Vatican City, here's what you should not miss out on.

Vatican Museums

The reputation of the Vatican Museums in Rome precedes them. Arguably one of the most famous museums in the world, the Vatican Museums houses over 70,000 works of art, which includes paintings, sculptures, frescoes and more. Keep your eyes out for masterpieces by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Raphael, Michelangelo and more. Book Vatican Museums tickets individually or as part of combo tours.

Sistine Chapel

The crown jewel in the Vatican Museums is the historic Sistine Chapel. Its cultural significance is such that its ceiling and interior frescoes have been studied and admired for generations now, the most noteworthy one being The Last Judgement by Michelangelo. Book Sistine Chapel tickets separately or as part of a combo tour.

Roman Colosseum

Few structures have withstood the test of time like the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. Visited by millions of travelers each year, the Colosseum is seeped in historic stories of bloodshed, violence, and betrayal as gladiators, cheered on by frenzied crowds, battled each other till death. A must-visit, book Colosseum tickets separately or as part of a combo tour.

Borghese Gallery

Another popular gem in Rome's tapestry is the Borghese Gallery. Home to hundreds of carefully curated artwork by masters of their craft such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Dosso Dossi and more, Galleria Borghese in Rome, it is frequented by millions each year. The cherry on top? The Borghese Gardens, a peaceful landscape adorned with immaculately maintained flora and fauna. Book Borghese Gallery tickets.

Roman Catacombs

In order to deal with shortage of space and overflowing population, ancient Roman authorities came up with a unique solution to bury the dead: underground catacombs. On a Roman Catacombs tour, discover eerie yet elaborate arrangements and displays of the bones of millions of Romans. Watch out for unique artwork and frescoes of olden Christian art. Book Roman Catacombs tickets.

Are St. Peter's Basilica tickets available online?

Yes. Guests can now book their St. Peter's Basilica tickets online now.

Do I need tickets to enter St.Peter’s Basilica?

You do not need tickets to enter St. Peter's Basilica since entry is free. However, expect to wait in long queues if you enter without fast-track or priority tickets. Explore our guided tours and combo tickets for skip-the-line entry to the basilica. You also need tickets to access to access the Dome.

Where is the St. Peter’s Basilica entrance?

To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you would have to use its main entrance at St. Peter’s Square. Temporarily, the entrance through the Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public.

What are St. Peter's Basilica hours?

St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7 AM to 7 PM between 1 April to 30 September, and from 7 AM to 06:30 PM between 1 October to 31 March.

Is there a dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, there is a strict code in place. Clothing above the knees, low cut tops and bare shoulders are not allowed. Hats and large bags are also not allowed inside and must be checked-in.

Do St. Peter's Basilica tickets include access to Vatican Museums?

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. You can opt for combo and guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica tickets that include entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Are discounts available on St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

Yes, get up to 9% discount on our combo tickets and up to 10% discount on our guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica.

Is skip-the-line entry available in St. Peter's Basilica tickets?

Yes, skip-the-line or priority entrance is available in some of our guided tours and combo tours. Explore our ticket these tickets for skip-the-line access:
1. Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
2. Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel

World at your tap.

Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
iphone

We've served 20 million+ guests and we are here for you

20 million +

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

4.4/5

5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score

In the Media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 Help Center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime