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Audio guide
Discover St. Peter’s Basilica with an immersive audio guide. Upgrade for skip-the-line entry and optional Dome access by stairs or elevator.
3.1/5
(1,788)
Josephine
Thomas
María
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Explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide and digital map covering 27 highlights.
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Your included digital guidebook helps make the most of your visit by offering handy tips, pointing out highlights to watch out for, and more.
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Learn the stories behind masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Papal Altar.
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Transform your free-entry visit into a meaningful, self-paced journey through art, faith, and history.
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Upgrade to reserved entry to skip the long lines—or add Dome access for sweeping Vatican views.
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Note: The digital guidebook comes only in English.
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Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs
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Digital audio guide
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Digital guidebook
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Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
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Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)
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Printed copy of the guidebook
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Live tour guide
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Food and drinks
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 1,788 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
64125714398649Guests from United States, Spain, United Kingdom and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Thomas
Feb 2026Verified booking
María
Feb 2026Verified bookingAnna
Feb 2026Verified booking
Carolina
Feb 2026Verified bookingTimothy
Feb 2026Verified booking
Step into St. Peter’s Basilica—the world’s most visited church—and explore its art, architecture, and history at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide and a digital guidebook on your phone (approx. 2 hours).
Getting started
Start your visit by joining the free-entry line outside St. Peter’s Basilica. After clearing the security check at the entrance, open the link sent to your email and activate your digital audio guide through your phone. You’ll need your own earphones—no QR code or app download is required for this base variant. Do keep your included digital guidebook for easy reference as you tour the basilica.
Note: QR codes for reserved entry and dome access are only applicable for upgrade variants with reserved access.
What to expect
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica
Once inside, go at your own pace through this architectural wonder—home to centuries of Christian history and priceless Renaissance art. The audio guide points out key highlights, bringing the sacred and artistic details to life with expert commentary. Your guidebook points out unmissable highlights and charts out an itinerary for you, based on the time available for exploration.
Highlights:
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Michelangelo’s Pietà: Hear the story behind this delicate yet powerful marble sculpture, created when Michelangelo was just 24 years old.
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Bernini’s Baldachin: Learn how this monumental bronze canopy marks St. Peter’s tomb and reflects the Baroque drama of the space.
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Chapel of the Sacrament & Nave: Discover intricate details often missed on unguided visits, from mosaic floors to overlooked altars.
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Self-Guided Access to Papal Tombs (reserved entry & dome variants only): Upgrade for access to the underground crypt housing past popes.
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What to bring
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Personal earphones to use with the audio guide on your smartphone.
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A valid photo ID matching the name on your booking (may be checked at entry).
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For Reserved Entry or Dome variants: Make sure you’ve received your QR codes for both entry and audio guide activation (check spam or retrieve them online if needed).
What’s not allowed
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Large bags, luggage, or suitcases. Only small backpacks or personal bags allowed (no cloakroom on-site).
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Food, drinks, smoking, and pets.
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Infants and animals are not permitted.
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Flash photography, tripods, and filming gear. (Non-flash photography is allowed.)
Accessibility
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The Dome involves a steep climb of up to 551 steps and isn’t recommended for infants, pregnant visitors, or those with mobility issues, heart conditions, claustrophobia, or vertigo.
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Not wheelchair accessible.
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All visitors must pass airport-style security.
Additional information
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There are two queues at the main entrance — a free entry queue and a reserved entry queue. Only if you've selected the reserved entry option at checkout are you eligible to skip the free entry line.
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During peak hours, brief waits may still occur due to mandatory security checks, even for guests with skip-the-line access.
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Modest dress is required: no shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless tops.
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If you’ve reserved entry, arrive at least 45 minutes early to clear security—especially during busy times.
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The audio guide is smartphone-only; bring earphones and ensure your device is charged.
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Minimum age: 6 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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This experience is non-refundable.
Closures & exceptions
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Papal Tombs are not accessible for 6pm entries—only the Basilica will be open.
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The Basilica and/or Dome may close without notice due to religious ceremonies. If access is restricted, alternatives will be provided.
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Special access from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica is unavailable on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter.
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- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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