Five Must Do’s in Vatican City for an Unforgettable 2025 Experience
Explore the top must do's in Vatican City for 2025, from iconic landmarks to spiritual encounters. Discover what makes this tiny country a bucket-list destination.
THE CURIOUS TRAVELLER
2/16/20255 min read
Why Vatican City Should Top Your 2025 Travel List
What if the smallest country in the world could offer you one of the biggest emotional experiences of your life? Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and residence of the Pope. Located within Rome, it’s also a sovereign city-state. The Vatican may be tiny, but it carries immense cultural weight, holding some of the most powerful symbols of faith, art, and history on the planet.
With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, a renewed energy is sweeping through the Vatican’s hallowed squares and sacred halls, drawing visitors from around the globe in ever-greater numbers. The blend of ancient ritual, breathtaking beauty and human creativity is deeply moving—even if you're not Catholic.
Visiting the Vatican in 2025 means stepping into a unique moment in time. New leadership brings fresh perspectives, special events, and a sense of spiritual anticipation. Whether it’s hearing the Pope speak, standing beneath the Sistine Chapel’s painted sky, or simply gazing up at the dome of St. Peter’s, every corner of the Vatican offers a stirring, unforgettable encounter. And with this guide, you’ll know exactly which experiences are not to be missed.
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Morning Light
There’s a certain magic in arriving just after dawn, when the piazza is still quiet and the waking sunlight illuminates the great façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. Step inside and the hush deepens. Vaulted ceilings soar above, and the polished marble seems to glow in the soft light. For an emotional depiction of human compassion, don’t miss the Pietà, Michelangelo’s astonishing marble sculpture of Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus Christ.
As the hours pass, the space fills with visitors and pilgrims, yet there’s always a corner where you can pause and reflect. Exploring the papal crypts adds another layer of awe, especially knowing that saints and popes rest beneath your feet. Attend a mass if you can to hear ancient words echo through this sacred space.
Now that you’ve experienced the spiritual heart of the Vatican, it’s time to look up—literally.
Climbing to the Summit of St. Peter’s Dome
The climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is worth it. As you spiral upward through narrow stone corridors, anticipation builds. And then suddenly, there it is. The panoramic view from the dome is one of the best in Rome. The city stretches out in every direction. If you’re lucky, the red rooftops, historic landmarks, and orderly gardens are all shining under the sun.
Standing up there, wind in your hair, heart pounding slightly from the climb, you’ll feel connected to the scale and history of this place. It’s a view few forget. And it’s a perfect segue to our next stop in Vatican City, which takes us into its artistic soul.
Navigating the Vastness of the Vatican Museum
With 26 museums, 54 galleries, tens of thousands of works of art displayed in 1400 rooms, the Vatican Museums are cathedrals of beauty, spanning millennia of human creativity. With so much to take in, it’s wise to focus on highlights and pace yourself. A guided tour can make all the difference, revealing stories and symbols you might otherwise miss. Don’t let the volume of beauty intimidate you. With a masterpiece around each corner, it’s impossible to take a wrong turn.
Our favourites? The Gallery of Maps, bathed in natural light, is a corridor of wonder. The Raphael Rooms feel like private chambers in the house of a Renaissance genius. Once you’ve wandered through this maze of masterpieces, the grand finale awaits: one of the most iconic ceilings in the world.
Stillness Beneath the Sistine Chapel Ceiling
The Sistine Chapel is the location of the papal conclave, where cardinals just gathered to elect Pope Leo XIV. Nothing prepares you for the moment you enter the Sistine Chapel. Your eyes rise involuntarily to the intricate artwork on the ceiling. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted nine Biblical scenes, including his most famous work: Creation of Adam in which God’s outstretched finger meet man’s. The enforced silence here gives the artwork space to speak.
There’s a deep sense of unity in this room. Dozens of people, all from different places, standing together in quiet awe. It’s history, theology and philosophy painted in brilliant colour. Having absorbed the visual splendour of the Sistine Chapel, the next chapter of our Vatican tour brings you closer to its living tradition.
Experiencing a Papal Audience or Blessing
Few moments are as moving as seeing the Pope in person. Whether it’s a Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square or a Sunday Angelus from the Apostolic Palace, these gatherings radiate a sense of shared hope. You’ll see families, nuns, tourists, and locals, all waiting with anticipation. When the Pope appears, the crowd responds not with frenzy, but with reverence.
Hearing him speak—sometimes in several languages—reminds you that this is not just a city-state but a centre of global spiritual leadership. It’s also a deeply personal moment, often sparking reflection and joy.
Crafting Your Perfect Vatican Experience
Vatican City offers an opportunity to feel awe, reflect on centuries of history, and connect with the divine and the beautiful, often both at once. Whether you’ve marvelled at Michelangelo’s genius, climbed the dome for the best view in Rome, or simply sat in silence while sunlight streamed through ancient windows, your day here will linger in the heart. With Pope Leo XIV ushering in a new era of openness and optimism, there’s never been a more meaningful time to visit.
This isn’t just another tick on a travel checklist. It’s a moment you’ll carry with you long after your return. And for those who love travel with heart, soul, and story, we here at Wanderwell recommend placing Vatican City high on your 2025 list.
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