Visiting the Vatican is a must for many travellers to Rome—and yes, it can be worthwhile with kids too. With its incredible art, rich history, and one of the most iconic churches in the world, the Vatican makes a big impression. That said, it’s also a place where planning matters, especially if you’re visiting with children.
This post walks you through what to expect, what worked for our family, and how to make the most of your visit, without total museum fatigue.
What’s included in a Vatican visit?
• Vatican Museums (includes Sistine Chapel)
• St. Peter’s Square & Basilica (entry is free)
Book your Vatican Museum tickets online in advance, especially during high season. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Note: Shoulders and knees must be covered inside religious sites—bring a scarf or light layer.
Vatican Museums: Beautiful… and Long
The Vatican Museums are huge—over 7km of galleries! If you’re not careful, it’s easy to lose steam early on.
We booked a guided tour that lasted 2.5 hours and covered many of the museum’s famous sections, including:
• The Sculpture halls, lined with ancient Roman statues, busts, and sarcophagi
• The Raphael Rooms, filled with frescoes by Raphael, including the School of Athens
• The Gallery of Tapestries, with massive, embroidered scenes from the life of Christ
• The Gallery of Maps, where walls are covered with vibrant 16th-century maps
While the guide offered detailed historical insight, we found the pace and depth too much at times. The museums can be overwhelming, especially for younger kids. Still, the artwork and rooms are impressive, and there’s plenty to marvel at—even without understanding all the backstory.
Tip: If you’re visiting with kids under 12, look for a shorter, family-focused tour or consider exploring on your own with a printed scavenger hunt or audio guide.
Sistine Chapel: Worth the Hype
Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s ceiling is stunning in both scale and detail. Learning the backstory beforehand—how he painted it lying on his back on scaffolding, how long it took, and the stories each panel tells—made the experience more powerful.
Inside the chapel:
- No photos or talking are allowed.
- The space is crowded, but if you’re prepared, it’s an unforgettable moment.
What worked:
Our guide described the paintings beforehand since no explanation is allowed inside. That made a huge difference in how we appreciated what we saw.
St. Peter’s Square: Look for the Illusion!
Don’t rush into the Basilica just yet. The massive piazza is part of the experience.
Saint Peter’s Square is one of the most iconic open spaces in the world. This vast, oval piazza is framed by two arcs of white marble columns—the famous Bernini Colonnades—that seem to embrace visitors as they enter. At its center stands a 4,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk, acting as a sundial as it casts long shadows across the stone. Towering above it all, the golden dome of St. Peter’s Basilica gleams in the Roman sun.
Our kids loved:
- Counting the Bernini Colonnades (there are four rows, with a total of 284 columns).
- Finding the magic viewing spot where all four rows of columns disappear into one (look for a marble disk between the obelisk and one of the fountains)
St. Peter’s Basilica: Bigger Than You Expect
Even if you’re not religious, St. Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking. From the size of the space to the details in the marble, sculpture, and architecture, it’s an unforgettable place to walk through.
Highlights for families:
- The sheer size of the building (great for perspective)
- Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of his most famous sculptures
- The crypts below the church, where many Popes are buried (calm, cool, and fascinating)
Entry tip: You can enter the Basilica for free, but lines can be long. If you’ve booked a Vatican Museum tour, you may have fast-track access directly into the basilica—ask when booking.
What Worked for Our Family
- Expect some fatigue. Two hours is a long time for kids to focus. Bring a snack or plan to stop for lunch before heading into the Basilica. Don’t try to pack too much else into the day. Note: some museum rooms were extremely hot and crowded, which added to the challenge.
- Prep them in advance. Learn a bit about Michelangelo, the Popes, why the Vatican is important and the Swiss guards that protect it before you go. It helps the visit feel more meaningful. Our boys were especially excited about the fact that they were entering a new country!
- Take breaks. Even a quiet moment on a bench to look up at a ceiling can help kids (and adults) reset and re-engage.
Is the Vatican Worth It with Kids?
Yes—with the right expectations. You might not linger in every gallery, and your kids may not remember every fresco, but standing under the Sistine Chapel, exploring the Pizza or walking into St. Peter’s Basilica leaves a lasting impression.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Fun Things to Do in Venice with Kids
• Becoming Gondoliers: Learning to Row a Gondola in Venice
• 4-Day Itinerary in Rome with Kids
• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
