Hello, Lykkers! Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it holds an astonishing concentration of art, history, and architecture.

With so much to see, it helps to know which places deserve your time and how to plan around the crowds. Here are seven must-see spots, along with practical details to make your visit smoother.

St. Peter's Square is the grand entrance to the basilica, framed by Bernini's colonnade. It is free and open daily, though you will pass through airport-style security. Early morning before 9 AM means shorter lines.

The basilica itself is free to enter. Inside, do not miss Michelangelo's Pietà in the first chapel on the right, Bernini's Baldachin over the main altar, and the bronze Statue of Saint Peter. A strict dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered. On Wednesday mornings, the basilica may close until around 12:30 or 13:00 due to papal audiences.

Estimated Cost: Free

The Dome Climb

For panoramic views of Rome, climb the dome. Tickets are sold on-site inside the basilica. The full stair route involves 551 steps. The elevator option skips the first 231 steps, leaving 320 steps to the top. The climb is not recommended for those with claustrophobia, vertigo, or heart conditions. Dome hours are roughly 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM in summer, earlier in winter.

Estimated Cost: US$9 for stairs, US$11 for elevator (cost may vary)

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums house an immense collection, and the Sistine Chapel is its crowning jewel. The museums are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of each month, when entry is free from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (expect large crowds).

Plan at least three hours inside. The route is one-way and ends at the Sistine Chapel, so see everything you want before entering the chapel. Photography is forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel.

Estimated Cost: US$23 on-site or US$27 online, US$11 reduced (cost may vary)

Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms are a series of papal apartments frescoed by Raphael and his workshop. They are included with museum admission and sit along the standard route before the Sistine Chapel. The School of Athens is the most famous fresco here, depicting philosophers in a grand architectural setting. Many visitors rush past these rooms, so slow down and give them proper time.

Estimated Cost: Included with museum admission

Gardens of Vatican City

The Vatican Gardens cover more than half of Vatican City and cannot be visited independently. You must book an official tour. The open-bus audio tour lasts 45 minutes without disembarking. The guided walking tour lasts about two hours on foot.

Both include skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, which makes them practical if you also plan to see the museums. Book two to three weeks in advance, and note that the gardens close on Wednesday mornings for papal audiences.

Estimated Cost: US$35 for bus tour, US$44 for walking tour (cost may vary)

Vatican Necropolis (Scavi)

Beneath the basilica lies an ancient Roman necropolis and the traditional tomb of Saint Peter. This is one of the hardest tickets to obtain in Rome. You must email the Excavations Office directly months in advance with your requested dates and full names of all participants. Tours last about 90 minutes.

The minimum age is 15, and photography is strictly forbidden. The environment is warm and humid with narrow passages, so it is not suitable for those with claustrophobia.

Estimated Cost: US$15 per person (cost may vary)

Final Thoughts

Vatican City rewards planning. Book museum tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Arrive early for the basilica and dress appropriately. Decide whether the dome climb or the Scavi tour fits your interests and physical ability. Even with just one day, you can see the highlights if you prioritize what matters most to you. Take your time, and let the scale and artistry of this remarkable place sink in.