Things to Do in Italy From Happy to Wander (Travel Tips &

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Vatican City

Must-try foods in Vatican City

• Cacio e Pepe
  Cacio e PepeA minimalist, classic Roman dish of pasta (often *tonnarelli* or spaghetti) tossed with only Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh ground black pepper, and the starchy pasta water to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
• Supplì
  SupplìAn iconic Roman street food, these are deep-fried rice balls traditionally filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, which melts into a string when broken open—earning the nickname 'supplì al telefono' (telephone supplì).
• Pizza al Taglio
  Pizza al TaglioRoman-style pizza sold 'by the slice' and cut with scissors, then weighed for price. It has a thick, airy crust and comes with both classic and inventive toppings, making it a trendy, quick lunch near the Vatican Museums.
• Trapizzino
  TrapizzinoA modern, trendy Roman street food concept. It is a half pizza, half sandwich pocket of crunchy bread, shaped like a triangle, and filled with classic Roman stewed dishes like *coda alla vaccinara* (oxtail stew) or *parmigiana di melanzane*.
• Carciofi alla Giudia
  Carciofi alla GiudiaArtichokes prepared 'Jewish-style' (alla Giudia), a Roman-Jewish culinary classic. The entire artichoke is deep-fried until it blooms like a flower, becoming shatteringly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Coda alla Vaccinara
  Coda alla VaccinaraA hearty, classic Roman oxtail stew. The oxtail is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables, often including celery, pine nuts, and sometimes chocolate or raisins, resulting in a robust, meaty flavor.

Trip guide

• About Vatican City
  About Vatican CityVatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state and the world's smallest independent nation by both area and population, situated within Rome, Italy. Its historical background traces back to antiquity, with the area once containing the Circus of Nero, which was the reported location of Saint Peter's crucifixion in the first century AD.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Vatican City is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), which offer pleasant weather and a better balance of sunshine and occasional rain compared to the hot, dry peak summer months. Visiting during these times, or going right at opening or close to closing, helps avoid the high-season crowds, though winter offers the fewest crowds despite being mild and wet.
• Getting around
  Getting around Vatican City

  • Rome Metro (Line A) to Vatican City The most efficient way to arrive is via Rome's Metro Line A. Stations like Ottaviano-S. Pietro and Cipro are the closest stops.
  • Rome Bus Network to Vatican City Rome's public bus system is a very affordable option, with routes like the 40 (Express) and 64 running from Roma Termini and other major attractions to stops near the Vatican.
  • Walking (Local Transport) Vatican City does not have its own public transportation system; therefore, once you are inside the city-state, you will get around entirely by walking. Given its extremely small area.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Cover your knees and shoulders to meet the strict modest dress code required for entry into St. Peter's Basilica and the Museums.
  • Purchase Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tickets online beforehand to skip the hours-long queues.
  • Be highly aware of your surroundings, as pickpockets and thieves actively target crowded tourist areas like the Square and queues.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Vatican City

  • Conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope: The closing of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2026, officially concluding the Holy Year for pilgrims.
  • Sistine Chapel Restoration Work: Extraordinary conservation work on Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment' fresco from January to March 2026, potentially impacting access for visitors.
• Turismo Roma↗
  Turismo RomaThe official tourism website of Roma Capitale, providing information on events, attractions, transport, and visitor services in the Eternal City.