Saint Peter's Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rome: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

1. Rome: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Get ready to experience Rome like never before! Hop on board the open-top, double-decker bus and get ready to be amazed by the stunning architecture and fascinating history of the city. Marvel at the iconic Colosseum, take in the breathtaking views from the famous Spanish Steps, and be awe-inspired by the majestic Vatican. With daily departures from Termini Railway Station and the option to join the tour from any of the stops on the route, this is the perfect way to explore over 10 locations throughout the city. If you're feeling adventurous, why not explore the "eternal city" on foot with our fantastic digital self-guided walking tours? Discover hidden gems and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this incredible city. Some of the locations you can see on the tour route include: Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore Colosseum Roman Forum Circus Maximus San Giovanni Piazza Venezia Piazza Navona Pantheon Castel Sant'Angelo Vatican St. Peter's Basilica Trevi Fountain Spanish Steps Piazza Barberini Termini Railway Station

Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb

2. Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb

Join a private or shared guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and experience this iconic attraction. Marvel at the magnificent interior of the Basilica and learn why the church took 150 years to rebuild. Discover the colorful marbles, golden ceilings, and the impressive Michelangelo's Pietà while your guide shares stories about the history of this Renaissance-style church. Take the elevator with your guide up to half the height towards the top of the Dome. Then take the steps and continue your climb to the the viewing deck at the very top. First contemplate the interior mosaics of the dome close up, then marvel at the striking views of St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens from above. Admire Rome from a height of 136 meters, and spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other historic sites.

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica Tour with Dome and Papal Tombs

3. Rome: St. Peter's Basilica Tour with Dome and Papal Tombs

Explore iconic sights in Rome on this guided walking tour. Stroll through St. Peter's square and take in the views of the city from the top of St. Peter's Basilica. Admire artwork like Michelangelo's emotive 'Pietà' statue and go below the Basilica to uncover St. Peter's final resting place. Meet your guide in St. Peter’s Square then start the tour by climbing your way to the top of the Basilica’s dome. Enjoy an exclusive look at the Dome’s impressive mosaics then head further up to the top balcony. From here, marvel at panoramic views across the city, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other iconic landmarks. Descend into the Basilica and admire its impressive interior and discover why it took 150 years to build. Gaze at the colorful marble, golden ceilings, and intricate mosaics that surround you. Learn about the renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic artists that are housed here.  Next, head underground to the Basilica’s historic grottoes and visit St. Peter’s Tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica and admire its beautiful frescoes. Finish the tour in St. Peter’s Square and soak up its majestic architecture. 

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour

4. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour

Discover the Vatican Museums on this guided tour with skip-the-line guaranteed. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Bernini. Begin your guided walking tour at the Vatican Museums, with their immense collection built by the Popes throughout the centuries, and discover one of the world's most remarkable art collections. See the Pio Clementino Hall, the Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere. Marvel at works by ancient cartographers in the Gallery of Maps and wander the Candelabra Gallery and the Gallery of Tapestries to see Flemish works by pupils of Raphael. Go inside the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's legendary frescoes. From the Museum, exit directly into St. Peter's Basilica, the most important Christian church in the world, where you will admire, among others, Michelangelo's masterpiece the Pietà and the impressive Baldachin Altar by Bernini. The tour ends in St. Peter's Square, dominated by Michelangelo's imposing Cupola and surrounded by the famous Bernini's double Colonnade.

Rome: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums Tour & Basilica Access

5. Rome: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums Tour & Basilica Access

Enjoy a skip-the-line guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Learn about Michelangelo and Raphael and discover their incredible artworks. Your guide will walk you through the amazing galleries and share with you many stories and anecdotes. See the marble statues of the Apollo of Belvedere, the Laocoon and his sons, and the Torso which was used as a model by Michelangelo for representing the characters in the Last Judgement. Benefit from your guide's expert knowledge and learn the history of Vatican City and its Museums. Hear about hidden meanings behind the precious art. Then, marvel at Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and admire the beauty of the Creation of the World and the Last Judgement painted over a 9 year period.

Rome: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

6. Rome: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Organize your sightseeing tour and admire all of Rome's major attractions, including the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Spanish Steps. Enjoy stunning views on board of a comfortable double-decker bus and learn about the city's history as you listen to detailed audio commentaries. Discover the enchanting city of Rome with our authorized hop-on-hop-off route, approved by the Municipality of Rome to ensure the utmost decorum. Experience the convenience of our strategically located bus stops, all within a comfortable walking distance from the captivating monuments and iconic points of interest that make Rome truly unforgettable. Also known as The Eternal City, Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Make the most of your vacation by exploring the city's historic monuments and exciting atmosphere with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Admire the architectural sumptuousness of Rome from the deck of the bus, or hop-off at any of the world-famous attractions, such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and the Vatican. Pick from 12 languages and learn about Rome's timeless beauty through the complimentary set of headphones. The pink buses are on the move all day long and will take you to the city’s most important monuments and cultural venues while you are comfortably seated. Hop-on and off at your convenience and reward yourself with marvelous views of Rome you will never forget from one of the single or double-decker buses. A Panoramic ticket includes: Termini Railway Station - STOP 1 : Largo Di Villa Peretti 70 - Corner Piazza Dei Cinquecento St. Mary Major - Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore - STOP 2 : P.za dell'Esquilino, 12 Colosseum Archaeological Area - STOP 3 : Via di S. Gregorio, 30 Circo Massimo - Mouth Of Truth - STOP 4 : Via del Circo Massimo, 4189 - Opposite Roseto Comunale Piazza Venezia - Foro Romano - STOP 5 : Via del Teatro di Marcello, 34 - Behind the terminus of public buses Vatican city - Sistine Chapel - St. Angelo Bridge - STOP 6 : Lungotevere Tor Di Nona 7 - Between Via Panico And Via Mastro Spanish Steps - Shopping Area - STOP 7 : Via Ludovisi, 35 Barberini & Trevi Fountain - STOP 8 : Via Barberini 12

Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter's Dome Climb

7. Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter's Dome Climb

Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross into Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica just as it opens to the public. Once inside, get ready to take in the most spectacular views of Rome as the elevator carries you up to the terrace level of the basilica (or walk if you prefer and earn yourself a gelato later)! Suddenly the “tiny” mosaics you saw detailing the circumference of the dome from the ground level will appear massive in their golden splendor right before your eyes. At the terrace level you can decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply unparalleled. As what goes up must come down, you’ll then descend with us into the lower level of the basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” where former popes lie in ornate caskets and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries. Next on this adventure will be an in-depth visit of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world, which includes world-renowned masterpieces by Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Enjoy a short break and a snack before we reconvene for skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, arguably the most important collection of art in the world. Your guide will accompany you through the museum to navigate its more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard, and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on track with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel. Much of this tour will be dedicated to the Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michelangelo Buonarroti, as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this majestic work of art.

Rome: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel&St Peter's Guided Tour

8. Rome: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel&St Peter's Guided Tour

Experience all the wonders and history the Vatican has to offer on this guided tour. See stunning art in the Vatican Museums, discover the Sistine Chapel, and admire the stunning St. Peter's Basilica. Meet your guide and step inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry. Once inside, see the best of the Pinecone Courtyard and Gallery of Tapestries. Marvel at Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, and learn all about its history from your guide. Return to St. Peter’s Square to admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion and St. Peter's Basilica's heavenly facade.

Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Grottoes & Square

9. Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Grottoes & Square

Start your tour in St. Peter's Square and be fascinated by its architectural secrets. Discover the optical illusions as were thought by its designer, Bernini. Enter the Basilica and be amazed by its magnificence. Marvel at the mosaics all around you and see why it took 150 years to rebuild. Walk past renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art with your expert guide. Stand in front of the harmonious 98.5-foot high canopy, and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà". Conclude your tour by descending to the underground grottoes to see St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica while you admire the work of the beautiful frescoes within.

Rome: Audience Pope Francis with Tour Guide

10. Rome: Audience Pope Francis with Tour Guide

After meeting your guide, listen as he illustrates the history of the Holy See and of Rome's popes. Learn about the important details of the magnificent and iconic St. Peter's Square and Basilica. Follow your guide as he escorts you to your seat for the event. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a spiritual experience with Pope Francis. Once the event ends, meet your guide so he can give you some more information on your stay in Rome before you head out for the night.

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What people are saying about Saint Peter's Square

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 27,740 reviews

We went on this tour with Luisa. She was so knowledgeable and was able to answer every question we had (which was a lot). Aside from seeing various places from the Angels & Demons movie, this tour was also a nice walking tour of Rome and we were able to see a lot in just four hours. The tour is a lot of walking but walking is the best way to see Rome. The tour ended around sunset at St. Peters Square and it was BEAUTIFUL. Overall 10/10 tour and Luisa, you were amazing :)

This was an amazing tour lead by an extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. It was wonderful to see the treasures in the Vatican museums, the Sistene chapel and the beautiful St Peter’s basilica. The guide provided background on Ancient Rome and history on popes and the artists. It was wonderful to skip lines and gain to access to everywhere extreamly quickly, would 100% recommend.

It was an amazing experience. Our guide was Marianne and she was fantastic. She had a ton of great information and was a very fun guide.

The tour guide (Daniele V ?) is the best! Very engaging and knows a lot of stories and entertaining info. Super loved this tour!

Great tour. Massimo was fantastic, a wealth of knowledge and enjoyable.