Vatican Gardens
Discover the serene beauty of the Vatican Gardens, a lush 23-hectare oasis of fountains, sculptures, and historical charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Vatican Gardens
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of the Vatican Gardens, a lush 23-hectare oasis of fountains, sculptures, and historical charm.
"A peaceful and unforgettable part of our Jubilee pilgrimage, the open bus tour was a highlight."
Book Garden Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book weeks ahead, especially for guided tours.
Open Bus Tour for Overview
Great for seeing more with less walking. Often includes museum entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Renaissance Fountains
Throughout the Gardens
Marvel at ornate fountains, some dating back centuries, adding a serene and artistic touch to the lush greenery.
The Vatican Grottoes
Beneath St. Peter's Basilica
Discover a sacred space with tombs of popes and historical artifacts, offering a profound glimpse into Vatican history.
The Papal Palace Gardens
Adjacent to Papal Apartments
Experience the meticulously manicured gardens that offer a tranquil retreat for the Pope, showcasing diverse flora.
The Swiss Guard Monument
Central Gardens
A poignant tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, this monument stands as a symbol of loyalty and protection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Vatican Gardens Access Early
Choose Your Garden Experience Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting the Vatican - need some advice
Book Garden Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book weeks ahead, especially for guided tours.
Open Bus Tour for Overview
Great for seeing more with less walking. Often includes museum entry.
Advice for visiting Vatican Museum and Gardens?
Guided Tours for Individuals - Vatican Garden and Sistine Chapels
Water Bottles are Key
Bring reusable bottles; there are refill stations inside.
Peaceful Escape
A serene break from museum crowds. Highly underrated!
Best combination of tickets to visit Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + Vatican Gardens?
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Garden Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book weeks ahead, especially for guided tours.
Open Bus Tour for Overview
Great for seeing more with less walking. Often includes museum entry.
Water Bottles are Key
Bring reusable bottles; there are refill stations inside.
Peaceful Escape
A serene break from museum crowds. Highly underrated!
Combine with Sistine Chapel
Many tours lead directly to the Sistine Chapel, skipping museum lines.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Vatican Gardens as a peaceful, beautiful, and underrated escape from the crowds of the Vatican Museums. The serene atmosphere, lush greenery, and historical fountains are highlights, offering a unique and memorable perspective of Vatican City. Some find the limited access and tour-only nature restrictive, but most agree it's a worthwhile addition to a Vatican visit.
"What a real gem to experience. I booked a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel/Museums which first included access to these gardens. I would definitely recommend it because they only do a select few tours a day inside the gardens so it’s a nice break from the crowds inside the Vatican Museums! Our guide spent nearly 1.5 hours walking us around - we thoroughly enjoyed it, plenty of places to fill up water bottles as well which is really needed on hot days!"
Josh Mahon
"A peaceful and unforgettable part of our Jubilee pilgrimage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We visited Rome for the Holy Year and chose June for its warm but bearable weather – the perfect time to enjoy the Vatican Gardens. The open bus tour was a highlight of our trip: peaceful, enriching, and visually stunning. The lush greenery, fountains, and sacred architecture created a deeply moving atmosphere.
The audio guide provided insightful commentary without being overwhelming – it truly enhanced the experience. We loved every moment.
After the gardens, we entered the Sistine Chapel directly, skipping the museum galleries as we had visited them before. The chapel was very crowded, but still worth it – a sacred space that never loses its impact.
We booked the garden visit about 2–3 weeks in advance, and it included the museum ticket. Absolutely recommended – especially during the Jubilee year."
Berni Simotics
"Away from the hustle, massively overcrowded corridors, people shoving each other around to get a selfie in front of some painting or statue inside the Vatican Museums, the Gardens of Vatican City provide a much needed reprieve, a much appreciated green space, and just downright peaceful and serene environment. Highly underrated, but oh-so-pleasant and beautiful gardens can only be visited as part of a two-hour guided tour, which requires a separate ticket (which are generally offered in the morning). The tickets must be purchased well ahead of time as they are limited. There are no crowds, just you and your guide in a small group setting. You will see what most people don’t get to see, and you will have a very pleasant time doing so. Note that the gardens ticket includes the Vatican museums, and the guide leaves you off at the Sistine Chapel. Do yourself a favor and get the gardens ticket instead of the regular admission - the gardens will likely be your most memorable experience of your visit to the Vatican City."
Dr. Hamşo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Vatican Gardens is exclusively via pre-booked tours. You'll typically meet your guide at a designated point within Vatican City, often near the Vatican Museums entrance. Check your tour confirmation for precise meeting instructions.
No, independent access to the Vatican Gardens is not permitted. Entry is strictly controlled and only possible through official guided tours, either walking or by open bus.
There is no direct parking for the Vatican Gardens. Visitors usually arrive via public transport or taxi to the Vatican City area and then proceed to their tour meeting point.
The most convenient ways to reach Vatican City are by metro (Ottaviano-S. Pietro station) or by bus. Taxis are also readily available.
Some tours, particularly the open bus tours, may offer pick-up points in Rome, but these are not standard shuttle services. Always confirm with your tour provider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Vatican Gardens must be purchased in advance through the official Vatican Museums website or authorized tour operators. They are not sold on-site.
The price varies depending on the tour type (walking or bus) and inclusions. Expect to pay around €30-€50 per person. Check the official Vatican Museums website for current pricing.
Yes, most Vatican Gardens tours include entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, allowing you to bypass the main museum queues.
The gardens are accessible only during scheduled tour times, typically in the morning. Specific hours vary by season and day.
No, independent visits are not allowed. You must book a guided tour, either a walking tour or an open bus tour, to enter the Vatican Gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Absolutely! Many visitors find the gardens a peaceful, beautiful, and often more memorable experience than the crowded museums. It's a unique perspective of Vatican City.
The walking tour offers a more intimate and detailed exploration, while the open bus tour covers more ground and provides an overview with an audio guide.
Walking tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, while bus tours might be slightly shorter. Always check your specific tour details.
Photography is generally allowed in the Vatican Gardens, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and any specific instructions from your guide.
Restroom facilities are usually available at the start or end of the tour, and sometimes at designated points within the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for picturesque fountains, sculptures, and panoramic views of St. Peter's Basilica. The interplay of greenery and architecture offers many beautiful compositions.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in the Vatican Gardens. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific rules mentioned by your guide.
A versatile camera that handles both wide shots of the landscape and closer details of sculptures and fountains would be ideal. A smartphone camera can also capture great shots.
Absolutely. Drone photography is strictly prohibited within Vatican City for security and preservation reasons.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also provide lovely golden hour light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that concludes near the Sistine Chapel, as this can be a more manageable transition for children than navigating the entire museum complex. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the gardens can make it a memorable part of the Vatican visit for younger travelers, offering a different perspective on this historic site.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opting for a walking tour might be slightly more economical than a bus tour, and it allows for a more personal connection with the history and beauty of the gardens. Remember to factor in the cost of transportation to Vatican City and any potential food expenses.
couples
Many tours conclude at the Sistine Chapel, allowing for a seamless transition to one of the world's most iconic art destinations. The shared experience of discovering the hidden beauty of the Gardens of Vatican City can be a truly special memory for any couple visiting Rome.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living History: The Vatican Gardens
Visitors can explore various themed areas within the gardens, such as the Italian Renaissance gardens, characterized by their formal layouts and classical statues, and English-style gardens with more naturalistic plantings. Iconic landmarks within the gardens include the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Swiss Guard monument, and the Papal Aviary. The Garden of Eden painting is also a notable artistic feature. The sheer scale and diversity of the gardens mean that each visit can reveal something new, making it a truly immersive experience.
Access to the Vatican Gardens is exclusively through guided tours, which are essential for understanding the historical and artistic significance of the site. These tours, whether walking or by open bus, provide a unique opportunity to see a part of Vatican City that remains largely private and inaccessible to the general public. The experience is often described as a peaceful and enriching counterpoint to the more intense sightseeing within the Vatican Museums, offering a moment of reflection and natural beauty.
Navigating Your Vatican Gardens Tour
The open bus tour, on the other hand, is perfect for covering more ground efficiently and for those who prefer a less physically demanding experience. These tours typically use an audio guide, providing commentary as you travel through different sections of the vast gardens. It's a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the Gardens of Vatican City and appreciate their scale. Many visitors opt for the bus tour as it often includes direct access to the Sistine Chapel, allowing you to bypass the main queues for the Vatican Museums, a significant advantage for time-pressed travelers.
Regardless of the tour type chosen, booking well in advance is paramount. Vatican Gardens tickets are limited, and tours frequently sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's also worth noting that most tours include entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple major attractions. Always check the inclusions of your chosen tour to ensure it meets your expectations and itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit