Find your perfect property in Vatican City

Renaissance masterpieces and sacred sites nestled within Rome.

Smallest State & Papal Art

Travel Tips

  • Embrace the Local Culture

    Cover knees and shoulders inside basilicas.

  • Respect Nature

    Stroll the Vatican Gardens on a guided tour.

  • Be Flexible

    Reserve museum tickets online to skip queues.

  • Support Local Businesses

    Euros only; gift shops close early on Sundays.

Vatican City’s sacred fountains offer families unexpected aquatic respite amid Renaissance splendor. At Cortile della Pigna’s monumental bronze pinecone fountain, children marvel at peacocks strutting through cooling mists while parents recover from Sistine Chapel crowds. Book the 7:30am breakfast at nearby Bonci Pizzarium (€12 focaccia sets), then arrive for 8am museum entry—beating tour groups to Raphael’s rooms where painted dolphins leap across ceiling frescoes.

The Vatican Gardens tour (€33/adult, children under 6 free) reveals hidden water features: the Eagle Fountain’s cascading tiers and the Galeon Fountain’s bronze ship firing water cannons delights young admirers. Guide Maria points out Pope Francis’s favorite meditation spot beside the Lourdes Grotto’s trickling spring—a replica of France’s miraculous waters.

For post-pilgrimage gelato, Il Gelato di San Crispino near Trevi Fountain serves honey-hazelnut scoops (€4) in cups only—cones deemed too distracting from pure flavor. Their Vatican supplier provides the Pope’s private stock.

Skip Sunday visits when gift shops close early; instead, Wednesday papal audiences offer families fountain-side seats in St. Peter’s Square. Remember: shoulders and knees covered, but water bottles permitted—Roman summers demand hydration between holy water fonts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what Vatican City has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Visit the Vatican Museums for kid-friendly tours, explore St. Peter’s Basilica, enjoy the Gardens of Vatican City, and attend a papal audience on Wednesdays. Don’t miss the Castel Sant’Angelo and family-oriented workshops at the Vatican Museums.

  • Use platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo to filter rentals by amenities, looking for listings with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen. Set your preferences to include family-friendly features.

  • Look for rentals in the Borgo Pio or Prati neighborhoods, which are within walking distance to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, offering quick access to key attractions.

  • Check rental listings for amenities like cribs or high chairs, and contact hosts directly to confirm availability. Many family-friendly rentals will specify these features in their descriptions.

  • The best time to visit is from late September to early November or March to May, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner, especially during weekdays.

  • Read reviews on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com to gauge cleanliness and safety. Look for Superhost statuses and recent guest feedback for assurance.

  • Public transportation includes buses and the metro (Ottaviano station), while walking is feasible for most attractions. Consider renting bikes or using taxis for more convenience.