Rom och Vatikanen - vad du bör se och det du ska undvika

Today we present a guest article

Rome is the eternal city that offers the visitor an unexplained and special magic. Classic beauty meets modern elegance in a combination that can only be experienced in person. There is a lot to see and it is good to plan what you want to visit in advance. Especially if you want to visit the major attractions like the Vatican.

Sure, it's nice to take your trip as it comes, but if you want to see the best Rome has to offer, book your tickets in advance. You'll save a lot of time and energy, as well as avoiding long queues and pushy salespeople.

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Experience the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel in the best possible way!

Vatican City is an independent state, the smallest independent state in the world. Rome surrounds the entire Vatican City with its splendour. No special authorisation is required to visit the main attractions. However, to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel you need a ticket.

Visiting the Vatican with its museums and the Sistine Chapel is a powerful experience. As the Vatican is one of the most popular attractions in Rome, it is best to book tickets in advance. Otherwise, you risk missing out on entry or having to wait hours in queues to get your entrance ticket. For really good tips for the Vatican and what you should consider; Visit here.

It is advisable to choose a guided tour without queues when visiting the Vatican. Much of the context is otherwise lost. It is also not easy to interpret important religious symbols. With a guide you will experience the Vatican in the best possible way.

What to see in the Vatican?

There are a variety of museums, exhibitions and collections. You probably won't be able to see everything. When you go with a guide, you get to visit the most interesting parts and get more out of your visit.

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps one of the most beautiful chapels in the world. It also houses perhaps the world's most famous ceiling paintings, Michelangelo's frescoes depicting classic scenes from the creation story.

St Peter's is one of the most impressive churches in the world. Not only are there beautiful paintings, statues and columns. You can climb the church for a wonderful view of the Vatican and Rome when you reach the dome. Unfortunately, it's not accessible to everyone as you have to climb narrow stairs to get to the top.

When is the best time to visit Rome and the Vatican?

The Vatican attracts the highest number of visitors, especially around Holy Week. It is an experience in itself to visit the Vatican during Easter, even as a non-believing Catholic. There are several exciting events that are well worth seeing.

At the same time, you can expect extra visitors and crowds. Easter falls on different dates between March and April, so it's a good idea to check the exact date in advance.

Another important date is 21 April, which celebrates the birth of Rome. The event is called Natale di Roma and is packed with activities. For example, you can take part in a parade with gladiators dressed in period costumes.

The Vatican and Rome are otherwise suitable to visit all year round. Rome is known for its really hot summers and in winter it can get quite cold. Many people especially like to visit Rome in the spring but also in early autumn.

Winter has a special charm in Rome, it's a bit darker and colder but the city is beautifully lit. In December, you can experience the true Christmas spirit in Rome. Beautiful Christmas decorations and lights adorn the city, making it extra romantic. Even the Vatican, with its nativity scene and Christmas tree, is well worth a visit.

What to avoid when visiting the Vatican and Rome

The Vatican is a very popular tourist destination in Rome, so there are always some pitfalls. It's easy to get hungry after wandering around but there are many tourist traps even around the Vatican. Therefore, it is best to check prices before ordering food and drink.

Unfortunately, tourists have found that the bill can be a very expensive and unpleasant story. If you choose to go a few blocks away from the busiest streets, prices and service are often better. Paying attention to prices applies to the whole of Rome. Therefore, you should read reviews and get an idea of the quality and price beforehand.

Other classic tourist traps are vendors offering souvenirs. Some also offer tickets to various attractions or guided tours that disappoint. Instead, book experiences in advance online to avoid queues and being ripped off.