The collection of the Vatican Museums is quite simply one of the best in the world. It’s absolutely enormous, including a wealth of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, as well as works by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci and Titian. The frescoes of the Raphael Rooms and the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are some of the main attractions, but there are also plenty of masterpieces to be found elsewhere. Make sure you see the highlights, which include the influential classical sculptures Laocoon and the Apollo Belvedere, as well as the Renaissance paintings in the Pinacoteca (‘Picture Gallery’).

Planning your visit in advance will make your visit much more enjoyable. At the very least, try to decide beforehand what you’re most interested in seeing, as you won’t be able to see it all in one visit. It’s one of the largest museums in the world, and also one of the most popular, attracting nearly 6 million visitors every year. If you book a tour of the Vatican Museums you can skip the line; once you see the length of the queue, you’ll be glad that you planned ahead. Arriving early in the morning (before 8 am) or visiting in low season (November-February) is also recommended.

Getting there
Take the metro (line A) to Ottaviano or Lepanto, or bus 64 from Termini.