St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart of Vatican City. Things to do near St Peter’s Basilica include exploring the magnificent Basilica and admiring the grand dome, which offers breathtaking views of the Vatican City. Inside, you’ll find remarkable artworks such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, adding to the church’s grandeur. St Peter’s Square lets you enjoy its open space surrounded by grand colonnades and a towering obelisk. Nearby, the Vatican Museums house a vast collection of art and historical artefacts, including the renowned Sistine Chapel.
Nearby Attractions And Must-Do Things Near St Peter’s Basilica
Here are some adventurous things you can explore inside St Peter’s Basilica and the nearby tourist attractions.
1. Climb St Peter’s Dome
![Dome of St. Peter view from Via San Lucio near the St Peter’s Basilica.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Climb-St.-Peters-Dome.jpg)
Image Credit: Livioandronico2013 for Wikimedia Commons
A unique feature of Vatican City is the Dome of Saint Peter’s, designed by Michaelangelo. It towers over St Peter’s Basilica and stands out from miles away. Looking up at the buildings on either side, you can almost feel its pulse. Inside the church dome stand incredible mosaic walls that burst with details like silk flowers, spending their fragrance lavishly. The artistry of the dome was also an effort that made it stand out from other domes in history and gave this one its character. The dome is just an architectural marvel, both transcendent and human; it symbolises what we call faith, owing its beauty to human talents, and shows how mankind may transform itself.
Entry fee: Free entry
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Address: Open 24 hours
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2. Explore The Vatican Gardens
![Lush greenery appearance of Vatican Garden.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Explore-The-Vatican-Gardens.jpg)
Image Credit: Stefan Bauer for Wikimedia Commons
Pope Vatican, in the heart of Vatican City, has built this garden. The paths between the locations, filled with lush greenery and colourful flowers, tempt a person to take relaxing walks there. The walk reveals this plantation of lovely trees, some of them 100 years old, then fountains and statues, which all add to its charm. The gardens offer a serene space where you can step away from the hectic city and enjoy the peace of nature instead. Quietly enjoying the garden, anyone can relax in a calm atmosphere. It’s a place where you can get away from it all for a minute and sink into nice greenswards surrounded by past stories.
Entry Fee: €20
Address: WC2X+RG, Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Address: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
3. Pantheon
![Front and right view of Pantheon near the St Peter’s Basilica.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pantheon.jpg)
Image Credit: Moonik for Wikimedia Commons
This marvel of ancient architecture in Rome, the Pantheon, is where history feels incredibly alive. It was built nearly 2,000 years ago to honour Rome’s gods; to what extent it supersedes the ingenuity of all other edifices remains a question. The most fascinating part is not its vast dome but rather that little oculus in the centre. Through which only a soft light enters, and one is fed with an atmosphere that seems relatively lacking in places. It is as if one is moving into a grand entranceway with delicate touches everywhere. Today, the place serves as a church, and the tranquil ambience encourages people to sit quietly and contemplate.
Entry fee: €5
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Address: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM
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4. Piazza Navona
![Open public space at Piazza Navona.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Piazza-Navona.jpg)
Image Credit: Meshari Alawfi for Wikimedia Commons
Piazza Navona is a vibrant hub where people chatter, towering fountains piece the air like jewels in the sky, and street performers entertain. However, the actual core of the square is the fountain art piece “Fountain of the Four Rivers,” placed in 1650 by master sculptor Bernini over a previously existing spring. When you walk in the middle of this square and give it to people’s ears, reminiscences from ancient days arise. It’s pretty different how vital and noisy Piazza Navona is today—sort of how a roomful of children can be raucous with laughter one minute, then fall silent as the clock starts to tick. When you visit Piazza Navona, you’ll get a different impression of the city.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Address: Open 24 hours
5. Vatican Museum
![Spiral Staircase at Vatican Garden near the St Peter’s Basilica.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vatican-Museum.jpg)
Image Credit: Colin for Wikimedia Commons
Vatican City’s Vatican Museums are home to an incredible collection of art and history. Once you get inside, the first thing that strikes your eyes is vast, thanks to Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance). Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci are among the artists whose works are displayed in museums. Walking through the museum, you will see classic rooms, beyond counting woven tapestries and ancient Roman sculptures. All of these have been richly carved and ornate. The whole motive is grand but so delicate and dainty; one can easily explore the environment while still feeling the weight of history around oneself. The Vatican Museums comprise some of the world’s best achievements in art and history.
Entry Fee: €20
Address: 00120 Vatican City
Address: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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6. Piazza Del Popolo
![Beautiful structure at Fontana del Nettuno at Piazza del Popolo](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Piazza-Del-Popolo.jpg)
Image Credit: Jebulon for Wikimedia Commons
Rome’s Piazza del Popolo is both lively and ancient. Once a “people’s square,” it hosted rallies and public demonstrations. This was where Charlie Nathan chose to open his café in 1963, near Piazza del Popolo. North of Piazza del Popolo, an awe-inspiring square” To its south are the Villa Borghese Gardens, Scalinata di Spagna, and Piazza Barberini. In the southeast of Piazza del Popolo along the Via Ripetta, there’s a stunning ‘turret’, one thing you should never miss out on. People run on ladders as you sit at their little tables, whether young or old. Now, they need some human emotion to complete this scene because no matter your generation gap, It is undoubtedly an enjoyable place for all to spend some time.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Address: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
7. Villa Borghese
![Entrance of the Villa Borghese to explore near the St Peter’s Basilica.](https://img.traveltriangle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Villa-Borghese.jpg)
Image Credit: Lalupa for Wikimedia Commons
The Villa Borghese Park has fertile flower beds, shaded tea houses, and winding footpaths suitable for walking or strolling. The Macular Head of Titanic Primrose Height The park offers several attractions. The Galleria Borghese, with its more than 20 rooms, is filled with a stock of artworks by Caravaggio and Raphael, to name two brilliant examples. You can also rent a bicycle or pedal boat on the different paths and waterways. You can hire row boats to go boating on one of Villa Borghese’s many pounds. It is also a park where leisure is possible. There are two stations in it. It provides a new lease on life for walkers and lovers of nature.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Address: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Address: Open 24 hours
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Are you looking for a vacation that combines fun and adventure and escapes from the bustling city? So, the wait is over, as you can plan a trip to Italy and enjoy the city’s rich, vibrant, and timeless elegance. From enjoying the calm of Vatican Gardens to exploring the culture and traditions of Italy in the St Peter’s Basilica, you can have a hearty retreat.
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Cover Image Credit: Jebulon for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About St Peter’s Basilica
What is the best time to visit the St Peter’s Basilica?
The best time to visit St Peter’s Basilica is from November to March, as Vatican City has pleasant weather. You can explore the city and enjoy outdoor and adventurous activities.
How can I reach the St Peter’s Basilica?
The city is well-connected and has transportation services like buses and metro. You can also reach it here by car.
Are there any family-friendly places near St Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, there are many family-friendly spots near St Peter’s Basilica where you can have a good time with your family. Some of them are the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and Piazza Navona.
What outdoor activities can one do near St Peter’s Basilica?
One can do many recreational activities in St Basilica, like walking and hanging out with friends and family or simply exploring Rome’s rich heritage and culture, vintage market, and aesthetic cafes.
Are there any accommodation options available near St Peter’s Basilica?
Many budget-friendly lodges, accommodations, and hotels are near St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Some are Domus Terenzio, Eccelso Hotel, and Vanity Hotel Navona
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