Explore St. Peter’s Basilica: Rome’s Iconic Tour

Among the 182 options we compare, the vast majority are sightseeing tours (90%). Because of the site's significance, almost all tours focus on historical themes (98%) and religious history (97%). You can also find walking tours, which are the most common specific format, and various cultural or art-focused experiences.

Prices vary depending on the level of service, but most options fall between $22–$55. While the typical spread can range from about $13 to $135, we find a median price of around $34 across the various booking platforms we monitor.

While every operator is different, the options we compare frequently include the following:

• A professional guide (included in 62% of tours)
• An entry ticket (included in 58% of tours)
• An audio guide (included in 30% of tours)
• Headsets for group listening (provided in 27% of tours)

Only a small number of options (7%) specifically include access to the Dome.

Most experiences are relatively concise, with a median duration of 2 hours. Depending on the depth of the itinerary, you can find options ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

Yes, there is a great deal of variety. Across the listings we compare, tours are offered in 8 different languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese.

It is highly recommended to book ahead. While only a small fraction of the options we compare (8%) explicitly feature skip-the-line access, a handful of tours are flagged as likely to sell out. Booking in advance also gives you more flexibility, as roughly half of the options (49%) offer free cancellation.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.33★ based on 116,244 pooled reviews across booking platforms. When looking at the most-mentioned themes in reviews, travellers frequently describe their experience as amazing, great, and wonderful, often highlighting how knowledgeable their guides were.

Carry a reusable bottle. You can refill it for free at the many public drinking fountains called nasoni found throughout Rome.

Book tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums online in advance. This is essential to skip the massive ticket queues.

Use the Metro or buses. Buy tickets at newsstands or tobacco shops before boarding. Remember to validate your ticket upon entry.