Things to do in Vatican City for self travelers

Redeem your voucher at TOURISTATION ARACOELI, (Piazza d’Aracoeli 16), a 15-min walk from the Colosseum. The all-access Rome Super Pass gives you quick and easy access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You'll also get skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and an audio guide for St. Peter's Basilica (entry is free). With this voucher to the best bits of Rome, you'll bypass the waiting tourists and get easy access to Rome's major sights. If you're fast you can see the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill before the crowds pour in. Step inside one of the world's most famous monuments: the Colosseum. Explore the immense amphitheater – the largest ever built by the Roman Empire.

Discover the historic art galleries and palatial surrounds of the stunning Palazzo Altemps, now with a magical 3D experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in history. Located in Piazza Sant'Apollinare, a short distance from Piazza Navona in the center of Rome, the palazzo began as the private residence of Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps in 1568 and was opened in 1997 as a remote site of the National Roman Museum. Admire an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, including the Boncompagni Ludovisi collection. Visit the church of Sant'Aniceto, a pleasant little temple located inside the palazzo.

Start your experience at the Touristation office, where you'll pick up your tickets to the **Roman Forum and Palatine Hill** and enjoy a **25-minute multimedia video** about ancient Rome. Your multimedia guide will help your imagination reconstruct the grand space of the **Roman Forum** where regular Romans used to live and work. See the **tomb of emperor Julius Caesar**, the toppled columns of this ancient civic area, and **explore the ruins at your own pace**. Located next to the Roman Forum is **Palatine Hill**, the legendary foundation site of Rome. It's the site where the houses of emperors and kings once stood, and is the centermost hill of Rome where you'll **get the best views of the ancient world.**

Enjoy entry to three of Rome’s top attractions: Palazzo Venezia, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento, and the Vittoriano Monument. The Palazzo Venezia is shrouded in history and it's an essential part of any visit to Rome. From its time as a Papal Residence to becoming the seat of the fascist government, these are tales you’ll want to hear. Immerse yourself in history and imagine Mussolini speaking to the people from his famous balcony. Then, enjoy the wonderful garden of the Venice Palace hidden within the walls. The visit to the Central Museum of the Risorgimento allows you to go back to the era of Italy’s unification. Go back to the late 19th and early 20th century and learn about the Risorgimento through memorabilia, paintings, sculptures, drawings and weapons.

Discover one of Rome's grandest art collections, with a visit to the spectacular Doria Pamphilj Gallery. Once the domain of rich aristocrats, the unassuming facade of the building gives way to reveal an astonishing opulent interior. Floor-to-ceiling paintings adorn the walls, and masters such as Raphael, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, and Velázquez are just some of the artists represented in this magnificent collection. Grab a ticket and explore this hidden cultural gem. When in Rome...

Your ticket to the Museum of Rome is a gateway to one of the city's finest collections of art. Enrich your experience with cutting-edge virtual reality technology to immerse yourself in times past at Piazza Navona. Located in Palazzo Braschi – a fine example of Papal nepotism, slap bang in the heart of Renaissance Rome – you'll also be privy to the impressive late 18th-century architecture of Cosimo Morelli. Perhaps, most impressive of all is the central staircase with its 18 red granite columns originally used by Emperor Caligula. Inside you'll find over 100,000 works, from paintings and drawings to furniture and costumes. Also on show are fragments of medieval frescoes taken from the demolished Roman church of Santa Maria in Vincis.

Visit the impressive **Castel Sant'Angelo,** a large fortress located on the bank of the Tiber River. The castle has seven floors filled with ancient relics and well-preserved Renaissance art. Explore the Chamber of Ashes, previously a prison, and the Papal Residence, each room filled with stunning art. Cap off your visit with a beautiful view of Rome, the Tiber, and the beautiful Bridge of Angels, from the castle terrace. Next, dive into the history of the **Pantheon**, a sacred site once dedicated to the gods. The Pantheon is full of myths and legends. See the Oculus, where sunlight streams through to illuminate the structure, visit the famous tombs, and learn about Rome's rich past.

Explore the Vatican Gardens and the iconic Sistine Chapel in a unique two-part adventure. Take a 45-minute minibus trip through beautifully manicured landscapes at the Vatican Gardens before going on a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

Explore Rome's Jewish history with this engaging In-App Audio Tour, perfect for travelers eager to uncover the stories of Europe's oldest Jewish community. Delve into the rich cultural layers beneath the cobblestones of the Roman Ghetto and witness the resilience of its people. Journey through alleys and piazzas where the Jewish past and present interlace, creating a symphony of historical depth that resonates with every step. Starting at the vibrant Via Arenula, outside the Santa Maria Bistro, the tour winds through the Ghetto's heart, leading to the serene banks of the Tiber River. Along the way, travelers stroll under the historic Portico D’Ottavia, trace the remnants of the Cinque Scole, and marvel at the grandeur of the Great Synagogue of Rome. This self-guided exploration culminates by the Tiber, portraying the Jewish community’s expansion beyond their ancient enclave. Immerse yourself in sensory experiences, savoring age-old Jewish-Roman recipes, witnessing the architecture's evolution, and feeling the community’s undying spirit. This narrative journey isn't just a walk through time; it's a testament to Rome's Jewish heart, beating proudly amidst the city's grand history.

This audio tour will guide you along the old atmospheric district of the Eternal City — Trastevere. You will unravel the secrets of this 'village' within the city. Your tour will transport you beyond the Tiber, through time-worn cobbles, under archways echoing with history, and past walls that bear the soul of centuries. Along the way, you'll discover cultural treasures, taste the local life, and uncover tales of the artisans, noble families, and sacred sites that imprint Trastevere with its unyielding mystique. Your journey begins at the Ponte Cestio, a focal point of Trastevere's social life, and concludes at Piazza delle Cinque Scole, a modern square pulsating with Rome's eclectic rhythm. From learning about ancient Roman structures hiding in plain sight to engaging with the spirit of community that thrums through even the quietest alleyways, this tour promises to be replete with discoveries that engage all your senses. Interactive quiz will make your experience even funnier!