Why visit
Vatican City is the world's smallest state, but it contains St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and major archives of Catholic history. It is best treated as a focused Rome day, not a separate country trip.
Country - Europe
Vatican City
culturehistorycity
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Vatican City works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Vatican City as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Vatican City.
At a glance
Location
41.9°, 12.4°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
0 km²
0 mi²
Country population
800
1,818/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+3906698
Languages
Italian, Latin
Demonym
Vatican
Internet
.va
UN
Member state
ISO code
VA / VAT
Where in the world
41.9° - 12.4°
Vatican City
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Vatican City, at 0.49 km², is the smallest independent state in the world.
- The Vatican has its own diplomatic service (the Holy See) that maintains relations with 180+ countries.
- ATMs in Vatican City offer Latin as a language option: the only place on earth where this is true.
Bordering Vatican City
Traveler notes
- The Sistine Chapel ceiling is inside the Vatican Museums route
- St. Peter's dome gives one of Rome's clearest skyline views
- Early entry changes the experience more than almost any other planning choice in Rome
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Vatican City, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Vatican City
What is the capital of Vatican City?
Vatican City is the capital of Vatican City.
What currency does Vatican City use?
Vatican City uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Vatican City?
The primary languages are Italian and Latin.
Is Vatican City landlocked?
Yes, Vatican City is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Vatican City?
Vatican City borders Italy.
What is the international calling code for Vatican City?
The calling code is +3906698.
When is the best time to visit Vatican City?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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