There are signs everywhere though telling you that your legs and shoulders need to be covered. On weekends and public holidays, Holy Mass is held at 9 AM 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12.:5 PM, 1:16 PM, 5.30 PM. Women visiting the Vatican City must wear outfits that cover both the shoulders and knees. What to Wear to the Vatican Generally speaking when entering any religious building modesty should be considered. The Swiss Guard turns people away all the time for inappropriate dress. A shirt with sleeves or a sweater are a good option, but the best pick, in my opinion, is a shawl. I was wearing shorts and most other people were too, both men and women due to it being over 35 degrees. How can we deal with this, short of always picking up the check ourselves? Learn how your comment data is processed. It doesnt refrain from sending tourists back home if they dont follow proper dress codes when visiting different museums or tourist spots. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, PRIVACY POLICY| TERMS & CONDITIONS| DISCLOSURE. But it also has a few dress codes that tourists need to follow religiously to make their tour memorable. You will miss the spiral staircase if you take this route. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. Where are you planning to travel next? April to October is the high season, which means that the number of tourists is significantly higher. Unfortunately, a few are turned away because of the clothes they wear. Bring lightweight clothing that dries easily. You will need to line up near the entrance to enter this lower level of the Basilica to see it. The best time to visit the Vatican would be during the low season; you can expect lesser crowds, cold winter, and easier access to prime attractions. ", https://www.romewise.com/papal-audience-tickets.html, https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-rome-tips/, http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/visita-i-musei/tariffe-e-biglietti.html, http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html, https://anamericaninrome.com/wp/2014/04/pickpockets-in-rome/, https://www.rometoolkit.com/whattodo/vatican.htm, https://vatican.com/Vatican-Museums-the-Spiral-Staircase/, http://stpetersbasilica.info/Altars/Pieta/Pieta.htm, https://www.romewise.com/st-peters-dome.html, http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vatican-city/travel-tips-and-articles/77220. The Vatican values modest attire, including proper footwear. Please Note: Entry to the museums is permitted by online ticket reservation only. Bring a jacket or scarf to wrap up if you arent wearing a t shirt. As expected, most travelers prefer to wear clothing that is less restrictive. References What to Wear to the Vatican (A Detailed Guide) - WhenWearGo It is also best not to bring hats. You are not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel; however, you can in most places in the museums. They don't really care. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon in addition to other retailers featured on the blog. However, it is probably best to plan your trip ahead of your visit. As a Booking.com Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. A. You need to have your knees covered - No 'short' shorts (i.e. It is worth the effort though as the church is simple extraordinary! While on the subject of trousers, while plain jeans and trousers are acceptable, tracksuits are generally frowned upon and so should be avoided. A very important part of your outfit is the shoes: as there is an awful lot of walking to do, my recommendation is to bring the most comfortable walking shoes you have. You can request tickets to see him give his Wednesday papal address if you visit between September and June. You can wear jeans also, but they should reach below your knees. But if it's important to you to keep your seat, you'll have to deal with them. Even though Roman summers may be blistering hot, when you step inside the Vatican Museum and St Peters Basilica it is much cooler inside than outside so you dont have to worry about overheating. you CAN wear shorts!! - Review of Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Italy St. Peters Basilica museum prohibits everyone from wearing hats inside. But one person always says something like, "Wow, that looks fancy you sure do go first class." Wear comfortable clothes, with soft and breathable fabrics, layer them so that you can add or remove something if you need. To go into St. Peter's in Rome, you cannot wear shorts, or very short skirts, or halter tops, tank tops, etcthe guards at the entrance offer shawls for cover up..there are even women ON THE ALTAR who wear very low cut tops and shorts 4 or 5 inches above their kneeshow can the altar boys concentrate when they are staring at the woman . This article has been viewed 292,881 times. People will stare at you if you wear loud or garish shoes. If its a matter of showing skin, you can also buy a scarf and wrap it around you to get entry to the venue. You never know when a guard will ask you to go and change your shoes. Hi Melissa, so pleased you enjoyed the article! Zoom in to see updated info. I've seen it. Wearing shorts, in general, is looked down upon but not against the rules. Comment and share below! . It is wise to wear flat shoes in the Vatican. Dont wear shoes that make heads turn. I wear shorts year round but did not want to take a chance in not getting in. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Ive also read online that places like the Colosseum and the Forum wont admit visitors carrying bags and that bag storage facilities arent provided. What are the timings of mass at St Peter's Basilica? I did see people in shorts. What was once part of Rome was declared independent in 1929. long dresses (not sleeveless) midi dresses (not sleeveless) long linen or cotton trousers. However the tour guide even advised my daughter to cover her shoulders and knees. If you violate the dress code, the most crucial thing to remember is that you are not permanently banned from the Vatican. In the Orthodox Church, it's not a sin. While the dress code for kids may be more lenient, its still advisable to dress them appropriately and respectfully. The no-hat rule is not unique to the Roman Catholic church. You don't need to pay a fee to enter Vatican City. No hats are allowed. Don't take the chance with clothing that doesn't fit the guidelines. Shorts shouldnt be too short, and shoulders must not be visible. You can find better fare if you go down Via Germanico to Via Marcantonio Colonna. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). What to Wear in Italy During the Summer (Yes You Can Wear Shorts) Your email address will not be published. There are not many places to use it while you explore. March and October are Ninas favorite months to enjoy Rome. This will help you when you need to cover up during your visit. They were good enough for Jesus, right? Carrying some form of ID at all times is a legal requirement in Italy. This city is home to two of the most popular churches in the world:St. Peters Basilicaand theSistine Chapel. Is there any such thing as a Vatican Dress Code? The rest of the year, youll be fine with long sleeves and jeans. Just remember that you cannot wear clothing with offensive phrases or graphics. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Hi Elizabeth thanks Im glad it was helpful! Lets face it, the dress code in America, in general, is quite casual. Seeing as its hitting 30 degrees over there and sometimes close to 35, Id like to be dressed comfortably. You probably shouldnt be, but most people are shocked to find out what you can and cant wear in this holy part of Italy. Please read this post for more ideas on how to dress stylishly for conservative countries. The Vatican Dress Code: 5 Best Things To Know - My Adventures Across This time around, I was happy to try a couple ofcity tours with The Roman Guy including a visit to the Vatican and their Golf Cart City Tour which I highly recommend it helps save your feet from going into overdrive and its a nice way to get your bearings aroundRome! Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport Transfers, Weekdays Mass Schedule: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, Sundays and Holiday Mass Schedule: 9 AM 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 13 PM, 16 PM, 5:30 PM, Winter Schedule: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, Summer Schedule: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM, Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM, Monday-Saturday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM, Weekday Winter Schedule: 6:45 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 5 PM, Monday -Saturday: 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM. Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. ? Visit the Grottoes. Myfashionable Vatican tour guide Nina did make it extra special because not only did she have a PHD in post classical archaeology and a master in Christian Archaeology but she is also extremely friendly and personable. In a pinch, you will find plenty of vendors just outside the Vatican, who sell t-shirts or scarves. That doesn't mean, however, that you should wear a suit, you can still wear informal clothes. The key for visiting the Vatican without trouble are modesty and comfort. What to Pack for the Vatican: Dress Code, Tips and Suggestions This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A normal T-shirt and Jeans are fine though. The absolute minimum requirement for both males and females visiting the Vatican City is to cover both your knees and shoulders. Vatican Dress Code: What to Wear on Your Visit - Parker Villas