My intention was just to pop into the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel to say I'd seen it, but I ended up spending three enjoyable hours being constantly amazed. The Raphael rooms were my highlight, I think more spectacular than the Sistine Chapel.

A couple of points: I advanced booked the museums on the internet, paying a 4 Euro premium to do so. But on arrival at 9.30am the fast-track pre-paid line was longer than the other line! So if you are going at an off-peak time (eg March) I think you will get in ok without pre-booking. (NB this was an individual booking not for a tour).

The museums follow a one-way system, although there are no arrows as such, but to walk against the crowd would be impossible and the wardens don't like you doing this (although I was ok if I was courteous and only walked back when there was a lull). However, from the Sintine Chapel (which is the 'end') you can walk back to the start and go round again. Leave the Sistine Chapel by the left door and keep following the 'exit/library' signs until you reach the spiral ramp down, then rather than walk down the ramp an unsigned gap in the wall will take you back to the start.

We went to Venice, florence, Assisi, and Rome. We loved the ancient rome tour and the piazzas of Rome, but The vatican was the best experience we had. We did a tour of St. Peters, and the museum. We did the underground SCAVI tour which was very cool and I highly recommend. We went to the Christmas eve mass with the pope there as well. Every time we went to the vatican I came away feeling like it was a worthwhile day doing something I couldn't do any other place.

The whole place breathes a very strong sense of spirituality that is religious and secular. The vibe is so great that you may not be of a certain (or any) faith to take in the gravity of the compound.Initially put off by the terribly long queue, we were not disappointed to have joined the line as it is very fast moving. The walk was very organized and single directional, so it is really easy to follow. The ticket allows entry into the Basilica and the Papal Tomb. Additional for Sistine Chapel and the Museum (free/reduced on Sunday mornings, which make the line longer). Mass was an experience but most do not stay throughout.
Having a guidebook of the Vatican City helps enhance the spots to pay attention to,the City is manned by a legion of formal guards as well as visiting/serving mission servants from different corners of the world.

I have always wanted to visit the Vatican and when I got the chance to visit Rome the Vatica was the first thing I wanted to go and see and I was not disappointed.

I was so impressed by the sheer size of the square and the Basilica. I made the climb to the top of the Dome ( would recommend going early in the morning when it is cooler and the queues are not as long) the climb was tough but well worth it as the view was amazing. The Basilica itself was huge and the artwork and decoration was fantastic.

The Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel should not be missed. Some of the oblects and painitings on display were amazing. The Sistine Chapel was breathtaking, to see artwork so well preserved made the queue to get in worth it.

Be prepared to queue to get into the Dome and the Vatican Museum, it is well worth it though in the end. Also be prepared to spend the whole day there as well.

The Vatican is easily reached by metro, get off at the Ottaviano stop on the Metro and it is only a 5 minute walk.