Have a few days in Rome? Been longing to see what the Vatican has to offer? Read through these tips to make the most of your trip to the smallest country in the world!

1. Get There Early

If there was one tip I'd stress on the most, it's this - If you want to beat the crowds, GET THERE EARLY. And I mean really early. There are three things you need to be early for in Rome - A visit to the Basilica, The climb to the Cupola (No.2) and the Papal Audience (No.5). St.Peters Basilica opens at 7am so get in line at 6.30. It'll cost you a bit of sleep but I guarantee you there's no experience quite like walking into the Basilica when the early morning sun starts pouring in through the stained glass windows. Take your time to walk around and explore this magnificent structure while appreciating the silence before the throngs of tourists descend by 9am.

2. Climb the Cupola (Dome) of St.Peters Basilica

If you're relatively fit, this climb is worth it for the ultimate view of Rome from the top. Start early, after you pass security, follow the signs to the right of the portico. It costs 5 Euro to take the stairs, 7 Euro to take the elevator half the way up - I really recommend taking the elevator up because you'll still have 231 stairs to climb once you're halfway there. If you're claustrophobic, don't attempt this. The stairs get narrower and start sloping inwards over the dome which can be a little unnerving. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views of Rome are unbeatable. If you made it early in the morning (they open at 8) you'll be happy to have some quiet time here before heading back down to the crowds. The whole trip should take you an hour.

3. Visit the spot where Pope John Paul II was shot

The attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II took place on Wednesday, 13 May 1981. If you're facing the basilica, the spot is on the grounds to the right (No.9 on this map), marked by a small marble tablet bearing John Paul's personal coat of arms and the date in Roman numerals

4. Vatican Museums

A visit to the Vatican Museums can be a daunting task even for the diehard history buff. Don't make the mistake of showing up and expecting to know what to do and where to go. Do your research in advance and pick and choose what you want to visit. The museums are huge and can take quite a few hours to explore. Book online in advance so you can avoid the lines. A must see but often missed section is the Carriage Pavilion. Look for the signs or ask for directions to it. Your visit to the museum will end in the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, prepare to be overwhelmed. To make sure you understand what you're looking at, prepare ahead. Read up on the internet & do your research. (Check this link) And most importantly, Wear comfortable shoes.

5. Papal Audience

If, like me, you're lucky enough to score the 'Reparto Speciale' tickets (Tickets for Special Guests), GET THERE EARLY. The VIP area in the front fills up fast. I reached at around 6.45am and the front rows were already full. Carry plenty of water and some snacks because you'll be sitting in that area for the next 4 - 5 hours. If you've got the regular passes (More info here), GET THERE EARLY so you can get a spot up near the barricades. This is assuming you're a fan of the Pope and want to see him up close. If not, you could just stroll in at around 9 and see what the fuss is all about. Don't forget to carry something to cover your head. If might be cool in the early hours of the morning, but once the sun comes up it can be torturous.

6. Museum Gift Shop

Looking to buy souvenirs, medals, rosaries etc? Before you buy the overpriced stuff in the shops in Rome, check out this small Gift Shop INSIDE the Basilica. When you enter the Basilica, stick to the left and look for signs to the Sacristy. Follow the signs to the Treasury Museum. You don't need to enter the museum. There's a small gift shop just outside the entrance (Don't confuse this with the Vatican Museums)

7. Scavi (Excavation) Tour

This is a guided tour conducted by the Excavations Office at the Vatican to the Necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St.Peter is located. If you're planning your trip to Rome a couple of months in advance, make sure to book this tour as early as possible. They only allow 250 visitors a day in small groups of 12 people and we booked our tour over a month in advance. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. The tour takes approximately an hour and half & you can find all the information you need here.

8. Plan Ahead

It's easy to be overwhelmed by the Art, Architecture, Statues, Plaques & Tombs on display when visiting the Basilica. To make the most out of your trip, take a few hours to plan ahead and read up on the Basilica to get a general idea of what's where. (Check this link for a floor plan)

9. Dress Code

Don't forget that the Basilica has a strict dress code - No Shorts, No Miniskirts, No Bare Shoulders. Even for the guys. Don't take a chance. They might let you in. Or they might not.

10. Lunch

If you've spent all morning walking around the Basilica or the Vatican Museums, there's nothing like a satisfying afternoon meal to look forward to. Unfortunately, I've found that most food in Rome is is quite overpriced & not as tasty as the rest of Italy. We did find one exception on our last trip there. Dino & Tony. Dino & Tony. Dino & Tony. These guys are the real deal. They're a family run restaurant about a 10 minute walk from the Vatican (close to Ottaviano Station) Call ahead and make a reservation or just walk in and hope they're not too busy. If I had to pick one dish from their menu that makes my mouth water just at the thought of it, it's the "Carciofi alla giudia"or Fried Artichokes. Do NOT leave without trying this.

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