Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and home to the Pope, the largest church in the world, and is filled with centuries of history and culture. The Vatican Museums also hold some of the world’s most famous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling painting and Raphael’s School of Athens fresco. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, staying near Vatican City is an excellent choice. This is one of the most popular attractions in the world. Because of this, it’s incredibly busy all year round. Renting an Airbnb near Vatican City offers you proximity so you can spend a day or two exploring at your leisure. And after a long day in the city, you can retreat to a comfortable home and enjoy watching the sunset over Rome with a glass of Italian wine in hand. Here’s a selection of the most fabulous Airbnbs with outstanding views of St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.
The Most Fabulous Rome Airbnbs Minutes From St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City
Taking a trip to Italy? Check out Matador’s Italy accommodations guides:
We hope you love the Airbnbs near Vatican City we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Stunning terrace Airbnb near Vatican City
Sipping a morning espresso with views of the Roman roofs from the large terrace of this apartment will set you up for a day exploring the Vatican. It is located on the prestigious street Via Giulia, which is famed for its picturesque architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Reaching the Vatican is easy. There’s a quick bus that takes only three minutes, or if you’d prefer you can walk.
The exclusive residence features a master bedroom with a double bed, a second bedroom with two single beds (a double can be provided on request), two bathrooms, and a big open-planned living room with a kitchen. The terrace has a large dining table (that seats six guests) and a comfortable couch area. It’s worth noting that this rental is on the fourth floor and there is no elevator access.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $825 per night
Spacious and modern apartment right next to Vatican City
This newly renovated house is a few minutes walk from Piazza Risorgimento, a lively neighborhood across the street from the walls of Vatican City. The home has two large double bedrooms and one single bedroom. The three marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and the colorful bright living room has a large wooden table where you can enjoy home-cooked meals. There is free parking close by and elevator access to the apartment’s third floor front door.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $806 per night
Five-bedroom apartment with handcrafted furniture and custom-made beds
This luxury rental has a whopping five bedrooms and has added extras that you can request such as a private chef and personal driver. It’s also steps from the Vatican Museums. The sprawling Airbnb Plus accommodates up to twelve and its detail-driven interior is exquisite. Soft moss green is accented with terracotta leather and buttercup yellow textiles and the furniture has been handcrafted — so no two pieces are the same. The bathrooms are also impressive with muted blue and dusty pink tiles, Art Deco light fixtures, walk-in showers, and a Jacuzzi tub.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $725 per night
Cozy apartment with views of Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome. The towering mausoleum in Parco Adriano is now a museum and offers some of the best views over the city from its terrace. The Vatican is connected to the neighborhood of this Airbnb by a short walk over the Angel Bridge. Past guest reviews of the apartment rave about the level of hospitality of the owners, the outstanding views, the location — especially its proximity to fantastic restaurants — and the open-planned layout of the four-bedroom rental. The two main bathrooms have beautiful soaking tubs, ideal after a day of museum hopping and walking around Rome.
Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $720 per night
Family apartment next to the Vatican
This three-story townhouse has views of the Vatican’s dome that you can enjoy from bed or your private terrace. Perfect for a large family or a group of friends, the rental can comfortably sleep up to seven guests.
You’ll have to toss a coin for the master bedroom. It’s located in the attic and offers privacy — it’s separated from the rest of the home — and has a stunning bathroom with hand-painted walls and a Jacuzzi tub. There is a private entrance to the first floor where you’ll find the other three bedrooms. The rooms have windows with beautiful views of the Passetto di Borgo, the secret passage that links the Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $660 per night
Two-bedroom apartment with views of St. Peter’s Basilica
With special views of St. Peter’s dome, this two-bedroom, fourth-floor (with elevator access) apartment has been recently renovated and is one of the best Airbnbs near Vatican City for a small group or couple. It’s also one of the closest rentals to the Vatican walls. You can literally roll out of bed and walk to Piazza San Pietro in seconds.
Guests state that the apartment is more impressive in real life, which is hard to believe because it looks exquisite. The interior mirrors the historical building. Each room has a different color scheme with luxury textured wallpaper, chandeliers, antique upholstered chairs, and mahogany furniture.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $644 per night
One-bedroom in historic Borgo Pio district
This one-bedroom is in the Borgo district, a quiet and elegant area a few steps from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It is set in an 1800s historic building and is a luxury Airbnb Plus for a couple with a double bedroom with a bathroom with a hot tub. The modern kitchen has everything you need for a city getaway including a Nespresso machine and a handy stovetop. Pretty, colorful art is peppered throughout, and old wooden beams frame the ceilings.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $220 per night
Luxury hideaway for a romantic Rome vacation
The light blue and white color pallet of this one-bedroom apartment is absolutely gorgeous. From the turquoise palm tree patterned wallpaper, and the light blue textured pillows, to the elegant mosaic tiling, there’s a lot of love in this Airbnb. It’s also literally steps from the Vatican walls, fantastic restaurants (one of which can be found outside the front door), and wine bars. For $220 per night — this affordable and chic Airbnb is one to bookmark.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $220 per night
Is it free to go into St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City?
Visiting St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is free, but it comes with a price — long queues. You can expect to wait up to two hours before entering the Basilica.
How many days are enough for Vatican City?
The answer depends on your preferences and how much time you have available. If you only have half a day, you can still see some of the main attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the museums. However, if you want to explore more of what the city has to offer, then it’s best to set aside at least one full day for your visit. This will give you enough time to take in all of the sights and sounds that make Vatican City so special.
Can you spend the night in Vatican City?
Unfortunately, you cannot spend the night in Vatican City. The city closes and there are no hotels or restaurants available for tourists to stay overnight.
Top things to do in Vatican City
- Visit St. Peter’s Basilica — This iconic basilica is one of the most important religious sites in the world. Its stunning architecture and art make it a must-see destination for any visitor to Vatican City.
- See Bernini’s Colonnade at Saint Peter’s Square — This impressive square is surrounded by Bernini’s colonnade, which features four rows of columns topped with statues of saints. The square also offers great views of St. Peter’s Basilica and its dome.
- Take in the Sistine Chapel — The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic works of art in the world and a must-see attraction when visiting Vatican City. It features Michelangelo’s famous frescoes on its ceiling and walls, as well as other works by Renaissance masters such as Botticelli and Perugino.
- The Vatican Museums — The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s greatest works of art. There are several different galleries to explore here, so you could easily spend an entire day wandering around these incredible collections.
- Climb up St Peter’s Dome — For those who don’t mind heights or tight spaces, climbing up St Peter’s Dome is an unforgettable experience that offers spectacular views over Rome from atop one of its most iconic landmarks.
- Explore the gardens of Vatican City — If you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from all the hustle and bustle then head over to one of Vatican City’s many gardens.
