A. Yes, while you can wear jeans to the Vatican, ensure they are basic and without flashy patterns or strategic ripping.
The Dress Code in the Vatican City
Peter's Basilica. Its basic code is for both men and women both need to cover their knees and upper arms. They prohibit wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Men must take their hats off before entering whereas women may continue wearing theirs.
The dress code for the Vatican Museums is strict but easy to respect. Low-cut or sleeveless dresses, miniskirts, shorts and hats are not allowed. To cover knees and shoulders you can buy plastic cloaks to wrap around. Inside it is preferable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
Like many other religious institutions, the Vatican in Vatican City encourages modest attire and skin covering. Remember, if you don't follow the dress code for the Vatican, the guards have the authority to deny you entry to the city and its attractions.
If you prefer to wear above the knee skirts and dresses, you may bring with you a spare pair of tights or leggings that cover the knees that you can wear under your dress or skirt. Just be sure you find a restroom to change in and out of them. At the Vatican there are public bathrooms on both sides of the square.
More about Vatican dress code shoes requirements
There is no specific rule about footwear in the Vatican city.
Loose or ill-fitting clothing, ripped or stained items, and anything athleisure will look out of place in Rome (except perhaps near the Colosseum or Vatican City, where you'll almost exclusively be surrounded by other tourists).
Vatican City bag policy
To get into St. Peter's Basilica you will need to cross a security checkpoint where your bags will be searched. Large bags are not permitted inside, but there are no set rules as to what constitutes a large bag. Regular backpacks are generally okay, but suitcases and rolling luggage are not.
Yes, you can! Birkenstocks are a great choice for a Vatican visit because they're extremely versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. You can wear them as a pair of shoes, or as a pair of sandals. You can even wear them as a base layer for your shoes if you want to keep your feet warm.
Is there a dress code for the Colosseum? There is no dress-code as such, but we always recommend wearing comfortable shoes to ensure that sore feet won't cut your experience short. In the warmer months, it's also a good idea to bring a hat to protect from the sun.
A. Visitors are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and wearing trousers/skirts that come below the mid-thighs. Hats, swimwear and costumes with promotional content or offensive/distracting designs are not allowed.
What shoes to wear at the Vatican. There are no special rules about shoes at the Vatican and you can wear closed shoes or sandals. While there is no specific rule about wearing flip flops at the Vatican, it is good practice not to. Flip flopr are impractical for the location, often noisy and considered too casual.
Men should also be aware that hats need to be removed before entering any church or Chapel which includes St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Women: Women can wear trousers, capri pants and skirts and dresses are permitted however they cannot be shorter than knee length and shoulders must be covered.
Dressing for the Vatican for men
You can also opt to wear a shirt or polo shirt if you would prefer to dress more formally. While on the subject of trousers, while plain jeans and trousers are acceptable, tracksuits are generally frowned upon and so should be avoided.
You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
We knew the temperature was expected to be in the mid-80s and 90s, but we also wanted to fit in with the local attire. I went ahead and packed three pairs of pants and three pairs of shorts. I am so glad I decided to pack some shorts!
To ensure the best possible experience for visitors, the Vatican Museums strongly discourage the use of mobile phones inside the exhibition spaces. Visitors are required to activate the silent function of their mobile device. The use of mobile phones is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.
Water bottle
There is a security check as you enter into the Vatican museums so it is important that you only bring a plastic bottle. Glass bottles will be taken from you or you will be forced to leave them in the locker room.
To enter Vatican City, you don't need a passport or Visa or even tickets for the attractions inside. You can simply walk inside. However, if you wish to enter the attractions inside, such as the Vatican Museums, you would need to buy tickets.
It's fine to wear casual clothes such as khakis, jeans, tennis shoes, and sandals to many restaurants in Rome. But remember that in Italy, modesty is key.
Good quality jeans / pants
Jeans are very common in Rome and worn by people of almost any age.
Avoid wearing shirts with collar buttons or breast pockets at night. You can also never go wrong with a dress or skirt. If you're a man, wear a long-sleeve shirt at night or when attending nicer venues. Jeans are okay, but dress them up with a nice blazer and dress shirt.
While there is a dress code in terms of what is not allowed, there are no set rules about what TO wear to the Vatican. (Unless you are a female diplomat about to meet the Pope, in which case you wear black.
The Vatican Museums allow visitors to bring bags that are no larger than 15.7 inch x 13.7 inch x 6 inch (40 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm). If your bag is larger or if you are carrying a long umbrella or camera tripods you will have to check in your items into the wardrobe at the entrance of the museums (the guide will help you).
Most cameras are allowed inside the Vatican Museums, and you are allowed to take photographs for personal use. However, using flash for photographs is strictly prohibited. Professional cameras and equipment are also prohibited (ex. drones, tripods, stands).