Visiting the Cupola at St. Peter's Basilica

There are two ways to get to the top of the cupola at St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. Both involve waiting in line (and, in my case, it took an hour) but the views of Rome and the closer up look at Michelangelo's work (and the hike up the steep, twisty stairs) was worth it.

So, about those two ways to get up... Either you can walk the entire way for 5 Euros or you can walk most of the way up for 7 euros! That additional cost gets you almost up there, but the worst part is definitely beyond the elevator! The initial climb is quite a climb, but it is more gradual than the end where you will encounter amazingly steep spiral and inclined stairways.

If you're out of shape and you really want to go up, pay for the elevator and then just take it easy and slowly work your way up to the top. There is a portion where you'll have a rope to hold on to as you navegate a tiny, steep, spiral staircase but before you know it, you'll be rewarded with some nice views. (Or you can always send your kids / friends / significant others up there with a camera and check the pix out when they come down!