Only St. Peter's Basilica

Is it possible to just walk around St. Peter's? I understand it does not have an entrance fee, but unsure if we can walk into it without going on the museums tour first. Thanks very much for any advise.

You can walk around. If there is not a Mass being held, you can even walk up to the altar.

Is it possible to just walk around St. Peter's? I understand it does not have an entrance fee, but unsure if we can walk into it without going on the museums tour first. Thanks very much for any advise.

Yes, once clearing the metal detectors, you will be free to walk around the basilica - the Vatican museum is located a fair distance from the basilica.

Be aware that queues can be quite long to enter San Pietro & you must abide by the dress code (shoulders & knees covered). You can also take the elevator up to the dome's cupola (fee) and climb to the top of the dome for fabulous views overlooking the city.

Thanks for both your replies, with helpful info.

You can also visit the Vatican Grottoes (free - they are located one floor beneath St. Peter's Basilica) & see the Papal Tombs (official resting place of the Popes).