Chances
Queue at Vatican Museums
There is too much to see. Therefore you’re going to need to pick out what to see. Having said that, you can decide to go on your own or rent an audioguide or take part in a guided tour. In any event, you won’t be disappointed.
Extremely long lines to get in. Especially on Mondays because on Sundays the Museums are closed. If you’re short on time the best thing to do is to book your visit online on the Vatican website. This way you can skip the line. There’s a 4 Euro charge for booking rights. On the website you can book access to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Or you can book a guided tour to the Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Or even extend your visit to the St.Peter’s Church also.
Watch out
Dress Code. The Vatican website says that the access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s is permitted only if your clothes are appropriate. That means, no sleeveless shirts, no shorts, no short skirts and no hats. So make sure your legs and your arms are properly covered. The rule is valid for both men and women. By not observing this “dress code” you might risk to have access denied at the entrance without refund.
Separate entrances. The St.Peter’s Church, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums have separate entrances. The entrance to the Church is on St.Peter’s square side. To access the Museums and the Sistine Chapel you have to walk Viale del Vaticano. Only the guided tours groups are allowed to access the Church directly from the Sistine Chapel.
In your backpack
During the summer, bring a hat because the sun is hot. Don’t forget to put it in your knapsack once you get in the Church. The maximum allowed size of a bag inside the Church is 40x35x15. Any bags exceeding this size will have to go in the wardrobe.Opening Times
The Vatican Museums are open from 9 am to 6 pm. You’re allowed access until 4 pm. And you must leave the premises half hour before closing time.
Closing day: Sunday. Except the last Sunday of each month when access is free and the Museums are open from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
Prices
Spiral stairs of the Vatican Museums
The ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is 16 Euros.
The guided tour to the Museums and the Sistine Chapel lasts 2 hours and costs 32 Euros. It includes access to the Museums, guided tour as well as headphones.
The guided tour to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St.Peter’s Church lasts 3 hours and costs 37 Euros.
You can book your tour online. This way you can skip the line. There’s a 4 Euro charge for booking rights.
Tickets:
| Regular | Pre-sale | |
|---|---|---|
| Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel | 16 € | 4 € |
| Guided tour of Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel | 32 € | 4 € |
| Guided tour of Church + Museums + Sistine Chapel | 36 € | 4 € |
How to get there
Subway: Take the A line and get off at Cipro - Musei Vaticani.
Bus: You can take the 40 or 64 from Termini station or the 492 from Tiburtina station.
