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- Vatican Museums
- Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace
- Vatican Grottoes
- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Gardens
- Apostolic Palace
- Villa Barberini
- Vatican Library
- Castle Gondolfo
- Vatican Archives
- History
- Inside
- Vatican Easter Mass
- Vatican Necropolis
- Christmas Tree
- Vatican City
- Nativity Scene
- Secrets of Vatican
- Christmas
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Night Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Rules
- Entrances
- Facts
- Map
- Papal Audience
- Omnia Card
- Vatican Mass
- Things to do in Vatican
- Dress Code
- Private Tours
- Colosseum
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Borghese Gallery
- Bioparco Rome
- Big Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Roman Baths of Caracalla
- Palazzo Merulana
- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
Vatican Museums tickets & tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Unlock skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica with this 3-in-1 tour!
- Get the complete Vatican City experience coupled with expert insights about the smallest country in the world with this guided tour.
- This is the only experience that grants you fast-track access to all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
- An engaging storytelling experience awaits. Watch art and history come to life as you walk through the Gallery of Maps with your guide.
- Get the flexibility to choose skip-the-line entry or a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and curate a Vatican City experience that suits you best.
- The cherry on top? With this tour, you'll head to St. Peter's Basilica via a back door from Sistine Chapel saving you 20 mins of walking time and a 2-hour queue.
Unlock skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica with this 3-in-1 tour!
- Get the complete Vatican City experience coupled with expert insights about the smallest country in the world with this guided tour.
- This is the only experience that grants you fast-track access to all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
- An engaging storytelling experience awaits. Watch art and history come to life as you walk through the Gallery of Maps with your guide.
- Get the flexibility to choose skip-the-line entry or a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and curate a Vatican City experience that suits you best.
- The cherry on top? With this tour, you'll head to St. Peter's Basilica via a back door from Sistine Chapel saving you 20 mins of walking time and a 2-hour queue.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Skip-the-line entry or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Headphones
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Dome
- Tip: Planning your Rome itinerary? Be sure to set aside one entire day to fully explore the Vatican City. Comfy shoes are a must as you traverse all the nooks of this tiny nation!
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatter, no phones, and no photos, just pure awe. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the details before you step inside.
- Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.
- The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
- Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
- Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.
- Upgrade to a hosted experience, a minibus tour of the venue, or entry to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.
- The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
- Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
- Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.
- Upgrade to a hosted experience, a minibus tour of the venue, or entry to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
- Minibus tour of Vatican Gardens with audio guide (as per option selected)
- Entry to Castel Sant'Angelo (as per option selected)
- Booking and service charges
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Gratuities
- Tip: Make the most of your visit and explore some of the collections off the main route, such as Braccio Nuovo.
- Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatter, no phones, and no photos, just pure awe. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the details before you step inside.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
- Entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Please expect long waiting times during peak season for both, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Get full access to the Dome on a guided tour of the Basilica.
- Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends from an expert, local guide.
- This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
- Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
- Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.
Get full access to the Dome on a guided tour of the Basilica.
- Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends from an expert, local guide.
- This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
- Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
- Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
- Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
- Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top
- Breakfast (for French and English options, if selected)
Exclusions
- Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
- Tips: Don't forget to look down as you climb the dome. Through special windows, you can catch glimpses of the basilica's interior below, offering a unique perspective.
- Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: St. Peter's Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those who suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, guests are still required to climb 320 steps to reach the top of the cupola.
- Expect a considerable wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Experience the Vatican with a skip-the-line private tour tailored to your interests, at your pace.
- Your Vatican, your way! Customize your tour to explore the sections that fascinate you most, like the Borgia Apartments or the Braccio Nuovo.
- Bypass the ticketing lines and head straight to the Vatican Museums, giving you more time to explore.
- Explore leisurely with lesser crowds, and delve deeper into the Vatican's wonders with ample time to appreciate each area.
- Benefit from an expert guide as they bring the Vatican's history to life at the Pinoteca Gallery or Raphael's Rooms.
Experience the Vatican with a skip-the-line private tour tailored to your interests, at your pace.
- Your Vatican, your way! Customize your tour to explore the sections that fascinate you most, like the Borgia Apartments or the Braccio Nuovo.
- Bypass the ticketing lines and head straight to the Vatican Museums, giving you more time to explore.
- Explore leisurely with lesser crowds, and delve deeper into the Vatican's wonders with ample time to appreciate each area.
- Benefit from an expert guide as they bring the Vatican's history to life at the Pinoteca Gallery or Raphael's Rooms.
Inclusions
- Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
- Entry and private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Expert English/Spanish/French/German/Italian-speaking guide
- Headsets
- Tip: Unwind in the tranquil Cortile della Pigna, a hidden gem within the Vatican, featuring ancient sculptures like the iconic bronze pine cone.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Get ahead of the crowds by entering the venue before it opens to the general public.
- Early birds, this tour is your best bet to explore the Vatican with fewer people around! Fast-track entry is a bonus.
- Start your experience at the Vatican Museums and explore the famous Torso Belvedere and Lacoon and Sons with an expert guide.
- Don't miss the creative genius of The Last Supper at the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will tell you all about the masterpiece before you enter.
- Extend your tour to St Peter's Basilica, or go all out with a visit to St. Peter's Dome. Choose the best option for you at the checkout!
Get ahead of the crowds by entering the venue before it opens to the general public.
- Early birds, this tour is your best bet to explore the Vatican with fewer people around! Fast-track entry is a bonus.
- Start your experience at the Vatican Museums and explore the famous Torso Belvedere and Lacoon and Sons with an expert guide.
- Don't miss the creative genius of The Last Supper at the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will tell you all about the masterpiece before you enter.
- Extend your tour to St Peter's Basilica, or go all out with a visit to St. Peter's Dome. Choose the best option for you at the checkout!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Tip: On Wednesday mornings, St Peter’s Basilica is usually closed due to the weekly Papal audience. Keep this in mind when booking your ticket.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Bypass the crowds and dive straight into the Vatican’s rich history with a local expert.
- Looking for the quintessential bucket-list experience? Opt for this guided tour giving you access to two tourist favourites with an expert guide.
- Without the fast-track access included in this tour, you may have to wait up to 2 hours in line. Explore more, wait less!
- Don't let the collection of over 70,000 artworks overwhelm you. Your expert guide will show you around and ensure you get to admire all the greatest masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms.
- If you want more interaction with your guide for art and history insights, upgrade your tour to a small group.
Bypass the crowds and dive straight into the Vatican’s rich history with a local expert.
- Looking for the quintessential bucket-list experience? Opt for this guided tour giving you access to two tourist favourites with an expert guide.
- Without the fast-track access included in this tour, you may have to wait up to 2 hours in line. Explore more, wait less!
- Don't let the collection of over 70,000 artworks overwhelm you. Your expert guide will show you around and ensure you get to admire all the greatest masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms.
- If you want more interaction with your guide for art and history insights, upgrade your tour to a small group.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Small group tour (as per option selected)
- Nighttime tour (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and/or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Tip: Stop for a coffee in the Belvedere Courtyard, or extend you visit to the Carriage Pavillion at the end of the tour.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Say goodbye to long lines and escape the crowds with fast-track entry on this personalized tour.
- Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel’s artistic wonders in a more intimate setting with a guide.
- Learn how the Renaissance shaped the Roman Catholic Church as you unveil Vatican City's best-kept secrets in your language of choice.
- Wrap up your tour in the Sistine Chapel. Experience the genius of Michelangelo's impressive frescos first-hand and get bragging rights for life.
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Say goodbye to long lines and escape the crowds with fast-track entry on this personalized tour.
- Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel’s artistic wonders in a more intimate setting with a guide.
- Learn how the Renaissance shaped the Roman Catholic Church as you unveil Vatican City's best-kept secrets in your language of choice.
- Wrap up your tour in the Sistine Chapel. Experience the genius of Michelangelo's impressive frescos first-hand and get bragging rights for life.
Inclusions
- Small group of up to 15 guests
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Tip: The early bird gets the worm! Crowds at the Vatican start to build around around 10am. Book an earlier spot to beat the crowds.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes: no chatting, no phones, no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo (Save 10%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour
from $140.53
$126.47
10% off
Tour both iconic sites in one day or on separate days with this convenient combo.
- Two bucket-list tours for less! Go easy on your wallet by combining your Vatican and Colosseum tours with this savings-packed deal.
- Explore Rome’s highlights – a 3-hour tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, along with a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Your schedule, your rules. Select your ideal date and time for each venue separately, letting you tailor your visit as per your itinerary.
- A local guide will be there during your entire tour to enhance your visit with fascinating Roman history at every turn.
Tour both iconic sites in one day or on separate days with this convenient combo.
- Two bucket-list tours for less! Go easy on your wallet by combining your Vatican and Colosseum tours with this savings-packed deal.
- Explore Rome’s highlights – a 3-hour tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, along with a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Your schedule, your rules. Select your ideal date and time for each venue separately, letting you tailor your visit as per your itinerary.
- A local guide will be there during your entire tour to enhance your visit with fascinating Roman history at every turn.
Inclusions
Colosseum
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with entry
- Expert & charismatic local guide
Exclusions
Colosseum
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
Vatican Museums
- Access to St. Peter's Basilica
- Tip: Want to avoid a packed day? This combo lets you pick different dates, so you can savor each experience without the hustle.
- If you're doing both tours on the same day, allow yourself at least an hour between the two tours to get from one site to the other.
Colosseum
- Save some time to visit ancient Rome's largest temple, located right at the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum – the Temple of Venus and Roma.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Vatican Museums
- Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- While the tour is not accessible by wheelchair, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Which Vatican Museum ticket is best for you?
Standard tickets
Duration: Flexible (self-paced)
Vatican Museum access: Yes
Sistine Chapel access: Yes
St. Peter's Basilica access: No
Guide: No
Why go for it?
- Ideal for budget travelers looking to explore on their own. Skip long queues at the ticket office, maximizing your time inside.
- Option to avail local assistance with ticket redemption, ensuring a smooth entry process without confusion.
- Upgrade to include an exclusive minibus tour of the beautiful Vatican Gardens with audio guide.
Recommended tickets:
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Guided tours
Duration: 2-3 hrs.
Vatican Museum access: Yes, with skip-the-line entry
Sistine Chapel access: Yes
St. Peter's Basilica access: Optional
Guide: Yes
Why go for it?
- Skip-the-line access to top Vatican attractions. Learn fascinating insights from expert guides about centuries of art, history, and culture.
- Well-organized tours so you can see all highlights without missing key attractions.
- Choose early morning or after-hours options for a more peaceful experience, away from thick crowds. Especially popular during the Italian summer season.
Recommended tickets:
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
- Early Morning Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
Exclusive tours
Duration: 3 hrs.
Vatican Museum access: Yes, with skip-the-line entry
Sistine Chapel access: Yes
St. Peter's Basilica access: Optional
Guide: Yes
Why go for it?
- Complete flexibility to tailor your Vatican experience to your interests.
- Small group sizes for better interaction and attention from the guide.
- Skip-the-line access and private tours make this a premium experience.
Recommended tickets:
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
Combo tickets
Duration: Full day (approx.)
Vatican Museum access: Yes
Sistine Chapel access: Yes
St. Peter's Basilica access: No
Guide: Yes
Why go for it?
- Value for money with combined attractions, saving both time and cost compared to buying separate tickets.
- A comprehensive experience of two of Rome’s most iconic attractions in one day.
- Expert guides bring both ancient and religious history to life.
Recommended tickets:
Discounted Vatican Tickets
Visitors between the age of 18-25 enjoy reduced pricing on their tickets.
Cancelation Policy
Most Vatican tickets can be canceled 24-72 hours before the experience begins. However, some tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Please check your ticket for details at the time of booking.
Explore the Vatican
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Apostolic Palace
Vatican Gardens
Necropolis
Grottoes
A complex of art and historical museums situated within Vatican City, established by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. The museums house an immense collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries.
Access included: Yes
Highlights & history of Vatican Museum
Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV and consecrated in 1483, the chapel is renowned for its Renaissance art, most notably the ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous Creation of Adam.
Access included: Yes
Book Tickets to Sistine Chapel
One of the most significant and revered sites in Christianity, St. Peter's Basilica stands on the traditional site where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. The basilica was consecrated in 1626, replacing an earlier church that stood on the same site.
Access included: Free entry, but guided tours and dome access require separate tickets.
Book St. Peter's Basilica Tours
The official residence of the Pope, the Apostolic Palace is a complex of buildings including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Access: Yes, the rooms of the Apostolic Palace that visitors are allowed to view are a part of the Vatican Museums tour.
What's the Apostolic Palace?
Beautifully landscaped gardens and green spaces that cover approximately half of Vatican City's 44 hectares. Established during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the gardens are designed with a mix of traditional Italian, French, and English styles, and feature a variety of fountains, sculptures, and grottoes set amidst lush lawns, flower beds, and tree-lined paths.
Access included: You will have to book tickets that specifically include entry into the Vatican Gardens.
Vatican Gardens Tour Options
The Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace, is the official residence of the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. It is thus, a symbol of symbol of the papacy and the Catholic Church and serves as the venue for many official ceremonies, gatherings, and decisions related to the governance of the Church.
Access included: Not all Vatican tickets include access to the Vatican Necropolis. You will have to book tickets that specifically include entry into the Vatican Necropolis.
The Vatican Grottoes are a series of underground chapels and tombs located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. They serve as the final resting place for many popes and other significant figures associated with the Catholic Church.
Access included: You can plan your visit to the Vatican Grottoes as part of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Once you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you can make your way below towards the grottoes.
What To See At Vatican Museums?
See all photos
Plan Your Visit to Vatican Museums
Timings
Location
Entrances
Facilities
Rules
Dress Code
Celebrating Christmas
Dine
Stay
Airport Transfers
From Monday to Thursday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 10:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 8 PM
Last Sunday of the month: 9 AM to 2 PM
Last admission: 2 hours before closing
Closed: Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), 1 and 6 January, 11 February, 10 April, 1 May, 29 June, 15 and 16 August, 1 November,
8, 25, 26, and 31 December.
Best time to visit: The ideal period to visit the Vatican Museums is between November to March due to fewer crowds. However, the peak season, which sees the highest number of visitors, is from April to September.
Detailed Vatican Museum TimingsAddress: Città del Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City
Getting there
- By metro: Line A
Nearest stop: Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station - By tram: Line 19
Nearest stop: Piazza del Risorgimento - By bus: 40, 64, 62, 81, 32, 982, 492, 990
Nearest stops: V.Le Vaticano/Musei Vaticani - By train: RE 12524 towards Civitavecchia or RE 4134 towards Pisa Centrale
Nearest station: St. Pietro - By car: 3.2 kilometers from Roma Termini
Car parking: Options include Parking Prati on Piazza Unità, 62 – 193 & Garage San Pietro on Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci, 26 – 165
There are two entrances to the Vatican City:
- Via Della Conciliazione Entrance: This is the primary entrance if you're starting your visit from St. Peter's Basilica. It leads directly to St. Peter's Square and the Basilica.
- Viale Vaticano Entrance: Ideal for those who wish to begin their Vatican journey with the Vatican Museums. This entrance is closer to the museums, and from here, you can easily access the Sistine Chapel and other significant sites within the museums.
- Cloakroom
- Audioguide
- Lost & Found
- Post Office
- Bookshops
- First aid
- Restrooms
- AED Defibrillators
- Drinking Fountains
- Large bags, suitcases, and containers must be left in the cloakroom.
- Knives, scissors, umbrellas, sticks, and metal tools must be stored in the cloakroom. The use of laser points is not allowed. Firearms and hazardous materials are not allowed, even if licensed.
- Photography is allowed in most areas except the Sistine Chapel. Flash and tripods are prohibited.
- Special authorization is needed for reproducing or drawing the displayed works.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- The use of mobile phones is discouraged. Silent mode is required, and phones are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden.
- On every last Sunday of the month, the museum is open to the public for free. While this might sound like a great deal, the Vatican also tends to be the most crowded on these days, so it might be better to visit on another day.
- No pets are allowed inside the museum. Service dogs are allowed if they have proper authorization.
The Vatican has a dress code, as it is a religious state and is quite stringent about it. Failure to adhere to the dress code can lead to you being denied entry. Clothes that expose your knees, including shorts, skirts, and dresses, are not allowed, as are offensive tattoos.
- For men: Shirts are preferred, however, men can sport a T-shirt as long as it doesn’t feature any offensive slogans or imagery. Sleeveless t-shirts or vests are not allowed. Shorts must level with your knees.
- For women: Women are not permitted to wear sleeveless, low-cut clothing or crop tops. The rule of thumb to follow is that the midriff and shoulders must be covered. Skirt, dress, as well as shorts, must be at least knee-length.
- For kids: There’s no specific Vatican dress code for kids. However, the same rules as adults apply to them; shoulder and midriff should be covered. Shorts/Skirts should level with the knees.
Celebrating Christmas at Vatican is a magical affair. The city decks itself in pretty lights, a Christmas tree, and a Nativity scene. However, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is closed on December 25 and 26.
The Mass
The mass at St. Peter's Basilica, which takes place on December 24, at 9.30 PM, is one of the most viewed masses around the world. To book the Papal Audience tickets, you have to fill out a form and fax it to +39 06 698 85863 at least 2 months in advance. You’ll receive a letter that confirms that the church has received your request. However, this is not a ticket confirmation. You will have to go to the Preffetura Office 4-5 days before the mass, between 8 AM to 6 PM, to get the ticket.
- La Vittoria: A quaint trattoria offering classic Roman dishes, perfect for a hearty lunch after exploring the Vatican Museums.
- Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci: Renowned for its gourmet pizza slices, this spot is ideal for a quick and delicious bite.
- Il Sorpasso: A rustic eatery with a diverse menu, from fresh pastas to savory meat dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
- Gelateria dei Gracchi: After a long day of sightseeing, cool down with some artisanal gelato, known for its natural ingredients and unique flavors.
- Duecento Gradi: A sandwich shop offering a wide variety of paninis made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a light meal or takeaway.
Budget
- Hotel Ferrari (5.4 km away), Taormina Hotel (7.4 km away), Hotel Dina (5.8 km away)
Mid-Range
- Hotel Oceania (4.8 km away), Hotel Columbia (5.3 km away), Hotel Canova (5.8 km away)
Luxury
- Castello della Castelluccia (15 km away)
The Vatican doesn't have its own airport, so tourists arrive or depart from the Rome airports. Book Rome airport transfer services for a smooth connection from and to Rome's city center, the Vatican, and the airport.
International airports near the Vatican:
Some popular operators like SIT Shuttle Bus provide airport transfer services directly to and from Vatican and Rome Airports. Check out Rome Fiumicino Airport to the Vatican for more information.
Rome Airport TransfersBeyond the Vatican
Colosseum
Built of concrete and stone, it is the largest amphitheater ever built. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 70-72 AD and completed in 80 AD.
Colosseum Tickets
Villa Barberini
An ancient villa set amidst lush gardens, that dates back to the seventeenth century. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience life in this historic region and explore the beauty of its architecture and art.
Visit Villa Barberini
Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The historic summer residence of the Pope, nestled in Castel Gandolfo, was built in 1596 and is home to several historical artifacts from its past use as a papal retreat. The palace gardens are also open to visitors, filled with sculptures and fountains.
Explore Apostolic Palace of Castel GandolfoFrequently asked questions about Vatican Tickets
How much is a ticket to the Vatican Museums?
The starting price for Vatican Museums tickets is €29. This typically includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Prices may vary based on additional features like guided tours or access to special areas.
How to book tickets to the Vatican Museums?
You can purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums online or at the venue. Online purchasing allows you to avoid the long queues at the ticket office. Additionally, some tickets offer combined access to St. Peter’s Basilica, providing a more comprehensive experience.
Why should I book Vatican Museums tickets online?
Booking Vatican Museums tickets online offers several advantages:
- Skip the lines: The Vatican Museums are a major tourist attraction, and the lines can be extensive, especially during peak seasons. By purchasing tickets in advance online, you can bypass the ticket lines and save valuable time.
- Guaranteed entry: Especially during peak seasons, walk-in tickets might be sold out. By booking in advance, you ensure your entry.
- Variety of options: Plan your experience by choosing from various options, such as guided tours or evening tours. Combo tours to visit other attractions in Rome are also available.
- Discounts & offers: Online bookings often come with special discounts and offers not available at the ticket office.
- Customer service: Benefit from 24/7 customer service via phone, email, or chat.
What do Vatican Museums tickets include?
A standard Vatican Museums ticket includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Depending on the experience you choose, you may also get guided tours or special access to areas like the Raphael Rooms.
Are discounts available on Vatican Museums tickets?
Yes, EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 can avail of reduced pricing on their tickets with a valid ID. EU and non-EU citizens under 18, as well as teaching staff, can enjoy free or reduced entry into the Vatican Museums.
Can I get skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums?
Absolutely! You can purchase Vatican Museums skip-the-line tickets, allowing you to bypass the long queues and enter with priority access. Some popular options include:
- Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Escorted Entrance
- Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour of Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Do Vatican Museums tickets allow entry into St. Peter’s Basilica?
Standard Vatican Museums tickets grant access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. For entry into St. Peter’s Basilica, you'll need to opt for specific combo tickets.
What is the cancellation policy for Vatican Museums tickets?
The cancellation policy varies based on the ticket type. Some tickets offer a full refund upon cancellation up to 48-72 hours in advance, while others might be non-refundable. Always check the specific terms before booking.
