Vatican Museum Tickets & Tours

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Rome Fiumicino Airport
• Rome Ciampino Airport

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.