Rome Attractions

The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) hold one of the world’s greatest art collections, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian and Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces and modern sacred art.
The highlight for many is the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment are among humanity’s most celebrated works.
Each year, around 7 million people visit the Museums—making them the second most visited museum in the world after the Louvre. With such high demand, planning ahead is essential.
This guide will help you get ready before buying tickets, covering opening hours, ticket types and prices, what to see, dress code, audio guides, night openings, maps, and practical tips for a smooth visit.
The Vatican Museums attract over 6 million visitors each year, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The cheapest option is the general admission ticket, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. A guided tour includes expert commentary, while a private tour offers a more personalized and in-depth experience.
Where to buy tickets?
You can only purchase Vatican Museums tickets online and on the official website. After COVID, the Vatican has moved to an online ticketing system.
Book your Museums tickets online in advance as they operate with timed entry slots that regularly sell out, especially in high season.
After purchase, you receive digital tickets that you can show on your phone at the entrance.
Types of tickets & ticket prices
There are different types of Vatican Museums tickets to match your interests, time, and budget—here are the ticket options and their prices.
Skip-the-line Vatican Museums ticket
Fast-track entry to all open rooms and galleries of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Breeze through security in just 2 minutes and skip long lines, giving you more time to explore treasures like the Raphael Rooms, ancient sculptures, and Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
Cost: From $31
Buy This TicketVatican Museums guided tours
Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with a professional guide leading the way. This 2.5–3 hour tour includes a headset so you won’t miss a word of the fascinating history and art commentary. Choose from:
Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel – A 2.5–3 hour guided tour covering the highlights of the Museums and Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel.
Cost: From $123
Buy This TicketVatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica – Extended tour including the Vatican’s top art collections and an in-depth visit to the world’s most famous church.
Cost: From $205
Buy This TicketPremium Early Morning tour (7 am) – Exclusive small-group access before public opening hours for a quieter, more intimate Vatican experience.
Cost: From $107
Buy This TicketNote: After the guided tour, you’re free to explore the Museums at your own pace until closing.
Vatican Gardens open-bus tour (+ Museums access)
The Vatican Gardens open at 9 am from Monday to Saturday and close at 6 pm.
Enjoy a 45-minute eco-friendly open-bus ride through the lush Vatican Gardens, which cover over half of Vatican City. Sit back and admire beautifully landscaped grounds, fountains, and sculptures in these exclusive papal gardens. Buses depart at 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. Includes entry to the Vatican Museums after your tour.
Cost: From $37
Buy This TicketVatican Museums private tour
Enjoy a fully personalized Vatican visit with a private guide, tailoring the itinerary to your interests and maximizing your time. These special tours include access to areas usually closed to the public, such as the Cabinet of the Masks. Led by an Official Vatican Rome guide, you’ll see all the highlights without the crowds. Available only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Cost: $819 (2 people)
Buy This TicketVatican last-minute tickets
Don’t let long queues spoil your visit! If you didn’t book in advance, you can still grab last-minute same-day tickets to the Vatican Museums and skip the wait.
Which is the best ticket to view the Museums?
The best Vatican ticket to buy depends on your budget, time, and interests. Here’s a comparison to help you decide better:
Preference | Go For | Duration | Guide | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Budget | Basic entry ticket | Flexible timings | No | €40/person |
Value for money | Guided tour | 2.5 to 3 hours | Yes | €90/person |
Best experience | Private tour | 5 to 6 hours | Yes | €289/person |
Personalized | Private night tour | 2 to 3 hours | Yes | €555/person |
Opening hours
- Mon–Sat: 8 am to 8 pm (final entry at 6 pm; galleries start closing 30 minutes before closing).
- Last Sunday of the month (free): 9 am to 2 pm (final entry 12.30 pm).
- Sundays (otherwise) & certain holy days: closed.
Closures follow the Vatican calendar—commonly 1 Jan, 6 Jan, Easter Monday, 29 Jun (Sts. Peter & Paul), 15 Aug, 1 Nov, 8 Dec, 25–26 Dec, plus others announced annually. Always check the calendar before you go.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Vatican Museums is as soon as it opens at 8 am or mid-/late-afternoon (after 2 pm), when large bus groups thin out.
Best seasons: For lighter crowds, go in January–February or late November–early December (avoid Christmas weeks). Spring and fall are lovely for the weather; summer (June–August) is the busiest and hottest. Many tourists suggest Wednesday mornings can be gentler inside the Museums when the Papal Audience draws crowds to St Peter’s Square (verify week-by-week).
How long does the Vatican Museums take
Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours exploring the Vatican Museums, covering main highlights like the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Art lovers may spend 4–5 hours or more. The Museums comprise several kilometers of galleries—wear good shoes.
Vatican Gardens (open-bus): add ~45–60 min + your museum visit time.
Where is the Vatican Museums & how to reach
Entrance: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome (Vatican City). Get Directions
Metro: Line A to Ottaviano or Cipro; walk ~10–15 minutes.
Bus: 49 stops directly in front of the Museums; 32, 81, 982 stop at Piazza del Risorgimento; 492, 990 nearby.
Tram: 19 goes to Risorgimento.
Visual Story: 14 must-know tips before visiting Vatican Museums
What to see at the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are home to an extraordinary collection of art, history, and culture—here are the must-see highlights you shouldn’t miss on your visit.
Sistine Chapel: The final stop on the route. Admire Michelangelo’s ceiling (1508–1512) and Last Judgment (1536–1541). No photography or video is permitted inside; observe silence.
Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello): Four papal apartments frescoed by Raphael and his workshop, including the Room of the Segnatura with The School of Athens.
Pio-Clementino Museum: Classical sculpture highlights: Laocoön and His Sons, Apollo Belvedere, Belvedere Torso, the Round Room, and the Greek Cross Gallery.
Upper Galleries: Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Maps—a 120-meter corridor painted with 16th-century maps of Italy.
Vatican Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery): Masterpieces by Giotto, Raphael, Leonardo, Caravaggio, and more, in a purpose-built 1932 gallery.
Borgia Apartment & Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art: Medieval rooms later housing a path into 20th-century religious art (Chagall, Dalí, Van Gogh, and others).
Egyptian & Etruscan Museums: Compact, excellent introductions to the ancient Mediterranean world.
While you can enter St. Peter’s for free, some of the basilica’s best sites—dome, grottoes, etc.—are off-limits unless you pay a fee. The best time to visit St. Peter’s is after 11 am due to the continuity of masses being held from 7 am to 10 am. Likewise, a visit after 6 pm makes for an ethereal experience.
Dress Code
Modest dress is required for the Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens: shoulders and knees covered; avoid low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts.
Hats off in sacred spaces. If you arrive improperly dressed, you may be denied entry; there is no official wrap rental inside the Museums, so bring a light scarf/cover-up.
This Vatican dress code applies to both women and men.
Security & items: airport-style screening; no tripods, large umbrellas, sticks, laser pointers; cloakroom available for umbrellas and bulky bags.
Photography without flash is allowed in most museum areas; it is strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel.
Audio Guide
Yes—an official audio guide is available. You can book it with your ticket or rent it inside (languages include Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and others; selection may vary). Pick it up after security at the designated counter along the entry path.
For Vatican Gardens open-bus tours, the audio guide is included with that ticket.
Visiting the Vatican Museums at night
During night, the Vatican Museums offer a cooler, quieter visit with fewer crowds. Explore the galleries, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel in a magical evening ambiance, often with live music in the courtyards.
Vatican Museums evening guided tour
A 2-hour small-group tour starting at 5:30 pm, perfect for exploring Rome by day and the Vatican by night. Enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace as your dedicated guide leads you through the Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the masterpieces in a quieter, more intimate setting away from the summer heat.
Cost: From $128
Buy This TicketExplore the Vatican your way! Whether you want the magic of a night tour or want to use your Roma Pass for entry, our guides show you how to get the best Vatican Museums experience.
Is the Vatican Museums worth it?
Absolutely—few places on earth compress 3,000+ years of art into such a concentrated journey: Greek marbles, Roman portraits, Renaissance fresco cycles, and the Sistine Chapel, all within a single visit.
Its scale, conservation standards, and curatorial depth make it a must for first-time and repeat travelers alike.
Things to know before you go the Vatican Museums
- Book early in high season; time slots sell out. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for your slot to clear security.
- Route is long; wear supportive shoes and bring water (no glass).
- Photos: no flash; no photos or video in the Sistine Chapel. Guards enforce this.
- Free day: last Sunday of the month (9 am–2 pm; last entry 12.30). Lines can be very long; no reservations.
- Accessibility: visitors with ≥67% disability enter free; accessible routes and lifts are available—ask staff at the entrance.
- Guided tour: Since it is so massive, visitors may miss some masterpieces. Hence, it would be best to book a guided tour.
- The Sistine Chapel is at the end of the Vatican Museums, and you must enter the Museums to visit the Chapel
- Link to St. Peter’s Basilica: the public exit is separate; only certain guided tours use the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica.
Two combo tickets remain popular with tourists holidaying in Rome. Do check out the Colosseum and Vatican combo tour and Colosseum and Trevi Fountain tour tickets.
Restaurants at the Vatican Museums
You’ll find multiple food options inside the Museums along the itinerary:
- Self-service Restaurant: hot dishes, family-friendly set menus at budget-conscious prices.
- Pizzeria: quick slices and salads.
- Caffetteria Centrale: classic Italian coffee bar and sit-down breakfast.
- Caffè-Bistrot La Pigna (Cortile della Pigna): a scenic stop for breakfast and evening “happy hour” during special openings.
If you prefer to eat nearby after your visit, the Prati neighborhood (east of Viale Vaticano) has numerous trattorie and enotecas.
What to see nearby?
- St. Peter’s Basilica & Square: free to enter (security line); dome climb for a panoramic view.
- Vatican Gardens: visit by guided tour only (book in advance).
- Castel Sant’Angelo & Ponte Sant’Angelo: river views and papal fortress museums (15–20 min walk).
- Borgo Pio & Prati: calm streets, shopping, and cafés.
Related: The best way to tour the Vatican and Colosseum together
Vatican Museums Map
The Vatican Museums are made up of so many different Museums, galleries, and rooms that you need lots of energy and a good sense of direction to avoid getting lost.
The easiest way is to get a guided tour of the Vatican Museums.
The cheaper option is to be aware of the must-see attractions of Vatican Museums and carry a map along.
A Vatican Museums’ map will save precious time and ensure you don’t miss the masterpieces.
*Check out the map of accessible areas of the Vatican Museums.
Related: Vatican Museums has many entrances
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists frequently ask before purchasing their tickets for Vatican Museums in Rome.
Do the Museums offer free tickets?
All individuals get free entry on the last Sunday of every month. On regular days, entry is free for children aged seven years and below, and disabled visitors with certified disability of over 74% and their carers.
Are Vatican Museums tickets timed?
Yes. Online bookings require a date and time, and there are limited quotas per slot.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, tickets are available at the Museums’ ticket office. However, due to the high demand at this world-famous attraction, there are long queues at the ticket counter. Additionally, popular time slots may sell out quickly. Hence, it’s always best to book your tickets in advance.
Do I need to print online tickets?
You’ll receive an email with booking details; the confirmation/QR can be shown on a smartphone (or printed) as directed in your voucher.
What is the arrival time?
When you book the attraction’s tickets, you must select a preferred visit time. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the time mentioned on your ticket for security checks, queue lines, etc.
What is the Vatican Museums‘ late arrival policy?
Latecomers are not allowed in the attraction, and no refund will be provided.
Do the Museums offer discounts for locals?
The Vatican Museums do not offer a discount for locals. However, upon presentation of a valid student ID, the attraction offers reduced admission tickets to children between seven and 17 and students up to 25.
What languages do the audio guides cover?
A wide range, including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and others (subject to availability).
Does Rome City Pass include access to Vatican Museums?
Yes, the Rome City Pass includes access to the Vatican Museums. It is also a cost-effective option for exploring over 40 top Rome attractions, including the Sistine Chapel. The card also allows you to explore the city at your own pace and customize your pass with 2- to 5-day options.
What is the Vatican Museum’s refund policy?
It has a strict non-refundable ticket policy. Once you purchase the tickets, you cannot receive a refund regardless of the reason for cancellation or no-show. This policy applies to all ticket types, including adult, child, and discounted tickets.
How to reschedule the Museums‘ ticket?
The attraction does not allow you to change the date and time of your visit under any circumstances.
Are Vatican Gardens included in Vatican Museums tickets?
No, access to the Vatican Gardens is not included in the Vatican Museum tickets. To visit the Gardens, you need to buy a Vatican Gardens ticket, which, besides the Gardens, also gives you access to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
Is it better to see the Vatican at night?
The Vatican is much more calm, serene, and bereft of crowds during the night. Everything appears magical thanks to the artificial lighting and shadows they create on some of the Vatican’s masterpieces and imposing structures.
What is the difference between an audio guide and a guided tour at the Vatican?
When you opt for an audio-guided tour, you get a headset with a prerecorded audio tape. There are no wait times; you can decide what you want to see. A guided tour, on the other hand, entails an expert guide walking you through each of the Museums’ masterpieces. It also involves priority access to sites you wouldn’t get with an audio-guided tour.
How much should you tip your Vatican tour guide?
If the guide accompanies you for 2 to 3 hours, a tip of €5 to €10 should suffice. If it’s a private guided tour for a duration of 4 to 6 hours, you can tip your guide anywhere between €20 and €50.
Can I re-enter the vatican Musuems after leaving?
Vatican Museums tickets are single-entry only. There is no re-entry.
Is there a dress code for the Vatican Museums?
Yes—shoulders and knees covered. Inappropriate attire can result in denial of entry.
Can I photograph everything inside the Vatican Museums?
Photos without flash are allowed in most areas; no photos or video inside the Sistine Chapel.
In Summary
- Book online early to secure you preferred time slots
- Hours: Mon–Sat 8 am to 8 pm (last entry 6 pm); last Sunday (free) 9 am to 2 pm (last entry 12.30).
- Must-sees: Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Pio-Clementino, Galleries of Maps & Tapestries, Pinacoteca.
- Dress modestly; no photos in the Sistine Chapel.
- Plan 2–3 hours minimum; more for art lovers.
- Food & breaks: several cafés inside; La Pigna is lovely during evening events.