Question 1

How much is a ticket to the Vatican?

Accepted Answer

Vatican tickets typically start from just €27.50. These tickets offer skip-the-line entry to not just the Vatican Museums, but the Sistine Chapel as well, allowing you to save time and avoid the long queues.

Question 2

Where can I buy Vatican tickets? / How to buy tickets for the Vatican?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to book your Vatican tickets online. You can book your tickets at the museum’s main entrance, however that would mean waiting in the long, crowded queues.  Online bookings would allow you to avoid the waiting line at the entrance as you can simply walk in with an online confirmation of your ticket. An added benefit is that Vatican Museum tickets booked online would also include skip-the-line entry, with a host of discounts and offers.

Question 3

How far in advance can you book Vatican Museum tickets? / Do I need to prebook Vatican tickets?

Accepted Answer

You can book your tickets up to 3 months in advance. Since the Vatican offers timed entry slots, we recommend that you book your tickets online and in advance so as to get your preferred date and time of visit.

Question 4

When is entry to Vatican Museums free? / Is entry to Vatican Museums free?

Accepted Answer

Entry is free on the last Sunday of every month and paid on remaining days. Children under the age of 6 and disabled visitors with a companion enjoy free entry to the Vatican Museums on any day of the month.

Question 5

Which Vatican tickets to buy?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of tickets that you can opt for, depending on your budget, schedule, and preference. All Vatican tickets include access to the Sistine Chapel. Go for priority tickets to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel if you want to skip the long waiting lines and get priority entry into the Vatican Museums. Opt for a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel guided tour if you want an in-depth insight into the history, architecture, and famous artwork at the Vatican Museums as you’ll be accompanied by an expert local guide through your journey. If you want to combine your visit to with a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, go for a combo St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel experience. These include entry to all three attractions at the Vatican: the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.  Explore more of Rome with a Vatican combo ticket. Go for a combo Vatican Museums and Colosseum guided tour. These tickets include access to not just the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, but other top attractions in Rome such as the Colosseum and Borghese Gallery.

Question 6

Are Vatican skip-the-line tickets worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely. The Vatican Museums are one of the most-visited attractions in not just Rome but the entire country and you can always expect large crowds waiting in line to visit the magnificent landmark. The best way to save time and avoid the long lines is to go for priority tickets to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Question 7

Is Sistine Chapel included in Vatican tickets?

Accepted Answer

Entry to the Sistine Chapel is free and included in your Vatican tickets. You don’t need to purchase separate Sistine Chapel tickets to visit the monument as it is a part of the Vatican Museums.

Question 8

Is a Vatican Museum guided tour worth it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The Vatican Museum hosts over 70,000 works of art – one of the largest in the world – dating all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries. On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will enrich your experience with trivia, history, and detailed knowledge about all the major highlights and artwork at the museums.

Question 9

Is St. Peter’s Basilica included in Vatican tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the basilica is free to enter. However, if you want to visit the Dome, the only way to do this is through a St. Peter’s Basilica Dome guided tour. You’ll be guided by an expert local guide as you tour all the important parts of the basilica, such as the Papal Tombs, the interiors, as well as Michelangelo’s Dome. Another convenient way of visiting the basilica is by opting for a combo Vatican tour, where you get entry to all three attractions: the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Question 10

Can I book tickets for mass at the Vatican?

Accepted Answer

You can attend a mass at the Vatican for free. However, if you want to avoid the long waiting lines, its best to reserve your slot online and get direct admission. You can also book a Papal Audience with Pope Francis experience.

Question 11

What time should I go to the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

The Vatican Museums are open from 9:00 AM to 6.00 PM from Monday to Saturday, with final entry at 4:00 PM. The best time to visit would be on weekdays during early hours to avoid the crowds.  During free entry on the last Sunday of every month, the museums are open 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with final entry at 12:30 PM.

Question 12

How do I get to the Vatican Museums by metro?

Accepted Answer

The two closest metro stations are Ottaviano, which is a 7 min walk away, or Cipro, which is an 8 minute walk away. If you take the tram, Piazza del Risorgimento is about 8 minutes away on foot.

Question 13

Is photography allowed at the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

Photography is only permitted for private consumption and not for commercial purposes. Flash photography, or the use of tripods and lasers is not allowed at the museums.

Question 14

What should I wear to the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

There is a strict, but reasonable dress code to follow. Hats, shorts, mini skirts, low-cut tops or dresses, and bare shoulders is not allowed. To cover knees and shoulders within the premises, you can rent plastic cloaks inside.

Question 15

Is there a cloakroom at the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests can store their luggage, bags, and other large items at the cloakroom near the entrance hall.

Question 16

Can I eat at the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The museum hosts a small cafe and pizzeria that offer snacks and refreshments during opening hours. Outside food and drinks cannot be brought into the museums.

Question 17

Is St. Peter’s Basilica part of the Vatican?

Accepted Answer

Yes, St. Peter’s Basilica is a part of Vatican City, located at St. Peter’s Square. However, the basilica is not a part of the Vatican Museums, and must be accessed separately. Depending on your preference, you go for a detailed St. Peter’s Basilica, Popes Tombs, and Dome tour or opt for a classic small-group St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour. You can combine a visit to both with a Vatican combo tour.

Question 18

Can I get to the Vatican Museum from St. Peter’s Square?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is a 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square to the museums.

Question 19

Where is the entrance to the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

The main Vatican entrance is at Viale Vaticano, located at the northside of the Vatican City. Google Map Directions

Question 20

Is the Vatican worth seeing? / Are Vatican tours worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. The smallest city in the world is home to three of the most famous attractions in the world: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Each attraction holds a special place in history, art, and culture, and going for a detailed guided tour is definitely worth your time. You’ll be accompanied by an expert tour guide who will regale you with interesting stories, trivia, and knowledge about Vatican City and its attractions.

Question 21

What to see at the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

With over 20,000 pieces of art on display, the Vatican Museums are one of the most-visited attractions in the world. The top 5 must-see masterpieces here are: The Bramante Staircase by Giuseppe Momo The Rotunda Room Raphael’s Transfiguration by Raphael The Papal Apartments The Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo

Question 22

How many days are enough to tour Vatican City?

Accepted Answer

You can complete all the main attractions in less than 2 days. You can expect to spend about 3-4 hours touring the Vatican Museums to comfortably cover all the best highlights including the Sistine Chapel, while St. Peter’s Basilica wouldn’t take more than 2 hours.

Question 23

When was Vatican Museum founded? / How old are the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

The museums were established back in 1506 by Pope Julius II. They contain works collected by the Catholic Church over centuries and are said to have some of the most important Renaissance-era art. Laocoön and His Sons is said to be the oldest artwork on display.

Question 24

How much artwork is at the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

Today, the Vatican Museums are said to host over 70,000 pieces of art, with over 20,000 on display, by some of the most famous artists of all time such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and more. There are about 24 galleries in the museums, with the most famous one arguably being Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Question 25

Can I get to the Sistine Chapel from the Vatican Museum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museum, right at the end. This is the only way to access the chapel.

Question 26

Is it worth visiting the Sistine Chapel?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The Sistine Chapel is the highlight of visiting Vatican City, particularly known for Michelangelo’s elaborate frescoes. The ceiling is divided into 9 panels, the most famous one being The Creation of Adam. The Last Judgement fresco on the alter was painted back in 1535 and is another standout at the Sistine Chapel. The North Walls and South Walls are wonderful to visit as well. It is worth admiring the sheer intricacy of art that can be found at the Sistine Chapel. It is the largest papal chapel, built sometime between 1475-1481 and is named after the Pope Sixtus IV.

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