Guided tour to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St, Peter’s Basilica
Highlights
  • When choosing a tour to the Vatican Museum, you have many options for a group or private tour with an expert guide. 

  • As you walk through the principal and annex wings, your guide will help you understand the artistic and historical significance of each gallery. 

  • You will be introduced to the Papal States - the former state of Rome led by the Pope and encompassing part of modern Italy - as seen through paintings.

  • When you arrive at the Sistine Chapel, your guide will help you navigate the complex of artwork and stories that encase it. 

  • As a place of worship, it is expected that you maintain absolute silence in the chapel. 

  • Prior to entering the chapel, your Renaissance art historian guide will give you an introduction of what to expect.

Informations
  • Please keep in mind that all guests must go through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, expect to wait up to 30 minutes at the security checkpoint.

  • Visitors must follow the Vatican dress code, which requires them to cover their knees, arms, and back.

  • Wheelchairs, prams/strollers, and baby carriages are not permitted.

  • The best aspect is that you will be part of a group of no more than 25 people.

  • The meeting place is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip begins.

Includes
  • Guided tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • Skip-the-line entry to Museum.

  • Skip-the-line entry to Sistine Chapel & Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Cancelation policy

You can cancel these tickets and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Starts from
€81
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
The best guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St, Peter’s Basilica
Highlights
  • You don’t have to visit the Vatican Museums without a guide – but hiring one is the most efficient way to see the art on show. 

  • A trained guide can help you make sense of the complex Papal collections and grand buildings that surround you, as well as Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

  • The best guided tour of the Vatican will be tailored to your needs – for example, some tours offer extras like skip-the-line access 

  • St Peter’s Basilica – while others are exclusively focused on the museums and their most stand-out artwork. 

  • Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, you will marvel at Michelangelo's fresco masterpieces. 

  • On the ceiling, you will stand beneath The Creation of Adam and the mesmerising Giudizio Universale depicting the Last Judgement. 

  • On the side walls, you will be able to see Botticelli's Temptation of Christ and Perugino's The Handing over of the Keys.

Informations
  • Please keep in mind that all guests will be subjected to airport-style security. Expect to wait up to 30 minutes at the security checkpoint during high season and peak hours.

  • Visitors must adhere to the Vatican dress code, which includes covering their knees, arms, and back.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • The meeting place is at Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip starts.

  • Your group will consist of no more than 25 individuals, which is the best part.

Includes
  • The best guided tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • The best guided tour to the Sistine Chapel.

  • The best guided tour to the Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Cancelation policy

You can cancel these tickets and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Starts from
€81
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Vatican city tickets to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Highlights
  • Visiting the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel is among most travellers top priorities for their trip to Rome.

  • Before entering the Vatican city you’ll be asked to scan your voucher at the box office. 

  • At this point, the guards will look at your voucher to see if it’s genuine and you’ll be allowed in without waiting any longer.

  • Once you’re inside, you can explore the vast rooms of the Vatican Museums and admire art from pre-Christian times including the Raphael Rooms. 

  • Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel: the frescoes of Moses and the Triumph of Religion.

Informations
  • The Museums' admission is timed. When booking, make sure to select the start time of your activity. You will be free to explore the Museums at your own pace once inside.

  • The meeting place is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip begins.

  • Wheelchairs, strollers, and baby carriers are not permitted.

  • The Vatican has a dress code that requires visitors to cover their back, arms, and knees.

  • Please remember that all visitors will be subject to security similar to what is found at an airport. During busy times and high season, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes at the security check.

Includes
  • Vatican City tickets to the Vatican Museum.

  • Vatican City tickets to the Sistine Chapel.

  • St, Peter’s Basilica is not included.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Monday through Saturday from 9.30 AM until close.

Cancelation policy

You can cancel these tickets and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Starts from
€51
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
VIP Small group tour to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St, Peter’s Basilica
Highlights
  • The Vatican houses one of the world’s most impressive art collections with ancient Greek and Roman statuary.

  • Visiting the museum and chapel in the company of an expert guide will make the experience truly memorable. 

  • There are a range of tours that cover all the major highlights of the Vatican museums including Nero's bath, the Borgia apartments and the 16th century double helix Bramante staircase. 

  • A VIP Small group tour will ensure you visit the Vatican with a small group of fellow travellers which makes the experience more personal. 

  • During the tour your guide will share stories and provide insights into the art and history of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.

Informations
  • Please note that the Vatican is a religious site and guests must be dressed appropriately to gain entry. 

  • Women must have their shoulders and knees covered and no hats are allowed. 

  • Large backpacks and umbrellas will need to be left at the entrance cloakroom. 

  • The meeting place is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip begins.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • Your group will consist of no more than 12 individuals, which is the best part.

Includes
  • VIP small group tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • VIP small group tour to the Sistine Chapel.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Cancelation policy

You can cancel these tickets and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Starts from
€109
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Small group express tour to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Basilica
Highlights
  • In the world of art and history, there is no place more famous than the Vatican Museums. 

  • It is a monumental complex with 54 galleries and 20,000 works of art and it can take 2 - 3 hours to walk through. 

  • Your guide will explain to you how to use your headset and you can start to see the masterpieces. 

  • Your guide will help you to understand the rich symbolism and hidden details in the paintings that can be hard to make sense of on your own.

  • After the Vatican Museums your guide will accompany you to St Peter's Basilica where you will also enjoy skip-the-line access and avoid separate lines for tickets. 

  • This is a unique opportunity to see one of the most important shrines in Christianity, and to see Michelangelo's powerful sculpture Pieta which illustrates a mother holding her lifeless son.

Informations
  • Note that visitors must dress appropriately for entry into the Vatican, which is a place of worship. 

  • Women are required to cover their knees and shoulders, and hats are not permitted. 

  • It is necessary to leave bulky backpacks and umbrellas in the cloakroom at the entrance. 

  • The meeting location is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip starts.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • The best part is that your group will be limited to no more than 12 people.

Includes
  • Small group tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • Small group tour to the Sistine Chapel.

  • Small group tour to the St, Peter’s Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€109
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Combo Package to the Vatican Museum with Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Highlights
  • The Vatican Museum with Colosseum is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome. 

  • If you plan on doing the combo package it is a good idea to book your tickets well in advance because these two attractions are popular and tours get booked up quickly. 

  • When you book your combo tour you should also consider if you want a transfer between the Colosseum and Vatican. 

  • It’s over 2.5 miles (about 4 km) from the Colosseum to the Vatican, and walking that distance while on your feet for a couple of hours is not very enjoyable.

  • A taxi is the fastest and cheapest way to get between the two attractions

  • It’s possible to visit the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in one day, but it requires careful planning. 

  • You will need to have early Vatican guided tours that include entrances inside the museums.

Informations
  • Will need to be prepared to spend at least 2 or 3 hours in the museums. You’ll also need to be ready to follow the dress code requirements, which are quite strict.

  • You will need to cover your shoulders and knees in the sacred religious areas, and the Sistine Chapel.

  • Women are required to cover their knees and shoulders, and hats are not permitted. 

  • It is necessary to leave bulky backpacks and umbrellas in the cloakroom at the entrance. 

  • The meeting location is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip starts.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • The best part is that your group will be limited to no more than 25 people.

Includes
  • Combo group tour to the Vatican Museum with Colosseum.

  • Combo group tour to the Sistine Chapel with Roman Forum.

  • Combo group tour to the St, Peter’s Basilica with Palatine.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours (Vatican)

                 2 - 3 Hours (Colosseum)

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, (Vatican)  with 1:30 PM (Colosseum)

Mon to Sat: 11: 30 AM, (Vatican)  with 2:30 PM (Colosseum)

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€181
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
A Private tour to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Basilica
Highlights
  • There is no denying that the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica are all impressive sites and worth visiting during your time in Rome. 

  • However, if you want to enjoy your visit without being overwhelmed by the masses of people who are trying to take in everything at once, taking a private tour is the way to go!

  • The advantage of a private tour is that you will be guided by a local expert who is knowledgeable in the history and culture of the Vatican. 

  • They can offer you more personal and personalised advice and will be able to answer all of your questions. 

  • A guided tour will also allow you to avoid the long lines at the entrance and spend more time exploring the historic sites and artefacts. 

  • Your guide will be able to share the stories behind the Vatican's stunning collection of masterpieces and can help you find the most interesting artefacts. 

  • They will also provide you with the best tips on how to navigate the museums and avoid the crowds.

Informations
  • Note that visitors must dress appropriately for entry into the Vatican, which is a place of worship. 

  • Women are required to cover their knees and shoulders, and hats are not permitted. 

  • It is necessary to leave bulky backpacks and umbrellas in the cloakroom at the entrance. 

  • The meeting location is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip starts.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • The best part is that your group will be limited to no more than 4 people.

Includes
  • Private tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • Private tour to the Sistine Chapel.

  • Private tour to the St, Peter’s Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

T.Duration

Duration:  3 Hours

Mon to Sat: 10: 30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€999
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 2-3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Guided tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Peter’s Basilica
Experience
  • The Vatican Museums are home to one of the world's most impressive art collections. 

  • Whether you're interested in ancient Greek and Roman statuary, or Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel frescoes you'll find plenty to discover on our guided tours of this cultural landmark. 

  • A guided tour of the Vatican Museums comes with your own knowledgeable guide who will explain the history and meaning behind the artwork. 

  • Along the way you'll bypass long entrance lines, making your experience more enjoyable. 

  • You'll learn about Nero's 25-foot bathtub, the Gallery of Maps, and the Raphael Rooms and get a sneak peek at the Sistine Chapel before exploring St Peter?s Basilica, including the Baldacchino and the Papal Crypts.

Duration

3 Hours

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€81
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Small group tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Basilica
Experience
  • The Vatican Museums are the most famous museums in the world and with good reason, they contain masterpieces from some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. 

  • This Small group tour will ensure you get the most out of your visit. 

  • Having the advantage of a personal headset means you will not miss any important details. 

  • Your expert tour guide will be able to point out the most important pieces and provide context that is often missing from many of the exhibits.

  • During the tour you will explore the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries and the Gallery of Candelabra. 

  • Works of art will come to life as you follow your guide through the gallery on your headset and learn about the history of Rome.

  • The Popes and their influence over this magnificent collection of art.

Duration

3 Hours

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€109
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • 3 hrs.
  • Free Cancellation
  • Guided Tour
Regular Tickets to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Experience
  • For most travellers, seeing the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum is a top priority when visiting Rome.

  • St, Peter’s Basilica is not Included in this ticket.

  • You will be required to scan your voucher at the box office before being allowed to enter the Vatican City. 

  • The guards will now verify that your voucher is authentic and let you inside without making you wait any longer.

  • Once inside, the Raphael Rooms and other large rooms of the Vatican Museums are open for you to explore and take in the pre-Christian artwork. 

  • The frescoes depicting Moses and the Triumph of Religion on the Sistine Chapel ceiling are a work of Michelangelo's art.

Duration

Flexible

Cancelation policy

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel these tickets and receive a full refund.

Starts from
€51
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Flexible Duration
  • Free Cancellation

Compare Your Ticket Options for Vatican Museums

guided-tour-to-vatican-museum-sistine-chapel-st-peter-s-basilica
the-best-guided-tour-of-the-vatican-museum-sistine-chapel-st-peter-s-basilica
vatican-city-tickets-to-the-vatican-museum-and-sistine-chapel
Guided tour to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St, Peter’s Basilica
The best guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St, Peter’s Basilica
Vatican city tickets to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
€81
€81
€51
Highlights
  • When choosing a tour to the Vatican Museum, you have many options for a group or private tour with an expert guide. 

  • As you walk through the principal and annex wings, your guide will help you understand the artistic and historical significance of each gallery. 

  • You will be introduced to the Papal States - the former state of Rome led by the Pope and encompassing part of modern Italy - as seen through paintings.

  • When you arrive at the Sistine Chapel, your guide will help you navigate the complex of artwork and stories that encase it. 

  • As a place of worship, it is expected that you maintain absolute silence in the chapel. 

  • Prior to entering the chapel, your Renaissance art historian guide will give you an introduction of what to expect.

Highlights
  • You don’t have to visit the Vatican Museums without a guide – but hiring one is the most efficient way to see the art on show. 

  • A trained guide can help you make sense of the complex Papal collections and grand buildings that surround you, as well as Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

  • The best guided tour of the Vatican will be tailored to your needs – for example, some tours offer extras like skip-the-line access 

  • St Peter’s Basilica – while others are exclusively focused on the museums and their most stand-out artwork. 

  • Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, you will marvel at Michelangelo's fresco masterpieces. 

  • On the ceiling, you will stand beneath The Creation of Adam and the mesmerising Giudizio Universale depicting the Last Judgement. 

  • On the side walls, you will be able to see Botticelli's Temptation of Christ and Perugino's The Handing over of the Keys.

Highlights
  • Visiting the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel is among most travellers top priorities for their trip to Rome.

  • Before entering the Vatican city you’ll be asked to scan your voucher at the box office. 

  • At this point, the guards will look at your voucher to see if it’s genuine and you’ll be allowed in without waiting any longer.

  • Once you’re inside, you can explore the vast rooms of the Vatican Museums and admire art from pre-Christian times including the Raphael Rooms. 

  • Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel: the frescoes of Moses and the Triumph of Religion.

Informations
  • Please keep in mind that all guests must go through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, expect to wait up to 30 minutes at the security checkpoint.

  • Visitors must follow the Vatican dress code, which requires them to cover their knees, arms, and back.

  • Wheelchairs, prams/strollers, and baby carriages are not permitted.

  • The best aspect is that you will be part of a group of no more than 25 people.

  • The meeting place is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip begins.

Informations
  • Please keep in mind that all guests will be subjected to airport-style security. Expect to wait up to 30 minutes at the security checkpoint during high season and peak hours.

  • Visitors must adhere to the Vatican dress code, which includes covering their knees, arms, and back.

  • It is not allowed to bring wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers.

  • The meeting place is at Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip starts.

  • Your group will consist of no more than 25 individuals, which is the best part.

Informations
  • The Museums' admission is timed. When booking, make sure to select the start time of your activity. You will be free to explore the Museums at your own pace once inside.

  • The meeting place is Via Vespasiano, 71, 00192 Roma RM. Arrivals should arrive 20-30 minutes before the trip begins.

  • Wheelchairs, strollers, and baby carriers are not permitted.

  • The Vatican has a dress code that requires visitors to cover their back, arms, and knees.

  • Please remember that all visitors will be subject to security similar to what is found at an airport. During busy times and high season, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes at the security check.

Includes
  • Guided tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • Skip-the-line entry to Museum.

  • Skip-the-line entry to Sistine Chapel & Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

Includes
  • The best guided tour to the Vatican Museum.

  • The best guided tour to the Sistine Chapel.

  • The best guided tour to the Basilica.

  • Headsets included.

Includes
  • Vatican City tickets to the Vatican Museum.

  • Vatican City tickets to the Sistine Chapel.

  • St, Peter’s Basilica is not included.

  • Headsets included.

Prices Starting
€81
Prices Starting
€81
Prices Starting
€51

Why Choose Us

Competitive Pricing

Competitive Pricing for best Vatican tours for families

Worldwide Coverage

Incredible landmark for best early morning Vatican tour

Guided Tours

Great deals available on last-minute the best private Vatican tours tickets.

Guided Tours

Best Vatican City Tickets Tour to make the most use of your vacation.

Which ticket to the Vatican Museum is the best fit for you?

If you're a history buff, a religious fanatic or simply a lover of art, the Vatican museums are not to be missed. But the sheer size of the collection means that you'll need a lot of time to see everything you want. If you're short on time, consider booking a guided tour to skip the long lines. You'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the artworks but also enjoy your visit with less crowds around.

Best guided tours:

We recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, as they are very large and hard to navigate without an expert in your corner. Plus, a guide will be able to tell you more about the art pieces and explain their symbolism and historical context. You can book a Vatican Museum tour on our website !

Top Attraction of Rome

Facts About St, Peter’s Basilica

St Peter's Basilica is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Vatican City and a must-visit for any visitor. It is arguably the most significant church in the world and contains many wonders. This article is all about giving you some tips to help you enjoy your visit as well as some interesting facts about the place itself.

The Basilica was built on the site believed by Catholics to be the burial place of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus' Apostles and first Pope (Pope). The Church claims that it is also where he was crucified upside down.

Its four great concrete piers are crowned with gigantic Corinthian capitals and each is supported by a colonnade of double columns. Bramante was the architect who came up with this monumental design and although he was not the primary designer, his vision dominated the entire Basilica, especially after Raphael and Michelangelo took over.

In the 17th century Bernini added two towers to the facade to better frame the dome. This was his response to his predecessor, Carlo Maderno's design which had been widely criticised for hiding Michelangelo's work behind it.

Behind the facade is a long portico or "narthex" that is one of the parts of the building that Bernini was most satisfied with. He was especially pleased with the way it successfully reflected light into the interior of the church.

There are two white circles amidst the cobblestones of St Peter's Square that mark particularly special places to stand. From these vantage points you can see that the four rows of columns in the Piazza are perfectly aligned. This is a remarkable feat of architectural precision.

History Of Sistine Chapel

In 1508 Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling, but the artist initially baulked on the grounds that he was a sculptor not a painter and was still hard at work sculpting the pope’s tomb. He was convinced to take the job though, and over the next four years worked on what is widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces in Western art. The work was so physically taxing that it permanently damaged his eyesight. Michelangelo used a technique called fresco, where paint was applied to wet plaster. He scraped away parts of the plaster before painting to create visible “outlines” around his figures.

Initially the commission was for Michelangelo to paint pictures of the twelve apostles on the triangular pendentives that support the ceiling, but the pope gave him free rein over the overall design. Instead Michelangelo painted a series of nine pictures that tell the story of God’s Creation of the Universe, Mankind’s Fall from Grace and the Great Flood. Among the images Michelangelo painted were Hebrew prophets and pagan sibyls, as well as twisting male nudes (the so-called ignudi). On the lunettes (north and south walls) and spandrels (the upper parts of the corner pendentives) he painted the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes.

More than 20 years later, the 59-year-old Michelangelo was recalled by Clement VII to complete the decoration of the chapel by painting the Last Judgement on the altar wall. It took him until 1541 to finish this monumental piece, which depicts Christ judging mankind by rewarding the saved with Heaven and damning the damned to Hell. The fresco contains a staggering number of naked bodies, and it was highly controversial at the time for its sheer sexuality.

How to Get Them Before You Go Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museums are a stunning collection of art. But they can also be overwhelming. The best way to see them is with a guide, who will take you deeper into the art and make it come alive.

In addition to the regular admission tickets, there are special exhibits at the museums that require additional tickets. These include the Carriage Pavilion, which features coaches, saddles, and cars, as well as a collection of sarcophagi from the ancient Roman Empire; the Gallery of Tapestries, which houses Flemish tapestries from the 15th to the 17th century; and the Pio-Christian Museum, which has statues and archaeological finds from the sixth century and beyond.

The Vatican Museums were founded in the early 16th century when Pope Julius II purchased the museum’s first piece of artwork—a marble sculpture known as Laocoon and His Sons that depicts three immaculately detailed male figures fighting off writhing serpents. Since then, the museum has grown to encompass an amazing trove of religious art including masterpieces from Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.

Whether you’re visiting on your own or with a guided tour, it’s worth planning for 2-3 hours to be able to explore all of the galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. During the high season, I’d recommend planning to spend a full day here so that you can really enjoy your experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vatican Tickets

Tickets to the Vatican Museums can be purchased online or at the venue. You can avoid long lines at the ticket office by purchasing online. Additionally, some tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica, providing a more comprehensive experience.

The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums can be accessed without standing in line with a regular ticket. You might also receive guided tours or exclusive access to locations like the Raphael Rooms, depending on the experience you select.

You have up to 24 hours before the experience to cancel tickets and receive a full refund.

Of course! You can buy skip-the-line tickets to enter the Vatican Museums with priority access, avoiding the lengthy lines.

St. Peter's Basilica admission is not permitted with every ticket. The Basilica is only open for tours.

Indeed, tickets are required in order to enter the Sistine Chapel. You can enter the chapel with your Vatican Museums tickets.

No, taking pictures inside the Sistine Chapel is not permitted at all.

No, since the Sistine Chapel is the last of the 54 galleries within the Vatican Museums, access to it requires passing through them.

November through March is the ideal time to visit St. Peter's Basilica (not including Christmas and New Year's). There would be fewer people in the crowd and shorter lines to wait in.

Since the Vatican is a religious state, there are dress codes in place throughout the city.

  • Clothing with sleeveless or low cut designs is not allowed. A big no to belly crop tops!

  • Be certain that your shoulders are covered.

  • Make sure the shorts, dress, or skirt you're wearing are knee-length or longer.