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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Are you planning a visit to the Vatican Museums? In this section you will find answers to the most common questions about tickets, opening hours, tour routes, available services and much more.
Whether it's your first visit or you're returning to admire the Sistine Chapel again, this guide will help you organize your experience in the best possible way, avoiding surprises and saving time.
Consult the answers below to get all the useful information before, during and after your visit.
Tickets and Reservations
- Where can I buy tickets for the Vatican Museums?
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You can buy tickets online on this Vatican Museums website.
- Is it necessary to book in advance?
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Yes, it is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during high season.
- How much does the entrance ticket cost?
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The full ticket costs around € 17-20, while the reduced ticket (students, minors) is around € 9-12. Online reservations include a commission.
- Do children have to pay for the entrance?
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Children under 6 enter for free.
- Can I change or cancel a reservation?
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Usually not, but it depends on the type of ticket purchased. Check the conditions of sale.
Opening Hours and Days
- What are the opening hours?
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Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (last admission 5:00 pm).
- Are the Vatican Museums open on Sundays?
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They are closed every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month, with free admission.
- How long does it take to visit Vatican Museum?
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An average visit lasts about 2-3 hours, but enthusiasts can spend 5-6 hours.
- What is the best time to visit Vatican Museum?
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Early in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, avoiding Mondays and Saturdays.
What to See
- What do the Vatican Museums include?
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More than 20 sections, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms, the Egyptian Museum and the Pinacoteca.
- Are the Vatican Gardens accessible?
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Only with a guided tour, bookable separately.
- Can I visit St. Peter's Basilica with the same ticket?
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No, the entrance to the basilica is free but separate.
- Are the Vatican Museums suitable for children?
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Yes, but some areas can be tiring for the little ones.
Access and Services
- Where is the entrance to the Vatican Museums?
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On Viale Vaticano, near Piazza Risorgimento. Check How to arrive
- Is there a dress code to visit Vatican Museums?
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Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Are the Vatican Museums accessible to people with disabilities?
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Yes, most areas are accessible and wheelchairs are available free of charge.
- Can I bring a backpack or suitcase inside Vatican Museums?
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Small backpacks yes, but bulky bags must be left in the free cloakroom.
- Are there refreshment points inside Vatican Museums?
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Yes, there are bars, self-service restaurants and relaxation areas.
Guided Tours and Languages
- Are audio guides available?
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Yes, available in several languages, including Italian.
- Are there guided tours?
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Yes, you can book official tours through this website.
- In which languages are the guides available?
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Italian, English, Spanish, French, German and others. For Other languages please contact us.
- Can I visit alone or do I need a guide?
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You can visit freely, but the guide greatly enriches the experience.
- Can I take photos or videos?
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Yes, but without flash. Photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
Miscellaneous
- What happens if it rains?
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The visit is indoors and takes place regularly even in bad weather.
- Can I leave and return on the same day?
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No, the exit is final.
- Are the Vatican Museums suitable for the elderly?
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Yes, there are elevators, benches and facilitated routes.
- Are pets allowed?
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No, except guide dogs for the blind.
- Can I buy souvenirs?
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Yes, there are several souvenir shops and bookstores inside the Vatican Museums.
Special Requests and VIP Tours
- Can I visit the Vatican Museums all alone?
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Yes you can visit the Vatican Museums completely alone. The permitted times are before the official opening and after the closing of the museums.
There are some VIP Tours that have high costs because they reserve the entire Vatican Museums just for you with the official private guide and the keeper of the keys of the Vatican Museums called Clavigero.
- Can I visit the Sistine Chapel all alone?
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Yes you can visit the Sistine Chapel completely alone. The permitted times are before the official opening and after the closing of the museums.
There are some VIP Tours that have high costs because they reserve the entire Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel just for you with the official private guide and the key keeper of the Vatican Museums called Clavigero.
- Are there exclusive Private Tours to visit the Vatican Museums?
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Yes, we organize exclusive Private Tours to the Vatican Museums with a private guide in multiple languages.
We organize private transfers to and from the Hotel and breakfast at the Vatican Museums included.
For more information visit the VIP Tour section
- We are a group of more than 20 people, can we visit the Vatican Museums?
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The management of the Vatican Museums requires groups of a maximum of 20 people. However, we can organize groups of many more people by dividing them up and having them enter closely together so as to start and end the visit almost at the same time.
For large numbers, contact us describing in detail what you want.
- Do you also organize accommodations near the Vatican Museums?
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Yes we have some unique and luxury historical structures near the Vatican Museums. We can organize transfers to and from these structures and special accommodations. Contact us for more information.
- Can I meet the Pope in person?
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Yes, you can meet the Pope during the official Papal Audiences every Wednesday.
You can book the special VIP Tour that brings you to the Pope. Click here