Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Museums in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Museums

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Vatican Museums on this page. For your convenience, we’ve organized them into three different categories, covering everything from tickets to rules and practical tips to plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tickets and Tours

Yes, tickets for the Vatican Museums sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance to secure your entry and avoid disappointment upon arrival. The Vatican Museums are a popular attraction, and during busy times, there may be long lines for those who haven’t purchased tickets in advance.

>> Explore the finest options and choose your ticket from our thoughtfully curated selection.

Tickets for the Vatican Museums do not include access to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are separate entities with different entrances. However, visitors can access St. Peter’s Basilica through St. Peter’s Square, and there is no separate entrance fee for the basilica itself, but for climbing the dome.

>> Check out the most recommended ticket options.

A regular Vatican Museums ticket provides skip-the-line entry to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Depending on your chosen experience, you might also enjoy guided tours or exclusive access to spaces such as the Raphael Rooms.

The Pinacoteca
Pio Clementino Gallery
Gallery of the Maps
Candelabra Gallery
Gallery of the Tapestries
Raphael Rooms
The Sistine Chapel

>> Book your guided tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Planning your Visit

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City are interconnected entities within Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a renowned Catholic church, celebrated for its architecture and art, including Michelangelo’s dome and the Pietà. Vatican City, the smallest independent state globally, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Besides St. Peter’s Basilica, it features the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and various cultural and historical sites, making it a center of Catholicism and a destination for art, history, and religious pilgrimage.

Absolutely. You have the option to tour the Vatican independently by securing advance tickets, obtaining a map at the entrance, and possibly using an audio guide for additional insights. On the other hand, opting for a guided tour provides a more comprehensive experience, with expert commentary, historical context, and insider information about the artworks and historical sites.

Optimal days for your visit are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, offering a more favorable experience with fewer crowds. It’s advisable to steer clear of Saturdays when attendance tends to be at its peak.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rules & Instructions

Note that large bags and backpacks, pets, eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the museums. Also note that you need to put your cell phone on silent mode in all museum sections. Use of cell phone is strictly prohibited in Sixtine Chapel.

With the exception of Sixtine Chapel, photography is generally allowed within the Vatican Museums, but there are some restrictions. Flash photography is prohibited in certain areas, and some exhibits may have specific photography guidelines.

Once you exit the Sistine Chapel, you are directed towards the exit of the Vatican Museums, and re-entry is not allowed. The path from the Sistine Chapel leads visitors directly to the exit, and there is typically no way to revisit other sections of the museums after leaving the chapel. Therefore, it’s advisable to ensure you have seen all desired areas within the Vatican Museums before entering the Sistine Chapel, as there is usually no option to go back after exiting that specific part of the tour route.

A passport is not required to enter the Vatican Museums. Vatican City, including the museums, is considered an independent city-state, and visitors can enter without border controls.