Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Museums in 2025

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.

Find the best tickets in our carefully curated selection below:

Bestseller Vatican Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

4.4/5

34.8K+ Reviews

€31.92

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Valid 1 Day
No Cancellation

“The visit went very well, we skipped almost all the lines, and the guide Brigida was very kind,…”

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Most Popular Vatican Guided Tour

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with Optional Basilica

4.3/5

67.9K+ Reviews

€85

GetYourGuide

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Skip The Line Ticket
Guided Tour Of St. Peter’s Basilica
Free Cancellation

“The tour was excellent, and our guide very knowledgeable and friendly. This is a must if visiting Rome, and you won’t forget it.“

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3 Most Preferred Vatican Combo Tickets

Combo (Save 14%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Castel Sant’Angelo Priority Access Tickets

4.4/5

33.2K+ Reviews

€53.10

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Escorted Access Into Vatican
Reserved Access To Castel Sant’angelo
No Cancellation

“Undoubtedly a place full of energy. Our experience was extraordinary.Crowned with the visit to the Pope’s audience.“

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Combo (Save 10%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4.4/5

31.4K+ Reviews

€89.03

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Instant Confirmation
Instant Confirmation
Skip The Line Access
No Cancellation & Rebooking

“Both guides (Sandra and Edy) were amazing, knew a lot, they were really nice, funny and relaxed.“

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Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

4.4/5

1.7K+ Reviews

€158

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Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Guided Tour
Duration 9 Hours
No Cancellation

“Both guides, Nico (tour to Colosseo, Foron romano and Palattino) and Oscar (Tour to Vaticano museum, Capilla Sixtina and Basilica San Pedro) were great, they made a fantastic tour, very informative and funny. Thanks.“

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Bestseller Vatican Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

4.4/5 (34.8K+ Reviews)

Discover the grandeur of the Vatican with your Vatican Museum entry ticket. Enjoy seamless entrance with direct entry or a dedicated host, avoiding lengthy queues. Immerse yourself in the Vatican Museums at your leisure, navigating through the Greek Cross Gallery, the Cabinet of the Masks, Sala degli Animali, and the Upper Galleries, which include the Gallery of Maps and the Borgia Apartments.

Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces showcased in the Raphael Rooms. Finally, ascend to the climax at the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll encounter Michelangelo’s renowned “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment”. Enhance your experience with the Vatican Garden open bus tour option.

Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (if option selected)
Vatican Garden open bus tour (if selected)
Booking and service charges

Meeting point: Present your mobile voucher and valid photo ID at the redemption point (arrive 15 minutes early); see your final voucher for location and instructions.

Starting time: Please select your preferred time slot.

Duration: Your ticket is valid all day. You can stay in Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums as long as you like.

“The visit went very well, we skipped almost all the lines, and the guide Brigida was very kind, friendly, and helpful throughout the tour with excellent explanations.” -Matteo, April 2025

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“The guided tour of the Vatican was enriching and the guide gave us lots of interesting information. There’s so much to see in the Vatican, we’ll have to come back!” – Katia, April 2025 >> See More Reviews

Starting at €31.92

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Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Valid 1 Day
No Cancellation

Most Popular Vatican Guided Tour

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with Optional Basilica

4.3/5 (67.9K+ Reviews)

Immerse yourself in the sacred beauty of the Vatican with skip the line access to Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and UNESCO World Heritage site St. Peter’s Basilica. Join the guided tour, available in 6 languages, and discover the treasures of Christendom. Admire masterpieces by famous artists in the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, and renowned galleries like the Maps, Candelabra, and Tapestry. Explore Pio Clementino’s Rooms and the Raphael Rooms.

Then, marvel at Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel. Finally, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of Apostle Peter, better known as St. Peter’s Basilica, where another work of Michelangelo, La Pietà, awaits. Elevate your experience with seamless access and insightful commentary in the language of your choice.

Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
Skip the line access to Sistine Chapel
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica (if option selected)
Expert local guide
Audio equipment to better understand the guide
Bathroom access
Free Wi-Fi at meeting point
Recharging station for your devices

Meeting point: Tours About office, Via Germanico, 8, 00192 Roma

Starting time: Varies depending on desired day and month, as well as on chosen language.

Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours

5* Ben – United Kingdom, November 13, 2023 – Verified booking

The tour was excellent, and our guide very knowledgeable and friendly. This is a must if visiting Rome, and you won’t forget it. Wear comfortable shoes!! Had a brilliant time.

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5* GetYourGuide traveler – France, November 12, 2023 – Verified booking

Paolo our guide was perfect with his knowledge and humor. He made the visit even more incredible than it already is! I wish I had a history teacher like him!

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €85

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GetYourGuide

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Skip The Line Ticket
Guided Tour
Free Cancellation

3 Most Preferred Vatican Combo Tickets

Combo (Save 14%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Castel Sant’Angelo Priority Access Tickets

4.4/5 (33.2K+ Reviews)

Embark on a cultural journey with this combo ticket, offering priority access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Castle of the Holy Angel. Skip the lines and be guided through the Vatican Museums’ 54 galleries, including the Pigna Courtyard, Raphael’s Rooms, and the iconic Sistine Chapel. Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces “The Last Judgment” and “The Creation of Adam”, steeped in 16th-century history.

Then, venture to the Castle of the Holy Angel, once a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian built in 185 and turned into a museum in 1906, with chambers of ashes and historical cells. Ascend the spiral ramp to discover the papal residence and relish panoramic views of Rome from the top-floor terrace.

Escorted access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with a designated host
Reserved access to Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant’Angelo)

Meeting point: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
Castle of the Holy Angel: Castel Sant’Angelo, 27 Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma
Please proceed directly to the entrance and show the reservation code.

Starting time: Varies depending on desired day and month.

Duration: 3 – 5 hours

5* Blanca, Nov, 2023

Undoubtedly a place full of energy. Our experience was extraordinary. Crowned with the visit to the Pope’s audience. Undoubtedly an extraordinary trip, the issue of rain did not represent any discomfort, the tears of joy for our presence was evident.

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5* Francis, Nov, 2023

I definitely recommend escorted entrance! The price is so reasonable, service is friendly and easy to find, and you’re escorted passed the hundreds in queue to go straight through the entrance. Once in, the friendly guide explains the process (the entrance area is like a full airport security check) and then helps you navigate the maze to the areas you’re most interested in. We wouldn’t have enjoyed the experience as much without this service. Nga mihi (thank you from a couple of New Zealanders)

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €53.10

Check Availability

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Escorted Access Into Vatican
Reserved Access To Castel Sant’angelo
No Cancellation

Combo (Save 10%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4.4/5 (31.4K+ Reviews)

Embark on an extraordinary Roman experience with this comprehensive pass, ensuring exclusive entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Palantine Hill, and Roman Forum. Guided in six languages, bypass queues at the Vatican Museums, exploring notable sections like the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps. Witness Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes depicting “The Last Judgment” and “The Creation of Adam”.

Effortlessly proceed to Palatine Hill for breathtaking panoramic views, uncovering the origins of the Roman Empire. Then, explore the huge UNESCO World Heritage Site Colosseum, delving into its tumultuous history. Finally, stroll through the historic Roman Forum, the epicenter of ancient political and economic life.

Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
Skip the line access to Sistine Chapel
Skip the line access to Colosseum
Access to Colosseum Floors 1 and 2
Skip the line access to Roman Forum
Access to Palantine Hill
Multilingual expert local guide
Audio equipment to better understand the guide

Meeting point: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Musei Vaticani, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City
Colosseum: Colosseo, Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma

Starting time: Varies depending on desired day and month

Duration: 6 hours

5* Iva, Nov, 2023

Both guides (Sandra and Edy) were amazing, knew a lot, they were really nice, funny and relaxed. It looked as if it was the first time they were giving a tour, that’s how enthusiastic they were. I would recommend it to everyone.

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5* Nicolas, Nov, 2023

Dr. Alicia Esteban demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience in every detail observed and at the same time each question she answered with a consistent and detailed response. Should I return to Rome I would definitely want to have Alicia again.

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €89.03

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Headout

Instant Confirmation
Instant Confirmation
Skip The Line Access
No Cancellation

Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

4.4/5 (1.7K+ Reviews)

Commence an exceptional Roman adventure with this “Rome in a Day” package, ensuring exclusive access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, the UNESCO World Heritage sites St. Peter’s Basilica and Colosseum, as well as the Roman Forum. Guided in six different languages, skip the lines at the Vatican Museums and delve into noteworthy sections such as the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps. Behold Michelangelo’s renowned Sistine Chapel frescoes portraying “The Last Judgment” and “The Creation of Adam”.

Seamlessly transition to the Renaissance-style St. Peter’s Basilica with its lavish Baroque interiors. Effortlessly proceed to the gigantic Colosseum, immersing yourself in its turbulent history. Step into the arena where gladiators once battled for survival. Lastly, wander through the historic Roman Forum, the hub of ancient political and economic activities. If you prefer, you have the option to choose a small group encounter limited to a maximum of 12 persons.

Skip The Line Access To Vatican Museums
Skip The Line Access To Sistine Chapel
Access To St. Peter’s Basilica
Skip The Line Access To Colosseum
Access To Colosseum Arena
Skip The Line Access To Roman Forum
Guided Tour Of Vatican Museums
Guided Tour Of Colosseum & Arena
Guided Tour Of Roman Forum
Multilingual Expert Local Guide & Audio Equipment

Meeting point: Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions

Starting time: Varies, depending on desired day and month.

Duration: 9 hours

5* Vicente, Dec, 2022

Both guides, Nico (tour to Colosseo, Foron romano and Palattino) and Oscar (Tour to Vaticano museum, Capilla Sixtina and Basilica San Pedro) were great, they made a fantastic tour, very informative and funny. Thanks.

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5* Grace, Aug, 2022

This tour was absolutely incredible. The Vatican and Colosseum tours were so well organized and efficient. As a group you are able to bypass the lines of people with individual tickets. We had an amazing tour guides at both places and learned so much. The tour guides are so knowledgeable and really given insider information. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone going to Rome.

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Starting at €158

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