Vatican Museum Tickets

Opening Hours

Vatican Museums Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Vatican Museums Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Prepare for your Vatican Museums visit by obtaining details about its opening hours, closing days and the best time to visit. See the mass timings of the Vatican and explore the variety of ticket options and top-rated tours to ensure a smooth and memorable exploration of the Vatican Museums.

Vatican Museums Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM (Last entrance 4 PM)
Last Sunday of the month: 9 AM to 2.00 PM (Last entrance 12.30 PM)

Extended Opening Hours

Opening is extended on Fridays to 10.30 PM
Opening is extended on Saturdays to 8.00 PM

Closing Days

Closed on Sundays (except last Sunday of the month), January 1 and 6, February 11, April 10, May 1, June 29, August 15 and 16, November 1, December 8, 25, 26, and 31

Is the Vatican Open on Sunday?

The Vatican Museums are generally closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month, when visitors can enjoy free admission from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). However, if this last Sunday coincides with major religious holidays such as Easter Sunday, June 29 (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul), or Christmas Day, the museums remain closed.

Note: This does not apply to St. Peter’s Basilica, which remains open for masses and visits on Sundays.
Tip: If you want to explore the Vatican Museums in a more relaxed setting, it’s best to avoid Sundays entirely—unless you specifically want to take advantage of free admission.

Vatican Museums Opening Hours January 2026

In January 2026, the Vatican Museums are scheduled to be open:

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
Closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month (free entry from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, last entry at 12:30 PM)

Closed Days in January 2026:
–January 1
–January 6

Special Closures: The Sistine Chapel has special closures on January 9 (open until 8:00 PM) and January 10 (opens at 1:00 PM, last entry at 12:00 PM). The Pius-Christian Museum closes early on January 22 (open until 5:00 PM, last entry at 10:30 AM

Note: January is one of the quietest months at the Vatican Museums. Expect fewer crowds and shorter lines, making it ideal for relaxed visits.

Vatican Museums Opening Hours February 2026

For Februrary 2026, the Vatican Museums are expected to operate as follows:

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
Closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month (free entry from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, last entry at 12:30 PM)

Closed Days in Februrary 2026:
–Februrary 11

Tip: February remains relatively calm, except around Carnival and Valentine’s Day. Visit on weekdays or early mornings for the best experience → Book an early-access tour.

Vatican Museums Opening Hours March 2026

In March 2026, the Vatican Museums follow their standard summer schedule:

Monday to Saturday: Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM.
Closed on Sundays, exceptthelast Sunday of the month (March 29, 2026), open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM).

Closed Days in March 2026:
– March 19
Tip: March marks the start of the spring travel season. Crowds gradually increase, so early entry or pre-booked tickets are recommended, especially toward the end of the month.

Mass Timings at Vatican Basilicas

Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

Weekdays: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 5:30 PM

Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM
Monday-Saturday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM

Basilica of Saint John Lateran

Winter Schedule: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM
Sundays: 5 PM, 6 PM
Summer Schedule: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Weekday Winter Schedule: 6:45 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 5 PM
Summer Schedule:
Public holidays: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM
Saturday and before public holidays: 6 PM

Benedictine Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Monday-Saturday: 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM

How Much Time Should I Plan to Visit the Vatican Museums?

Plan to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit to the Vatican Museums. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive exploration of the extensive art collections, historical artifacts, and iconic sites within the museums, such as the Sistine Chapel.  Plan an additional 1–1.5 hours to tour the St Peter’s Basilica.
However, the duration can vary based on personal interests and the level of detail you wish to engage with. If you have a specific focus or desire a more leisurely experience, you may choose to extend your visit.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Vatican Museums?

Optimal times to experience the Vatican Museums with fewer crowds include weekdays around 1:00 pm or early mornings by queuing before opening. To enhance your visit:

  • Steer clear of the last Sunday of the month when entrance is free, as it going to be packed.
  • Avoid visiting during Holy Week, a period of increased attendance.
  • Choose weekdays over Saturdays, especially during peak seasons, for a more serene exploration.
  • Consider visiting on a Wednesday, as it tends to be the least busy day, followed by Thursdays and Fridays.

Book Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tickets

Explore the historical richness of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with our carefully selected admission tickets and expertly guided tours.

Bestseller Vatican Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets

4.3/5

48K+ Reviews

€31.90

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 & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

4.3/5

72.9K+ Reviews

€61

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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Top 3 Vatican Combo Tickets

Combo (Save 9%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Castel Sant’Angelo Priority Access Tickets

4.4/5

30.8K+ Reviews

€52.39

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 47%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4.4/5

34K+ Reviews

€89.91

Headout

  • 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

€149

Headout

  • 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 Skip-the-Line Tickets

4.3/5 (48K+ 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 €31.90

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Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Valid 1 Day
  • No Cancellation

Most Popular Vatican Guided Tour

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

4.3/5 (72.9K+ 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 €61

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GetYourGuide

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

Top 3 Vatican Combo Tickets


Combo (Save 9%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Castel Sant’Angelo Priority Access Tickets

4.4/5 (30.8K+ 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 €52.39

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Headout

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

Combo (Save 48%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4.4/5 (34K+ 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
  • Entry 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 €89.91

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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
  • Entry to the 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.

>> See More Reviews

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.

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €149

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Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Guided Tour
  • Duration 9 Hours
  • No Cancellation

>> Check out the best places to eat near the Vatican with our restaurant recommendations.

>> Find out how to get to the Vatican Museums and useful traveler tips on our dedicated page.

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