Rome is one of Europe's cities with the largest number of tourist attractions, and the Vatican and Sistine Chapel are certainly two of the most important. Find out in this article how to get tickets for two of Rome's most special places.
The Vatican is an independent state in the heart of Rome. Among the attractions to visit at the Vatican are the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Square, home to St. Peter's Basilica with its eponymous dome.
Most Vatican tours include a combined visit to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
How can I buy tickets for the Vatican and Sistine Chapel?
Tickets for the Vatican usually include a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, the latter being part of the Vatican Museums. The best way to buy tickets is online and in advance. Tickets for the ascent of St. Peter's dome are available at an additional cost.
On the other hand access to St. Peter's Basilica is free, but there is a long queue to get in. Another important piece of information: guided tours of the religious monument are not free.
Vatican and Sistine Chapel opening times
The Vatican Museums, and thus the Sistine Chapel, are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 6.30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, these Rome landmarks are open from 8.30am to 10.30pm. They are closed on Sundays.
St. Peter's Basilica is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm in summer. In winter , it is open from October to March, from 7am to 6pm.
Another schedule to remember is the visit to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, which takes place from 8am to 6pm.
Papal audiences
Papal audiences are held on Wednesdays at 10.30am and Sundays at noon. If you would like to attend the Pontiff's mass from the famous balcony in St. Peter's Square, please note that these times may be modified or suspended if the Pope is outside Rome.
How much do tickets to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel cost?
Ticket prices to the Vatican vary according to the type of visit. Classic tickets cost around 32 euros per person. Most guarantee queue-free access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.
Combined tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican are also available. These special tickets usually cost around 80 euros per person and can be used at your convenience over a three-day period.
What are the Vatican and Sistine Chapel guided tours like? Are they worth it?
A guided tour of the Vatican lets you explore this must-see Italian landmark, while learning a thousand things. It usually includes the museums in the company of an expert guide. Highlights of these tours include
- st. Peter's Square
- the Vatican Museums
- the Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica and the Duomo are sometimes included in the itinerary.
A guided tour with good explanations generally costs around 48 euros per person. There are also guided tours that go exclusively to St. Peter's Basilica and include a climb to the dome's observation platforms, all for around 40 euros. Because there is so much to learn culturally and artistically about these places and their context, the guided tour experience is the favorite of most tourists.
How to get to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel from the rest of Rome?
Walking is an excellent option for getting to the Vatican. Allow around 40 minutes from various parts of Rome's historic center of Romesuch as Trastevere or Isola Tiberina.
You can also take the bus, particularly line 64, which links the Vatican to Termini station. Line 62 connects important points in the center of Rome, such as Piazza Venezia, with the area around the Vatican.
Alternatively, you can take the Rome metro and get off at Ottaviano station, near St. Peter's Square. The line then takes you to other parts of the city, such as the Colosseum, in less than 30 minutes.
Tourist buses always stop near St. Peter's Square.
Is it advisable to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with children?
You can visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with children. However, children's behavior needs to be supervised, as these places require a certain degree of calm and silence. Dress and behavior codes are particularly strict inside St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
As for the interest that the visit may arouse in them, this largely depends on their character and interests. An adapted guided tour is often the best choice for families. Otherwise, they risk getting bored during the long museum visit.
Must-sees at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
1- St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is one of the must-sees when visiting the Vatican. Despite this, many people don't pay enough attention to its impressive design. It is one of the most important works of architecture in the whole of Italy.
We recommend that you take the time to explore the square. In fact, if you get the chance, sit down and enjoy a delicious Italian gelato while admiring the basilica's facade.
2- The basilica dome
Many people are unaware that it's possible to climb up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, a privileged spot that offers a magnificent view of the Vatican gardens and the neighborhoods that surround this part of Rome. Please note, however, that the stairs are quite steep and not recommended for claustrophobic people or those with mobility problems.
We advise all those who are able and willing to do so to opt for a guided tour, which includes access to this part of the church. It also holds many secrets linked to the history of Catholicism. This experience allows you to admire the world's tallest dome, which has become one of the icons of Catholic architecture.
3- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums boast one of the finest collections of Catholic art in the world. All kinds of objects linked to the history of Christianity are on display. The Sistine Chapel is the star of the museums, but other works, such as Giuseppe Momo's staircases, stand out for their beauty.
It's important to spend enough time in this part of Vatican City. A guided tour is also the best way to learn more about the paintings on display.
How long does it take to visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel?
We recommend spending at least half a day visiting this small city-state. You'll need several hours to enjoy all the different areas.
The Vatican Museums, for example, can be visited in two or three hours, depending on your interest in art. Add to this a visit to the Sistine Chapel, which takes at least 20 minutes.
Add to this a fifteen-minute visit to St. Peter's Square and a good hour for the Basilica.
Tips for visiting the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
A visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel is a must among Rome's sites of interest in Rome. There are a few things we recommend to make the experience even more special. We're sharing them with you to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
1- Don't miss a visit to the catacombs
Some guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica include a visit to the Vatican catacombs. We recommend you do so, as this isone of the most important crypts on the planet.
2- Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing
Visiting the Vatican takes several hours, and you'll be walking through many different areas . That's why it's important to wear clothes that are comfortable and, above all, appropriate for a place of such religious importance. It's compulsory to cover your shoulders and legs.
However, it's best to wear breathable clothing, as summer temperatures can be very high in Rome.
You should also wear closed-toe shoes. Please note that many people are unaware of this rule and may be excluded from the guided tours they have paid for once they arrive at the basilica.
3- Spend enough time on this activity
The Vatican is a small city-state within a large metropolis. So it's important to set aside at least six hours of your day to explore its various parts, without stress or pressure.
