BUY VATICAN MUSEUM TICKETS & GUIDED TOURS
Swift access priority pass to the Vatican's historical monuments
- Optional audioguide in a choice of 10 languages that offers insightful commentary and guidance
- Begin your tour at the Vatican Museum and explore the incredible collection of paintings and sculptures at your own pace (that’s about 9 miles of historical masterpieces from the Renaissance era)
- Next up, head to the glorious Sistine Chapel to admire world-famous frescoes and artworks that have been dubbed “the cornerstone of western art”
- Don’t forget to check out the renowned painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgement, two of Michelangelo’s most revered works of art
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Ages 5yrs and below go free. Ages 6-17yrs and college students up to 25yrs of age enjoy reduced pricing (carry an ID to avail)
- Tickets cannot be cancelled.
Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
Guided tour to Vatican's three gorgeous landmarks in a choice of six languages
- Starting with the Vatican Museums, your expert historian guide will fill your tour with fascinating anecdotes about the world-famous sculptures and paintings housed in these corridors
- Serenade your senses with the timeless beauty of Raphael Rooms, Tapestries Gallery and other marvels of immense significance
- Next up is the Sistine Chapel that is home to Michelangelo’s iconic artworks, including the elaborate fresco on the ceiling
- Wind up this memorable day at the St. Peter’s Basilica, the central pilgrimage in all of Christendom and a treasure trove of Renaissance art
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms, and back
- On Wednesday mornings and afternoons, St. Peter's Basilica may be closed as the Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. If you’re considering visiting St. Peter's Basilica, please make plans on another day
- The Basilica is also subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it’s closed, you will be taken to see the Vatican Library instead
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended or rescheduled
Exclusive Early Access Tickets - Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
Early entry (1hr 30min before entry time) to Vatican City’s most popular attractions. Optional audio guide for a fully immersive experience
- Get priority access at 7:20 AM to explore the largest collection of historic Renaissance artwork, before the crowds flock in at 9:00 AM
- Choose from 10 audioguides (Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Korean, Russian, Japanese and Chinese) offering intuitive commentary as you witness these marvellous creations
- Begin your tour at the Vatican Museum and experience Renaissance in all its glory as you walk through 54 galleries and the sprawling Pinecone Courtyard
- Head to the historical Sistine Chapel next, where you will see a large collection of sculptures and paintings by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, Cosimo Roselli and Ghirlandaio
- The highlight of the Sistine Chapel is the extravagant fresco paintings on the ceiling by Michelangelo
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Get a full refund on cancelling this ticket up to 24hrs before schedule
A comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour of Vatican's historical monuments
- Select the language of your preference (English, Italian, German, French or Spanish) for an insightful guided tour of all three attractions
- Start your tour at the magnificent Vatican Museums where you will follow a well-planned route that showcases the crucial collections of the 54 galleries
- Tour through the wondrous Sistine Chapel and view the world-famous frescoes by Michelangelo, which have been dubbed “the cornerstones of western art”
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Ages 6-18yrs and college students up to 25yrs of age enjoy reduced pricing (carry an ID to avail)
- Cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled
Early Access Group Tour to St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
Guided tours (in English and Spanish) of Vatican's most visited attractions
- Gain priority access to the most popular attractions in Vatican City at 8 AM before the tourist crowds come flooding in at 9 AM
- With the option to choose between 2-hour, 2.5-hour, and 3-hour guided tours in either English or Spanish, choose the option that best fits your itinerary
- Gather in cosy groups and commence your tour at the Vatican museums; tour through the stunning 54 galleries and pick up facts about Renaissance artists you knew not of
- Next up, make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio
- Your last stop is at the world’s most opulent church, St. Peter’s Basilica; gear up for a blast of Renaissance brilliance through artworks like Baldacchino, La Pieta, and the Statue of St. Peter
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Reduced Prices are available as per time and date of experience chosen. Please check the booking page for further information
- Get a full refund on cancelling this ticket up to 72 hrs before schedule
Priority Access Guided Tour: Colosseum & Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
Immersive full-day guided tour available in a choice of 5 languages - English, French, Spanish, German and Portuguese
- Skip the lines to the stunning Vatican museums and explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica (on Wednesdays, your visit to the Basilica will be replaced with a visit to the Vatican Library) before breaking for a quick lunch (at your own expense)
- Post lunch, head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary about this ancient amphitheatre and the larger-than-life shows that were hosted here
- Finish your 9-hour tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra and visit the temple of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina and the Basilica Julia and Aemilia while you’re here
- Ages 2yrs and below go free. Ages 3-7yrs enjoy reduced ticket prices (carry valid photo ID)
- Get a full refund on cancelling this ticket up to 48hrs before schedule
45min Open Bus ride with audio guide across the sprawling Vatican Gardens. Skip the Lines access to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
- Hop aboard an eco-friendly Open Bus to explore the lush landscapes of the Gardens of Vatican City featuring timeless fountains and sculptures from the Renaissance and Baroque era
- Don’t miss the 17 Marian images enshrined amidst stunning flower beds as your multilingual audio guide offers insightful commentary on the historical significance of the gardens
- After you’ve had your heart’s fill of foliage, head to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. This tour includes skip the lines access to both attractions so you don’t while away time in long queues
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- No entry for 5yrs and below. Ages 6-17yrs and college students up to 25yrs of age enjoy reduced pricing
- Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled
Entire Vatican City Guided Tour with St Peter's Basilica Dome Climb
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
Early guided tour (English or Spanish) of Vatican City, including the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with an Exclusive Dome Climb
- Commence your tour by climbing to the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will uncover unmatched panoramic views of Rome from atop Michelangelo’s Cupola
- Make your way to the other parts of the Basilica before heading towards the fantastic Papal Sarcophagi, where you will witness Renaissance masterpieces of Bernini and Michelangelo
- Enjoy fast-track entry into the glorious Vatican Museums, and tour around its many alluring galleries, such as the Chandelier’s Gallery, the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and many others
- Continue your tour by paying a visit to the beguiling Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the cherished murals here, such as the painted ceiling and The Last Judgement by Michelangelo
- Ages 5yrs and below go free. Ages 6-17yrs enjoy reduced pricing (carry an ID to avail)
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Get a full refund on cancelling this ticket up to 48hrs before schedule
Semi Private Guided Tour - Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
An exclusive guided tour (in English and Spanish) of Vatican's iconic attractions
- Gather in cozy groups of 11 members or less and follow your tour guide through a special entrance into the Vatican Museums, the first stop on your itinerary
- Traverse through the Galleries of Tapestries, Maps, and Muses, the awe-inspiring Raphael’s Room, and other galleries while learning interesting facts about each
- Make an appearance at the world-famous Sistine Chapel where you will spend time admiring the finer details of Michelangelo’s stunning murals
- Finally, head out to St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church for a blast of art, culture, and architectural brilliance and admire striking mosaics and Michelangelo’s Pieta
- On Wednesdays, your tour to St. Peter’s Basilica will be replaced with the Vatican Library due to the weekly Papal audience gathering
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms, and back
- Ages 2yrs and below go free. Ages 3-7yrs enjoy reduced pricing (carry an ID to avail)
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hrs before the schedule
Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo & Pontifical Villas Gardens
COVID-19: Safety Guidelines for Visitors
A tour to the sleepy town of Castel Gandolfo with access to the Apostolic Palace & Pontifical Villas Gardens. Includes a multilingual audio guide
- Walk through the glorious Apostolic Palace and admire the brilliant mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture as you tour through this capacious palace
- Explore the lush Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo as you walk through the vast gardens with cascades of flowers and reflections on the passage of time
- Choose from 6 audio guide languages (Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, and Russian) to gain inherent insight about the things you see
- Compulsory Apostolic Palace dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Ages 5yrs and below go free. Ages 6-18yrs and college students up to 25yrs of age enjoy reduced pricing (carry an ID to avail)
- These tickets cannot be cancelled, amended, or rescheduled
Early access audio-guided tour to the Vatican Museum, then an electric train ride to the picture-perfect Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
- Skip the morning queues at the entrance and tour the magnificent Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with an audio guide available in a choice of six languages
- Listen to intricate historical stories as you walk through the Tapestries Gallery, Raphael's Rooms and other historical attractions
- Hop on to an electric train and zip through scenic countryside vistas before you arrive at Albano Laziale, a gorgeous town on the banks of Lake Albano
- Soak in stunning views of the Apostolic Palace perched on the Alban Hills; let time slip by as you stroll through vibrant gardens lining the Pontifical Villas
- You can pick from a set of add-on options to your ticket: a visit to the Apostolic Palace (the Pope's summertime retreat) or a lunch
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms and back
- Ages 5yrs and below go free. Ages 6-17yrs and college students up to 25yrs of age enjoy reduced pricing
- Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled
Vatican Tickets
Michelangelo, Renaissance-era art and architecture, the Sistine Chapel and the eternal seat of Roman Catholicism, perhaps best describe Vatican City. The beating heart of riveting history and culture, Vatican City is a paradise for art lovers around the world. From admiring stunning paintings like Raphael’s ‘The School of Athens’ and Caravaggio’s ‘The Entombment of Christ’ to exploring St. Peter’s Square and the immaculately-maintained Vatican Gardens, there’s plenty to soak in during a visit to Vatican City.
Primary landmarks include Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica -- all accessible under a Vatican ticket, allowing you to explore and discover the rich culture and heritage of the world’s smallest country.
Vatican Tickets: Your Ticket Options Explained
All Vatican tickets include skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues. Your ticket includes access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. A standard Vatican ticket might not include access to St. Peter’s Basilica; you will have to purchase tickets that specifically include entry into the basilica.
Depending on what you opt for, your ticket may also include a guided tour or a multilingual audioguide.
The best way to explore all major and minor aspects of the Vatican is by opting for a guided tour. While a standard Vatican ticket might not include a guided tour, you can opt for one that does include the services of a professional tour guide. A Vatican tour will guide you past the priority entrance into the different landmarks in Vatican City, like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica and enlighten you with interesting trivia and facts. The alternative option is opting for a ticket that includes an audioguide, which you can carry along while you tour the Vatican.
A standard Vatican ticket does not include entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. You can opt for tickets that specifically provide access to this landmark. Your professional tour guide will accompany you while you explore the historic church. If you would like to avoid long lines outside St. Peter’s Basilica, opt for a guided tour of the Vatican; this allows you to use the entrance that goes directly from within the Sistine Chapel into the basilica. Only with a tour guide can you access this entrance.
There’s plenty more to see outside of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. If you would like to further explore, opt for Vatican tickets that provide access to the Apostolic Palace, Villa Barberini and the pontifical gardens, all located in Castel Gandolfo, less than 30 km from Vatican city. The Palace served as the summer residence of Popes throughout history, making it a must-visit away from the crowds of Rome.
Which Vatican Ticket Should You Choose?
1. If you would like to save time
The best way to save time during your visit is by opting for skip-the-line Vatican tickets. They allow you to bypass the long waiting lines and get priority access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
2. If you’re on a budget
Opt for standard skip-the-line Vatican tickets if you’re traveling on a budget. These tickets give you access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, along with an audioguide to accompany you along your tour.
3. If you’re looking for a guided tour
If you’re looking to explore in-depth, opt for a guided Vatican tour. Your multilingual professional tour guide will lead you to all major attractions in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel while enlightening you with interesting facts and historical trivia. An added bonus is that you get direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica via the Sistine Chapel entrance by opting for a guided tour.
4. If you’re looking to explore further
You can explore beyond the Vatican by opting for a combo tour. Travelers can now visit the Pope’s summer residence -- the Papal Villas, also known as the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo. Visitors can explore the Palace, the pontifical gardens, Villa Barberini and more with these tickets.
Explore the Vatican
Yes. All your Vatican tickets include skip-the-line entry, allowing you to bypass the long lines.
The best way to explore all the attractions in Vatican City is by opting for a guided Vatican tour. Not only do you get skip-the-line access with your Vatican tour, but you also get early bird access to the museums in the morning, before the general crowd fills in.
A standard Vatican ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Not all Vatican tickets include entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. You would have to purchase tickets that specifically offer admission into the basilica.
Yes. Your Vatican ticket includes skip-the-line entry into the Sistine Chapel as well.
Yes, only if you opt for a guided Vatican tour; your ticket will also include a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel as well.
Since the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums, it can only be accessed by going through the Museums and not via a separate entry.
No, you do not need an additional ticket to enter the Sistine Chapel. Your Vatican ticket includes entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Entry into St. Peter’s Basilica is free and does not require a ticket. However, if you would like to skip-the-lines and opt for a guided tour, a Vatican ticket with entry into St. Peter’s Basilica allows you to do so. If you opt for a Vatican tour, you can enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from within the Sistine Chapel.
Not all Vatican tickets include entry into St. Peter’s Basilica. You will have to purchase specific tickets that offer entry into the basilica.
If you opt for Vatican tickets that provide entry into St. Peter’s Basilica, you are by default eligible for skip-the-line access into the attractions.
Not all Vatican tickets include guided tours into St. Peter’s Basilica. Ensure that you book tickets that specifically offer entry and guided tours of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Beyond the Vatican
A visit to the Apostolic Palace -- located in the charming little town of Castel Gandolfo -- is the day trip from Vatican City you never knew you needed. Traced back to the 13th Century, the Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Villas, is beautifully situated, overlooking Lake Albano. On a tour of the Apostolic Palace, visitors get a glimpse of papal history through time; from religious attire, furniture and art dating back centuries to back-and white photographs and a beautiful landscape adorned with lush greenery, there’s plenty to soak in and explore at the Apostolic Palace.
Prepare for a landscape unlike anything seen before: umbrella-shaped pines, patches of fresh fruits and vegetables, brightly-colored flowers, sculptures and more await you at Villa Barberini. First built during Emperor Domitian’s reign, the serene Villa Barberini and its gardens are the perfect escape from the crowds and sweltering heat of Rome and Vatican City. Opt for a guided tour of Villa Barberini and the pontifical gardens to soak in its architecture, rich history and a delightful variety of immaculately-maintained foliage.
Plan Your Visit
Vatican Museum hours are Monday to Saturday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM with final entry at 04:00 PM. On the last Sunday of each month, the Vatican Museums are open from 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM.
The Vatican Museums are closed every Sunday (excluding the last Sunday of every month), 1 and 6 January, 11 February, 19 March, 13 April, 1 May, 29 June, and 8, 25 and 26 December.
You can expect the lowest crowd between November to March, making it the best time to visit the Vatican Museums. April to September is considered to be the busiest time of the year.
Getting to the Vatican is easy with multiple transport options available. You can take the Rome Metro, a train, bus or simply walk to Vatican City.
Yes. The Ottaviano-S. Pietro metro station is located right outside Vatican City. You can take Line A of Rome Metro to reach this station; from there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square.
Yes. You can take buses 40, 64, 62 and 81 to reach Vatican City. Buses 40 and 64 can be taken directly from Roma Termini.
No, you do not have to pay to enter Vatican City; however, you do have to purchase a ticket to enter landmarks like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Your Vatican ticket includes skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, allowing you to bypass the long waiting lines.
Not all Vatican tickets include guided tours. You will have to opt for tickets that specifically provided a guided Vatican tour.
Your Vatican tickets include access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Not all skip-the-line Vatican tickets include access to St. Peter’s Basilica. You will have to purchase tickets that specifically provide entry into St. Peter’s Basilica.
Vatican rules and regulations state that visitors must dress modestly during their visit. Low cut clothing, shorts, skirts, etc., are not permitted.
Mobile phone usage is allowed on the premises of Vatican City. However, Vatican rules and regulations state that it is discouraged in the Vatican Museums and completely restricted in the Sistine Chapel.
No. Outside food and drinks is strictly prohibited inside the Vatican Museums. If you are carrying any edible items, you can check it into the cloakrooms.
Vatican Tickets FAQ
Q. Do I need tickets to enter the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica?
A. Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel requires you to purchase tickets. On the other hand, entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. However, if you wish to skip the long lines at St. Peter’s Basilica, it is advised that you purchase a skip the line ticket as the queue can easily be up to 60 minutes long.
Q. Do my Vatican tickets include skip-the-line access?
A. Yes, your Vatican tickets do include skip-the-line-access. With this, you get fast-track access to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel without having to wait in long lines.
Q. Do Vatican tours include skip-the-line access?
A. Yes, guided Vatican tours do include skip-the-line access. Your professional tour guide will escort you pass the long lines.
Q. Can I cancel my Vatican tickets if I have a change in plans?
A. Yes, some of our Vatican tickets can be canceled up to 48 hours before the date of the experience. Please refer to the experience’s cancellation policy for more details.
Q. How long in advance can I purchase my Vatican tickets?
A. You can purchase Vatican tickets to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica up to 3 months in advance.
Q. Do my Vatican tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica?
A. Not all Vatican tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica. You will have to purchase tickets that specifically include access to the basilica.
Q. What are Vatican Museum hours?
A. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are open from Monday to Saturday - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Sundays are closed, except for the last Sunday of every month. Open hours for every last Sunday of the month is from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM.
Q. Is the Vatican wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible. In fact, the Vatican offers free entry to all disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%.