Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Entrance Ticket
- Enjoy access to two of the Vatican's most popular and ever-bustling attractions, the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel!
- An optional upgrade lets you tour both attractions with a handy audio guide, available in a choice of 10 languages.
- Check out the renowned painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgement, two of Michelangelo’s most revered works of art.
- Begin your journey at the Vatican Museum and explore the Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Chandelier’s Gallery, Tapestries Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more at your own pace.
- You have about 9 miles of historical masterpieces from the Renaissance era to check out.
- Head to the glorious Sistine Chapel to admire world-famous frescoes and artworks that have been dubbed “the cornerstone of Western art”.
- English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese & Russian.
- Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Children aged 6-17 enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- This ticket cannot be canceled but can be rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance. Please note that you can only reschedule your ticket once.
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with Priority Access
- Enjoy a guided tour of two world-renowned attractions and Vatican city's pride and glory: the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
- Scout through the magnificent Vatican Museums and peruse the crucial collections of the 54 galleries.
- Pass by the Greek Cross Room, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Muses, and more.
- The wondrous Sistine Chapel awaits you! Drink in views of the stunning frescoes at the cornerstone of Western art.
- Your tour group (20-25 guests) will be led by an expert tour guide who will share intriguing facts about each attraction as you pass them by.
This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:
- English-Guided Tour
- Italian-Guided Tour
- Spanish-Guided Tour
- German-Guided Tour
- French-Guided Tour
- Russian-Guided Tour
- Polish-Guided Tour
- 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 canceled, amended or rescheduled.
Semi Private Guided Tour - Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- When exploring the Vatican's two most sought-after attractions, the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel, opt for a semi-private tour for a cozy touring experience.
- In groups of 10 guests or less, you'll 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.
- Peruse the crucial collections of 54 galleries on display here, oozing with Renaissance charm.
- Make an appearance at the world-famous Sistine Chapel, where you will spend time admiring the finer details of Michelangelo’s stunning murals.
This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:
- English-Guided Tour
- German-Guided Tour
- French-Guided Tour
- Italian-Guided Tour
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms, and back.
- Ages 2yrs and below go free. Ages 3-7yrs enjoy reduced pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hrs before the schedule.
Combo (Save 5%): Colosseum and Vatican Skip the Line Tickets
- Don't miss the chance to get skip-the-line access to two iconic Roman treasures with one pocket-friendly ticket!
- At the Vatican Museums, spend your time browsing through some of the most impressive art in the world.
- Find here epoch-defining masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Titian, amongst others.
- Spanning 54 galleries, the Vatican Museum includes the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, the Apollo del Belvedere, the Gallery of Tapestries, and more.
- Gasp at the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, a landmark synonymous with Rome itself.
- These timed tickets also give you access to the Roman Forum, the hub of socio-economic life in Ancient Rome, as well as the Palatine Hill, from where you can take in spectacular views of the city.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Sistine Chapel
- Audioguide (optional)
- Priority access to the Colosseum
- Access to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Access to the 1st and 2nd floors of the Colosseum
- Booking and handling fee
- Cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Special Early-Morning or After-Hours Access - Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel VIP Tour
- Want to beat the crowds with priority access at the Vatican's most popular attractions? Get yourself the VIP Pristine small-group tour.
- Choose between early-morning and after-hours entry- both ideal for a walk through the deserted Vatican Museums- a rare occasion.
- Upgrade your ticket to savor a delicious spread of American-style breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard, where popes have entertained their guests for centuries.
- Enter the Vatican Museums just before it opens or right after it closes to the public and peruse the 54 stunning galleries that flaunt the works of Renaissance artists.
- Pass by the Greek Cross Room, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Muses, and more.
- Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Due to Covid restrictions, the corridor between St.Peter's Church and the Sistine Chapel is temporarily closed to the public. The distance between the two sites without this access means that a guided visit inside St.Peter's Basilica will not be possible. To make the most out of your visit, your guide will give you a full introduction to the Basilica and explain how to visit the Basilica on your own after the tour.
- Mandatory: From August 6, 2021, onwards, all sites that we visit in Italy will require guests and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (completed within 48 hours) prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. You can read more about it on the Italian Government website. If you have any questions regarding your tour, please reach out to us prior to your schedule, and we can help answer any questions you may have.
This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:
- Early morning entrance
- After-hours exclusive night entrance
- Early morning entrance with VIP Breakfast at the Vatican
- Compulsory Vatican dress code - visitors must cover knees, arms, and back.
- Reduced Prices are available as per the time and date of experience chosen. Please check the booking page for further information.
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 72 hrs before the schedule.
Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
- Skip the lines to the stunning Vatican museums and explore the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (on Wednesdays, your visit to the Basilica will be replaced with a visit to the Vatican Library).
- Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient. amphitheater 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.
- Visit the temple of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina, and the Basilica Julia and Aemilia while you’re here.
- Please note that you will be able to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. Your guide will not take you inside, since direct access from Vatican Museum is not possible.
- You can enjoy a break for a quick lunch (at your own expense) before heading to the second part of your semi-private tour.
This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:
- English-Guided Tour
- Italian-Guided Tour
- Spanish-Guided Tour
- German-Guided Tour
- French-Guided Tour
- Portuguese-Guided Tour
- Semi-Private English-Guided Tour
- Ages 2yrs and below go free. Ages 3-14 yrs enjoy reduced ticket prices (carry valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Vatican Museums Reopen To The Public Post Coronavirus Closure
On 3 May 2021, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens reopened to the public, following a closure due to the pandemic. If you’re planning to visit Vatican City, please ensure that you’re aware of all safety measures and guidelines in place. The Vatican now only accepts online reservations.
Updated Safety Measures and Rules at The Vatican Museums
- Only reservations made online will be accepted. Based on the slots booked, access is restricted and visitors will be allowed into the museum only in 30-minute intervals. For this, guests will have to choose their preferred time slots in advance and arrive at the venue in time.
- All visitors must wear masks that completely cover their nose and mouth throughout the duration of their visit to the museums
- Each visitors’ temperature will be scanned before they enter the museum. Any visitor with a temperature higher than 37.5º C (99.5º F) will not be permitted into the venue.
- It is mandatory that visitors maintain a minimum of 1-meter distance from others at the museums
- Hand sanitizer dispensers are also available at the Vatican Museums
- Guided tours will now comprise groups with a maximum of 20 members
- Audioguides can be rented on-site or booked through online reservations
- St. Peter’s Basilica can be accessed only through the main entrance. The access point through the Sistine Chapel will remain closed until further notice.
- The bar, cafeteria, and restaurant service will be available only in the Bistrot area, which is located in the Courtyard of the Pine Cone. The timings are now from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Moreover, seating access will now be limited.
Visiting the Vatican in Rome
Michelangelo, Renaissance-era art and architecture, the Sistine Chapel, and the eternal seat of Roman Catholicism, are perhaps the best phrases to 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.
All Vatican Ticket Options Explained
Skip the lines
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.
How to Skip The Line at Vatican?
Guided Tours
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, and enlighten you with interesting trivia and facts. The alternative option is opting for a ticket that includes an audio guide, which you can carry along while you tour the Vatican.
Book Vatican Guided Tours
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
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.
Book Tickets to St. Peter's Basilica
Night Tours of Vatican
Visiting Vatican is an experience in itself, but what if you could explore this popular attraction after hours? Go on Vatican Night tour, so you can explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel without having to deal with the huge crowds. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, who will fill you in with all the information about the history of the Vatican, the Popes, and artists whose works have been showcased here.
Explore Vatican at Night
Necropolis Tours
Enjoy an extremely unique experience by going on the Vatican Necropolis tour. Under the Vatican City, or more accurately, between 5 and 12 meters below St. Peter's Basilica, is a former burial ground, which is also believed to be the resting place of St. Peter. On this tour, which only allows a maximum of 250 people each day, you will be accompanied an expert guide (English, Spanish, French, or Italian) who will fill you in with interesting information about the Vatican Necropolis.
Book Vatican Necropolis Tours
Beyond the Vatican
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.
Castel Gandolfo ToursDiscounted Vatican Tickets
Visitors between the age of 18-25 enjoy reduced pricing on their tickets.
Vatican audioguides
Guests can rent audio guides at the Vatican Museums directly. Alternatively, they can book audio guides with their online reservations.
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 audio guide 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.
You can view some parts of the Apostolic Palace’s stunning rooms, such as the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and Borgia Apartments.
Yes, your Vatican tickets include skip-the-line entry, allowing you to bypass the long lines.
Going on a guided tour of the Apostolic Palace will allow you to gain a deeper insight into the purpose and history attached to each room.
Yes, the rooms of the Apostolic Palace that visitors are allowed to view are a part of the Vatican Museums tour.
Yes, your Vatican Gardens tour includes skip-the-line access.
No. Not all Vatican tickets include access to the Vatican Gardens. You will have to book tickets that specifically include entry into the Vatican Gardens.
The availability of Vatican Gardens Guided tours is often limited. You can opt for an audio guide, instead.
Yes, your Vatican Necropolis tour includes skip-the-line access.
No, not all Vatican tickets include access to the Vatican Necropolis. You will have to book tickets that specifically include entry into the Vatican Necropolis.
Yes, the Scavi institution provides a licensed guide to accompany visitors on their Necropolis tours. It is best to go on a guided tour of the Necropolis to understand the historical significance of Necropolis.
No, You do not need separate tickets. Once you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you can make your way below towards the Vatican Grottoes.
You have to choose tickets that offer skip the line access to St. Peter's Basilica, to enjoy skip the line entry to the Vatican Grottoes.
You can plan your visit to the Vatican Grottoes as part of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Just head to Grottoes towards the end of your tour.
Beyond the Vatican
Castel Gandolfo
Located about 29 kilometers away from Vatican City is a quaint little town called Castel Gandolfo that looks like it was taken right out of a postcard. Situated on a rocky perch above Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is home to the Pope’s summer palace, the Barberini Gardens, Church of St. Thomas of Villanova and world's first postbox! You can also enjoy a quiet picnic by the beautiful lake and enjoy breathtaking views of the lush countryside.
Know MoreApostolic Palace
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. Dating back to the 13th Century, the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo was the summer palace of the Pope. The beautiful palace overlooks 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 black-and-white photographs and a beautiful landscape adorned with lush greenery.
Know More
Villa Barberini
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.
Know MorePlan Your Visit
The Vatican City sees close to 5 million visitors a year, so the smartest thing to do would be to plan ahead so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Vatican Museum hours have been renewed following the reopening in 2021. The opening hours are now open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. The last entry into the museums will be at 4:30 PM.
The Vatican Museums are closed every Sunday, and on 8 and 25 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 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.
There are two entrances to the Vatican City: Via Della Conciliazione and Via Vaticano.
If you’re planning on starting your tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, then you should enter Vatican from Via Della Conciliazione.
If you plan to start your trip of Vatican with the Vatican Museums, then enter from Viale Vaticano.
No, you don't need a passport or Visa to enter Vatican City. However, if you wish to enter the attractions inside, such as the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel, you would need to buy tickets.
Your Vatican ticket includes skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, allowing you to bypass the long waiting lines. You should also consider visiting during the early hours, when the crowds are lesser.
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.
Yes, Vatican has a dress code, as it is a religious state and is quite stringent about it. Failure to adhere to the dress code can lead to you being denied entry. Clothes that expose your knees, including shorts, skirts, and dresses, are not allowed, as are offensive tattoos.
Shirts are preferred, however, men can sport a T-shirt as long as it doesn’t feature any offensive slogans or imagery. Sleeveless t-shirts or vests are not allowed. Shorts must level with your knees.
Women are not permitted to wear sleeveless, low-cut clothing or crop tops. The rule of thumb to follow is that the midriff and shoulders must be covered. Skirt, dress, as well as shorts, must be at least knee-length.
There’s no specific Vatican dress code for kids. However, the same rules as adults apply to them; shoulder and midriff should be covered. Shorts/Skirts should level with the knees.
Celebrating Christmas at Vatican is a magical affair. The city decks itself in pretty lights, a Christmas tree, and a Nativity scene. The mass at St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most viewed masses around the world. However, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is closed on December 25 and 26.
To book the Papal Audience tickets, you have to fill out a form and fax it to +39 06 698 85863 at least 2 months in advance. You’ll receive a letter that confirms that the church has received your request. However, this is not a ticket confirmation. You will have to go to the Preffetura Office 4-5 days before the mass, between 8 AM to 6 PM, to get the ticket.
The Christmas mass at Vatican takes place on December 24, at 9.30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vatican Tickets
The Vatican Museums reopened to the public on 3 May 2021 following a closure to the pandemic. For the safety of its visitors, the Vatican now accepts only online reservations and has administered several health measures in place.
The Vatican Museums have reopened to the public in 2021 with various public safety measures in place. Only bookings made online are accepted at the entrance. It is mandatory that visitors wear masks that cover their nose and face at all times and their temperature will be checked before entry. Hand sanitizer stations are also available for public use. Guided tours now permit only groups of 20.
Yes. The Vatican Museum is only accepting online reservations now. You can book your Vatican tickets online.
It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.
While the Vatican is accepting reservations for guided tours, it has placed a cap on the maximum number of visitors in a group. Each guided tour group can comprise a maximum of 20 visitors now.
Vatican Museum opening hours have been renewed following the reopening in 2021. The opening hours are now 08:30 AM to 06:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. Last entry into the museums will be at 04:30 and all guests must exit the exhibition rooms by 06:00 PM.
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.
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.
Yes, guided Vatican tours do include skip-the-line access. Your professional tour guide will escort you pass the long lines.
Not all Vatican tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica. You will have to purchase tickets that specifically include access to the basilica.
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%.
