Book Vatican Night Tours | Smaller Crowds & Guided Access

From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+

Denis

France

Oct 2025

4/5

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A wonderful experience with a passionate and top-notch guide. The only downside was the crowds! Far too many people, from the entrance to the museum, the chapel and finally the basilica, it's hard to take your time. You feel like you're in the Paris metro. Apart from that, a very nice visit.

Verónica

Oct 2025

5/5

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Starting with the guide, attentive to all questions, he answered every one of them. He was very nice and willing for everything and everyone. He explained everything with clear words, a very nice experience. To recommend without a doubt

Mark

United Kingdom

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

Great guide - Volo really know his stuff, was really helpful and brought the history of the building to life. Looking forward to our next booking!

Quillere

France

Oct 2025

5/5

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Excellent experience with Sam, who is an outstanding guide. Because of the huge crowds preventing access to the basilica on Sunday (due to the canonization), he kindly offered to move it to the following day so that we could enjoy it. He's a great teacher, and takes great care to ensure that his group remains complete despite the crowds. He gets people involved and brings the experience alive. The visit to the dome is the icing on the cake, and we don't regret it. You don't have to be afraid of the narrow, sloping corridors! What an incredible view of the Vatican! As always, it's very crowded... You have to be patient in the queues.

Jorge

Colombia

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

The attention at the moment was very good. The girl who was our guide was very attentive to the group. At the time of entering the museums it took very little time to enter, good logistics. Thank you.

Gerard

Belgium

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

The papal summer palace in Castel Gandolfo was well worth visiting. There were no queues and the audio guide gave together with the garden and the exhibits an insight into the popes over the last 500 years.

Alain

France

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

This visit to Saint Peter's Basilica, led by Valéry, was as great as it was interesting and enriching. Bravo and thanks to him!

Anna

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

The trip through the Vatican Gardens is well worth seeing. The subsequent tour of the museums was somewhat misleading and took a long time. It was very crowded and the museum attendants kept shooing people on with "keep moving".

Why visit the Vatican at night?

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Imagine strolling through the Vatican Museums in the soft glow of evening light, the grandeur of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling unfolding above you, on an after-hours tour starting post 5pm. Note that tours post 8pm are rare, and only available on some days in the summer.

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The usual daytime crowds have dissipated, leaving behind an awe-inspiring tranquility and the chance to closely observe the architectural details with interesting insights from your guide in a regular or VIP private tour.

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Take this rare opportunity to discover iconic sculptures and paintings in a peaceful setting, making it the perfect choice for art history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience.

Night vs. day: What’s different?

	☀️ Daytime visit to the Vatican	🌙 Nighttime visit to the Vatican
Crowd levels	🟠 Very high. Expect large tour groups and long lines, especially at peak times.	🟢 Much fewer crowds. Quieter halls and shorter lines mean a more peaceful experience.
Access to areas	✅ Full access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica (with the right ticket).	🔒 Slightly limited. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are open; St. Peter’s Basilica is not included.
Unique experiences	🧑‍🏫 Regular guided tours, occasional papal audiences on Wednesdays.	✨ Some night tours include unique experiences like concerts or light shows.
Lighting	🪟 Natural light floods the Sistine Chapel and Museums, highlighting Michelangelo’s frescoes in full color.	🌌 Dramatic spotlighting creates an ambient, intimate atmosphere—especially stunning in the Sistine Chapel.
Mood	🎓 More academic and bustling—ideal for those who want to see everything.	🎭 Elegant and atmospheric—ideal for art lovers, couples, or returning visitors.

Vatican night tour highlights

1/8

Pinecone Courtyard

Enjoy a serene evening view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pio-Clementino Museum

See legendary sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons, and marvel at Nero’s colossal, ancient bathtub.

Vatican Galleries

Walk through the Gallery of Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire ancient Roman and Greek art, Flemish tapestries, and the rich topographical maps of Italy.

Gallery of the Candelabra

This gallery gets its name from the large marble candelabra that divide the space. It was designed in the 18th century and rebuilt in the 19th century.

Hall of the Maps

This gallery features beautiful maps from the 16th century, painted by Ignazio Danti. The maps offer a stunning view of the Italian states.

Raphael Rooms

Be captivated by the Renaissance brilliance of Raphael’s School of Athens and other masterpieces as you learn about the stories and techniques behind their creation.

Gallery of the Tapestries

This is one of the most beautiful rooms in the Vatican museums. The tapestries depict scenes from the life of Christ and Pope Urban VIII.

The Sistine Chapel at Night

Conclude your tour with a serene visit to the Sistine Chapel, admiring Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, in a quieter, more reflective atmosphere.

What to know before you go

Location: Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano, directly across from the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users. However, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments.
Timings & availability: Tours usually start around 5:30pm, except in winter when it begins at 4:30pm. The tour is available on all days except Sundays. It typically runs from April to October, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. But, there is select availability in November and December.
Duration: 2 hours
Average group size: Around 15 to 20 people.
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered inside religious sites. Bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater.
What to bring: A copy of your passport (a photo saved on your phone works).
Note: Your Vatican night tour doesn't include St. Peter's Basilica.

Bistrot La Pigna: Located inside the courtyard of the Vatican Museum, the bistro offers salads and pastas.
The Caffetteria Le Carrozze: The café has an outdoor seating and offers sandwiches and drinks.
Tre Pupazzi Restaurant: Located just outside the Vatican, the restaurant offers authentic Roman fare.
La Soffitta Renovatio: The family-run restaurant is a 15-minute walk away from Vatican. They serve Roman and Abruzzese cuisines.

Give yourself a buffer of 15 minutes to settle in and ask any last-minute questions.
Bring your camera, leave your flash off, and lower the shutter speed to capture Vatican City's grand lanes lit up at night.
Cover up those shoulders and knees! Layers are a good idea, especially for evening tours. And don't forget comfy shoes – you'll be on your feet for a couple of hours.
Leave the big bags at home. A small bag with essentials like water, camera, and anything else you need will do.
If you have time after the guided tour, linger around the Vatican and stroll down to St. Peter's Square, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere without all the crowds.
After your tour, grab a bite to eat and share your experiences with other travelers. It's a great way to wrap up your visit.

For the night owl in you: Other after-hours experiences in Rome

Benefit from these cultural adventures near the Vatican.

Walking experiences

The legends and ghosts of Rome night walking tour ends right outside Castel Sant'Angelo, near the Via della Conciliazione entrance to Vatican City.

Bus tours

Choose between a panoramic City Sightseeing night bus tour or a Big Bus night tour that cruises by the Vatican.

Pub crawls

Follow your guided evening tour of the Vatican with a 3-hour tipsy tour or a nightlife experience in Monti.

Frequently asked questions about Vatican night tours

Can I visit the Vatican Museums at night?

Yes, visiting the Vatican Museums at night is a special experience as it allows you to beat the crowds and see the museum's top attractions in a new light. This allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed viewing.

Can I purchase Vatican night tours on the same day of my visit?

While we certainly try to enable our guests to make last-minute purchases, booking night tours in advance is highly recommended. This reduces chances of tickets being unavailable or sold out.

How much do Vatican night tours cost?

Vatican night tours start at €99. Ticket prices vary according to whether they are early morning or after hours tours.

Why should I book a Vatican night tour?

Purchasing Vatican night tours is not only a great way to beat the rush of the morning and midday, but also allows you to see the exhibits in a different light. It's a unique experience that's sure to be memorable.

What is the validity of a Vatican night tour once purchased?

Your ticket is typically valid for the date you have purchased it.

What is the cancelation policy of a Vatican night tour?

Vatican night tours can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Can I gain entry to the Sistine Chapel with a Vatican night tour?

Yes, entry to the Sistine Chapel is included in a Vatican night tour. Get a chance to see two of the world's most famous pieces of art – Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and his Giudizio Universale, while beating the crowds!

Do Vatican night tours include access to St Peters Basilica?

No, Vatican night tours don't include access to St Peter's Basilica. However, booking Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tours offers access to this iconic church. Benefit from an expert tour guide.

Are audio guides available with Vatican skip-the-line tickets?

Audio guides are not included Vatican night tours, but they can be rented at the entrance for an additional fee. If you are looking for a guided tour experience, opt for an expert tour guide who will accompany you on your night tour. They will offer insights into the artwork, its history and its significance.