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Enjoy a serene evening view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Vatican Museums
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- Rome To Amalfi Coast Tours
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After-hours at the Vatican: Best night tours
Vatican TicketsNight Tours
Make the most of Rome
Why visit the Vatican at night?
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.
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.
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.
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From happy customers
Christine
United Statesjun, 2025
+ 4 more
The crowds were very heavy for the jubilee but our guide was wonderful in directing us and keeping us focused on the important details on the museum and Basilica!
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica
Iker
Spainjun, 2025
The visit to the Vatican Gardens has been a unique experience, I went with my fiancée and we wanted to return once again and do it walking now because it is such a beautiful place that makes you want to spend more time observing every detail, the trip in the open bus is super good if you have an agenda to visit more things in Rome, because you can tour the gardens with ease, plus with the guide in multiple hate to choose the experience becomes more dynamic. We recommend it 100%
View original review in Spanish
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour
Linda
Czech Republicjun, 2025
We had a good time. Thank you ... The wonderful works of Art ... 3 hours is not enough to admire them all ... but neither are months ....
View original review in Italian
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour
Irma
Mexicojun, 2025
We bought the tickets the same day and they had availability, it was super easy to arrive and check in, the super friendly guides explain everything you need to know and accompany you to the entrance door ahhh and you avoid the long lines.... In the end we were able to see the whole museum and also the Sistine Chapel everything was amazing thanks and greetings from Mexico.
View original review in Spanish
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
Harisolofo
Belgiumjun, 2025
The queue-cutting tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: a real added value for the visit and an invaluable time-saver for enjoying the place to the full, and the guide who welcomed us and accompanied us to the entrance was friendly and very clear - a much appreciated plus.
I'd definitely recommend it!
View original review in French
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
Ruth
jun, 2025
The lady who gave us a lot of information about St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican State was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly and never tired of answering even the last interesting question.
A "feel-good tour"!
View original review in German
St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Irzi
jun, 2025
+ 2 more
Super-friendly guide, to the point in her explanations and full of anecdotes.
Mastered her subject and was extremely efficient.
Remarkable VAV in all aspects of the tour.
View original review in French
St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Nicoletta
United Statesjun, 2025
Siamo stati contenti della guida. Ha spiegato tutto-la storia, i capolavori d'arte-bene in inglese.
We were very happy with the knowledgeable guide. He explained the artworks and history very well in English.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour
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
Pinecone Courtyard
What to know before you go
Practical information
Dining options
Tips
- 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.
