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Why visit the Vatican at night?

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.

Explore Vatican Museums on your own at closing time

Choose the last time slot on these entry tickets – usually starting at 5:30 or 5:45pm, to independently discover the Museums, and then walk around Vatican City after closing.

Vatican night tour highlights

Pinecone Courtyard, Vatican Museums
Pio-Clementino Museum, Vatican
Vatican Galleries
Gallery of the Candelabra
Hall of the Maps
Raphael Rooms
Gallery of the Tapestries
The Sistine Chapel at Night
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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

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

Benefit from these cultural adventures near the Vatican.

Frequently asked questions about Vatican night tours

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.

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