Book Vatican Night Tours | Smaller Crowds & Guided Access

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Andrea

Italy

Aug 2025

5/5

The visit is excellently organized, both in terms of time and the support of the guide, special mention to the very kind and knowledgeable Ms. Antonella. i would extend the stop in the Sistine Chapel by a few minutes, but i understand that managing thousands of tourists is complicated. I would say very recommended if you want to have a proper level of knowledge of the wonders you admire.

Clocchiatti

Aug 2025

5/5

The guide was really supportive in accessing the museums. Kind, friendly, friendly and professional, available for any questions even in pre-visit to know the rules of access. The Museums are indescribable except to say that they are a totally unreplicable thing in this day and age. We were inside three and a half hours. Unforgettable experience. Wonderful.

Don

Qatar

Aug 2025

5/5

+1 more

Thanks Headout team. Had a wonderful experience. It was very convenient to use the skip the line ticket to save time. Team was very friendly attentive and efficient. Highly recommend them.

Felix

Aug 2025

5/5

The tour was really informative and the guide Fabian was very funny and uncomplicated. The whole Vatican is impressive, but without the tour I wouldn't have known the background to many things and would have just walked past. As I said, a really great tour with Fabian!

Siew

Aug 2025

5/5

Excellent service from our tour lady. She is very thorough and explained everything really clearly. Her knowledge for the entire St. Peter's is second to none. I would highly recommend this website and will certainly book again in the future. Can't wait to share this good experience with my friends and family as well. 5 stars service.

Florencio

Aug 2025

5/5

I really loved your service! It was exactly as planned. The best part was beng able to skip all the immense lines! The security personnel at Tent No. 2 immediately recognised my tickets and sent me right through. It was Awesome!

Robbert

Australia

Aug 2025

5/5

Amazing tour with your amazing guide . Her passion for her job was beyond outstanding. Her knowledge of history and detail made the experience very special indeed. Would highly recommend to anyone

Anita

Germany

Jul 2025

5/5

We got to see the Pope! Our guide Rudy led us through the security checks quickly and showed us where to take a seat to have a good view.

Why visit the Vatican at night?

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/86db980ed276a80233066fe53993a164-edit3-banner.jpg

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.

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/9b942e9d44e642864e9e60a85104eb47-vatican%20library%20rome.jpg

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.

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/38a5be3dc6a09933bea945202ec754a8-6732-rome-vatican-museums---sistine-chapel-tickets-03.jpg

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.

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.