Book Vatican Night Tours | Smaller Crowds & Guided Access

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Stephanie

Canada

Jul 2025

Paulina was a star! In the heat and in the crowds she led our group through the Vatican museum, Sistine chapel and led us to St Peter's Basilica (where she did pre instruction as she cannot guide there. Our family learned a lot we would not know without the tour.

Kimberly

United States

Jul 2025

Our guide Marta was very knowledgeable and nice. She was a great storyteller and gave great background throughout the tour in each area. The tour was good and I would recommend them. We had a very nice time on this tour and it went to all the spots we wanted. The description is accurate on what you get with the tour. I only have one suggestion - and that is during times with extreme crowds, it is important to ensure that all of the group is accounted for. My husband and I (and another girl we didn't know) were separated during the tour in a critical area to short cut into the Sistine Chapel. The group was given 15 minutes there, but because we were lost and took the long way, buy the time we got there, we were rushed and didn't get the time the rest of the group had. Please make sure to keep the group together. I do understand it is very hard because of the crowds, so this situation alone would not keep me from taking this tour with this tour group again as everything else in the tour was great.

Jennifer

United States

Jul 2025

+2 more

We toured all the major areas and some of the gardens including the Sistine Chapel in about 3.5 hours. The flow through the Vatican was well thought out, some areas were more congested than others, but nothing unexpected or uncomfortable for such a popular destination.

Christine

United States

Jun 2025

We had skip the line tickets so it was only 20 min wait. We saw the museum, had lunch in the garden and visited the Sistine Chapel.

Hunter

United States

Jul 2025

+2 more

As someone with no base knowledge besides that the Vatican is the home of Catholicism. This was a great way for me to learn about all of Vatican City and the history of it. I would have been wandering around aimlessly without my tour

Georg

Germany

Jul 2025

The insight into the beautiful, otherwise inaccessible Vatican Gardens was a highlight of my trip to Rome and the museums are also extremely interesting. The only thing was that the tour could have lasted a little longer / gone a little slower / possibly with getting off at exciting places. Admission to the museum was also uncomplicated and quick, without long queues. A recommendation!

Sandra

Italy

Jul 2025

+1 more

We purchased online tour of Vatican gardens +entrance Vatican Museums (without guide). Very nice staff who greeted us and guided us until we boarded the bus......tour very nice, they provided us with earphones for a recorded guide who showed us The beautiful gardens Exciting and unique the tour inside The Vatican Museums.Definitely the "highlight" was being able to skip the endless lines for entry...especially on these particularly hot days.Experience to be repeated for sure!

Abdel

Panama

Jun 2025

I really liked the cordiality of the guides and the simplicity of the tour, along with the information provided. We started a few minutes after the agreed time, but it was still excellent.

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.

Vatican night tour highlights

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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

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.

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.