Best Vatican night tours

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Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in multiple languages
Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Rome
Top experiences in Rome



Vatican Museum's Gallery of the Candelabra with ornate sculptures, part of Vatican City Tour.
Vatican Gallery of Maps
raphael liberation of st peter
Belvedere Torso - Vatican Museum
Tour group exploring the Vatican's Belvedere Courtyard, a highlight of the 'Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel' tour
Vatican Museum's Gallery of the Candelabra with ornate sculptures, part of Vatican City Tour.
Vatican Gallery of Maps
raphael liberation of st peter
Belvedere Torso - Vatican Museum
Tour group exploring the Vatican's Belvedere Courtyard, a highlight of the 'Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel' tour
Vatican Museum's Gallery of the Candelabra with ornate sculptures, part of Vatican City Tour.
Vatican Gallery of Maps
raphael liberation of st peter
Belvedere Torso - Vatican Museum
Tour group exploring the Vatican's Belvedere Courtyard, a highlight of the 'Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel' tour
3.7(1.1K)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour

from
€75
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
  • Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
  • Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
  • Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
  • Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
  • Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
  • Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
  • Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
  • Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.

Inclusions

  • Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
  • Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
  • 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
  • Group of 20 people or less
  • Reservation fees
  • Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
  • It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
  • Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Vatican TicketsNight Tours

Hear from our guests

Vatican at closing time: A night of art & serenity

Given that the Vatican is an extremely popular attraction, it is safe to assume that it tends to be crowded all year round. The Vatican Night tour tickets are limited, ensuring that the after-hours visitors have more breathing room. Even though you might not get the time to linger around each work of art for a long time, you would still be able to appreciate the works without having to navigate through the jostling crowds.

Why choose an evening Vatican tour?

Visitors on a night tour of Vatican Museums
  • Fewer crowds, more time to admire the artwork. Escape the bustling daytime crowds and enjoy the Vatican's masterpieces at a slower pace, with fewer visitors around.
  • A peaceful, intimate atmosphere as daylight fades over the Vatican. As the sun sets, the Vatican takes on a serene, almost magical quality, offering a unique and tranquil experience that’s hard to find during the day.
  • Skip-the-line access for a hassle-free experience. Get straight to the art and history without waiting in line, making the most of your time in one of the world’s greatest cultural destinations.
  • Expert guides to enrich your visit with captivating stories about the art, architecture, and history. Let our knowledgeable guides bring the Vatican’s incredible history to life with fascinating stories and insights about the masterpieces housed within its walls.

Plan your Vatican at night experience

Practical info
Things to do
Dining options
Itinerary
Tips
Vatican at night
  • Location: Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano, directly across from the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.
  • Guide identification: A representative will be present holding a sign with the company name.
  • Availability: The tour is available on all days except Sundays. It typically run from April to October, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. But, we do have selected availability in November and December.
  • Timing: Tours usually start around 5:30pm, except in winter when it begins at 4:30pm.
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Maximum 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.
Things to do in Vatican at Night
  • Tour the Vatican Museums: Explore the museums in a relaxed setting with no crowds. Learn about the history of the Vatican, the Popes, and artists whose works have been showcased here.
  • Happy hour: Enjoy a lovely glass of wine and a buffet meal inside the Vatican Museums' Pinecone Courtyard.
  • Stroll along St. Peter's Square: Start off at Ponte Sant'Angelo, and make your way to the Square. Don't forget to visit the Egyptian obelisk of Caligula in the center!
Dining options in the Vatican
  • 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.
Vatican night visit Itinerary
  • Meeting Point: Outside Caffé Vaticano, directly across from the Vatican Museums entrance.
  • Vatican Museums
  • Pinecone Courtyard
  • Pio-Clementino Museum
  • Gallery of Candelabra
  • Hall of Maps
  • Gallery of Tapestries
  • Raphael Rooms
  • School of Athens
  • Sistine Chapel
  • The Last Judgement
  • Tour ends: Inside the Vatican Museums, letting you explore further on your own.
Vatican Museums Tips
  • Give yourself a buffer of 15 minutes to settle in and ask any last-minute questions.
  • 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.
  • Our tours are small, so take advantage of this to chat with your guide. They're experts and can give you some really cool insights.
  • If you have time after the guided tour, go back and see your favorite pieces again, or just soak 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.

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