Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: hours, price, when it's free, dress code, photos, how to get there, skip-the-line, accessibility and much more.
How much does entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel cost?
The standard ticket costs 20 € (plus 5 € if you book online on the official website). Through Civitatis, the skip-the-line ticket costs from 55 € and the guided tour from 67 €, both with priority access. The last Sunday of the month is free (with queues). See all ticket options.
When is entry to the Vatican Museums free?
Entry is free on the last Sunday of every month, from 09:00 to 14:00 (last admission at 12:30). It cannot be booked online, so you have to queue in person, and the queue is usually very long. There is no free entry when that Sunday falls on Easter Sunday, nor on 29 June, 25 and 26 December and 31 December. We explain it in detail in free entry to the Vatican.
What are the Vatican Museums opening hours?
They open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, with last admission at 18:00. They are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month (09:00–14:00, free). Visitors must begin leaving the rooms 30 minutes before closing. Check the full opening hours.
Can you visit only the Sistine Chapel?
No. The Sistine Chapel has no independent access: you reach it at the end of the route through the Vatican Museums. Every ticket or guided tour of the museums includes the Sistine Chapel. More about the Sistine Chapel.
Can you take photos in the Sistine Chapel?
No. In the Sistine Chapel photography and filming are forbidden, and you must keep silent. In the rest of the Vatican Museums you can take photos without flash. That's why the images of the ceiling you see on this site are public-domain reproductions.
Is there a dress code to enter the Vatican?
Yes. To enter, you must keep your shoulders and knees covered (men and women). Sleeveless tops, very short trousers and skirts above the knee are not allowed, nor are hats inside the Sistine Chapel. Details in rules and dress code.
How do you get to the Vatican Museums?
By metro: line A, Cipro stop (~5 min walk) or Ottaviano-S.Pietro (~10 min). By bus: line 49 stops in front of the entrance; lines 32, 81 and 982 reach Piazza del Risorgimento. Tram 19 to Risorgimento. The entrance is at Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome. More in getting there.
How much time do you need to visit the Vatican Museums?
A visit focused on the essentials up to the Sistine Chapel takes between 2 and 3 hours. To see the great galleries and the Raphael Rooms at a relaxed pace, allow between 3 and 4 hours. See how long you need.
Is it worth paying for skip-the-line access?
In high season the standard-entry queue can exceed two hours. Priority access or a guided tour saves you that wait and guarantees your day and time. If your priority is saving money and you have flexibility, the last Sunday of the month is free, but you'll have to queue. We help you decide in how to skip the lines.
Do you need to book in advance?
It is not mandatory, but highly recommended in spring, summer, weekends and holidays. Booking online with priority access avoids the Viale Vaticano queue and guarantees entry within a specific time slot. See available tickets.
Are the Vatican Museums accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. They have lifts and ramps and lend wheelchairs free of charge (advance booking recommended). There is an accessible route that avoids most of the stairs. If you need specific adaptations, mention it when booking.
Can you cancel the booking?
Most tickets and tours booked through Civitatis offer free cancellation until shortly before the activity (usually 24 hours). Check the specific conditions when booking.
What is the best time and day to visit?
The best time is at opening (08:00-09:00), before the groups. The best days are Tuesday to Thursday. Avoid Mondays, Saturdays and the last Sunday (free, packed). In summer, book skip-the-line access. More in the best time to visit the Vatican.
Is there a discount for students and seniors?
Students aged 6 to 25 with a valid document pay a reduced rate. There is no general discount for over 65s (they pay the adult rate). Under 6s and people with an accredited disability enter free. See tickets prices and discounts.
How much does the audio guide cost and is it worth it?
The official audio guide costs around 8 € (there is a children's version at about 5 €). It is useful if you visit independently, but it doesn't replace a guided tour with a live guide, which gives context and priority access. More in our Vatican audio guide guide.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes: lifts, ramps, an accessible route and free wheelchair loan (booking recommended). The Sistine Chapel is accessible; the dome of St Peter's is not. See wheelchair-accessible Vatican.
Are backpacks allowed? Is there a cloakroom?
Small backpacks and bags are allowed. Large backpacks, suitcases, tripods and long umbrellas go to the free cloakroom, after the security check.
Does the skip-the-line ticket avoid the security check?
No. The security check is mandatory for everyone, but it is usually quick. The skip-the-line ticket avoids the entry queue, not the check. More in how to skip the queues.
Is the ticket valid on my phone?
Yes. You just show the voucher on your phone; there is no need to print it. It arrives by email when you book.
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