Vatican Museums hours and prices 2026
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 18:00). Sundays are closed, except the last Sunday of each month (09:00–14:00, free). The official general ticket costs €20 (+€5 online); the skip-the-line ticket starts at €55 and the guided tour at €67. Here's everything you need to plan your visit without surprises.
What time does the Vatican open?
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel open Monday to Saturday at 08:00. On the last Sunday of each month they open at 09:00 with free entry; on all other Sundays they are closed.
What time do the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel close?
They close at 20:00 Monday to Saturday (last entry 18:00); on the last Sunday of the month, at 14:00. You should start leaving the rooms about 30 minutes before closing.
Vatican Museums opening hours
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Last admission 18:00 |
| Sunday (general) | CLOSED | Except the last of the month |
| Last Sunday of the month | 09:00 – 14:00 | Free entry · last admission 12:30 |
Important: you have to start leaving the rooms about 30 minutes before closing. If you go in late in the day, bear in mind that the Sistine Chapel —which is at the end of the route— starts clearing before the rest.
Vatican closing days
As well as ordinary Sundays, the Vatican Museums close on some religious holidays. Always check the calendar before your visit; the most common ones are:
- 1 January — New Year's Day
- 6 January — Epiphany
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
- 1 May — Labour Day
- 29 June — Saints Peter and Paul (patrons of Rome)
- 15 August — Assumption
- 1 November — All Saints' Day
- 25 and 26 December — Christmas and St Stephen's Day
Ticket prices 2026
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Official general ticket (box office) | €20 |
| Official general ticket online | €20 + €5 booking fee = €25 |
| Skip-the-line ticket (Civitatis) | from €55 |
| Guided tour (Civitatis) | from €67 |
| Last Sunday of the month | Free (09:00–14:00, not bookable) |
The ticket is the cheapest, but it means the ticket-office queue (which in high season can exceed two hours) or paying the official online booking surcharge. The Civitatis tickets include a service fee in exchange for priority skip-the-line access, a guaranteed day and time and free cancellation. Compare options in free entry vs. skip-the-line.
Can you visit just the Sistine Chapel?
No. The Sistine Chapel does not have its own entrance: it is reached at the end of the route through the Vatican Museums. Any museum ticket or guided tour includes the Sistine Chapel, so you don't need a separate ticket.
Book your skip-the-line ticket
Enter with a guaranteed day and time and priority access, without waiting on Viale Vaticano. Instant confirmation and free cancellation.
See available tickets →⏳ One of the world's most visited sites: tickets sell out in high season. Book ahead · free cancellation.
Best time to go
- Opening (08:00): the best option. Arrive around 07:45 and enjoy the Sistine Chapel before the big groups arrive.
- Mid-afternoon (14:00–15:00 onwards): crowds thin out after lunchtime. Remember that last admission is at 18:00.
- Avoid midday (10:00–13:00): it's the busiest moment, with groups and cruise excursions.
- Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mondays, Fridays and weekends are busier. More details in how to skip the queues.
Frequently asked questions about hours and prices
What are the Vatican Museums opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 (last admission 18:00). Sundays closed, except the last of the month (09:00–14:00, free). You have to start leaving the rooms 30 minutes before closing.
How much does a ticket cost?
The official general ticket costs €20 (+€5 online). The skip-the-line ticket starts from €55 and the guided tour from €67, both with priority access. See free entry.
What days are the Vatican Museums closed?
They close on Sundays (except the last of the month) and some holidays: 1 and 6 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 29 June, 15 August, 1 November and 25–26 December.
What is the best time to visit?
The opening (08:00) or mid-afternoon (from 14:00–15:00). Midday (10:00–13:00) is the busiest moment.
Can you visit just the Sistine Chapel?
No. It's reached at the end of the route through the Vatican Museums; any museum ticket includes it.
Last updated: July 2026. Hours and prices may change; confirm them before your visit.
