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Sistine Chapel: Tours

Explore Michelangelo’s frescoes and the artistic secrets of the Vatican Museums with a tour dedicated to the Sistine Chapel. Online ticket purchase.

  • Location:
    Vatican City, to the right of St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Built by:
    Architects Baccio Pontelli and Giovannino de' Dolci between AD 1475 and 1481

  • What to see:
    Sistine Chapel ceiling, The Last Judgment

  • Opening hours:
    Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Price:
    From €35

  • Transport:
    Metro Station: Ottaviano

Sistine Chapel in the Vatican: history and description

Sistine Chapel Tours: Which One to Choose

The Sistine Chapel is the centerpiece of the Vatican Museums and one of the world’s most visited sites, renowned for Michelangelo’s frescoes and the Renaissance art that shaped art history. Although it’s typically part of broader Vatican Museums itineraries, many visitors wish to focus specifically on the Sistine Chapel, delving into its historical, artistic, and spiritual aspects. Here’s how to select the tour that best suits your interests.

Ticket Types

Visiting the Sistine Chapel is generally included in standard tickets for the Vatican Museums. These also grant access to the main sections, such as:

  • Tapestry Gallery
  • Gallery of Maps
  • Raphael Rooms
  • Sistine Chapel

For special areas (like the Vatican Gardens) or evening visits and dedicated time slots, you’ll need specific tickets or must sign up for guided tours that include priority entry.

  • Vatican Gardens
  • Evening visits
  • Private specialized tours
  • Limited or after-hours access


Where to Buy Sistine Chapel Tickets?

Tickets for the Vatican Museums—which include the Sistine Chapel—can be purchased in the following ways:

  • Online
  • On the official Vatican Museums website
  • At the ticket office, though you may face long lines

The Vatican Museums enforce a daily maximum on visitor numbers. Purchasing tickets in advance, especially online, is the best way to secure your desired date and time, avoiding sold-out situations. Furthermore, there are tours that offer special or priority entry to the Sistine Chapel, providing a guided route centered on this extraordinary masterpiece.

Basic Tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums

Basic tours of the Sistine Chapel focus on the main galleries of the Vatican Museums and provide direct access to the chapel, allowing you to marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and his Last Judgment. While they don’t include extra areas like the Vatican Gardens or evening visits, these (usually one- or two-hour) itineraries allow for a complete experience, giving you ample time to admire the world’s most famous frescoes.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel expert guide tour

65 €

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour: Fast-Track + Expert Guide

3.8 /5      | 162 reviews

Enjoy a seamless, guided journey through the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Skip the lines and explore artistic masterpieces in an intimate, informative tour setting

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour

98 €

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: tour with reserved entrance

4.4 /5      | 1190 reviews

Tour with reserved entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to enjoy the vast collections of paintings, sculptures and monuments of one of the world's most important exhibitions.

Guided tour Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

159 €

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour: Early Morning Fast-Track Entry

4.3 /5      | 9 reviews

This early morning guided tour offers exclusive, fast-track access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Explore iconic works with a small group, led by an expert guide in a peaceful setting

Combined Tours

For those wishing to discover other Roman wonders in a single day, besides the Sistine Chapel, there are combined tours that may also include St. Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo. These packages are ideal for maximizing your time and immersing yourself in multiple facets of Rome’s history, art, and spirituality.

Full day tour: Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

180 €

Guided Tour: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel

4 /5      | 10 reviews

Complete guided tour covering three essential landmarks for tourists in Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel

Guided tour Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Square

90.35 €

Guided Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Square

4.4 /5      | 91 reviews

Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with skip-the-line tickets and expert guidance. Enjoy seamless access and fascinating insights into these world-renowned Roman landmarks

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica guided tour

85 €

Vatican tour: Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

4.4 /5      | 106 reviews

Skip the lines at the Vatican Museums with fast-track entry and expert-led tours, providing multilingual insights and convenient access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica

Guided tour of the Vatican: Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica

99 €

Early Morning Guided Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

4.5 /5      | 555 reviews

This exclusive early-access Vatican tour offers guided entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, providing a peaceful experience of iconic masterpieces

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour + St. Peter’s Basilica

99 €

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour + St. Peter’s Basilica

4.1 /5      | 23 reviews

Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with fast-track entry on a guided tour, offering insight into world-renowned art and architecture

Semi-private tour of the Vatican: Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica

99 €

Semi-Private Guided Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

4.6 /5      | 11 reviews

Experience a semi-private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with priority entry, an expert guide, and a small group setting.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why Buy Tickets on Our Portal?

Purchasing tickets through our portal offers several benefits:

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, allowing a full refund in case of unexpected issues.
  • An extensive selection of options, including combos with other sites or in-depth guided visits.
  • Exclusive discounts for those who book through our platform.

The process is straightforward and secure, with instant confirmation and support if needed.

Do I Need to Book Sistine Chapel Tickets in Advance?

Yes, it’s strongly recommended. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited places in the world and ticket availability is limited. Booking in advance helps you avoid sold-out situations and gives you more flexibility in choosing your preferred time slot.

For those seeking a richer experience, certain special tours include access at less crowded times or to sections normally closed to the public.

Can I Use the Roma Pass for the Sistine Chapel?

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of the Roma Pass network in the same way as other Roman attractions. Temporary discounts may exist, but we recommend checking the official site or our portal for possible promotions and updates.

Is It Worth Buying a Tour?

A guided tour of the Sistine Chapel allows you to fully appreciate the artistic and spiritual richness of this site, revealing details that might go unnoticed if you visit on your own. Beyond Michelangelo’s works, the guide can also delve into the rest of the Vatican Museums’ collections, making the visit more comprehensive and engaging.

Are the Vatican Gardens Included in the Standard Ticket?

No. The Vatican Gardens require a separate ticket or tour, often with a mandatory guide. They are not part of the standard Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel tickets.

Are Evening or After-Hours Visits Available?

Yes, at certain times of the year there are evening openings or special events, allowing visitors to explore the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums during off-peak hours, in a quieter setting. Availability is limited and demand is high, so it’s advisable to book in advance.

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