Discover the Vatican Museums through guided tours designed to offer a comprehensive experience, with artistic masterpieces and invaluable historical treasures. Book online.
Location:
Vatican City
Price:
From €43.75
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to see:
Vatican Pinacoteca, Egyptian Museum, Etruscan Museum, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms
The Vatican Museums form an extensive museum complex featuring numerous collections and galleries.
Standard tickets generally include access to:
For entry to certain areas or specific experiences, such as priority admission to the Vatican Gardens or dedicated evening visits, you need special tickets or must join specific guided tours.
Tickets for the Vatican Museums can be purchased:
The Vatican Museums set a daily limit on admissions. Hence, it is inadvisable to buy tickets directly at the ticket office, especially in high season. By booking online, you’ll be sure to visit the Vatican Museums on your chosen date and time.
Buying Vatican Museums tickets online through ArcheoRoma allows you to:
PS: Besides ordinary priority-access tickets available online, you can also purchase tours that offer, in addition to special entry privileges, an educational, personalized itinerary guided by an expert.
Basic tours of the Vatican Museums include the standard route through the main galleries and the Sistine Chapel. They don’t feature, for example, guided access to the Vatican Gardens or evening visits, but still deliver a rich experience of art and history. Generally lasting between one and two hours, these tours are ideal for those seeking an introductory visit, leaving the rest of the day to explore more of Rome’s marvels.
Some tours offer a combined visit to the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens, giving you the opportunity to explore the splendid green spaces attached to Vatican City. The Vatican Gardens are a peaceful oasis adorned with fountains, sculptures, and panoramic views of St. Peter’s Dome.
There are special tours, often at exclusive times or with reserved entry, which allow visitors to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and discover lesser-known collections or areas usually closed to the public.
Note: Many of these tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly—especially during the high season. We recommend booking well in advance to guarantee your spot.
These tours allow you to plan a full day of art and culture, offering not only the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, but also other sites of interest in Rome (such as St. Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo).
Buying your tickets through ArcheoRoma comes with multiple benefits:
Additionally, the purchase process is straightforward and secure, ensuring instant booking confirmation and support if needed.
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book in advance. The Vatican Museums rank among the world’s most visited attractions, and daily admissions are limited. Getting your ticket ahead of time avoids the risk of being sold out and lets you freely choose your preferred time slot.
Moreover, for certain types of special tickets or tours—such as those featuring the Vatican Gardens or evening visits—advance reservation is mandatory, given the limited availability.
The Vatican Museums are not included in the Roma Pass network in the same way other Roman attractions are. However, there may be occasional or temporary promotions or discounts. It’s advisable to check the official Roma Pass or ArcheoRoma website to see if any special deals or partnerships are in effect.
The decision depends on the kind of experience you want. Visiting the Vatican Museums independently can be fascinating, but without a guide you might miss details and information that could enrich your visit.
A guided tour allows you to delve deeper into the history of the artworks and collections, as well as discover anecdotes and curiosities shared by experts. Furthermore, some tours provide exclusive sections or time slots, making the tour more intimate and evocative.
If you want a more in-depth and immersive experience, a guided tour is an excellent option, letting you explore the Vatican’s artistic heritage with more insight.
No, admission to the Vatican Gardens is not included in the standard Vatican Museums ticket. The Gardens can only be visited through special tours, usually with a required guide and limited availability. Booking a tour that includes the Vatican Gardens is the only way to access this delightful green enclave of the Vatican.
Yes, at certain times of the year, the Vatican Museums hold evening tours or special events that allow visitors to explore the collections at quieter times. These offerings provide a unique atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the artworks in a more intimate setting.
Spaces for evening visits are often limited and in high demand, so we suggest booking well in advance.
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