Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The Vatican Museums hold the papal collections, including the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel. The route is about seven kilometres and ends at the chapel; allow three to four hours. Tickets are cheaper online with a booking fee, and the museums are closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free and crowds are large. Metro A to Ottaviano or Cipro is a 10-minute walk. Dress code applies.
Ticket Price
Full ticket EUR 20 (≈ USD 22), plus a EUR 5 online booking fee; reduced EUR 10.
Opening Hours
Monday-Saturday, generally 8:00-19:00 with last entry around 17:00. Closed Sundays except the last Sunday of each month, when entry is free (9:00-14:00). Also closed on major religious holidays. Book a timed slot online and check the official site for seasonal evening openings.
Transportation
Metro A to Ottaviano or Cipro, then a 10-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Best Season
In Italy, Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct are warm and pleasant; Jul-Aug is busy and hot. Indoor collections can be visited year-round; weekday mornings are quietest.
Pro Tip: Book the first entry slot
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Book the first entry slot The museums become very crowded by mid-morning. Book a timed ticket directly with the Vatican, enter early, and head to the Sistine Chapel before the tour groups build.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Yes, book a timed ticket online. The full ticket is EUR 20 plus a EUR 5 booking fee, and walk-up queues can be very long.
Yes, entry is free on the last Sunday of each month, but crowds are heavy and opening hours are shorter. Arrive early.
Cover shoulders and knees; no shorts, miniskirts or sleeveless tops. This applies to St Peter's Basilica as well.
No, photography and video are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel, and silence is required. Photos are allowed in most other galleries without flash.