What time of day is best to tour the Vatican?


What time of day is best to tour the Vatican? After lunch, visit Vatican Museums around 2pm — by the time you reach the iconic Sistine Chapel, close to the 6pm closing time, it'll be relatively empty.


What is not allowed in Vatican?

The Vatican decrees that “low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed“, but as some of this is open to interpretation depending on your perspective, it's worth examining the rules in a little more detail!


What time is the Vatican least busy?

Remember the best time to avoid the crowd in Vatican City is around midday and over the weekend and Mondays. It's recommended to also book any tickets for Vatican Museums in advance. There are skip-the-line tickets, or you can book a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.


Is it better to go to the Vatican in the morning or Evening?

Most tourist groups show up in the morning in hopes to beat the crowds, but it usually works against them. In fact, you can find the Vatican Museums a bit less crowded during the afternoon hours.


Is it worth to skip the line at the Vatican?

Skip the line Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tickets are highly recommended and in my opinion absolutely worth the few extra euros, especially if you are visiting during high season. How long does it take to see the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? 2 to 4 hours is the average visit to the Museums and St. Peter's.


Can you wear jeans at the Vatican?

The Vatican has a dress code that some travellers might not be aware of when visiting. Luckily if you're planning on wearing jeans to the Vatican, you definitely can! When you plan to visit, it's best to keep your knees and shoulders covered. And for footwear, you will need flat shoes, not flip-flops or casual sandals.


What is the best time of day to visit the Vatican?

After lunch, visit Vatican Museums around 2pm — by the time you reach the iconic Sistine Chapel, close to the 6pm closing time, it'll be relatively empty.


How do I avoid queues at Vatican City?

The best ways to skip the lines at the Vatican
  1. Buy a skip-the-lines ticket with audio guide. ...
  2. Book a group guided tour. ...
  3. Use a Discount Card / Tourist Pass. ...
  4. Get a VIP early entrance and breakfast ticket. ...
  5. Buy a basic ticket online ahead of time.


Can you bring water into the Vatican?

However you are not allowed to drink anything among the galleries, there are courtyards where you can fill up your water bottles at the fountains where the water is fresh and where you can quench your thirst. You can bring water from a plastic bottle.


Can you walk into Vatican City at night?

The answer is yes! The Vatican City does not shut down after a certain time, or lock visitors out, so you are free to walk around the square at any time. However, it is worth noting that all the Vatican museums and St. Peter's Basilica will not be accessible after nightfall, and you may be disappointed by this.


What time should I queue for Sistine Chapel?

Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.—when tour groups are lunching and cruise ship crowds are fewer (Mondays and Saturdays tend to be packed)—are good time slots. “I have been to the Sistine Chapel at 2 p.m. in September and been with only a few other people,” says Zac Cady, of Context Travel.


Should I bring my passport to the Vatican?

9) Do you need a passport to go to the Vatican? No, you do not need to bring your passport with you. Even if you are entering another state and Vatican City has its own passports, postal service and stamps, bank and euro, telephone system, radio station, pharmacy and national football team too!


Can you wear shorts in the Vatican?

The dress code for the Vatican Museums is strict but easy to respect. Low-cut or sleeveless dresses, miniskirts, shorts and hats are not allowed. To cover knees and shoulders you can buy plastic cloaks to wrap around. Inside it is preferable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.


What times are mass at the Vatican?

On weekdays, mass is held at 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM and 5 PM. On Sunday and Holy Days, mass is held at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 4:45 PM and 5:30 PM.


How long is the wait at the Vatican?

Due to the high number of enthusiastic tourists, the Vatican attracts queues that are often in excess of three hours. You can spend less time waiting and more time admiring your favourite artistic pieces with a skip-the-line admission ticket.


How early should I get to the Vatican?

Arriving at mid-day With ticket lines often snaking around the walls, it's best to get there early. The Vatican Museums opening times are 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and we recommend getting there when the doors open – if not a bit earlier to allow for delays.