Visiting the Vatican is an incredible experience but can also be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. Whether you are interested in art, history, or religion, there’s something for everyone in the Vatican. With so much to see and do, it’s important to have a strategy to make the most of your time and have a memorable experience. In this article, we will provide 11 best tips on how to visit the Vatican that will help you navigate your way around the Vatican and get the most out of your visit.
1. Book your Vatican tour online
Instead of waiting in the famously long lines outside the Vatican ticket counters for up to three hours, we recommend you purchase your Vatican ticket online. You will appreciate the convenience of bypassing the extensive queues with your skip-the-line ticket. Additionally, buying tickets directly at the attraction can be risky; you must be cautious of unauthorized individuals selling tickets and tours to tourists on their way to the Vatican. These sellers may claim to offer skip-the-line passes and expert tours, but they are often fraudsters who target unsuspecting travelers, potentially ruining their Vatican experience.
2. Booking a guided tour
A guided tour while visiting the Vatican Museums will significantly enhance your understanding of the artworks and their historical context. You will have an expert guide who will walk you through the museums and exhibitions showcasing centuries-old art and artifacts. Moreover, it can make your visit to the Vatican less stressful and more knowledgeable. A guided Vatican tour will provide valuable insights into the art and history of the museums, making it a worthwhile investment.
3. Plan your visiting time – Go early or late
To avoid the large crowds at the Vatican Museums, scheduling your tour in the early morning or late evening is advisable. Approximately 20,000 individuals visit the Vatican daily, so visiting outside of peak times will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Museums with more room to move. It’s usually the best time to visit the Vatican, as you can explore it peacefully and in a less crowded environment.
4. Avoid hastening to the Sistine Chapel
On their trip to the Vatican Museums, most individuals eagerly look forward to seeing the Sistine Chapel and always try to reach it soon. However, it is crucial to note that it is one of the final attractions; the Sistine Chapel is the last of the Vatican Museum’s 24 galleries. So, instead of trying to make it to the Chapel soon, we advise you to see the museum slowly and admire all the artifacts before you enter the Sistine Chapel. It’s important to admire all the other exhibits on the way there.
5. Consider spending at least two hours inside the museums
Vatican Museum is known as the Museum of Museums, and it houses centuries-old art and history. Considering the 24 great art galleries, the Vatican Museum is a large area to cover. We suggest you spend at least two hours exploring the museum for a fine experience. Although three hours would be ideal, exploring the Vatican Museums in less than two hours is difficult without solely focusing on the Sistine Chapel and ignoring other exhibits.
Additionally, one must account for the time it takes to reach the museums, go through security checks, and potentially queue up for entry. If visitors plan on seeing St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, it’s recommended to allocate at least half a day for the Vatican visit.
6. Avoid visiting St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday mornings
St. Peter’s Basilica is a major attraction for visitors to the Vatican, often topping their itinerary. If you plan to visit the basilica, it is important to note that it is typically closed to the public and tour groups early on Wednesday mornings for the papal audience. However, the Basilica reopens after the papal audience around 12 pm or 1 pm. To avoid missing out on this architectural marvel, schedule your tour accordingly and avoid visiting on Wednesday morning.
7. Make sure to follow the Vatican dress code
It is important to dress modestly when visiting the Vatican Museums or any other site in Vatican City, such as the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica. To be more specific, clothing should cover your knees and shoulders, so skirts and shorts must extend below the knees. If your skirt or shorts only reach the top of your knees, you risk being denied entry to the attractions even after having a ticket. Additionally, bare midriffs and shoulders are not allowed, but this can be easily addressed by carrying a light sweater or scarf to cover up when necessary.
Though the Vatican doesn’t have a rule regarding visitors’ footwear, we highly recommend avoiding flip-flops or flimsy shoes that might get uncomfortable during long tours. You will likely end up walking more than you anticipate, and wearing shoes that are not sturdy or comfortable will detract from your enjoyment of Rome’s attractions.
8. It’s better to have a snack before you start your tour
To have an enriching tour of the Vatican, you must cover many areas, most by foot. Only the Vatican Museum has 24 galleries with artifacts from different historical periods. It’s better to have a meal or snacks before you start your Vatican tour as you will need a lot of energy and calories. Also, many dining establishments near the Vatican charge too much and provide unsatisfactory experiences.
If you are unaware of some of the best restaurants near the Vatican, you might waste money on the wrong eateries that won’t satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring some water and a snack in your backpack, as you’ll be covering 4.5 miles of famous artwork and captivating artifacts, which can be tiring and make you hungry.
9. Tuesday to Friday are the best days to visit
Earlier in the article, we advised against visiting the basilica on Wednesday mornings. Still, we highly recommend planning your visit between Tuesday and Friday, as long as it fits your travel plans. The weekends tend to be busier, and Mondays can be quite chaotic as many tourists choose this day to visit the Vatican due to other museums in Rome being closed. By scheduling your visit for the middle of the week, you can avoid large crowds and have a more pleasant and serene experience at the Museums.
10. Don’t bring a large backpack
If you carry big backpacks or bags, you must have them checked, and the same rule applies to large umbrellas. We recommend not carrying large backpacks and other luggage because they will eventually create complications and delay the tour.
11. Don’t come on the free Sunday
Although it may seem like an excellent idea to take advantage of the free admission to the Vatican Museums on the last Sunday of the month (excluding major holidays like Christmas), there are some drawbacks to consider. Due to the popularity of free admission, the lines can become incredibly long, and you will have to waste quite a good time standing in those long queues. Additionally, the museums have limited hours on this day, closing at 2 pm, with the last entry being allowed at 12.30 pm.
Therefore, you will not have as much time to explore the museums as you would on a regular day. We strongly advise against visiting the Vatican Museums on free Sunday unless it is your only opportunity or if you are on a tight budget.
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