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Experience only the best of Vatican Museums

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Slide 1 of 8, Tourists in Vatican Museums courtyard with Sphere Within Sphere sculpture, Rome, Italy.
Tourists in Vatican Museums courtyard with Sphere Within Sphere sculpture, Rome, Italy.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Save 1–2 hours with timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel—no ticketing queues.

  • Explore the museums at your own pace, from classical sculptures to Renaissance frescoes in the Gallery of Maps.

  • End at the Sistine Chapel and witness Michelangelo’s iconic Creation of Adam ceiling.

  • Choose upgrades like hosted entry for personal assistance through the entry process or an audio guide in 12 languages for an insightful visit.

  • Want more? Add a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens—normally closed to the public.

More details

  • Save 1–2 hours with timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel—no ticketing queues.

  • Explore the museums at your own pace, from classical sculptures to Renaissance frescoes in the Gallery of Maps.

  • End at the Sistine Chapel and witness Michelangelo’s iconic Creation of Adam ceiling.

  • Choose upgrades like hosted entry for personal assistance through the entry process or an audio guide in 12 languages for an insightful visit.

  • Want more? Add a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens—normally closed to the public.

from
€25
Slide 1 of 9, Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum.
Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

2 hrs - 4 hrs 30 mins

  • Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.

  • Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.

  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.

  • Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

More details

  • Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.

  • Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.

  • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.

  • Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

from
€57.50
Slide 1 of 7, Tour group observing ancient sculptures in the Vatican Museums.
Tour group observing ancient sculptures in the Vatican Museums.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs

  • Skip the long lines and walk straight into the Vatican Museums with your guide—save up to 2 hours of waiting time.

  • Explore world-famous galleries like the Gallery of Maps, Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms with expert commentary.

  • In a group of up to 20 guests, enter the Sistine Chapel with powerful context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes to life.

  • Upgrade to a small-group tour of less than 15 guests for a more personal, engaging experience or add access to the Vatican Gardens.

  • A smart, time-saving way to experience the highlights of a 48-day-long collection in just a few hours.

More details

  • Skip the long lines and walk straight into the Vatican Museums with your guide—save up to 2 hours of waiting time.

  • Explore world-famous galleries like the Gallery of Maps, Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms with expert commentary.

  • In a group of up to 20 guests, enter the Sistine Chapel with powerful context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes to life.

  • Upgrade to a small-group tour of less than 15 guests for a more personal, engaging experience or add access to the Vatican Gardens.

  • A smart, time-saving way to experience the highlights of a 48-day-long collection in just a few hours.

from Original price€79
€47.40

40% off

Slide 1 of 7, Tour group walking through Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome.
Tour group walking through Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome.

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour

3 hrs - 4 hrs 30 mins
Meals included

  • Enter before opening hours and experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in rare peace and quiet.

  • Skip ticket lines and follow your expert guide through iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms.

  • Admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds.

  • Continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the most sacred sites in Christendom.

  • Upgrade to include a dome climb for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome from the top.

More details

  • Enter before opening hours and experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in rare peace and quiet.

  • Skip ticket lines and follow your expert guide through iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms.

  • Admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds.

  • Continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the most sacred sites in Christendom.

  • Upgrade to include a dome climb for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome from the top.

from Original price€139.38
€111.50

20% off

Slide 1 of 9, Colosseum interior and Vatican Museums gallery in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum interior and Vatican Museums gallery in Rome, Italy.

Combo (Save 17%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Pass

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Visit 2 of Rome's most sought-after attractions with a single money-saving ticket.

  • Discover era-defining art by Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Titian, amongst others at the Vatican Museums.

  • The collection spans 54 galleries and includes the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and more.

  • Marvel at the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

  • Get access to the Colosseum, a landmark synonymous with Rome itself, along with an audio commentary that dives deep into its history.

  • Also access the Roman Forum, hub of socio-economic life in Ancient Rome, and Palatine Hill, where you can take in unparalleled views of the city.

More details

  • Visit 2 of Rome's most sought-after attractions with a single money-saving ticket.

  • Discover era-defining art by Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Titian, amongst others at the Vatican Museums.

  • The collection spans 54 galleries and includes the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and more.

  • Marvel at the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

  • Get access to the Colosseum, a landmark synonymous with Rome itself, along with an audio commentary that dives deep into its history.

  • Also access the Roman Forum, hub of socio-economic life in Ancient Rome, and Palatine Hill, where you can take in unparalleled views of the city.

from Original price€54.90
€45.59

17% off

Slide 1 of 17, Colosseum in Rome, Italy with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.
Colosseum in Rome, Italy with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.

Combo (Save 20%): Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Vatican Museums + Pantheon Tickets

Explore at your pace
  • Book Rome's three highest-demand ancient sites together, save more and avoid managing separate tickets and queues at each landmark.
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Timed entry at the Colosseum with a multilingual self-guided audio app covering all zones across the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited at any time within 24 hours of the Colosseum visit.
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Fast-track timed entry with a complimentary digital museum map — self-guided, no group dependency.
  • Pantheon: Fast-track entry to Rome's best-preserved ancient structure — self-guided, no fixed pace once inside.
  • All three experiences can be visited on separate days for a more relaxed visit.
More details
  • Book Rome's three highest-demand ancient sites together, save more and avoid managing separate tickets and queues at each landmark.
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Timed entry at the Colosseum with a multilingual self-guided audio app covering all zones across the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited at any time within 24 hours of the Colosseum visit.
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Fast-track timed entry with a complimentary digital museum map — self-guided, no group dependency.
  • Pantheon: Fast-track entry to Rome's best-preserved ancient structure — self-guided, no fixed pace once inside.
  • All three experiences can be visited on separate days for a more relaxed visit.
from Original price€66.90
€53.56

20% off

Slide 1 of 13, Main entrance of the Vatican Museums and Pantheon in Rome.
Main entrance of the Vatican Museums and Pantheon in Rome.

Combo (Save 5%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Hosted Entry + Pantheon Fast-Track Tickets

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Experience the world’s greatest art collection alongside a visit to a temple that’s stood for over two millennia.

  • Skip long queues at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with hosted access for a stress-free start and explore at your own pace.

  • Discover Renaissance masterpieces across 50+ galleries, including Raphael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes.

  • Gain fast-track access to the Pantheon and uncover its 2,000-year history with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Stand beneath the world-famous dome and oculus, and explore chapels, tombs, and marble interiors inside this ancient monument.

More details

  • Experience the world’s greatest art collection alongside a visit to a temple that’s stood for over two millennia.

  • Skip long queues at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with hosted access for a stress-free start and explore at your own pace.

  • Discover Renaissance masterpieces across 50+ galleries, including Raphael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes.

  • Gain fast-track access to the Pantheon and uncover its 2,000-year history with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Stand beneath the world-famous dome and oculus, and explore chapels, tombs, and marble interiors inside this ancient monument.

from Original price€37
€35.15

5% off

Slide 1 of 8, Visitors walking through columns on a VIP tour of the Vatican Museums, Rome.
Visitors walking through columns on a VIP tour of the Vatican Museums, Rome.

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

3 hrs

  • Enjoy a fully private Vatican Museums tour with a guide dedicated solely to your group.

  • Skip the ticketing lines and explore top highlights like the Sistine Chapel, Borgia Apartments, and more.

  • Customize your itinerary to match your interests—art, history, architecture, or hidden gems.

  • Access St. Peter’s Basilica through a special passage, avoiding long public lines.

  • Upgrade for a fully guided tour of the Basilica to dive deeper into its iconic masterpieces.

More details

  • Enjoy a fully private Vatican Museums tour with a guide dedicated solely to your group.

  • Skip the ticketing lines and explore top highlights like the Sistine Chapel, Borgia Apartments, and more.

  • Customize your itinerary to match your interests—art, history, architecture, or hidden gems.

  • Access St. Peter’s Basilica through a special passage, avoiding long public lines.

  • Upgrade for a fully guided tour of the Basilica to dive deeper into its iconic masterpieces.

from
€182.25
Slide 1 of 14, Tour group with guide at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
Tour group with guide at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

1 hr - 3 hrs

  • Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide and uncover the stories behind its art, architecture, and centuries of Catholic history.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, a sacred space often missed by visitors exploring on their own.

  • Enter through a reserved entry line and spend more time discovering the Basilica’s masterpieces instead of waiting in queues.

  • Choose your preferred language with guided tours available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Upgrade your visit with Dome access by elevator or stairs, a guided tour of St. Peter's Square, a complete Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel experience, or choose a VIP private tour or Italian breakfast option.

More details

  • Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide and uncover the stories behind its art, architecture, and centuries of Catholic history.

  • Visit the Papal Tombs beneath the Basilica, a sacred space often missed by visitors exploring on their own.

  • Enter through a reserved entry line and spend more time discovering the Basilica’s masterpieces instead of waiting in queues.

  • Choose your preferred language with guided tours available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Upgrade your visit with Dome access by elevator or stairs, a guided tour of St. Peter's Square, a complete Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel experience, or choose a VIP private tour or Italian breakfast option.

from
€16

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Tickets at the Vatican Museums cost €25 at the door, while online tickets start at €34. The extra fee online is worthwhile, as it saves you from waiting 1-3 hours in the on-site ticket line. Note that even with online tickets, you’ll still go through redemption and security lines.

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Visitor with audio guide exploring Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Sistine Chapelfrom €25

About Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums in Rome showcase masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Raphael Rooms, and the ancient Laocoön sculpture, offering a journey through art history within the heart of the Vatican. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum with ancient artifacts, and the Gallery of Maps, are other highlights.

Great for
Solo Travellers
Couples
History Geeks
Art & Culture Lovers
Address00120, Vatican City
Year opened1506
Founded byPope Julius II
Visitors per year5000000
Expected wait time - Standard2+ hours (Peak), 1-2 hours (Off Peak)
Unesco status1984

Did you know?

Of the over 70,000 artworks in the Vatican Museums' vast collection, only about 20,000 are exhibited to the public. The remaining pieces are hidden away, safeguarded for preservation, space constraints, and ongoing expert research, making them an unseen treasure trove of art history.

Why visit Vatican Museums?

Home to 4,000 Renaissance masterpieces

Hosting over 4,000 Renaissance works, the Vatican Museums are a focal point for admirers of this era. Key highlights include Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, a marvel with its ceiling and The Last Judgment, and the Raphael Rooms, showcasing Raphael's mastery in fresco.

Highlights

Sistine Chapel

The crown jewel of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is famed for Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam.' Its walls also display works by other Renaissance masters. The chapel is not only an artistic wonder but also a significant religious site, serving as the location for the Papal conclave. Visitors are often awestruck by the intricate details and the vivid storytelling depicted in the art.

Raphael Rooms

The four Raphael Rooms, known as the Stanze di Raffaello, showcase the genius of Raphael, one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Each room is adorned with stunning frescoes that tell various stories and themes, such as 'The School of Athens' in the Stanza della Segnatura, which depicts an assembly of great philosophers. These rooms offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural richness of the Renaissance era.

Gallery of Maps

The Gallery of Maps is a breathtaking corridor lined with topographical maps of Italy, painted in the 16th century by Ignazio Danti. Stretching over 120 meters, it's one of the world's largest pictorial geographical studies. The maps, alongside the intricate ceiling frescoes, offer a unique blend of art and science, making this gallery a fascinating stop for both art enthusiasts and history buffs.

Pio-Clementino Museum

Named after Pope Clement XIV and Pius VI, this museum houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures and artworks. Visitors can admire iconic pieces like the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. The museum's neoclassical halls provide an ideal backdrop for these timeless masterpieces, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

The Belvedere Courtyard

Designed by Donato Bramante, the Belvedere Courtyard originally served as a space to display classical sculptures and was key in the development of the High Renaissance architectural style. Today, it connects various parts of the museum and offers a serene outdoor space. The courtyard, adorned with elegant sculptures and fountains, is a perfect spot to appreciate the blend of art, architecture, and nature.

Gregorian Egyptian Museum

Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts within the Vatican Museums. This unique collection showcases the fascinating cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt, featuring items such as mummies, sarcophagi, statues of gods and goddesses,pieces related to the Book of the Dead papyrus.

Courtyard of the Pinecone

Named after the colossal bronze pinecone statue dating back to ancient Rome, the courtyard is a striking open-air space. This pinecone, once a Roman fountain, symbolizes eternal life and is set against the backdrop of a niche from the Temple of Isis. The courtyard also features two bronze peacocks, replicas of those from Hadrian's Mausoleum, adding to its historical allure. Surrounding the central sculptures are beautifully manicured gardens and impressive Renaissance architecture.

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens, covering about 23 hectares (57 acres), which is approximately half of the entire country's area, feature a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and a variety of buildings including Vatican Radio and the Governor's Palace. The gardens' history traces back to medieval times, initially featuring orchards and vineyards. They were formally established when Pope Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican in 1279, enclosing the area with walls and planting an orchard, lawn, and garden. It was opened to the public by Pope Francis in 2014.

Plan your visit

Viale Vaticano

Viale Vaticano

The Vatican Museums can be accessed using the entrance from Viale Vaticano. This is located on the north side of Vatican City and is the fastest way to reach the museums. You can purchase tickets to the museums at this entrance.

Via Della Conciliazione

Via Della Conciliazione

St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the Southeast side of Vatican City and can be accessed from Via Della Conciliazione. This entrance will get you right into St. Peter’s Square.

Travel guides and tips

15 fascinating Vatican City secrets you should know

15 fascinating Vatican City secrets you should know

Located in the center of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest autonomous state in the world and has an unmatched charm. For more than a millennium, this hallowed enclave, which serves as the administrative and spiritual hub of the Roman Catholic Church, has represented faith, authority, and secrecy. Only a small number of people are […]

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What our guests say

Sanjay B

United States
Family
Last week

+1 more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the Colosseum. The sheer size of the structure is incredible, and we were completely blown away. Walking through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum felt like stepping back in time and experiencing the history of one of the greatest empires the world has ever known. An unforgettable experience and an absolute must-visit in Rome!

Combo: Colosseum + Vatican Museums Pass

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