Combos

Combo (Save 20%): Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.

Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.

Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro at Vatican Museum, Vatican City.

Vatican Museums gallery with classical statues and ornate ceiling.

Open today

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.3/5

(39,434)

Christina

Jan 2026

Verified booking

I've been to the Vatican Museums before, and both times have really been a great experience. The first time I had a 4:30pm booking on a weekday and the crowds were very little. There was still a line outside the museums we had to wait in, and another line inside to scan our passes. This time we booked with Headout for 8:30am on a tuesday morning. It felt much easier as we were escorted as a group through the lines by simply scanning our tickets. It was also not too crowded during that time! We personally wanted to have an entire morning and Headout had tickets left (The Vatican website did not) for those times. It was nice because we were not rushing at all. Definitely avoid the lunch hours to beat the crowds! Also they have a cafe/food area--lifesaver!

Jean

Dec 2025

Verified booking

Absolutely worth every penny. We visited on a rainy, extremely crowded day, and the difference between having skip-the-line tickets and not having them was dramatic. Lines for general entry were long, slow, and exposed to the rain, while we were able to enter smoothly and efficiently with minimal waiting. Traveling as a family, this saved us a huge amount of time and stress and allowed us to actually enjoy the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel instead of standing outside for hours. Even in bad weather and peak crowds, everything was well organized and the experience inside was unforgettable. I would 100% recommend skip-the-line tickets—especially during busy seasons or poor weather.

Dos

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel offer an exceptional cultural experience, combining unparalleled artistic richness with a unique spiritual atmosphere. The diversity of the works on display, ranging from ancient sculptures to paintings by masters such as Michelangelo, allows for a deep immersion in the history of art and religion. The Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent ceiling, is a masterpiece that inspires wonder and reflection. However, crowds can sometimes be dense, which can detract from the tranquility of the visit. It is therefore advisable to plan your visit outside of peak hours to fully enjoy it.

Experience two of Rome’s most iconic sites in one seamless visit, skipping long lines while exploring the basilica’s sacred treasures and the Vatican’s masterpieces.

Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.

Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, and stroll through the historic Patrizi Montoro Palace.

Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German

English guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (as per option selected)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

English guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)

Transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

39,434 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Myrsini
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Me and my boyfriend come from Greece and Croatia. We absolutely adored the vatican museum. Not only the architecture of the building, its beautiful staircases, ceilings and floors, but mainly the variety of collections presented to us. As a greek I learned a lot about my own country as well given the opportunity to see with my own eyes the wonderful sculptures and the references to greek mythology! We did not book a tour guide but nevertheless the descriptions were completely understandable and informative. We really felt like we traveled back in time, starting with the egyptian culture and amazing collection. Even the lighting in the museum was suitable to complement the presentation! The roman and greek sculpture part of the museum made us feel as if the art was alive, watching us walk around! Natural lighting again made its own touch. The indoor gardens left us speechless and we took sometime off to gaze the scenery sarounded by beautiful nature. Nobody can describe the feeling of walking through the painted rooms since we ended up spending a lot of time observing each and every little detail on the ceilings, the painted maps around the walls and the homemade carpets. The maps taught us a lot of information and we spent some time reviewing each of them. The variation of paintings in the gallery was one of the best we have ever seen. Different artists, styles, talents and timelines filled our brains with information and our eyes with beauty. The journey was truly impressive and soul touching. It is incredible how we started "travelling" from egypt all the way to greece and italy in just one museum! All this journey along with a happy heavenly ending into the Sistine Chapel were we could rest and admire a room full of art and faith. We will definitely visit again soon and this time book in advance to get all the benefits along with the garden tour. Amazing experience for all people, kids and adults. 🙂😍
Christina
Jan 2026
Verified booking
I've been to the Vatican Museums before, and both times have really been a great experience. The first time I had a 4:30pm booking on a weekday and the crowds were very little. There was still a line outside the museums we had to wait in, and another line inside to scan our passes. This time we booked with Headout for 8:30am on a tuesday morning. It felt much easier as we were escorted as a group through the lines by simply scanning our tickets. It was also not too crowded during that time! We personally wanted to have an entire morning and Headout had tickets left (The Vatican website did not) for those times. It was nice because we were not rushing at all. Definitely avoid the lunch hours to beat the crowds! Also they have a cafe/food area--lifesaver!
Marzia
Jan 2026
Verified booking
My experience with Headout was truly special! It all started with a quick and easy booking on the website: clear, intuitive, and with lots of options available. But what made the visit unique was the impeccable organization: no waiting, easy access, and above all, knowledgeable and engaging guides. I chose a cultural tour and, thanks to Headout, I discovered interesting facts and details that I would never have noticed on my own. Punctuality, friendliness, and professionalism made all the difference. I will definitely use them again for my next experiences!
Rian
Jan 2026
Verified booking
The guide was spectacular. She spoke 6 different languages ( she's from Algeria?) and told me some tips how to enjoy more the tour. The app downloaded before the trip was so helpful too. The price is also affordable. Glad that I bought it since I was able to skip the line. Otherwise it's gonna be 2 hours waiting in the line which something I couldnt affors. I was bunmed that I didn't get to see Sistince chapel since it was closed for the day for renovation but overall 9/10 experience for me. Highly recommended
Jordi
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Here's a professional reviewer. This is my third visit to the Vatican, and I'm really delighted. There were hardly any lines, the staff was super friendly, and everything was much better organized than I remembered. If I could add anything, it would be a couple more signs to guide people when leaving the museum, which would be great. Also, the prices weren't too bad in the cafeteria. I highly recommend a visit, but I did go during the off-season.

Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel plus full access to Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, with this hassle-free combo

Getting started

Begin at the designated meeting point near each site’s main entrance. Present your mobile ticket for validation and follow security procedures before entering. For guided options, your expert guide will introduce the experience and outline the highlights before you set off.

What to expect

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Dating to the 5th century, this major papal basilica is a cornerstone of Rome’s religious and artistic heritage, offering access to its terrace, museum, and sacred relics.

Features:

Mosaics and frescoes: Admire early Christian mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories and artistic mastery.

Crypt of the Nativity: Visit the site believed to house a relic from Jesus’ manger, a focal point for pilgrims.

Architectural highlights: Experience the basilica’s grand nave, ornate chapels, and architectural details spanning multiple eras.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Home to one of the world’s largest Renaissance art collections, the Vatican Museums span 54 galleries and include the renowned Sistine Chapel, celebrated for Michelangelo’s frescoes and its ongoing religious significance.

Features:

Sistine Chapel: Stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and view The Last Judgment, masterpieces central to Western art.

Raphael’s Rooms: Explore rooms adorned with frescoes like The School of Athens, illustrating the height of Renaissance creativity.

Galleries of Maps & Tapestries: Walk through corridors filled with vibrant cartography and woven narratives from the Renaissance era.

Pigna Courtyard & Vatican Walls: Discover outdoor and architectural highlights that frame the museum’s vast collections.

Vatican Museums

Monday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Tuesday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Wednesday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Thursday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Friday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Saturday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Sunday	Closed

Sistine Chapel

Monday	08:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Tuesday	08:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Wednesday	08:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Thursday	08:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Friday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Saturday	08:00am - 08:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Sunday	Closed

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Monday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Tuesday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Wednesday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Thursday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Friday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Saturday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am
Sunday	07:00am - 07:00am	last entry 06:30am

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes, as both experiences involve walking and climbing stairs.

Dress respectfully for religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless tops, and see-through clothing are not allowed. A shawl or scarf can be handy for head coverage if needed.

Carry a valid photo ID or passport that matches your booking details.

Keep your smartphone voucher ready to present at the entrance or to reception staff.

You may bring a camera for non-flash photography at the basilica.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage; lockers are available on site for storage.

Food and drinks, including water, are not permitted inside sacred areas.

Flash photography, tripods, filming equipment, and mobile phones in the Sistine Chapel are strictly prohibited.

Power banks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums.

Pets are not permitted except for registered service animals.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are forbidden on the premises.

Access through the Holy Door is not included.

Children under 7 cannot enter certain areas of the basilica, such as the Dome or underground sections.

Using external guides or leaving the assigned guide in the Vatican Museums is not permitted.

Accessibility

These experiences are not suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility difficulties, prams/strollers, or visitors with heart conditions, walking difficulties, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy.

Some sections involve stairs, narrow passageways, or other areas that may be difficult to access.

Additional information

General entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free. This ticket provides skip-the-line access for convenience.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.

Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance.

Vatican Museums guests will pass through airport-style security; during peak times, waits can be up to 30 minutes.

Both sites strictly enforce dress codes; non-compliance may result in denied entry.

Management may close certain sections due to force majeure, religious ceremonies, or weather; such closures do not qualify for refunds.

During Jubilee years or special ceremonies, some areas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, may be temporarily inaccessible.