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Museums

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets

Entrance to the Vatican Museums with sculptures above the door in Rome.
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museum, admiring detailed frescoes.
Statue of river god Oceanus surrounded by figures in Vatican Museums.
Marble statues in the Vatican Museums corridor, part of the skip-the-line tour.

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Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Discover the famous Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps with fast-track entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, led in by a dedicated assistant.

By purchasing this ticket, you agree to follow our hosting instructions. .

4.4/5

(30,757)

Christina Victoria Hiromoto

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!
Christine Corrigan

Christine

Nov 2025
Verified booking
There was a blip meeting up with the host ,as we thought that it was a group thing and nobody was at the meeting place. The host text us when we'd made our way up to the entrance to the museum. We could not use the bar code on the confirmation as this is NOT a ticket. Apparently we were to ring the bell at the address but there was no indication to do that on our confirmation letter and the door where the address was, was for several.properties. It would be helpful if this was noted. Nevertheless our host found us and was really helpful at getting us straight on past the crowds. We were in there hours, lots to see and amazing collection. The Sistine Chapel was beautiful and steeped in the history of past conclaves.
Jean Sanchez

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.
    • See the private art collections of the popes over the centuries at the Vatican Museums and explore the Sistine Chapel, all with fast-track entry

    • Admire the coffered ceiling and the windows with triangular gables at Patrizi Montoro Palace, home to three paintings by Italian artist, Carvaggio.

    • Marvel at the "School of Athens," a fresco depicting an imaginary gathering of famous philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians in Raphael’s Room.

    • Enjoy entry with a designated host and marvel at the murals of the revered Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece, the 'Final Judgment'.

    • Fun fact: The Sistine Chapel's ceiling features over 300 figures and depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the creation of Adam.

    • Skip-the-line escorted entry into Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

    • Reserved entry ticket to Patrizi Montoro Palace

    • Designated host

    • Assistance from onsite representative

    • Professional tour guide

    • Audio guide (chargeable)

    • Transportation

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 30,757 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    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.

    16.7K
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    Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Christina Victoria Hiromoto

    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 Cavalera

    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 Rinaldi Djita

    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 Chaparro Gonzalez

    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.
    Mateusz Pawłowicz

    Mateusz

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    The Vatican Museum is a phenomenal treasure trove of history and art from many countries around the world, collected over many centuries. Meticulously collected and sometimes acquired, these works of art have adorned the chambers of many popes. Over time, the decision was made to open them to the general public, and they remain so to this day. I highly recommend it! This extraordinary treasure trove is truly worth visiting.
  • Head straight into the Vatican Museums

    Once you meet your host at the designated meeting point, you will take a short walk to the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Upon entering, you will be free to roam the Museum and Sistine Chapel at your own pace. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel boast the finest artwork ever to be made. Made up of 54 galleries, the Vatican Museums house one of the largest, and also the most important, collections of Renaissance art in the world. Built in the 15th century, the Sistine Chapel's walls and ceilings are covered in some of the most astounding frescoes ever produced.

    Marvel Michaelangelo's Final Judgement

    The 54th gallery of the Vatican Museums is the famed Sistine Chapel. Originally built in the 15th Century, the paintings by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel were painted in the 16th century. View many of the most famous frescoes in the world, including the famous ceiling and Final Judgement painted by Michelangelo. Not only does the Sistine Chapel hold some of the world's most precious works of art, but it is also still used for religious purposes such as the Papal Conclave - the process through which a new Pope is chosen.

    Sites covered

    Vatican Museum and its Walls | Pigna Courtyard | Pius Clementino Museum | Candelabra Gallery | Tapestries Gallery | Raphael's Rooms | Sistine Chapel: Michaelangelo's Final Judgement and Creation of Adam fresco

  • Vatican Museums

    Monday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Tuesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Wednesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Thursday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Friday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    SundayClosed

    Sistine Chapel

    Monday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Wednesday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    SundayClosed
  • Accessibility

    • People with wheelchair disabilities get free entry. The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire from the cloakroom.

    • The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified disability exceeding 74%). Additionally, in the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.

    • Certification of disability must be shown before the issue of the entrance tickets either at the Reception or at the Special Permits Desk, located in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums.

    • This experience is not accessible by pram/strollers.

    What's not allowed

    • Late arrivals will not be accommodated.

    Additional Information

    • Please note the chosen time must be respected and latecomers will not be accommodated.

    • Please be dressed appropriately. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Your head, knees, and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Comfortable shoes are recommended. We recommend you carry a shawl or a scarf to cover your head.

    • Audio guides can be rented inside the Museums and are charged.

    • The tour assistants will help you enter the Vatican Museums and our services will end with the ticket delivery at the entrance (lobby) of the Museums.

    • There is a security check at the entrance of the Vatican Museum.

    • Adding external guides is not allowed.

    • Please follow the hosting instructions inside the Vatican Museums. Not complying with these will lead to ticket cancellations.

    • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures.

    • The Sistine Chapel will close early on the following dates in January 2026, as follows:

      • January 3, 2026: Closes at 2pm (last entry 1pm)

      • January 9, 2026: Closes at 2pm (last entry 1pm)

      • January 10, 2026: Closes at 1pm (last entry 12pm)

      • The Vatican Museums will remain open as usual on all these dates.

    • The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.

    • Note: Michelangelo’s Last Judgement will undergo maintenance until March 2026. While the Sistine Chapel remains open, views of the fresco may be partially obstructed by scaffolding.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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