Official Website of the Vatican Museums
How to Book Tickets and Plan Your Visit
What is the Vatican Museums’ official website?
The Vatican Museums is managed by the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage. The Pope, through the Vatican’s Governorate, makes the final decisions about the museum. The official Vatican website is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Dutch.
On the website, you can find important details such as ticket prices, entry tickets, guided tours, and garden tickets. It also offers practical visitor information like opening hours, floor maps, amenities, and entrances.
Choose the best ticket
Self-guided Vatican Museums entry ticket
- This is the cheapest and most popular Vatican Museums ticket
- You can choose from different time slots between 8 am and 4.30 pm
- Entry is only permitted at your selected time, but you can stay inside until closing
- Grants access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and choose the option with the audio guide
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel guided tour
- This 3-hour guided tour is available at multiple time slots: 7.45 am, 8.15 am, 9.15 am, 11.45 am, 12.15 pm, and 2.15 pm
- Group tour with a maximum of 20 people for a better experience
- You can choose the tour guide based on your preferred language: Spanish, English, Italian, etc
- Expert guide shares valuable insights into the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums
Papal General Audience ticket
- This Papal audience ticket starts at 7.30 am on Wednesday every week
- This group tour is limited to 20 people per guide. However, it is a grand event attended by thousands
- The Pope addresses the crowd, and you can learn about the history and tradition of the Papal Audience
- A personal audio headset ensures you hear the guide clearly
How to buy tickets through the official Vatican Museums website
Attraction and date selection
To start, visit the Vatican Museums’ official website. On the homepage, click the ‘Tickets’ option in the left navigation bar. Select “Book online your Tour” to view the four available ticket types:
- Museums and Vatican Collections
- Vatican Gardens
- Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex
- Vatican Necropolis
Once you select your preferred ticket type, you’ll be directed to a calendar interface. Choose your visit date, enter the number of visitors, and click Confirm.
Ticket selection
The next page will display all available ticket types for the selected option. You can also edit the date and number of tickets at this stage.
After selecting a ticket type, click Book Now. You will see the ticket prices and the option to select the number of tickets and preferred language.
There will be available time slots divided into three visits: morning, lunch, and afternoon. Choose the most convenient time and click Proceed.
Check-out & payment
On the booking details page, provide your contact details, including email and mobile number. You will also need to enter the names of the participants as listed on their IDs.
For payment, you can use your credit or debit card. Once payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt and downloadable e-tickets.
Present the e-tickets on your phone or as a printout at the entrance, and you’re ready to explore the Vatican Museums.
Plan your visit to the Vatican Museums
From Monday to Saturday, the Vatican Museums open at 8 am.
From Monday to Thursday, they close at 7 pm, while on Friday and Saturday, they close later – at 8 pm.
The last entry to the Vatican Museums is two hours before closure.
The Vatican Museums remain closed on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sundays of the month (last Sunday entry is free). They are also closed on 29 June, 14 & 15 August, 1 November, and 25 & 26 December.
The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is when the attraction opens for the day. The next best time is late afternoon when it’s less busy.
The best days to visit the Vatican Museums are Tuesday to Friday. Saturdays and Mondays are crowded since the Museums are closed on Sundays.
The best time of the year to visit the Vatican Museums is during the colder months from October to December.
- Metro: Board Line A to reach Ottaviano-San Pietro Metro Station (7-minute walk from the Vatican Museums’ entrance).
- Bus: Bus Viale Vaticano/Musei Vaticani (opposite to the Museums’ entrance) – Bus 49 stops here. Piazza del Risorgimento – Buses 32, 81, and 982 stop here (7-minute walk to Museums).
- Train: Roma Termini to St. Pietro Station (10-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square).
The Vatican Museums are accessible through the Viale Vaticano entrance, located on the north side of Vatican City. This entrance provides the quickest access to the Museums. There are three separate entrance lines:
- Line one – For visitors buying live tickets
- Line two – For visitors having skip-the-line tickets
- Line three – For guided tour ticket holders
Special Entrances for Visitors with Disabilities is located opposite the Pine Cone Courtyard for easier access.
The Vatican follows a strict dress code for men and women across all three attractions.
You won’t be allowed to enter the Museums if you refuse to comply with the Vatican dress code.
If you violate the dress code, you must buy a plastic cloak (poncho) at the entrance to cover shoulders and knees.
No sleeveless, low-cut tops, miniskirts or shorts.
FAQs about the Vatican Museums’ official website
What languages are available on the official website of the Vatican Museums?
The website is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Dutch.
Does the official Vatican Museums website offer any ticket discounts?
Yes, the website offers discounts for children aged 7 to 17 years and students up to 25 years with valid ID.
What to do if the tickets are sold out on the official Vatican website?
If tickets are sold out, don’t worry! Tickets are available on other trusted platforms offering options like skip-the-line access, guided tours, private tours, and combo tickets. You can buy Musuem tickets here.
What are the photography rules at the Vatican, as stated on the official website?
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Additionally, photography and videos are not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel. Always check the specific area’s photography guidelines before taking photos.
Does the official Vatican Museums website provide information on accessible services?
Yes, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible. The official Vatican Museums website provides detailed information on accessibility options, including ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs.
What payment methods are accepted on the official Vatican website?
The official Vatican Museums website accepts credit and debit cards, including major providers like Visa, MasterCard, and JCB.
