Vatican Museums: Tickets, tours & tips for visiting the Sistine Chapel

Whenever I travel to Rome, the Vatican Museums are one of my must-see stops. Walking through its galleries feels like stepping into centuries of history and art. I’ve visited several times and, despite the crowds, it’s always worth it.

👉 To avoid long lines, the smartest option is to book a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour, so you skip the wait and enjoy the highlights with expert explanations.

📌 Before diving in, I also recommend my guides to things to do in Rome and where to stay in Rome to help you plan a complete trip.

🎨 How many museums are there in the Vatican?

Technically, the Vatican Museums are not a single museum but a complex of over 20 museums and galleries. Inside, you’ll find some of the most important art collections in the world, from classical sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces.

Highlights include the Vatican Pinacoteca, the Egyptian Museum, the Raphael Rooms, and of course the Sistine Chapel.

👉 If it’s your first visit, booking a Vatican Museum tour is the best way to focus on the must-see collections without feeling overwhelmed.

🏛️ What museums are must see at the Vatican?

While the complex is huge, here are the must-see things in the Vatican Museums:

• Gallery of Maps → a breathtaking corridor with 16th-century painted maps of Italy.

• Raphael Rooms → home to the artist’s most famous frescoes.

• Egyptian Museum → filled with sarcophagi, mummies, and statues brought from Egypt.

• Sistine Chapel → the highlight of the visit, featuring Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.

👉 Entrance to the Sistine Chapel is included in the general Vatican Museum tickets. For a deeper experience, book a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel guided tour.

🎟️ Where to book Vatican Museum tickets?

You can buy tickets directly from the official Vatican Museums website, but expect long lines—especially during high season.

👉 My tip: book a skip-the-line Vatican Museum ticket or join a guided tour. That way, you walk straight in and don’t waste precious time queuing.

For those looking for a full experience, a Vatican Museum pass can also include the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

⏰ Vatican Museum opening hours

• Monday to Saturday → 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm).

• Last Sunday of every month → free entry, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (very crowded).

• Closed on other Sundays and religious holidays.

👉 If you’re visiting Rome on a weekend, plan ahead and make sure to book your Vatican Museum tickets in advance.

📅 What is the best day to visit the Vatican Museums?

The busiest days are Saturdays and Mondays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally calmer.

Avoid the last Sunday of the month, since free entry attracts huge crowds.

👉 A great idea is to start with a free walking tour around the Vatican, then head into the museums with your reserved ticket.

❓ FAQs about the Vatican Museums

What is the most famous piece in the Vatican Museums?
Without a doubt, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling is the most famous masterpiece, followed closely by Raphael’s frescoes.

Are Vatican Museums free to enter?
Only on the last Sunday of every month (9 am – 2 pm). Otherwise, you’ll need to buy tickets.

Can I enter St. Peter’s Basilica for free?
Yes, entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, though security lines can be long.

Why can’t you take photos in the Sistine Chapel?
Photography is strictly forbidden to protect the frescoes and preserve the sacred atmosphere.

📝 Final tips for visiting the Vatican Museums

• Always book Vatican Museum tickets in advance, especially during high season.

• Wear comfortable shoes—the visit can last several hours.

• Bring a scarf or cover-up, as modest clothing is required in Vatican City.

• For the best experience, consider a guided Vatican Museum tour including the Sistine Chapel.

• Complete your day with a free tour around St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican City area.

✅ With this guide, you now have everything you need to plan your visit to the Vatican Museums—from ticket options and must-see collections to practical tips that make the experience smoother.

👉 Don’t miss my other guides to where to eat in Rome and Rome day trips to make the most of your Italian adventure.