DO's and DONT's : How to Avoid Lines and Crowds in Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel were visited by over 6 million guests in 2018, making it the 4th most frequently visited museum in the world. In consequence, the Vatican Museums have been massively overcrowded with very long lines at its gates.

If you are participating in the Wednesday Audience with Pope Francis DO NOT plan to visit the Vatican Museums after the Audience as there are as a rule extremely overcrowded.

Typical crowd inside Vatican Museums on Wednesday afternoon

DO visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on Tuesday morning or Thursday morning, possibly before the Vatican Museums open to general public.

Fewer people when you visit before 0900 am

DO consider very early start at 0800 am and be first to visit .

The best time to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

BOOK YOUR SKIP LINE TICKETS FOR SELF GUIDED VISITS BEFORE VATICAN MUSEUMS OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC:

book 0830 am to 0900 am entry

book 0815 am to 0830 am entry

BOOK YOUR SEMI PRIVATE or PRIVATE TOUR of Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica:

book 0815 am tour