Reserve ahead
Book official Vatican Museums tickets online, especially for weekends and high season. St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, though queues can be long.
Before you go
The details
that matter.
A calm, useful guide to tickets, timing, what to wear and finding your way around the world's smallest country.
01 Visitor essentials
Arrive ready.
Stay present.
A little preparation leaves more room for the art, the architecture and the quiet moments in between.
Build an itinerary →Dress for sacred spaces
Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid hats inside the basilica and chapel, and choose comfortable shoes for several hours on your feet.
Bring the right bag
Large luggage, tripods and sharp objects are not permitted. Small day bags are easiest; the cloakroom is available for items that cannot enter.
Plan for security
Allow extra time for airport-style checks at St. Peter's Square and the Museums entrance. Keep your ticket and identification close.
A smoother day
Know before
you arrive.
Use these quick notes to shape a visit that feels like yours. Tap a heading for the detail.
Museums are generally open Monday to Saturday, with seasonal hours and occasional closures. Check the official calendar before travelling.
Step-free routes and accessible facilities are available in the Museums and basilica. Contact the venue ahead of time for tailored assistance.
Photography without flash is usually welcome in the Museums. Photography and filming are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
Getting there
Start from the
right door.
Viale Vaticano
Use the Museums entrance on the north side of the city. Ottaviano and Cipro are the closest Metro A stops.
St. Peter's Square
Enter from Via della Conciliazione and follow the signs toward the colonnade and security line.
Come early
The square is at its most spacious in the first light. Arrive before 8am for a slower beginning.