Published on 8 February 2025 Last updated on 2 March 2026 Citie to Travel Comments Off
With more than 6 million visitors per year, the Vatican Museums are among the most popular sights in Rome. But is a visit to the Vatican Museums really worth it, and is the museum as impressive as often claimed?
In this blog, I explain what you can expect during a visit to the Vatican Museums and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss. I also share practical tips about opening hours, tickets, waiting times, and the best time to visit the museum.
That way, you’ll know exactly whether the Vatican Museums fit into your itinerary during a city trip to Rome.
What are the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are an enormous museum complexin Vatican City, right next to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It consists of 12 museums, 3 chapels, and 5 galleries, all housed within the Apostolic Palaces.
Inside the Vatican Museums, you can admire one of the largest art collections in the world. In total, the collection includes more than 70,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and impressive Roman, Egyptian, and Greek antiquities. The most famous room is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, where you can see Michelangelo’s world-renowned ceiling.
The museums were built up and expanded by various popes, which means you’ll find art from different periods here — from classical antiquity to the Renaissance.
Why were the Vatican Museums built?
The Vatican Museums as we know them today were founded in 1503 by Pope Julius II. He decided to place his private collection of classical sculptures in the gardens of the Belvedere Palace in Vatican City.
The museums were originally intended to display the extensive papal art collection and antiquities that had been gathered by various popes in the centuries before. One of the first and most famous sculptures placed here is the Laocoön Group, which can still be admired in the museum today.
Over the years, the collection continued to expand, and the Vatican Museums grew into one of the most important art collections in the world.
What should you see in the Vatican Museums?
In total, the Vatican Museums consist of 12 museums, 3 chapels, and 5 galleries. Due to their enormous size, it’s impossible to explore everything in detail during a single visit.
Over the past ten years, I’ve been to Rome more than ten times and have visited the Vatican Museums several times — and I still haven’t seen everything. That says enough about how vast and diverse this museum complex truly is.
That’s why it’s smart to decide in advance which highlights you want to see, especially if you’re visiting the Vatican Museums for the first time.
Below, you’ll find my selection of the 6 most important attractions that you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your first visit.
1. The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel is undoubtedly the most famous part of the Vatican Museums. The chapel was built between 1477 and 1480 by order of Pope Sixtus IV, after whom the building is named.
Several renowned artists contributed to the decoration of the chapel, including Sandro Botticelli and, of course, Michelangelo. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is especially world-famous. Here, Michelangelo painted impressive frescoes, including The Creation of Adam. His masterpiece The Last Judgment was later added to the altar wall.
The Sistine Chapel is not only an art historical highlight, but it still has an important religious function today. This is where the conclave takes place: the closed meeting of cardinals in which a new pope is elected. The most recent conclave took place from May 7 to May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. During this conclave, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Clear rules apply when visiting the Sistine Chapel. Photography and filming are not permitted in order to protect Michelangelo’s centuries-old frescoes from light damage. In addition, it is a sacred space where silence and respect are required. The same dress code rules apply here as in the rest of Vatican City; those who do not comply may be denied entry.
How long you stay in the chapel is, of course, up to you. On average, visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes in the Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest areas within the Vatican Museums and that it can often be very crowded.
2. Sphere Within Sphere
In the middle of the courtyard of the Vatican Museums stands the impressive bronze artwork Sphere Within Sphere by the Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. The sculpture has a diameter of about four meters and was created in the 1960s.
At first glance, the shiny sphere appears perfectly round, but on closer inspection you can see that the outer layer has been broken open. Inside, there is a second, complex sphere with gear-like structures. The artwork symbolizes the fragility and complexity of the modern world.
Although several versions of Sphere Within Sphere exist worldwide, the one in the Vatican Museums is among the most famous. The courtyard is part of the route toward the Sistine Chapel, so you will automatically pass by it during your visit. From here, you also have a beautiful view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The courtyards additionally offer wonderful photo opportunities of the architecture and artworks.
At the edge of this courtyard, there is also a café where you can take a break during your visit. With a cup of coffee or a light lunch, you can enjoy the view of the square and the surrounding artworks. Especially on busy days, this is a pleasant place to recharge before continuing your route through the Vatican Museums.
3. Galleria delle carte geografiche
The Gallery of Maps is one of the most impressive halls within the Vatican Museums. This long gallery was created between 1580 and 1585 by order of Pope Gregory XIII and displays detailed maps of the Italian regions as they were known in the sixteenth century.
The gallery is approximately 120 meters long and is based on the designs of the Italian astronomer and mathematician Ignazio Danti. Along both sides of the corridor hang large, colorful maps that at the time provided an accurate representation of the various territories belonging to the Papal States.
What makes this space even more special is its richly decorated ceiling. While many visitors focus mainly on the maps, it is certainly worth looking up as well. The combination of art, cartography, and architecture makes this gallery one of the most beautiful passageways on the way to the Sistine Chapel. Thanks to its long, straight layout, it is also one of the most photographed spots in the Vatican Museums.
4. Raphael's rooms in the Vatican Museums.
The Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello) are part of the former private apartments of Pope Julius II in the Apostolic Palace. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the young artist Raphael was commissioned to decorate these rooms. Together with his students, he created some of the most important frescoes of the Renaissance here.
The four rooms — the Room of the Segnatura, the Room of Heliodorus, the Room of the Fire in the Borgo, and the Room of Constantine — are named after the scenes depicted on their walls.
The most famous fresco is undoubtedly The School of Athens, located in the Room of the Segnatura. This masterpiece portrays famous philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle and is considered a highlight of Renaissance art. The other rooms depict religious and historical scenes, including the Coronation of Charlemagne.
The Raphael Rooms together form one of the absolute highlights of the Vatican Museums and offer an impressive insight into the art and intellectual world of the Renaissance. Take your time here to study the details in the frescoes — the longer you look, the more you will discover.
5. Museo Pio-Clementino
The Museo Pio-Clementino is one of the most important parts of the Vatican Museums and consists of several halls filled with classical sculptures. The museum was founded in 1770 by Pope Clement XIV and later expanded by Pope Pius VI, to whom it owes its name.
Here, you can admire an impressive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. Among the most famous works are the Apollo Belvedere, the Laocoön Group, and the Triumphing Perseus. Many of the statues you see here are Roman copies of original Greek sculptures, which have unfortunately been lost.
The Laocoön Group was discovered in Rome in 1506 and made such a strong impression that Pope Julius II almost immediately added it to the papal collection. It went on to become one of the most famous sculptures in the Vatican.
Most of the sculptures are made of marble and are remarkably well preserved. What makes this museum so special is the combination of strength, emotion, and detail in the statues. Take your time to look around carefully; the longer you study the sculptures, the more details you will discover.
6. The Bramante Staircase
The Bramante Staircase is officially not an artwork within the collection of the Vatican Museums, but it is one of the most photographed features of the museum. As you leave the museum, you will naturally come across this impressive double spiral staircase.
Although the staircase is often attributed to Donato Bramante, the current version was designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932. He was inspired by an earlier spiral staircase that was built in the early sixteenth century by order of Pope Julius II.
What makes this staircase so special is its double helix structure. The two staircases spiral around each other without crossing, allowing visitors to walk up and down in an elegant way. Due to its funnel-shaped design — which becomes narrower toward the bottom — it creates a spectacular optical effect when viewed from above.
It is therefore no surprise that this is one of the most popular photo spots within the Vatican Museums.
How long does a visit to the Vatican Museums take?
A visit to the Vatican Museums takes on average 2 to 3 hours if you mainly want to see the most important highlights, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms.
If you would like to explore the collection more extensively or choose a guided tour (for example in combination with St. Peter’s Basilica), you should allow 4 to 5 hours or longer for your visit to the Vatican Museums.
Important to know: the Sistine Chapel cannot be visited separately. To reach the chapel, you must first walk through the Vatican Museums. Even if you do not plan to explore the museum in detail, you will need an entrance ticket and must follow the designated museum route.
The route to the Sistine Chapel alone takes an average of 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
What is the best walking route in the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums consist of more than 7 kilometers of corridors and halls. Without a plan, you can easily end up wandering aimlessly through the museum or missing important highlights. That’s why it’s smart to have a general route in mind beforehand.
The designated museum route always ultimately leads to the Sistine Chapel, which is the final stop of your visit. You cannot visit the chapel first and then return to other rooms afterward.
Recommended order of highlights
If you want to see the most important works in about 2 to 3 hours, you can follow this order:
1. Start as early as possible at opening time to avoid the biggest crowds.
2. Visit the Museo Pio-Clementino (including the Laocoön Group and the Apollo Belvedere).
3. Continue to the Gallery of Maps.
4. Then head to the Raphael Rooms.
5. Finish at the Sistine Chapel.
If you have more time, you can explore additional rooms along the way. If you have less time, focus on these highlights and follow the clear signage in the museum.
It is strongly recommended to book your tickets online in advance so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Yes, the Vatican Museums can certainly be visited with children. However, good preparation is important to keep the visit enjoyable and manageable.
It’s best to choose an early morning time slot to avoid the largest crowds. It can quickly become very busy, meaning you may not always be able to move through the museum easily or may have to wait before getting a good view of something. That can be quite tiring for children. With younger kids, I would mainly focus on a few highlights, such as the Sistine Chapel and some impressive sculptures, rather than trying to see the entire museum.
There are also special family-friendly guided tours available, often including treasure hunts or interactive explanations. This usually makes the visit more engaging and easier for children to understand.
According to the current policy, children under the age of 7 receive free admission, but always check this in advance when booking your tickets.
It’s advisable to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long waiting times, especially when traveling with children.
Based on my visits to the Vatican Museums, I have a few practical tips that can help you plan your visit.
Go as early as possible. Around opening time (8:00 AM), it is usually quieter than later in the day.
Book your tickets online in advance. This helps you avoid long waiting times at the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk several kilometers through corridors and halls.
Keep the dress code in mind. Shoulders and knees must be covered, especially if you are also visiting the Sistine Chapel.
Focus on the highlights. Don’t try to see everything in one visit. Decide in advance what you really want to explore.
Take your time in the Sistine Chapel. Many visitors walk through quickly, but this is the absolute highlight of the museum.
What is the best day to visit the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are among the most visited attractions in Rome. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, it’s best to visit on a Tuesday or Thursday.
As for timing, it’s smart to arrive right at opening time (around 8:00 AM) or later in the day, for example after 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM. I personally usually plan my visit around 8:00 AM; at that time, it’s still relatively quiet and you have a bit more space to explore the rooms at your own pace.
Mondays and Saturdays are generally busier. The last Sunday of the month, when admission is free, also attracts large numbers of visitors.
In terms of season, the months from November through February (excluding the Christmas period) are usually quieter than spring and summer.
Keep in mind that on Wednesday mornings there is often a papal audience held in St. Peter’s Square. As a result, the area around Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica can be extra crowded. The Vatican Museums remain open as usual, and it may even be slightly quieter inside because many visitors gather in the square instead.
The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month. In addition, the museum is closed on several Catholic holidays, including January 1 and 6, May 1, June 29, and December 25 and 26. Always check the official website before your visit for the most up-to-date closing dates.
What are the opening hours of the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The last entry is at 5:00 PM.
On Sundays, the museums are closed, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month. In addition, the Vatican Museums are closed on several Catholic holidays.
Please note that opening hours may change. Therefore, always check the official website in advance for the most up-to-date information.
Where is the entrance to the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are not accessible via St. Peter’s Square. The entrance is located on the other side of Vatican City, along Viale Vaticano.
Follow the signs to “Musei Vaticani”; they will lead you directly to the official entrance gate of the museum. Keep in mind that the queue can stretch along the walls of Vatican City, especially on busy days. From St. Peter’s Square, it is about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Address: Vatican Museums Viale Vaticano 00120 Vatican City
How do you get to the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are easily accessible by public transportation in Rome.
By metro: Take metro line A and get off at the Ottaviano – San Pietro – Musei Vaticani stop. From here, it’s about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
By bus: Bus line 49 stops almost directly in front of the entrance at the Viale Vaticano / Musei Vaticani stop.
Prefer to walk? From St. Peter’s Square, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Is it possible to visit the Vatican Museums without a reservation?
Yes, you can buy tickets for the Vatican Museums on site. However, this is usually not recommended.
The museums attract thousands of visitors every day, which means the queue at the ticket counters can become quite long. During busy periods, it is not uncommon to wait one to several hours before entering.
If you want to save time, it is wiser to reserve your tickets online in advance. This gives you a reserved time slot and generally allows you to enter more quickly. Keep in mind, however, that even with a pre-booked ticket, you may still have to wait briefly at the security check.
How much does a visit to the Vatican Museums cost?
There are several ticket options to visit the Vatican Museums. Below you will find the most commonly chosen ones.
1. Admission ticket without an audio guide
If you would like to visit the Vatican Museums independently, you can choose a standard admission ticket. These tickets are available online from approximately €32 per person (prices may vary).
With a pre-booked ticket, you can select your preferred date and time slot for your visit.
Would you like more background information during your visit, but still explore at your own pace? Then an admission ticket with an audio guide is a good option. You’ll receive additional explanations about the most important artworks and highlights of the Vatican Museums.
These tickets are slightly more expensive than a standard ticket, but they provide more context during your visit. In most cases, you also benefit from a reserved time slot, allowing you to avoid the long queue at the ticket office.
3. Visit Vatican Museums with the Go City Explorer Pass
With the Go City Explorer Pass, you get access to the Vatican Museums (without a guided tour) and can also visit several other attractions in Rome. This can be cost-effective if you want to combine multiple sights during your city trip.
Indicative prices:
Adults: from €89 Children (5–15 years): from €69
The exact price depends on the number of attractions you choose.
Not sure which option best suits your visit? Here’s a short guideline:
1. Choose a standard admission ticket if you want to see the highlights and decide your own route.
2. Choose a ticket with an audio guide if you would like more background information but don’t need an organized tour.
3. Choose the Go City Explorer Pass if you want to combine multiple attractions in Rome and arrange everything in advance.
If you’re visiting the Vatican Museums for the first time, a ticket with an audio guide is usually the best choice. You’ll receive additional explanations about the main artworks, giving your visit more context.
During my first visits, I always chose a ticket with an audio guide. By now, I’ve been to the Vatican Museums several times and usually opt for a standard admission ticket without an audio guide, as I’m already familiar with most of the highlights.
Is a visit to the Vatican Museums worth it?
Over the past ten years, I’ve been to Rome more than ten times and have visited the Vatican Museums several times. During my first visit, I wanted to go in spontaneously, but there was a queue of more than two to three hours just to buy a ticket. After that, I would also have had to wait at the security check. In total, it would have taken more than four hours before I could actually enter. In the end, I decided to postpone my visit.
On later visits, I always bought my tickets online in advance. During my first few visits, I chose a ticket with an audio guide so I could get more explanations about the artworks. By now, I’m familiar with most of the highlights and usually choose a standard admission ticket without an audio guide.
I’ve visited the Vatican Museums at different times of the day and would recommend going as early as possible, preferably around opening time (8:00 AM). You generally have more space to explore the rooms calmly and take photos. During one visit in the middle of the day, it was so crowded that I had to move through the museum at a slow shuffle and barely had time to truly pause and appreciate the artworks. Since then, I always book the earliest possible time slot.
I usually combine a visit to the Vatican Museums with St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Castel Sant’Angelo (the Castle of the Holy Angel), all of which are within walking distance.
During my most recent visit, in June 2025, I did not go inside because the Sistine Chapel was temporarily closed following the conclave. In addition, 2025 was a Holy Year in Rome, which made the city — and the museums — even busier than usual.
Whether a visit to the Vatican Museums is worth it for you depends on your interests. Personally, I absolutely think it’s worth it. The museum offers a unique combination of religious history, classical antiquity, and Renaissance art, with the world-famous Sistine Chapel as its highlight.
If you’re not particularly interested in art or history and prefer to avoid large crowds, you might be better off skipping a visit to the Vatican Museums.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Museums
Do you need to reserve tickets for the Vatican Museums in advance?
It’s not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Without a reservation, you may face long waiting times at the entrance.
How long do you have to wait at the Vatican Museums?
That depends on the season and the time of day. Without a pre-booked ticket, the waiting time can extend to several hours. With a reserved time slot, the wait is usually limited to the security check.
Can you visit the Sistine Chapel separately?
No. The Sistine Chapel is part of the designated museum route. You can only reach the chapel through the Vatican Museums.
How much time do you need for the Vatican Museums?
For the main highlights, you should allow 2 to 3 hours. If you want to explore everything more thoroughly, you will easily spend 4 to 5 hours or longer.
Are the Vatican Museums suitable for children?
Yes, but good preparation is important. Preferably visit early in the day and focus on a limited number of highlights.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Right at opening time (around 8:00 AM) is usually quieter than later in the day.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city break. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. This allows me to continue maintaining Cities To Travel and sharing up-to-date travel tips.
Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Vatican Museums in Rome: Is it worth a visit?
With more than 6 million visitors per year, the Vatican Museums are among the most popular sights in Rome. But is a visit to the Vatican Museums really worth it, and is the museum as impressive as often claimed?
In this blog, I explain what you can expect during a visit to the Vatican Museums and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss. I also share practical tips about opening hours, tickets, waiting times, and the best time to visit the museum.
That way, you’ll know exactly whether the Vatican Museums fit into your itinerary during a city trip to Rome.
What are the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are an enormous museum complexin Vatican City, right next to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It consists of 12 museums, 3 chapels, and 5 galleries, all housed within the Apostolic Palaces.
Inside the Vatican Museums, you can admire one of the largest art collections in the world. In total, the collection includes more than 70,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and impressive Roman, Egyptian, and Greek antiquities. The most famous room is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, where you can see Michelangelo’s world-renowned ceiling.
The museums were built up and expanded by various popes, which means you’ll find art from different periods here — from classical antiquity to the Renaissance.
Why were the Vatican Museums built?
The Vatican Museums as we know them today were founded in 1503 by Pope Julius II. He decided to place his private collection of classical sculptures in the gardens of the Belvedere Palace in Vatican City.
The museums were originally intended to display the extensive papal art collection and antiquities that had been gathered by various popes in the centuries before. One of the first and most famous sculptures placed here is the Laocoön Group, which can still be admired in the museum today.
Over the years, the collection continued to expand, and the Vatican Museums grew into one of the most important art collections in the world.
What should you see in the Vatican Museums?
In total, the Vatican Museums consist of 12 museums, 3 chapels, and 5 galleries. Due to their enormous size, it’s impossible to explore everything in detail during a single visit.
Over the past ten years, I’ve been to Rome more than ten times and have visited the Vatican Museums several times — and I still haven’t seen everything. That says enough about how vast and diverse this museum complex truly is.
That’s why it’s smart to decide in advance which highlights you want to see, especially if you’re visiting the Vatican Museums for the first time.
Below, you’ll find my selection of the 6 most important attractions that you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your first visit.
1. The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel is undoubtedly the most famous part of the Vatican Museums. The chapel was built between 1477 and 1480 by order of Pope Sixtus IV, after whom the building is named.
Several renowned artists contributed to the decoration of the chapel, including Sandro Botticelli and, of course, Michelangelo. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is especially world-famous. Here, Michelangelo painted impressive frescoes, including The Creation of Adam. His masterpiece The Last Judgment was later added to the altar wall.
The Sistine Chapel is not only an art historical highlight, but it still has an important religious function today. This is where the conclave takes place: the closed meeting of cardinals in which a new pope is elected. The most recent conclave took place from May 7 to May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. During this conclave, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Clear rules apply when visiting the Sistine Chapel. Photography and filming are not permitted in order to protect Michelangelo’s centuries-old frescoes from light damage. In addition, it is a sacred space where silence and respect are required. The same dress code rules apply here as in the rest of Vatican City; those who do not comply may be denied entry.
How long you stay in the chapel is, of course, up to you. On average, visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes in the Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest areas within the Vatican Museums and that it can often be very crowded.
2. Sphere Within Sphere
In the middle of the courtyard of the Vatican Museums stands the impressive bronze artwork Sphere Within Sphere by the Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. The sculpture has a diameter of about four meters and was created in the 1960s.
At first glance, the shiny sphere appears perfectly round, but on closer inspection you can see that the outer layer has been broken open. Inside, there is a second, complex sphere with gear-like structures. The artwork symbolizes the fragility and complexity of the modern world.
Although several versions of Sphere Within Sphere exist worldwide, the one in the Vatican Museums is among the most famous. The courtyard is part of the route toward the Sistine Chapel, so you will automatically pass by it during your visit. From here, you also have a beautiful view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The courtyards additionally offer wonderful photo opportunities of the architecture and artworks.
At the edge of this courtyard, there is also a café where you can take a break during your visit. With a cup of coffee or a light lunch, you can enjoy the view of the square and the surrounding artworks. Especially on busy days, this is a pleasant place to recharge before continuing your route through the Vatican Museums.
3. Galleria delle carte geografiche
The Gallery of Maps is one of the most impressive halls within the Vatican Museums. This long gallery was created between 1580 and 1585 by order of Pope Gregory XIII and displays detailed maps of the Italian regions as they were known in the sixteenth century.
The gallery is approximately 120 meters long and is based on the designs of the Italian astronomer and mathematician Ignazio Danti. Along both sides of the corridor hang large, colorful maps that at the time provided an accurate representation of the various territories belonging to the Papal States.
What makes this space even more special is its richly decorated ceiling. While many visitors focus mainly on the maps, it is certainly worth looking up as well. The combination of art, cartography, and architecture makes this gallery one of the most beautiful passageways on the way to the Sistine Chapel. Thanks to its long, straight layout, it is also one of the most photographed spots in the Vatican Museums.
4. Raphael's rooms in the Vatican Museums.
The Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello) are part of the former private apartments of Pope Julius II in the Apostolic Palace. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the young artist Raphael was commissioned to decorate these rooms. Together with his students, he created some of the most important frescoes of the Renaissance here.
The four rooms — the Room of the Segnatura, the Room of Heliodorus, the Room of the Fire in the Borgo, and the Room of Constantine — are named after the scenes depicted on their walls.
The most famous fresco is undoubtedly The School of Athens, located in the Room of the Segnatura. This masterpiece portrays famous philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle and is considered a highlight of Renaissance art. The other rooms depict religious and historical scenes, including the Coronation of Charlemagne.
The Raphael Rooms together form one of the absolute highlights of the Vatican Museums and offer an impressive insight into the art and intellectual world of the Renaissance. Take your time here to study the details in the frescoes — the longer you look, the more you will discover.
5. Museo Pio-Clementino
The Museo Pio-Clementino is one of the most important parts of the Vatican Museums and consists of several halls filled with classical sculptures. The museum was founded in 1770 by Pope Clement XIV and later expanded by Pope Pius VI, to whom it owes its name.
Here, you can admire an impressive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. Among the most famous works are the Apollo Belvedere, the Laocoön Group, and the Triumphing Perseus. Many of the statues you see here are Roman copies of original Greek sculptures, which have unfortunately been lost.
The Laocoön Group was discovered in Rome in 1506 and made such a strong impression that Pope Julius II almost immediately added it to the papal collection. It went on to become one of the most famous sculptures in the Vatican.
Most of the sculptures are made of marble and are remarkably well preserved. What makes this museum so special is the combination of strength, emotion, and detail in the statues. Take your time to look around carefully; the longer you study the sculptures, the more details you will discover.
6. The Bramante Staircase
The Bramante Staircase is officially not an artwork within the collection of the Vatican Museums, but it is one of the most photographed features of the museum. As you leave the museum, you will naturally come across this impressive double spiral staircase.
Although the staircase is often attributed to Donato Bramante, the current version was designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932. He was inspired by an earlier spiral staircase that was built in the early sixteenth century by order of Pope Julius II.
What makes this staircase so special is its double helix structure. The two staircases spiral around each other without crossing, allowing visitors to walk up and down in an elegant way. Due to its funnel-shaped design — which becomes narrower toward the bottom — it creates a spectacular optical effect when viewed from above.
It is therefore no surprise that this is one of the most popular photo spots within the Vatican Museums.
How long does a visit to the Vatican Museums take?
A visit to the Vatican Museums takes on average 2 to 3 hours if you mainly want to see the most important highlights, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms.
If you would like to explore the collection more extensively or choose a guided tour (for example in combination with St. Peter’s Basilica), you should allow 4 to 5 hours or longer for your visit to the Vatican Museums.
Important to know: the Sistine Chapel cannot be visited separately. To reach the chapel, you must first walk through the Vatican Museums. Even if you do not plan to explore the museum in detail, you will need an entrance ticket and must follow the designated museum route.
The route to the Sistine Chapel alone takes an average of 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
What is the best walking route in the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums consist of more than 7 kilometers of corridors and halls. Without a plan, you can easily end up wandering aimlessly through the museum or missing important highlights. That’s why it’s smart to have a general route in mind beforehand.
The designated museum route always ultimately leads to the Sistine Chapel, which is the final stop of your visit. You cannot visit the chapel first and then return to other rooms afterward.
Recommended order of highlights
If you want to see the most important works in about 2 to 3 hours, you can follow this order:
1. Start as early as possible at opening time to avoid the biggest crowds.
2. Visit the Museo Pio-Clementino (including the Laocoön Group and the Apollo Belvedere).
3. Continue to the Gallery of Maps.
4. Then head to the Raphael Rooms.
5. Finish at the Sistine Chapel.
If you have more time, you can explore additional rooms along the way. If you have less time, focus on these highlights and follow the clear signage in the museum.
It is strongly recommended to book your tickets online in advance so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Can you visit the Vatican Museums with children?
Yes, the Vatican Museums can certainly be visited with children. However, good preparation is important to keep the visit enjoyable and manageable.
It’s best to choose an early morning time slot to avoid the largest crowds. It can quickly become very busy, meaning you may not always be able to move through the museum easily or may have to wait before getting a good view of something. That can be quite tiring for children. With younger kids, I would mainly focus on a few highlights, such as the Sistine Chapel and some impressive sculptures, rather than trying to see the entire museum.
There are also special family-friendly guided tours available, often including treasure hunts or interactive explanations. This usually makes the visit more engaging and easier for children to understand.
According to the current policy, children under the age of 7 receive free admission, but always check this in advance when booking your tickets.
It’s advisable to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long waiting times, especially when traveling with children.
Tips for your visit to the Vatican Museums
Based on my visits to the Vatican Museums, I have a few practical tips that can help you plan your visit.
Go as early as possible.
Around opening time (8:00 AM), it is usually quieter than later in the day.
Book your tickets online in advance.
This helps you avoid long waiting times at the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Wear comfortable shoes.
You will walk several kilometers through corridors and halls.
Keep the dress code in mind.
Shoulders and knees must be covered, especially if you are also visiting the Sistine Chapel.
Focus on the highlights.
Don’t try to see everything in one visit. Decide in advance what you really want to explore.
Take your time in the Sistine Chapel.
Many visitors walk through quickly, but this is the absolute highlight of the museum.
What is the best day to visit the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are among the most visited attractions in Rome. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, it’s best to visit on a Tuesday or Thursday.
As for timing, it’s smart to arrive right at opening time (around 8:00 AM) or later in the day, for example after 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM. I personally usually plan my visit around 8:00 AM; at that time, it’s still relatively quiet and you have a bit more space to explore the rooms at your own pace.
Mondays and Saturdays are generally busier. The last Sunday of the month, when admission is free, also attracts large numbers of visitors.
In terms of season, the months from November through February (excluding the Christmas period) are usually quieter than spring and summer.
Keep in mind that on Wednesday mornings there is often a papal audience held in St. Peter’s Square. As a result, the area around Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica can be extra crowded. The Vatican Museums remain open as usual, and it may even be slightly quieter inside because many visitors gather in the square instead.
The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month. In addition, the museum is closed on several Catholic holidays, including January 1 and 6, May 1, June 29, and December 25 and 26. Always check the official website before your visit for the most up-to-date closing dates.
What are the opening hours of the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The last entry is at 5:00 PM.
On Sundays, the museums are closed, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month. In addition, the Vatican Museums are closed on several Catholic holidays.
Please note that opening hours may change. Therefore, always check the official website in advance for the most up-to-date information.
Where is the entrance to the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are not accessible via St. Peter’s Square. The entrance is located on the other side of Vatican City, along Viale Vaticano.
Follow the signs to “Musei Vaticani”; they will lead you directly to the official entrance gate of the museum. Keep in mind that the queue can stretch along the walls of Vatican City, especially on busy days. From St. Peter’s Square, it is about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Address:
Vatican Museums
Viale Vaticano
00120 Vatican City
How do you get to the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are easily accessible by public transportation in Rome.
By metro:
Take metro line A and get off at the Ottaviano – San Pietro – Musei Vaticani stop. From here, it’s about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the entrance on Viale Vaticano.
By bus:
Bus line 49 stops almost directly in front of the entrance at the Viale Vaticano / Musei Vaticani stop.
Prefer to walk? From St. Peter’s Square, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Is it possible to visit the Vatican Museums without a reservation?
Yes, you can buy tickets for the Vatican Museums on site. However, this is usually not recommended.
The museums attract thousands of visitors every day, which means the queue at the ticket counters can become quite long. During busy periods, it is not uncommon to wait one to several hours before entering.
If you want to save time, it is wiser to reserve your tickets online in advance. This gives you a reserved time slot and generally allows you to enter more quickly. Keep in mind, however, that even with a pre-booked ticket, you may still have to wait briefly at the security check.
How much does a visit to the Vatican Museums cost?
There are several ticket options to visit the Vatican Museums. Below you will find the most commonly chosen ones.
1. Admission ticket without an audio guide
If you would like to visit the Vatican Museums independently, you can choose a standard admission ticket. These tickets are available online from approximately €32 per person (prices may vary).
With a pre-booked ticket, you can select your preferred date and time slot for your visit.
2. Admission ticket with audio guide
Would you like more background information during your visit, but still explore at your own pace? Then an admission ticket with an audio guide is a good option. You’ll receive additional explanations about the most important artworks and highlights of the Vatican Museums.
These tickets are slightly more expensive than a standard ticket, but they provide more context during your visit. In most cases, you also benefit from a reserved time slot, allowing you to avoid the long queue at the ticket office.
3. Visit Vatican Museums with the Go City Explorer Pass
With the Go City Explorer Pass, you get access to the Vatican Museums (without a guided tour) and can also visit several other attractions in Rome. This can be cost-effective if you want to combine multiple sights during your city trip.
Indicative prices:
Adults: from €89
Children (5–15 years): from €69
The exact price depends on the number of attractions you choose.
Which ticket is right for you?
Not sure which option best suits your visit? Here’s a short guideline:
1. Choose a standard admission ticket if you want to see the highlights and decide your own route.
2. Choose a ticket with an audio guide if you would like more background information but don’t need an organized tour.
3. Choose the Go City Explorer Pass if you want to combine multiple attractions in Rome and arrange everything in advance.
If you’re visiting the Vatican Museums for the first time, a ticket with an audio guide is usually the best choice. You’ll receive additional explanations about the main artworks, giving your visit more context.
During my first visits, I always chose a ticket with an audio guide. By now, I’ve been to the Vatican Museums several times and usually opt for a standard admission ticket without an audio guide, as I’m already familiar with most of the highlights.
Is a visit to the Vatican Museums worth it?
Over the past ten years, I’ve been to Rome more than ten times and have visited the Vatican Museums several times. During my first visit, I wanted to go in spontaneously, but there was a queue of more than two to three hours just to buy a ticket. After that, I would also have had to wait at the security check. In total, it would have taken more than four hours before I could actually enter. In the end, I decided to postpone my visit.
On later visits, I always bought my tickets online in advance. During my first few visits, I chose a ticket with an audio guide so I could get more explanations about the artworks. By now, I’m familiar with most of the highlights and usually choose a standard admission ticket without an audio guide.
I’ve visited the Vatican Museums at different times of the day and would recommend going as early as possible, preferably around opening time (8:00 AM). You generally have more space to explore the rooms calmly and take photos. During one visit in the middle of the day, it was so crowded that I had to move through the museum at a slow shuffle and barely had time to truly pause and appreciate the artworks. Since then, I always book the earliest possible time slot.
I usually combine a visit to the Vatican Museums with St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Castel Sant’Angelo (the Castle of the Holy Angel), all of which are within walking distance.
During my most recent visit, in June 2025, I did not go inside because the Sistine Chapel was temporarily closed following the conclave. In addition, 2025 was a Holy Year in Rome, which made the city — and the museums — even busier than usual.
Whether a visit to the Vatican Museums is worth it for you depends on your interests. Personally, I absolutely think it’s worth it. The museum offers a unique combination of religious history, classical antiquity, and Renaissance art, with the world-famous Sistine Chapel as its highlight.
If you’re not particularly interested in art or history and prefer to avoid large crowds, you might be better off skipping a visit to the Vatican Museums.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vatican Museums
Do you need to reserve tickets for the Vatican Museums in advance?
It’s not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Without a reservation, you may face long waiting times at the entrance.
How long do you have to wait at the Vatican Museums?
That depends on the season and the time of day. Without a pre-booked ticket, the waiting time can extend to several hours. With a reserved time slot, the wait is usually limited to the security check.
Can you visit the Sistine Chapel separately?
No. The Sistine Chapel is part of the designated museum route. You can only reach the chapel through the Vatican Museums.
How much time do you need for the Vatican Museums?
For the main highlights, you should allow 2 to 3 hours. If you want to explore everything more thoroughly, you will easily spend 4 to 5 hours or longer.
Are the Vatican Museums suitable for children?
Yes, but good preparation is important. Preferably visit early in the day and focus on a limited number of highlights.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Right at opening time (around 8:00 AM) is usually quieter than later in the day.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city break. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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