Do you need to book a tour for the Vatican?


Do you need to book a tour for the Vatican? Book in advance. Although you can turn up on the day and queue and many many people do, you'll be more relaxed knowing you have planned ahead to avoid this. Use an audio guide or guide book or better yet a tour guide.


Is Sistine Chapel free?

Is the Sistine Chapel free to visit? Well, you can see it for free, but it's not necessarily the most convenient option. Although entry to the Vatican Museums is usually ticketed, there is one day every month when they offer free admission to all visitors.


Do you need a full day at the Vatican?

I personally recommend planning a full day for a Vatican visit if you are interested in seeing the museums and a half day (a full morning or full afternoon) if you are planning on seeing the square and basilica only.


What is not allowed in Vatican?

The Vatican decrees that “low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed“, but as some of this is open to interpretation depending on your perspective, it's worth examining the rules in a little more detail!


Can I bring a backpack to the Vatican?

Can I bring a bag with me to the Vatican Museums? Yes, you can bring a small bag with you on your tour. Bags, backpacks or luggage measuring more than 40·35·15 centimeters are, however, not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be checked at the cloakroom.


How long does a Vatican tour take?

In general, a Vatican tour can take anywhere from 2-3.5 hours, depending on how much you want to see, and how many people are in your group. For example, if you're in a small group, a guided tour of the Vatican museums (as well as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica) takes around 3.5 hours.


What is the dress code for the Vatican?

The dress code for the Vatican Museums is strict but easy to respect. Low-cut or sleeveless dresses, miniskirts, shorts and hats are not allowed. To cover knees and shoulders you can buy plastic cloaks to wrap around. Inside it is preferable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.


What are the rules for the Vatican tour?

Visitors are not permitted to wear sleeveless, low-cut garments, shorts that end above the knee, miniskirts, and hats. Those with any visible personal objects or personal signs, such as jewelry or tattoos that may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, and common decency will also be denied entry.


Can you wear jeans at the Vatican?

The Vatican has a dress code that some travellers might not be aware of when visiting. Luckily if you're planning on wearing jeans to the Vatican, you definitely can! When you plan to visit, it's best to keep your knees and shoulders covered. And for footwear, you will need flat shoes, not flip-flops or casual sandals.


Should I pay for a tour in the Vatican?

If you don't have the budget for a private guided tour, you'll still be able to enter the historic Vatican site for free. However, if you want to visit the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican Museums, you'll need to pay an entrance fee, which is around $8.50-$18 (€8-17).


Can you bring water into the Vatican?

However you are not allowed to drink anything among the galleries, there are courtyards where you can fill up your water bottles at the fountains where the water is fresh and where you can quench your thirst. You can bring water from a plastic bottle.


Can I wear sneakers to the Vatican?

What shoes to wear at the Vatican. There are no special rules about shoes at the Vatican and you can wear closed shoes or sandals. While there is no specific rule about wearing flip flops at the Vatican, it is good practice not to. Flip flopr are impractical for the location, often noisy and considered too casual.


What day to avoid the Vatican?

However, Tuesdays and Thursdays usually see fewer tourists around most of the attractions in the Vatican. It is better to avoid Wednesdays and weekends if you're on a tight schedule because the city has a tendency to be a bit busier on those days.


Can you just show up to the Vatican?

How to Enter the Vatican in Rome? To enter Vatican City, you don't need a passport or Visa or even tickets for the attractions inside. You can simply walk inside. However, if you wish to enter the attractions inside, such as the Vatican Museums, you would need to buy tickets.


How do I book entry to the Vatican?

In order to skip the line, tickets must be purchased in advance. This option requires online booking. Tickets can be bought directly on the Vatican Museum's official website. Sometimes the official Vatican Museum website will sell out of tickets.