CityBuddy
Vatican Museums
Best time to visit
Early mornings on weekdays face fewer crowds, offering a more intimate viewing experience. Late afternoon visits provide softer light for photography in the galleries.
Budget tips
Tickets are around 17 euros, with free entry on the last Sunday of each month. Consider the Roma Pass for combined museum access and transport savings.
Recommended for
Art lovers, History enthusiasts, Cultural explorers, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Quick facts: An astonishing collection spans over 54 galleries, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The museums hold more than 70,000 works, but only around 20,000 are on display at a time.
Highlights: The Sistine Chapel holds a special secret: the depiction of the infamous ‘Forbidden Fruit’ as a human brain on the Tree of Knowledge. Wandering through the Raphael Rooms, visitors are immersed in scenes painted by Raphael that vividly bring Renaissance stories to life.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll cover several kilometers on foot.
- Reserve tickets online to skip long entry lines.
- Focus on key highlights like the Sistine Chapel to avoid museum fatigue.
- Photography is allowed but without flash, preserving artwork colors and details.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting rome, italy, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
