When organizing a trip to Rome, any tourist would be remiss if they didn’t pay the Vatican City a visit. Regardless of your religious views, the Vatican has a plethora of unique experiences to offer, from St. Peter’s Basilica (the biggest church in the world) to the countless art pieces stored in the Vatican Museum’s extensive collection.
Every week hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to this miniscule city-state to see living, breathing history and immerse themselves in the heart of civilization. While the Sistine Chapel may be beautiful, the crowds can be suffocating, so it’s important to carefully plan your trip to the Vatican to avoid swimming in a sea of people.
This guide will walk you through the best day to visit Vatican city so that your experience is peaceful and seamless. We’ll also discuss what day the Vatican is closed and the closing time of the Vatican Museums.
Let’s dive right in!
Can you visit the Vatican on Sunday?
Given its religious importance, Sunday is a popular time to visit the Vatican. Unsurprisingly, Vatican City is more than busy on Sundays, its bustling crowds making it almost impossible to maneuver around the city. Thousands of tourists and believers gather in St. Peter’s Square throughout the morning to get a glimpse of the Pope’s public Sunday Mass.
Luckily, this means that on Sundays, along with every other day of the week, you can just walk into the Vatican to see the Pope’s Sunday mass or visit St. Peter’s Basilica! These experiences are completely free of charge and won’t require you to fill out any paperwork, even though you’re technically entering another state to attend them.
However, because Sundays are so significant in the Catholic church, you can expect your Sunday at the Vatican to move more slowly as there will be large crowds and long lines. That said, this is a small price to pay for the unique experience to see the Pope preach and be immersed in this timeless city state on its holiest day.
While strolling around Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica are uniquely marvelous experiences, there’s more to the holy city, such as its precious heritage from an architectural and artistic point of view.
Is the Vatican Basilica open on Sundays?
Yes, the Vatican Basilica is open on Sunday.
As the Pope hosts Mass each Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Basilica is open every Sunday. St. Peter’s Basilica is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also an active church used to host many important Catholic events throughout the year.
You can visit the Vatican on Sunday whether you want to attend Mass as a believer or simply marvel at its splendid collection of statues and frescoes.
Are the Vatican Museums open on a Sunday?
No, the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month. While visitors usually have to pay a fee to enter the Vatican Museums, the last Sunday of each month presents a unique opportunity to see the church’s vast collection of art for completely free!
To visit the Vatican museum free of charge, simply show up anytime from 9 am to 12:30 pm and roam the museum halls until 2pm. Naturally, this unique opportunity to see the Vatican Museums for free can attract thousands of people, tourists and locals alike. So, expect lengthy lines and tight crowds.
What is the best day of the week to visit the Vatican?
There’s nothing quite like walking through the historic halls of the Vatican with little to no few people surrounding you. If you too want to experience the holy city without the hustle and bustle of the crowds, it’s essential to find the best time to visit the Vatican City.
What is the best time to visit the Vatican City?
The high tourist season in Rome is usually during the spring and summer months. So, if you want to skip lines and beat the crowds, it’s best to plan your visit to the Eternal City during the late autumn or winter months.
This save you hours of waiting in the blistering sun to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. To ensure your day at the Vatican goes even more seamlessly, consider planning your visit during the week. Please note that St. Peter’s Basilica is closed Wednesday morning.
When does the Vatican Museum open?
As of now, the Vatican museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm. However, final entry is at 5 pm, so make sure you’re admitted to the museum before this time.
From 1 March 2024, the Vatican Museum’s hours will be extended on Friday and Saturdays, admitting visitors until 6 pm and staying open until 8 pm. As discussed, the Vatican Museum is usually closed on Sunday but is open the last Sunday of each month for free admission from 9 am to 2 pm, with final entry at 12:30 pm.
However, the Vatican Museum will be closed on the Sunday of each month should this day coincide with the following holidays:
- Easter Sunday
- 29 June – St. Peter and Paul’s Day
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – Feast of St. Stephen
- 31 December – Feast of St. Sylvester
What day is the Vatican Museum closed?
While Rome may be eternal and open for exploration 24/7, the Vatican Museum is closed to the public on the following dates:
- Sundays (except for the last Sunday of each month, given it doesn’t fall on a holiday)
- 1 January – New Years
- 6 January – The Epiphany
- 19 March – Saint Joseph’s Day
- 1 April – East Monday
- 1 May – Labor Day
- 29 June – St. Peter and Paul’s Day
- 14 and 15 August – Ferragosto
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 26 December – Feast of St. Stephen
- 31 December – Feast of St. Sylvester
When is St. Peter’s Basilica closed?
St. Peter’s Basilica still holds importance in modern-day Catholicism. Thus, it’s closed Wednesday mornings until 12 to 1 pm. During this time, the basilica hosts the Papal audience and Pope, and is temporarily closed to the public.
What to know before visiting the Vatican?
Millions of eager tourists visit the Vatican every year. To ensure your trip is as seamless and pleasant as possible, it’s essential to meticulously plan your day in the holy city.
If you want a Vatican experience tailored to you, consider booking one of our exquisite Vatican tours which include:
- Reserved access to St. Peter’s Basilica and/or the Vatican Museums;
- Pre-booked tickets, saving you the hassle of waiting in lengthy queues;
- The possibility of visiting the museums early in the morning, allowing you to avoid crowds and foster a serene experience;
- A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who will offer unique insights into the Vatican’s art, history, and architecture;
- The unique experience of witnessing the Vatican’s dedicated clavigero unlocking the museum’s doors, opening it to the public.
Planning your trip to the Vatican can be daunting. Let us tailor a custom experience for you so you can experience all the Vatican has to offer with no lines, fewer crowds, and less stress.
