Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, visiting the Vatican is a sacred experience.
Visitors have the opportunity to dive into the beauty and history of this holy site, admiring the artwork of Michelangelo, Raphael and other great masters.
This article will provide you with all the information that you will need for the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. We will include useful tips on which type of tickets are best suited for you to purchase and where to buy them.
We will also give you suggestions on how you can avoid being caught in an entangled mess of long queues, which is a daily occurence at the Vatican.
What tickets should I book for the Vatican?
There are a few different kinds of tickets available to visit the Vatican, depending on your preferences:
- Vatican Museums entry tickets: These are the standard tickets that are available that give you access to the Vatican. However, there might be separate tickets to visit all parts of the Vatican, such as the Vatican gardens or the Pontifical Villas.
- Skip-the-line tickets: The name says it all- such tickets let you skip the long queues for buying tickets and even the waiting lines for the entrance!
- Guided tours: Such tickets provide you with the benefits of skip-the-line tickets but also combine the additional value of expert guidance throughout your visit.
Do Vatican Museums’ tickets include the Sistine Chapel?
Yes, the standard Vatican Museum tickets always include access to the Sistine Chapel.
With its marvelous interiors which are intricately decorated, the chapel is considered to be the biggest highlight of any trip to the Vatican. Because of this, the tickets have to include it in their packages.
The walls of the Sistine Chapel show depictions of the life of Christ and the life of Moses by various famed artists. Smaller frescoes illustrate various popes. And of course, Michelangelo’s famous frescoes of The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam are incredibly revered.
However, this also means that the Sistine Chapel happens to be the most overcrowded site at the Museums.
Where is the best place to buy Vatican tickets online?
There are several official channels to purchase Vatican tickets online.
Booking in advance is always recommended, especially during peak season. The following are routes for purchasing tickets:
- The official website of the Vatican Museums,
- Online ticketing agencies, which are authorized websites that sell Vatican tickets.
- Tour operators, for if you want to seize the opportunity of a more holistic Vatican experience.
Always ensure you are buying from a trusted source. Before booking tickets it is wise to check the official Vatican Museums website for any closures or restrictions.
Vatican and Sistine Chapel tickets: Additional tips
We want to do all in our power to ensure that you will be able to have the most sublime experience at the Vatican. Here are some of our tips that might help:
- Book your tickets as early as possible: Vatican tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking your tickets in advance will guarantee your entry and save you time that you would otherwise spend waiting in line.
- Consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket: If you are short on time or do not want to wait in line, a skip-the-line ticket is the perfect option. These tickets allow you to enter the Vatican Museums without having to wait in the general admission line. This offer is usually oply available through packages by tour operators.
- Take advantage of discounts: There are discounts available for children, students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Be sure to check the Vatican Museums website for eligibility requirements.
- Be aware of scams: There are many scams associated with Vatican ticket sales. Only purchase tickets from authorized sources to avoid being scammed.
If you want a stress-free experience, would like to skip the queueing lines and would appreciate the accompaniment of competent and knowledgeable tour guides, take some time to evaluate the tours in our catalog. We have a vast list of experiences available for the Vatican that only we are able to provide due to having special permissions by the Vatican!
Booking with us means that you won’t have to worry about looking for tickets or the best time slots to visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. You can instead focus on fully enjoying the architecture and history of these unique places, thanks to the in-depth and engaging explanations of our expert guides.
