Visiting the Vatican! Help!?!?!?

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Andy

I've been to Vatican a few times this year with different groups of friends, so this is what I've found out. Earlier is better to visit the church proper, even if there is a long line it moves pretty quick, make sure you pay attention to the dress code (sleeved shirts, knees covered), and you will have to go through metal detectors so pack/dress accordingly. If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums, you will want to go with an official tour guide (there are plenty of them I'll explain more later), the advantages are you will get an explanation of what you are looking at (there is a TON OF STUFF), and you will get to move ahead in the line.

Note: MAKE SURE THE SISTINE CHAPEL IS OPEN THEY DAY YOU WANT TO VISIT, IT IS CLOSED FROM TIME TO TIME. (I have been very disappointed by showing up and finding it closed.)

I've been to the Sistine chapel several times, the times I went with a guide I've learned the most and had the quickest visit. The times I went with out I was the one explaining things to my guests and we took all the time we wanted.

As for official tour guides I am very impressed with Rome Around Tours, look them up on the web. Or if you are staying at a hotel they can suggest the one they like. You can also get them while waiting in line. Not sure how great this is, I've joined a tour in line a few times and it worked out but I'm sure there are those that will tell you not to do it, be careful.

Also the Open 110 is a very good way to get around the city for a one price ticket, and you get a audio tour with the ticket too. It is a great way to hit all the major tourist sites in a single ticket.

DingoJane

If youre a female - WEAR A SKIRT. If youre a man, wear nice pants or they may not let you in at all.

I think anytime is pretty busy. I imagine a Sat is worse but expect a lot of people there no matter what.

chataazul

I suggest you ask a traveling agency and ask what they suggest since they are the experts on Italy. Finally, yes get a private tour guide.

askheidikins

It is really always very busy and I have found it's kind of a matter of luck if you can get in to the sistine chapel. However, you should only have a short wiat to get into St Peters and the only advice would be to make sure you have something to cover your shoulders. You don't need to wear a skirt :)

Princess Buttercup

Actually, the dress code for women at the vatican is that their shoulders, chest and knees must be covered. That means no short shorts, no tank tops, no low cut tops.

For men it is very similar, but men can typically get away with long shorts if necessary.

You don't say if you are talking about St. Peter's or The Museum, but between ten and eleven is actually a pretty good time for St Peter's on a weekday because so many of the tour groups and guide book people get there at opening. I was there around 10:30 and only waited about 15-20 minutes in the line.

vyc

You have 2 choices when in the Vatican:
1) Start early , go to the st. Peter's piazza and church(free entrance and tour), then climb to the very top of the basilica dome (like 700 steps in a very claustrophobic spiral stair)but once on top it's really amazing view. (fee for the climb 6 euros)this tour takes like 2.5 hours and is really cheap. stairs open at 10:30am close at 7:0pm
2) Enter the vatican Museum and visit the magnificent art collections, the tour ends at the sistine chappel (Michael Angelo's frescos are incredible!!!) this tour takes 4 hours, museum entrance is 16 euros.+ 7 euros for the audioguide tape recorder.
Museum opens at 10:00 closes at 1.30 (noon) first and/or last saturday of every month entrance is free.(see why is full on some saturday's ? )
St. Peter's piazza is open 24 hours,ST.Peters church hours 9:O AM to 7:30 PM, Church and plaza are allways open but access limited on catholic main hollydays (-none in july-) or every Thursday -the Pope's public audience's -(you are free to enter, but you have to stay in you seat ) tour on the vatican museum is like 3 miles,restrooms at the entrance and no more..

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