What's the best way to visit the Vatican to maximize a 2 day visit in Rome.?

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aC.

This was my itinerary for 2 days in Rome..

Day One: Colosseum and Forum areas then head west to the Pantheon and Campo Area. Dinner near the Jewish Quarter/Trestevere side...

Day Two: Villa Borghese and The Vatican...The Vatican Museum is busy on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays (usually closed) that our free (last Sunday of the month). My girlfriend and I saw the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's in less than 40 mins.

The lines at the Vatican starts as early as 8:00am (probably before). We got there at 8:25 and there was already a long line (It opened at 8:45am at the time). Make sure you're on the side west of the Museum. There are 2 lines. The line that goes east is the tour line. This is important because we loss like 20 minutes because of this. The line does move fast, but here's the clincher. Once you go it, go straight up stairs to the ticket counters.

Just like the Colosseum, people just gravitate around the entrance, while if you're smart, just go straight in to avoid what looks to be a long line inside. So, after that, enjoy yourself. For my girlfriend and I, we just wanted to see School of Athens and the Sistine Chapel.

After our tight plan, we left the Sistine Chapel, and exited to the rightside of the Chapel. We did that because that exit leads straight to the St. Peter's Basilica, and avoiding the huge line at the square.

So follow my plan (or not) see what you want to see and move on or you'll be there forever. Make a right in the Chapel and went straight into St. Peters. We kiss/rubbed the foot of St. Peters, saw the Pieta, and walked around the huge Basilica. Left and it took us a little more than an hour. Professionals!

nickisbox

go to the vatican right at lunch time, little or no waiting to get in. we waited for 30 minutes in line around9am and when we got out of the museums and sistine chapel at 1145ish, there was no line. in the evening, around 430 or so, there is no wait for st peters either.

haslo

See if this can help:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/italy_menu.htm

Ann Toozie

Definitely go into the basilica and touch the foot of the bronze St Peter's statue up front on the right. It's a tradition. The foot is worn smooth from all the pilgrims who touched it. Go into the catacombs beneath the church, too. Several popes are buried there. In the back of the church, you'll also see Michelangelo's Pieta, though it's in a plexiglass case now because someone whacked it with a hammer many years ago. Also check out the altar that holds the body of Pope Pius X. It's near the back on the left. His body is right there on view, though his face is covered with a gold death mask.

Also visit the Vatican museums, which are a mind-boggling collection of art, mummies, artifacts, etc. As you walk through the museums, you'll be headed toward the Sistine Chapel. You have to walk a lot to get there, but it's worth it. The chapel is smaller than you expect... it really is just a chapel. But the ceiling is grand, as are the walls. You'll get a sore neck trying to take it all in. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to lie on the floor or the benches so you can have a more comfortable viewing position.

In the plaza out front, there's an obelisk that marks the spot where St Peter is said to have been crucified. Historians seem to think that this is correct, though nobody has ever proven it definitely.

Those are the things I'd definitely see. If you have time, walk down the Avenue of Conciliation (the street heading directly away from the basilica) and head toward Castel St. Angelo. That's an old fortress that was originally a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian (I think) and it's also the setting for the last scene of the opera Tosca. The bridge in front of the castle is lined with angel sculptures attributed to (I think) Raphael.

All told, plan at least 3-4 hours for the Vatican, and even that means you won't linger too long in the museums. If you just want to see the basilica and the Sistine Chapel, allow two hours, which means little or no stopping to see the museum art.

alexeverwander

Be sure not to waste too much time there or you won't get to see enough of the Roman ruins or the city itself. Those are far more valuable experiences, unless you are a devout Catholic.

Whatever you do, start early!

samsnedecker

Contrary to everyone else's advice I say visit the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel about 1pm. The lines are short and you may be able to walk right in. If you want to get an early start vist St. Peter's first and then see the museum. St. Pete's at 7am right when it opens is tranquil!

If you have a clear day climb to the top of St. Pete's dome for an amazing view of the city!

E squared

I would recommend getting to the Vatican SUPER early. The earlier tours usually get to go into the catacombs (a truly moving experience).

done-dontwantmyinfotobeindexed

Go early. The line gets long quick. Be one of the first through the doors and go straight to the Sistine Chapel - and enjoy the quiet - it gets crowded throughout the day. The rest of the grounds get less traffic over the course of the day (though still busy), so visiting them after the chapel generally means you hit the least crowded places in succession.

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