If it wasn't for Florencia our tour guide, I would've been completely lost. I'm a pretty sad excuse for a catholic but I'm so glad I paid for a tour and Florencia had a wonderful Italian accent and soothing voice. I passed other tour guides that had really annoying nasally voices and was happy I had Florencia. Oh yeah, you cant take pictures inside the Sistene Chapel. Security guards are posted inside and will harass you! read more

Musei Vaticani - beautiful hall before the sistene chapel - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

I did not realize that the Vatican was it's own city complete with it's own passport. The place is all stairs and no elevator and the amount of people is something to be a bit afraid of. BUT. it's BEAUTIFUL. Every building we went into was just wow. Even the courtyard is very well maintained and amazing. We kind of did a one way thing where we started here and you end up at the exit at the very end. It's a lot of walking, a lot of stairs, a lot of people to dodge but it's worth it. Only place you can't take pictures is the Sistine chapel as it is a holy place and you need to be as quiet as possible. But with the amount of people going through it the security guards are constantly telling people to shush. St. Peter's Basilica is a must see. The inside is so elaborate and breathtaking. There are places that are sealed off to tourists because people still go there to pray. We were fortunate enough to see a wedding happen as well and you absolutely must be catholic to get married here. Guided tour will work best here! We had a tour guide talk us through a lot of what we were seeing but they do have audio guides as well I believe. read more

Yes, this place is huge and has amazing exhibits, however, they do need to further limit the number of people who can come at once. We bought our tickets beforehand and there was a small line to get in. We had trouble finding it as it was quite a long walk from the Basilica. Once we got in, we got the audio tour for 7 Euro. The first couple of rooms were fine but then the "herd" mentality kicked in. Too many groups moving too fast made you move along and not really get to enjoy it. That said, this place is huge and taking your sweet time is not possible if you want to make it out of there this century. The Sistine Chapel was of course the highlight and they save that until almost the end. There are constantly guard "shshing" you but people talk and take pictures in there anyhow even though you're not supposed to. Yes, this place is a cash cow for the church and I just wished they would make the capacity less. read more

We enjoyed our trip to the Vatican Museum. I don't know how it happened, but we landed on a day when it was free to get in. Bonus! Check this out ahead of time, we were just lucky, but I seem to remeber it was because it was a certain day of the week... maybe year. Me and my honey, the somewhat card carrying athiest. He did really well though, because the architecture and the art made it worthwhile for him... The Sistine Chapel was stunning, I agree with the others, do that first, then go back and see what you missed on the way. It does get super busy. read more

Just the thought that you are technically in another country upon entering this place is amazing. This was a must do when coming to Rome and it was overall a great sight to see. I will say this however, their is dozens upon dozens of guided tours that are trying to recruit you upon walking up to the museum. We elected to do it, for which it is informational, but it's about 2-3 hours long and the museum along with the St. Peter is an all day thing. The most beautiful thing here is the one thing you can't take pictures of and thats the Sistine Chapel (a close second is Raphael room). There are thousands of paintings, sculptures, statues , artifacts and so much more. A definite must do. read more

See all

We came here as a part of our Brendon Tour of Europe. I highly recommend this tour ..they took such good care of us and we saw so many lovely places. The Vatican is amazing. It is very crowded and glad we got there early so we were towards the front of the line. read more

See all

Jesus gets Five Stars for being the inspiration to this all. The art gets Five Stars as well because it's so breathtakingly surreal. I just can't imagine the time and love put into all the works of art. The detail Is indescribable. If it were me, I'd cut corners or just paint a really big sky and some clouds and not much else, so I was just in complete awe. This is a can't miss for sure! However, that being said, For me, just one and I'm done. I don't ever want to go back if I'm in Italy again. The skip the line helps, but it's just so crowded and you are told to keep the lines moving. Basically, I felt like we were cattle being herded and so how could I enjoy what I was seeing? You can't miss this though. And people don't - that's why it's so crowded. So, I can't really be mad at that. Plus, I'm sure It makes Jesus happy. read more

Fantastic!!! I came here with a friend on a late Friday night when the museum was running late nights specials. I truly felt like I was dreaming walking in, as it has been a long awaited travel to-do, to visit the Vatican. The museum alone was overwhelming with lots to see, but truly enjoyed every bit of it that was open to the public that night. Sistine Chapel was phenomenal and I could reflect inside of it all night long by just gazing into the ceiling. It still drew a crowd, but still worth every Euro I paid for to see everything in it. read more

Ana amazing place full of history and sacred places. Don't miss the view from the top of the top of the dome, it's amazing. Take the elevator otherwise you'll be completely done once up LOL. read more

Musei Vaticani - Inside the Vatican. Basilica di san pietro - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

This is just a few quick tips for the Vatican Museum. When you come to Rome, I hope you will find your way over here to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. When you come to the Vatican please come dress appropriately. No shorts, no tank tops. You get the idea. Otherwise I think they have some large scarves that you use to cover yourself. Please do yourself a favor and buy a ticket online before coming to the museum. Otherwise the lines are extremely long, say 3 hrs long. The convenience fee they charge is totally worth it. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do Joining a tour may be worth it if you want to be spoon fed the highlights of the Museum. The electronic handheld is handy with dry data but doesn't tell you the political impact or backstory of the pieces. Then of course is the Sistine chapel. The Museum is laid out like a mousetrap with the Sistine Chapel, it's cheese. (forgive the metaphor) To stand under Michelangelo's work without understand the full effort it took to create the Sistine Chapel would be tragic. I do think the electronic handheld went into detail about the story of the Sistine Chapel but Rick Steve has an equally wonderful podcast on the Sistine Chapel. BTW, no photography is allowed in the Sistine Chapel. You will be yelled at by Security guards! The Cafeteria at the museum isn't too bad. The price wasn't exploitative as it could have been. But then again we are at the Vatican. =) And like any good tourist, Charge the camera battery the night before and wear comfy shoes! =) read more

Musei Vaticani - Michelangelo's Creation - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

Must see!! Beautiful mosaics. History abounds, amazing art and frescos. They say was filled with aha moments. read more

See all

I like museums but I would say their was lots to see but mostly it was all of the same stuff and wasn't designed and placed impressively. At the entrance their is a Viking's boat and it doesn't say what it is for and how it relates to the Vatican. The most impressive was The Sistine Chapel. The Chapel itself is a piece of art. Where ever you look up and the famous painting The Creation of Adam on the ceiling is located in the middle of the Chapel! so don't miss that. The place is huge make sure you wear comfortable shoes and are ready to walk. Make sure you either let the groups go first or walk faster as they will spoil your photos, well where you are allowed to take photos. I loved their spiral staircase when coming down, it was a piece of beautiful architecture. read more

See all

If you're into medieval art or Catholicism this could be good. If you're into both then I'm sure it's fantastic. But if you're not really into either I'd skip. It's super crowded, just over an hour forced march with no options to drop out nor skip bits. The flow of people keeps you moving, and the guards ensure you do the rooms in the prescribed order. read more

Musei Vaticani - Death march - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

This museum is definitely one of the largest and most amazing museums I've ever been to in my life. There's just so much to see you're always standing there wondering where you should look first. Mindblowing and definitely one of those sights that can't be missed! There's pretty much everything here, Egyptian art, Roman art, Greek art, modern art. And there are also a bunch of rooms that were once open to the public that aren't currently open to the public, maybe for restoration reasons. Hopefully next time I'm there I'll be able to see those rooms I wasn't able to see before. Definitely keep your eyes peeled for The School of Athens by Raphael. It's on an upper wall of a room so it's easily missed by also easily one of the most famous works of art there. Like the Yelper before me has said, the sole goal of this museum is to lead you to the Sistine Chapel. And it's pretty amazing. But they are super anal about photos so be aware of that. There are also plain clothes museum workers just to catch you sneak people! I've heard if you do get caught, they confiscate your digicam memory card so you've basically just lost your whole vacation's pix. The line to get in for tickets is SUPER long. FYI best thing to do is go super early in the morning or be like us and go during lunch time when the tourists are all eating. We still ended up waiting an hour, but that's not bad compared to those who wait for 3-4 hours. And definitely be respectful and dress appropriately for the museum, no bare shoulders or shorts! read more

See all

Awesome. Amazing. Inspiring Plan a whole day at least. We took the early morning tour. Very nice and very informative. read more

Phew! Boy are my feet tired! What more can I say about such a massive collection of some of the world's greatest artifacts, sculptures, and paintings? It was breathtaking. I do want to share some tips: 1.buy your ticket online. I observed so many people waiting in-line, just to purchase a ticket. Seriously, it takes a huge chunk of time out of your schedule. 2. You enter the Vatican Museum where the yellow signs are located. After asking several people, we eventually figured this out on our own 3. You will be asked countless times by individuals around the Vatican if you "bought your ticket?" Even if you say yes, they will attempt to sell you their tour which offers "special gifts and an exclusive group only exits". These individuals will look "official". Be aware that you can purchase a tour through the Vatican's website. Also understand that you may encounter sales pitches ranging from friendly/helpful to downright rude. I can't even tell you how many times I said no. You can also download Rick Steves audio guide for free. 4. When exiting from the Sistine Chapel, join the tour group lines and follow them through the exit in the back right hand corner. It takes you out to St. Peter's Square. 5. Make sure you dress modestly-no bare legs or shoulders. They may turn you away. Good luck and enjoy! read more

See all

For 16 euros you get to be surrounded by beautiful statues and paintings. There is an overwhelming amount of artwork of Rome all stored in this very building. This museum is enormous, so rich in culture and history. Audio guides are available to for those need/desire them. From the walls to the ceilings to the artwork displayed all over... guests are left dazzled by the dedication of the artists. Many of these artworks took the artists years and years to finish. Walking along detailed and precised artworks is fascinating, but something more exciting awaits- the Sistine Chapel. The ticket purchased at the entrance includes the visit to the chapel. Photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel, most likely to preserve the art or just to keep the crowd moving. The famous painting completed by Michelangelo resides here on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel... The Creation of Adam. As he painted the whole ceiling, it was said that it took four years to complete. So don't forget to look up and study the ceiling closely; there are so many artworks around it that it could be hard to find. I totally missed the painting... I walked past it, unaware that the painting was on the ceiling of the chapel and I'm hoping no one would do the same. It's a really hard feeling to bare with after visiting the Vatican Museum and not getting to see the famous work of Michelangelo. Cost: €16 full price, €8 reduced, €4 scholastic http://travelbae.net/europe/vatican-museum-rome/ read more

Musei Vaticani - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

Wear comfortable shoes it's more of a hike than it is a museum. Just kidding. But there is a lot to see so I definitely recommend a tour or audio guide if you wish to take your experience the next level. Veni, Vidi, Vici. read more

See all

This was great but I went with hopes of taking pictures in the Sistine Chapel only to be told after booking and meeting the leader of the tour photos in the Chapel is forbidden. Nonetheless it was still a great place to visit. One day is not enough to span it efficiently but you get to see a lot. I rather have went solo rather than with a tour because its very crowded and if you're into photography a group moving ahead at a timed paced will cause you to miss photo ops that are rare because people are often in the way. All in all there are beautiful relics from all over Italy housed in here, I found that other locales I toured had things missing from them relocated to The Vatican Museums so make sure it's part of your trip to fill those story gaps. read more

Musei Vaticani - The Entrance - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

This was probably my favorite place we visited when we were in Rome. SERiously!! You can't visit Rome without coming here. We came here super early to beat the crowds with our tour guide from the Roman Guy and was so happy we did. We were able to do part of the tour without many people there then maybe an hour later it was like shopping on Black Friday. Super packed! Our tour guide was amazing and even gave us so much time in every room to just see. Breathe and embrace history. The Sistine chapel was breathtaking and would love to visit it again. read more

See all

We went to the Vatican Museum in July 2018 with our Roman Guy tour. We didn't spend very much time here as the emphasis was on getting into St. Peter's Basilica. We knew we missed out and wanted to go again during our visit in early January 2019. The museum was excellent and without the heat and crowds of peak July tourist season. We spent a couple hours here visiting / re-visiting some of the things we wanted to see more of or had missed the first time. We recommend this place, especially off season. read more

See all

Words can't fully describe the awe and wonder you encounter when visiting Vatican City in Rome. It is absolutely breathtaking, beautiful, and a spiritual experience. It was so wonderful to finally stand in the place where so many holy events and miracles have taken place, despite myself not being the most religious, being raised Catholic still made this to be an extra special experience. I believe it is worth a visit despite what religious beliefs you have (or none), it's just an all-over remarkable experience...one for your bucket list. Having read and seen so many features of the Sistine Chapel on television were not remotely close to the feelings that overwhelmed me seeing it in person. As another yelper stated, it left me speechless. To think that one man created such a magnificent masterpiece was unbelievable...the amount of dedication, care, detail, time, and work that must've went into this is incredible and becomes so real when encountered with seeing it in person. There are strict dress code guidelines when coming to Vatican and I highly suggest you adhere to it if you'd like access to the most amazing part...as well as strict guidelines regarding etiquette around talking and photography. There's a rule for not photos in the Sistine Chapel especially, but of course there are many tourists that simply ignore that request. At the time of our visit, which was several years ago, they also had a special visiting Egyptian exhibit, which made me very happy considering my love and interest in Egyptian civilization and history. Overall, I think that Vatican is something that everyone should see in their lifetime in possible...so many beautiful things to see in the surrounding area as well...including some of the best authentic Italian PIZZA I have every had...go to one of those places where no one speaks English, where the locals go. You won't regret it. The city also has multiple fresh water fountains around the city, which are also beautiful to see and convenient. read more

An important tip if you intend to visit. GET A 'SKIP THE QUEUE' TICKET. Trust me the extra expense will be worth it, unless you enjoy standing in a queue for hours in the sweltering heat. Also, it's a great feeling walking past all those people that didn't bother. OK, getting away from that subject. Once across the threshold of the necessary security checks The Vatican opens up. I won't go into all the details as many people, previously, have explained it all. Take your time, enjoy the opulence, enjoy the history. One problem will be a strained neck after a few hours but it will be totally worth it. We enjoyed every minute we were in the museum. Finally, The Sistine Chapel. Awesome, as they say in the US. Totally different to what I expected, much larger and extremely packed with people. The part of the ceiling with Adam and God was smaller than I expected and quite difficult to find on the expanse of ceiling. However, the thought of Michelangelo laying on his back painting, was unimaginable. It's a must visit if in Rome but, I did warn you, GET A SKIP THE QUEUE TICKET. read more

I have always wanted to go here, dreamed of it and it finally came true! GET your tickets on line!!! This is a must!! The line otherwise will take hours! I went to their website direct and purchased the tickets with the audio guide. I really enjoyed being able to walk around and see each and every room! There was a lot of people (specially when you go into the sistine chapel) they say the earlier you go the better. We went around 11:30 (pre purchased our tickets) the line to get in (through security) was about 20 minutes but worth it to purchase tickets on line. This is a must place to see while in Rome! read more

See all

Wow. What can be said that hasn't been already? How about some practical tips for visiting: Show up early to beat a huge line. Go straight to the Sistine Chapel to beat a massive crowd that will develop as the day goes on., then double back and spend as much time to your hearts content. Stunning museum. read more

See all

Vatican - Yes it is a must see. Suggestions: 1. Spend the money - join a tour if it is your first time through. 2. Be prepared to wait as the American tour groups form up (may be up to an hour) regardless of the start time. 3. If you are claustrophobic in any way be sure to take your medication or don't go. 4. Be prepared to deal with tense and aggravated people in a gentle and kind way. All of us seem to be vying to be the first one through the gate. 5. Security is tight once through the main gate. Similar to TSA at the airport. 6. Be sure you have used the bathrooms before starting the tour. Once inside the halls are narrow and tight. You are ushered along rather quickly, shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Gypsies are inside so I would not be going in with to many valuables given the unavoidable close quarters. The Vatican Museums are one of the largest, if not the largest, collection of art in the world. You could easily spend days here. In order to see the Sistine Chapel, you must go through the Vatican Museums. It seems as if 95% of the people there are just there to see the famous Sistine Chapel. Think of a river of people moving in one direction. This is what it is like at Vatican. Similar to the force behind those streaming into TimeSquare for the New Years celebrations. Your only real option is to go with the flow. Once we got close to the Sistine Chapel, we were instructed to meet up with the rest of the group in 15 minutes outside the Chapel if we wanted to continue the tour into St Peters. The Chapel is a huge attraction, but is still considered a very holy place by the Catholic church -- this means no talking and no pictures once you enter. You will also likely be packed in to this small place, and if you get separated from others in your group, there is a good chance that you will not find each other again. At least there was for us on the first time. We lost two in our group, they found us over an hour later. If your solo then skip this part. Security will stop and question you if stray from the main movement of people. I would be hard pressed to go back having been through once. read more

Musei Vaticani - The lines to get into the museum. This photo was taken in the morning when it was opening... the lines went around the block. - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

5 stars for the buildings and monuments, 1 star for the Vatican's greed in cramming visitors far beyond capacity without any emergency exits My husband and I visited 15 years ago and truly enjoyed the experience. We meandered, soaked in everything and were amazed at the Sistine Chapel. We gazed and admired the various aspects of the ceiling. We wanted to share this with our 3 teen daughters on this trip. We bought the skip the line tour through the official website this time. Fortunately we went early because - first, there aren't any signs in this gigantic place of where to go. We asked a police officer and was sent to an entirely wrong place. After asking different people, we finally found the skip the line entrance. Are you kidding me?? Wow, still a substantial line and wait. Once we were on the tour it was initially pleasant. The tour guide briefly mentioned that if you needed the restroom this was the one and there wasn't another one til the end. We forgot how long that walk was through all the Vatican museums through the Sistine chapel to the exit. That would've been fine but they packed in far more than capacity where you literally were standing still in a roomful of people elbow to elbow. You couldn't walk bc it was that crowded. In the middle of this tortuous march, we and many other visitors wanted to leave bc the crowds were horrible and really a safety hazard. Everyone was told there are no exits, not even any emergency exits in the middle and everyone needed to stay in the line (or mass of people). Nobody was allowed to leave or turn around. We were all stuck there. Through the slow death march, you saw people getting near panic attacks. Scary and sad. By the time the masses arrived at the Sistine chapel, nobody could enjoy it bc everyone was desperate to escape. The crowd bottle necked and could only exit in small bunches. People were begging the guards to let them out for various reasons - kids, older people with medical issues etc but the physical layout and crazy overcrowding made it impossible even if someone was having a heart attack. You'd certainly die there bc it was impossible for help to come in or for you to get out. Even old women were pushing and shoving to escape and get out. We left this time disgusted at the complete greed of the Vatican to endanger all those visitors and cramming them into concentration camp type situations. Shameful. Our kids unfortunately remember the Vatican as the worst experience of their lives. Horrible read more

You can walk for hours and still not see everything! Take the time to check the side museums prior to the church, as there are some great exhibits, including a history of pope carriages and cars. Buy reserved tickets ahead of time to skip the lines (you don't need a tour group to do this). Knees and shoulders need to be covered, but a scarf counts if necessary. Sistine chapel is amazing, but be sure to exit to the right, as the left exit takes you out without seeing St. Peter's Basilica, which you definitely want to see. Exit from there into St. Peter's Square. Only downside is the place just is not large enough to accommodate the crowds in some parts of the building. Too many people, especially tour groups, and too many of them stop in entrances and other key areas of flow. Still, a must-see when in Rome! read more

Musei Vaticani - Museums Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

This is one of the best art collection in Rome. You need about 4 hours to see the whole place. Do not rush or you will miss a lot. The Sistine Chapel normally has lots of people inside. I was so stressed that I failed to see its famous ceiling frescoes about God reaching out to man (Adam). I did not see it!!! The Priests there kept saying --- Silenzio, Silenzio... Silence, Silence. Groups of tourists will distract you with their narrations. If you come early in the morning, you do not have to reserve. You can easily get a ticket. It is worth the whole trip. read more

first things first. make sure you buy a skip-the-line tour. the line for the general admission has to be hours long. no exaggeration. and the tour guides are so knowledgeable and helpful the artwork is stunning. the Rafael rooms are incredible and of course the Sistine Chapel is breathtaking. this is one of those experiences that transcends mere words. you must witness it yourself read more

Make sure to buy tickets online, otherwise you'd be standing in a line for hours without actually being able to even buy a ticket to get in. We got the 3h tour of the museum, basilica and Sistine Chapel - totally worth it. We were super tired after many days touristing Rome and the tour was super precise with highlights and got us everywhere fast. The best part about booking the tour online (directly through the Vatican's page) was we skipped the lines! Beware - lots of hawkers outside trying to sell you tickets at double the price. Obviously the artwork in the museum is amazing and a MUST in your Rome list, as well as the architecture and magnificence of San Peter's Basilica. read more

Just one of us must see places when you come to Rome! My tip is really consider doing this without a tour guide because you spend a lot of time outside of seeing the main attractions.you simply go see the areas they deem worthy of you seeing sadly. My tour guide lost me so that was the best thing that happened and I was able to go through this place and enjoy all of the paintings at my own pace. The sistine chapel is located here and is absolutely breath taking! There are so many ceilings throughout this museum that are so well painted it will make you have an affinity for frescos. Good thing about this place is they have a luggage check so if you're saving this place for last you will be able to store your luggage while doing the Vatican Museum and the other areas inside the city as well for free. read more

Beyond amazing and beautiful. A must see spot when visiting Rome!! So much history & artwork that will take your breath away. Work done by both Michaelangelo and Raphael are present. Booking a tour prior is recommended! Lines tent to get very long day of. read more

See all

Time was an issue for us on our visit to the famous Vatican Museums. We only had a couple hours to look around before closing time. What we did see was FABULOUS!!!! The famous Sistine Chapel was what we really wanted to see. WOW, it did not disappoint! We were awe-struck!! From the first step inside, the experience is simply beyond words indescribable!! Felt blessed, peaceful, amazed, plus so much more all at the same time! So when in Rome, make sure to enter Vatican City and go to Musei Vaticani! An Absolute "Can't Miss" destination! read more

On your way, watch for selfie stick sellers and annoying tour sellers on the street. They will say n do anything to get you to buy- DONT GET STUCK! Buy your tix online n print it them out to avoid big lines. They will even say "free information" to lure you. We justvadked the cops!! What annoyed me inside was tour groups. THEYRE SOOO ANNOYING!!! I was losing my cool! They're slow n stop the crowds n the tourists with them have no decency to stand to the side and listen to their guide. The guide will stop randomly and some areas are bottlenecked fro one room to the other. They will stop there and hold people up. Download Rick Steve free audio tour, save your money. Dress code and entry: i was told from a friend that came 2 years ago that: -i need to cover shoulders, shorts were ok as long as its not shorter than your underwear, -no backpacks -no cameras. So my shorts were thigh length but I went in seeing people in tube rompers, crop tops and other skanky clothes (couldn't blame them, there was a heat wave and it was HOT, not to mention, there was no AC or windows for air circulation). So imagine being in there, thousands n thousands of people, all kinds of smells, b/o n the whole works. In the chapel they gave ppl sheets to cover their shoulders but legs/feet were fine. So dont be fooled and show up on a hot day wearing long sleeves, just be respectful. Perhaps take a pashmina with you so you can cover up for the chapel, everywhere else was fine. People were walking around with backpacks and snapping away with their cameras (except in the chapel) my husband n i were annoyed because we came to such an amazing place n didnt bring our dslr. We were told that we would have to check in our bags too (not true, anymore i guess) Overall, it was beautiful but they really need to control the crowds, and find only special tines for those big tour groups ( some had almost 20 ppl). And the sellers should not be allowed once in the square, they spoil the experience because they hawk at you. Legit Vatican employees should wear a distinctive uniform so people know who they are and don't mistaken them for tour sellers. (Aug 2017) read more

Wow. This place I surely can emerse for a whole week. There's just too much to cram in one day. The whole journey would take almost 7 kilometers. There are arts, antiquities and history from different era, places and collections from different places Christianity was promulgated. I particular enjoyed the different sculptures, the Tapestry room and the different maps. The place is a bit chaotic though if you are traveling with wheelchair since they don't have all floors accessible by it and usually, you have to go against the flow of the crowd but all in all, there is everything for everybody to see. read more

See all

This is such a great museum. If you book in advance, for early access, you'll be glad to save yourself some aggravation. (no people in your photos and the crowds are minimal) The museums are rich with history and culture. We were obviously there for the Sistene Chapel and it was so worth it. The room is bright and quiet. You can stay as long as you like because there is a lot to take in. Our guide gave us a "cheat sheet" so we could identify what we were looking at. No photos in the Sistene Chapel. When I went over 20 years ago, it was dark and hard to see it all (it was still in process of restoration). I love how it looks now, probably how it looked when it was completed. We also got to see the garden area with some really nice sculptures, as well as the rooms with these giant, imposing statues. The not to be missed map room was intense because of the intricacies of the maps and drawings. I loved seeing what "old Rome" looked like. Definitely a can't miss, must do when in Rome. read more

I suggest coming here in the afternoon to avoid the lines unless you're the first one there. At three to five there is almost no line. There are bunch of people telling you that you can skip the line by going as a tour. Which is possible but you'd be paying twice to trice the price of admission. You would only do this if you really didn't want to wait on line to get in. I also suggest no bookbags. They force you to check it in anything bigger than a normal sized bookbag. There is also metal detectors do don't carry anything metal... read more

Of course the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are amazing, but how can you enjoy them with the tens of thousands of other annoying people who also want to see them, all with selfie sticks? Fortunately, I had a plan that worked out pretty well. On a friend's advice, I got the earliest tickets possible, for 9 a.m. Even then, I was worried I'd have to wait in line, and I despise lines. I arrived around 8:15 a.m. for my 9 a.m. reservation, thinking they wouldn't even open the doors until 9. Much to my delight, I waltzed right past the line of pathetic non planners, and the security guards let me in right away. After figuring out how to exchange my confirmation for a ticket, I dashed directly to the Sistine Chapel, arriving there around 8:30. On the way, I got a quick glimpse of pretty much everything else in the museum, and it was all completely empty. Once I got to the Sistine Chapel, there were maybe 30 other people in there, and there was plenty of room to sit down and relax and enjoy the view. When I got out around 9 or 9:15, I went back to the museum entrance to see everything properly. It was getting crowded by then, and by the time I finished around 10:30, everything was completely packed, and I was getting elbowed left and right. The moral of this story is to show up early. I enjoyed everything except the last 30 minutes, when the crowds became unbearable. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably show up just before 8 to see the whole thing with fewer crowds read more

The current meeting of the papal conclave to elect the successor to the retiring Pope Benedict XVI brought back memories of my visit to the Vatican Museum with my parents and sister 2 years years ago Technically located in a separate country with its own tax laws and police force, Vatican City is a sprawling mass of buildings. It is the biggest tourist attraction in Rome with the huge crowds that you would imagine that it would generate. So, it is vital to pre-book your ticket or you will be in stuck in a huge queue to get in We pre-booked an English speaking tour, which had expedited entry included. It's the sort of place that a guide really brings to life with historical tales and is well worth it Be warned that there is a dress code, so dress respectfully There are paintings, sculptures and garments to admire everywhere as well as the history-filled building itself. The multi-lingual labelling is very helpful The artistic highlight is of course the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo and it was explained to us that painting onto wet plaster before it set was a special challenge. We saw the corner of the ceiling that had been cleaned and it was clear that the whole ceiling would be even more magnificent once the cleaning has been completed We also got an unexpected bonus when we were diverted at the end of our tour past the body of St Peter, something which our tour guide had never done before read more