There are often long lines at the entrances to the Vatican’s sights, especially at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum.

If you don’t want to queue, you can buy a special ticket to skip the line or go at certain times and days to avoid crowds.

Recommended times

As most travel organizations start their tours early, St. Peter’s Basilica is usually crowded in the morning.

Therefore, we recommend visiting the Vatican in the afternoon. After 3 p.m., it’s often quieter. St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome are open until approximately 5-6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to see them.

Recommended days

To avoid weekend tourists, it’s recommended to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and other Vatican attractions during the week. Except for Wednesday mornings (when papal audiences take place), the Vatican is open all week.

Recommended time of the year

Although opening hours are slightly shorter in winter, it’s recommended to visit the Vatican outside the high season. In summer, the crowds of tourists are the largest, while in late fall, winter, and early spring, far fewer visitors come to the Italian capital.

As temperatures in Rome are quite pleasant throughout the year, you can discover the treasures of this city at any time of the year.