friday night tour of vatican reviews

Vatican Museums Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

• Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after hours, when the palaces are at their most peaceful.
• See world-famous masterpieces—from the Sistine Chapel to the Raphael Rooms—away from the crowds.
• Head straight into the Vatican with privileged entrance, allowing you to spend more time exploring and less time waiting.

Tour description

Avoid the crowds on our vatican night tour, with plenty of space to fully appreciate every masterpiece..

Few visitors are aware of the Vatican Museums’ extended opening hours throughout the summer months. On this special Vatican night tour, you’ll share its galleries and apartments with only those in the know. In echoing, elaborate halls and galleries, your expert Vatican guide will bring the church’s fascinating history to life—from St. Peter’s martyrdom to the modern Vatican City.

Explore the best of the Vatican collection, including the Sistine Chapel, in peace and quiet.

During your Vatican night tour, your guide will take you to see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world, including Raphael’s "School of Athens", the Hellenistic "Laocoön", and the beautiful "Belvedere Torso"—a stunning sculpture that influenced a young Michelangelo’s work. You'll be able to get up close to these world-famous pieces, a major perk of visiting the Vatican at night and with minimal crowds!

The pièce-de-resistance of your experience, of course, is the Sistine Chapel: the Pope's very own private chapel. In the evening light and with fewer tourist hordes, you’ll find it easier to pick out the details in Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. You’ll be well prepared to appreciate these works after spending time with your expert guide, listening to the stories and secrets hidden within the art.

Enjoy the company of a small group and privileged access for a hassle-free experience on your Vatican night tour.

Since your group will have a maximum of just 15 people, it'll be easy for you to interact with your guide and ask them any questions you have. A good thing too, since we’ve spent years building the perfect team of Vatican guides, choosing the best art historians, architecture buffs, and storytellers.

Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel outside of the stifling heat of the Roman summer on our limited edition Vatican night tour, offering you a rare view of the Papal Palaces after bedtime.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, oct 15, 2023.

If you have no agenda and no idea about the Vatican Museums this evening tour may be for you. We never actually entered until nearly an hour after tour started, as the guide spent a considerable time explaining what to expect in sistine chapel. We ended up going by so much so quickly, as opposed to having that extra hour in the museum itself. You are then hustled out as the museum closes, so if you want to linger or spend more time and get better bang for your buck, take an earlier tour or just do the audio tour on your own and spend time where you want to.

Oct 07, 2023

Excellent tour! Our guide was Christina. She is a native of the area with extensive knowledge and a captivating passion about the art and architecture we were seeing. She was kind and patient and I learned so much in a short time. I highly recommend this tour and would take it again.

Oct 01, 2023

Vale was very knowledgeable, but it was at times difficult to keep up with her. Our 2 and 1/2 hour tour was over in less than 2 hours.

This tour was fabulous. Angela was a great tour guide and, on a hot day, did her best to keep us out of the hot sun whenever possible. We learned so much and would not have gotten as much out of visiting these sights if we did them on our own.

We took this tour for the reason of advertisement of quieter time off hours for the Sistine Chapel. During the tour we were told we would have time at the Sistine Chapel but as soon as the guide dropped us off, we were rushed out due to it closing at 7:30. This is a huge miss for the tour company and false advertising since the staff said it always closes then. Also the tour said max 15 people and we were over 20 despite 8 people not showing. Our tour guide was excellent but the tour is not as advertised, which is not her fault. So disappointing.

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Similar tours, alone in the vatican: exclusive vip access vatican museums & sistine chapel tour, pristine sistine™ early entrance small group vatican tour, the complete vatican tour with vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter’s basilica.

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Visiting the Vatican at Night: How to Visit and Choose the Right Tour

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2024

Categories Europe

Looking into visiting the Vatican at night ? If so then you 100% should. Trust me on this.

I mean, I have visited the Vatican both during the day and at night. And, real talk? The evening is FAR superior to the day.

See, if you visit the Vatican during the day then it will be absolutely packed with people who are, literally, being herded towards the Sistine Chapel.

So, if you enjoy feeling like a glorified cow that is being packed into a small corridor then you are a better person than me.

Because this chick right here loves a Vatican night tour . It’s just so much more personal and a whole lot quieter.

This way you can actually hear what your guide is saying and not be preoccupied by someone hitting you in the head with a selfie stick,

Plus, you’ll basically have the place to yourself and can enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Vatican in the evening .

However, to make the best decision possible, continue on with this mega epic insider post and learn all about the best Vatican after hours tour .

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Vatican Night Tours

My #1 pick for the best Vatican night tour is this VIP experience here . 🇮🇹 It’s a good price, is loved by all, and includes a glass of bubbly🍾.

1. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Night Guided Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (132 Reviews) Price: $103 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Via Germanico, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Operator: Gaudium Travel Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Roam the Vatican at night as part of a small group or private tour.

See, the shared version of this Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Night Guided Tour is limited to just 15 guests.

On the other hand, you can always spend some euros on a super snazzy private tour instead.

Either way, you’ll skip the lines and dive straight in with the wonders of the Vatican Museums.

In a nutshell, this Vatican at night tour takes you past the Fontana della Pigna (aka, the Pinecone), the Octagonal courtyard, the Hall of the Muses, and the galleries of the Candelabra and Tapestries.

This is where you’ll get a close-up of world-revered sculptures excavated from the Villa of Cassius near Tivoli.

“Although it is a bit expensive, our guide was worth it. We could see that she is more detailed and more knowledgeable than the other guides around (with all due respect to her colleagues). She was also more respectful, asking us to keep the way always open, and minding her tone of voice to don’t disturb the other tours. This is one thing that I personally find important.” Veridiana ( read more reviews now )

Plus, you’ll get to stare down some of the most beautiful mosaic floors in Italy while in the Round Hall and the Greek Cross Room.

Just don’t forget to eye up your next vacation spot in the Gallery of the Maps before ending up in the ornate Sistine Chapel.

Yeah, your expert guide will give you the inside scoop on how Michelangelo went about creating this masterpiece and what the frescoes represent.

Currently, this is where cardinals gather to elect the new pope. But, there’s a bunch of kooky facts you’ll only get to hear about when you book this Vatican night tour.

2. VIP After-hours Vatican Museums by Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (91 Reviews) Price: $87.43 per person Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes 📍 Meeting Point : Via Santamaura, 14B, 00192 Roma Operator: What a Life Tours Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, this gem is one of the top-rated Vatican night tours.

Seriously intimate, the VIP After-hours Vatican Museums by Night Tour with Sistine Chapel is limited to just 12 people per group.

Or, you do have the choice of booking a private tour. However, the itinerary is pretty much the same as the previous tour.

But, before you get started on your guided exploration, you’re invited to a toast where you can sip on a glass of bubbles and meet your fellow travelers.

Therefore, this is an awesome pick if you’re celebrating a special occasion. You know, like visiting the Vatican at night.

On the other hand, solo travelers might appreciate breaking the ice with other travelers before heading to the museums.

“This was the best tour of the Vatican I have had and I have been there 3 times. It was still crowded, but not nearly as crowded as the general tours which consisted of being herded through with throngs of people. We had skip the line tickets on those occasions, but that was a misnomer. What made this after hours tour exceptionally great was our amazing guide. Mario was the very best tour guide we have ever had and we travel a lot. His English was impeccable and he has studied history, art and theater. We learned so much and we had a delightful theatrical performance, as well. Hope you are lucky enough to get Mario as your guide. Only negative was that the evening tour does not include the basilica.” Mary ( read more reviews now)

Plus, this tour includes headsets. Therefore, you’ve got zero chance of mishearing any of the expert commentary provided by your local guide.

And, this tour gives you the choice to linger in the Sistine Chapel once the guided part of your tour comes to a close.

Then, you can make your own way outside into St. Peter’s Square and check out the basilica under the night sky.

Just be aware that while I did this tour and loved my guide, Mario, I was a bit disappointed that we were there when the museum was still open.

So while you do get to visit the Vatican at night, it is still crowded since the museum was open.

3. Night Vatican Museums Tour with the Sistine Chapel

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (21 Reviews) Price: $36.52 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Via Tunisi, 4 Operator: The Ultimate Italy Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, touring the Eternal City is hungry work.

But, this Night Vatican Museums Tour with the Sistine Chapel ensures that your tummy doesn’t rumble while you pore over some of the most incredible art in the world.

See, the best Vatican night tour with food starts with a light appetizer buffet and refreshments in the Pinecone Courtyard.

I mean, it’s not a banquet but it’ll fill a hole and add atmosphere to this Vatican after hours tour.

Plus, the buffet is accompanied by a live classical music recital on select nights.

So, once you’ve satisfied your appetite, you’ll progress with a super VIP tour of the museums and halls.

Of course, the highlights include the Gallery of the Maps.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the Vatican museums we were able to see on the tour. We could leisurely view the Sistine Chapel and all collections beyond the SC. Our guide, Ilaria, was a delight and a wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed her. The tour was the highlight of a very busy week in Rome.” Lee ( read more reviews now )

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and based on drawings by the friar and geographer Ignazio Danti, this is one of the coolest parts of the museum.

And, you’ll see the finest of the Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello). In fact, the frescoes in these reception rooms are on par with the Sistine Chapel.

And, before you reach the crowning jewel of the Vatican, you’ll fawn over lifesize fauna statues in the Room of the Animals.

Note, this tour starts a little earlier than the others due to the buffet.

4. Vatican at Night Private Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (9 Reviews) Price: $253 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Cafè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100 Operator: LivItaly Tours LLC – Experiencing Italy Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Whereas the first two tours give you the choice to go private or shared, this Vatican After Hours Private Tour is all about creating an exclusive, VIP experience.

In fact, this is the best private Vatican night tour cost-wise. See, you’ll need a minimum of 2 to book.

But, as you add additional people, the price per head decreases.

Of course, the tour follows the same steps as above.

Therefore, you’ll cruise through the Pinecone and Octagonal courtyards free from the crowds.

You’ll then admire the likes of the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and Discobolus sculptures as your guide tells you everything you need to know about these works and this incredible place.

Plus, you’ll crane your neck at the Sistine Chapel and hear everything you need to know about the art here.

“Our guide, Giovanni, was incredible. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the Vatican and was charismatic to boot. The only minor issue we had was that with a tour like this, there wasn’t a lot of time to truly soak in what we were seeing. The Vatican is huge and Giovanni did an amazing job keeping us moving to cover as much of it as possible, but that meant passing over so much art and history. However, I cannot fault him or the tour for that; we could probably spend a week inside the Vatican and still not have seen everything there is to see. Overall, a great experience. Especially since it was a private and late night tour that allowed us to be away from the majority of the crowd. It was busy enough even at that time; I can’t imagine what the day time is like.” Solomon ( read more reviews now )

Now, the Vatican is a big place and it’s impossible to cram everything into a 3-hour tour.

So, the guides on this private tour will hone in on lesser-known and particularly curious treasures.

Yup, it’s quality over quantity people.

Naturally, as a private tour, you do get a bit of input on the itinerary of this Vatican at night tour.

5. Vatican at Night Exclusive Small Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (9 Reviews) Price: $151 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Caffé Vaticano, on Viale Vatican 100 Operator: LivItaly Tours LLC – Experiencing Italy Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Standing head and shoulders above the rest, this is the best Vatican night tour for small groups.

See, this Vatican at Night Exclusive Small Group Tour is capped at 6 participants.

Therefore, you can book with the confidence that all your questions will be answered during this amazing activity.

And, there’s no need to don a pair of pesky headphones either. Yeah, super awful when they don’t work.

“Perfect time to visit this busy attraction. The small group had no wait but we still had to intermingle with other groups. Our guide was fabulous in getting us in front of relevant art pieces of interest and kept us moving. Light changes in early evening provide great pictures. Great value and worth the time.” John ( read more reviews now )

Plus, if you’re a family or group of 6 and make one booking, you’ll basically wind up with a bargain of a private Vatican evening tour.

Incidentally, if you’re traveling with shy or kids nervous in crowds, then this tour will help them feel more comfortable and secure.

I mean, the same goes for shyer adults who have tons of questions to ask.

Of course, the tour itinerary is fully inclusive of the signature museums, galleries, and those always fetching frescoes you’ve heard so much about.

Plus, you’ll see all the highlights of the Apostolic Palace – the official residence of the Pope.

Ultimately, the tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square where the guide will enlighten you with an orientation loop around the basilica.

6. Vatican Walking Tour (best Vatican night tour on a budget!)

⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5.0 (114 Reviews) Price: $5.52 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Operator: Airotour Ltd – Freetourrome Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Want to see the Vatican at night but your wallet’s saying no?

Okay, this walking tour doesn’t actually go inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

But, the itinerary circles around Vatican City and concludes in St. Peter’s Square.

Plus, it’s crazy cheap – making it a rad pick if you’re traveling to Rome on a shoestring.

Now, this walking tour commences at the Spanish Steps in the historic heart of Rome.

You’ll then stroll down Via Condotti and swing by the illuminated Castel Sant’Angelo.

Ultimately, the tour winds up at the Vatican, where you’ll get a perspective of St. Peter’s Basilica beneath the night sky.

Now, as with the other night tours, the basilica is off-limits due to the late hour. So, a perk of choosing this tour is that you get a good overview of the Eternal City.

“Ricardo (Spelling? sorry 🙂 was an excellent guide. We had limited days and the tour was scheduled on a rainy night. A group of 18 cancelled along wit our reservations. Ricardo showed up anyway and was willing to take just the two of us all through the planned itinerary. We had very personal treatment and his knowledge of architecture and art history was so interesting. We HIGHLY recommend this group and especially if you can get Ricardo!” Douglas ( read more reviews now )

Plus, because the whole activity is guided, you’ll pick up tons of tidbits of information along the way.

Heck, you can quiz your tour leader and ask questions about the history, art, architecture, and culture of Rome.

Remember, because this tour doesn’t enter the Vatican, there’s no need to adhere to any dress code.

Although, comfy shoes remain a must.

So, What’s it Like to Visit the Vatican at Night?

Well, a twilight trip to the Vatican is surreal, extraordinary, and unforgettable.

See, Vatican night tours are restricted to only the summer season on Friday nights.

Therefore, it’s a super exclusive experience.

And, only a limited number of tours are allowed into the Vatican at night which means fewer people getting in the way of your photos.

In fact, only around 8,000 spaces are available, in contrast with the 35,000 tickets that are sold during daylight hours.

Although, despite the tours being limited, you will have to accept that these tours are popular and the Sistine Chapel in particular may still feel quite busy.

Plus, all Vatican at night visits are part of a tour. Therefore, you’ll get expert commentary on all the art and history that you see around you.

All in all, with cooler evening temperatures and fewer crowds, make it a more enjoyable way to tour the Pope’s digs.

Pros and Cons of Visiting the Vatican at Night

So, is it worth it to book a Vatican night tour?

Absolutely, yes!!!

But, let’s zoom in on the pros and cons.

Vatican Night FAQs

Can you go into the vatican at night.

Yes, you can go into the Vatican at night on Friday evenings between April and October. Otherwise, the Vatican is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6.30 pm, with final admission at 4:00 pm.

Is Vatican City Nice at Night?

Yes, Vatican City is gorgeous at night with all the buildings lit up against the backdrop of the night sky.

And if you visit the Vatican Museum in the evening you’ll deal with fewer crowds. Therefore, you’ll be able to get up close to amazing masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel.

So, a visit to the Vatican at night is a quiet, profound, and emotionally charged experience that is not to be missed.

Can you Visit St Peter’s Basilica at Night?

While you cannot visit the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in the evening, you can admire the stunning exterior.

How late can you Enter Vatican City?

The Vatican Museum closes at 6:00 pm every day except Sunday, with final admission at 4:00 pm.

Additional Rome Resources You’ll Love

• Best Rome Food Tours
• Best Rome at Night Tours
• 2 Days in Rome Itinerary

There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best Vatican night tours.

Tell me, did your favorite Vatican night tour make the list? If not then let me know now.

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Vatican Museum Guided Tour

Review Highlights

“ Our guide told me that they sometimes have 35,000 to 40,000 people a day go through the Sistine Chapel and St. ” in 24 reviews

“ They have all sorts of relics and famous paintings by Da Vinci, Michelangelo , Caravaggio, Raffaello, Perugino, and many more. ” in 6 reviews

“ It's so crowded though that you kind of get pushed along like you're on a moving walkway. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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Via Leone IV 28

Città del Vaticano, Prati

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Overall rating

10/10 recommend using the guided tours!! You get to skip the line if you do, which can save you several hours!! Went on a weekday afternoon, and the like to enter was super long! It was really nice to skip. I also enjoyed the tour throughout and learning about the history!! They have tours in different languages, and they provide headphones so that you can listen to the guide speak in a loud and busy crowd.

The Vatican Museum is amazing. A must visit for art livers. They have all sorts of relics and famous paintings by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Perugino, and many more. If you visit Rome you must go. Make sure to make a reservation one month prior.

See all photos from Juan Pablo S. for Vatican Museum Guided Tour

Vatican Museum is huge, but that doesn't mean that you're going to love it the first time you visit it. My suggestion is to go there once in your lifetime :-) The good news is that on the last Sunday of every month , there is free entry to the Vatican Museums between 09.00 and 12.30.

See all photos from Sophie N. for Vatican Museum Guided Tour

This review is for the guided tour in the guide specifically not for Vatican city, or the museums. We had pre-registered for the breakfast in Vatican tour group. When we arrived, there was no clear markings for where we needed to actually be for our group. We were ushered in like cattle, and no one had a clue as to which direction to go in, and there were several different options. Once everyone seem to get things sorted out, and we made it to where we needed to check in, there was no delineation of lines or where we needed to be for the check in process. When we finally made it to the window to check in, we had to provide passports, and our reservation slips, and even then the person behind the glass was totally disinterested and actually helping us get through the process. It was very odd. Once we were checked in, she motion for us to go stand with another group. When we went over to the other group, we were handed these funky, headphones, and made a wait in yet another line. When our tour guide showed up, she was completely disheveled, disorganized, and clearly disinterested in being there. Have you not done our own homework to figure out the layout and where the Variety of places within Vatican City that we wanted to see including art, displays, etc. we would have totally missed out on quite a few things. She just did not do her job. At one point, we had asked her about some of these locations that do require a tour guide to get into, and her response was to just motion for us to go to that location when we were done. Super poor customer service. You can't really select your tour guide, and if you could, I don't even know what that process would look like for them. I what made it worse was that occasionally we would run into another group, although they were really good about keeping us all separated, but it was quite obvious that some of the other tour guides were , more informative, and definitely did their jobs with getting tourists to an in the various places. Can you go on your own?, I'm sure that you can, but this is not the experience you want without a tour guide. They do provide some invaluable information that you would not get any other way.

It was packed with people, could barely walk or see anything that wasn't the ceiling. It was so hot I could barely breathe, there was no easy access to water, and the group tours are rushed /herded through like animals. There were so many corridors of art we did not get to look at because we were constantly rushed from one room to the next simply from the crowds piling into the room with everyone's shoulders literally touching one another. The staff were friendly and doing their best given the circumstances, but they really need to work out a better system for managing crowds and heat.

Vatican Museums Virtual Guided Tour I've been to the Vatican for the day. There's no way you can see everything. I heard on the news about the virtual tours. I recently took a virtual tour of some the Vatican Museums. The first time I visited in person was in 1968! During Covid you take what you can get. Virtual to me is not as thrilling. It was on NBC News I heard on the news about the Virtual Tour of the Vatican Museum. I really recommend you take this tour. What moved me is the beauty of everything. I could see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in all it's glory. This is one of my favorite works by Michelangelo. This virtual tour is almost as good as being there in person visually. I wasn't completely fulfilled. The website for the virtual tours can be found online. Please note the website name is in Italian. When I went to the site I found at least 26 Vatican Museums I could visit virtually. I'm doing a few at a time. I'm so happy I can travel there while I remain in the safety of my home. The website is very well done and organized so I had no problem going from museum to museum. I am concerned about my device saying the website is not secure. I find that happens frequently when I use websites outside of the Americas. I'm visiting many places I visited in person before the pandemic. The fun for me was always taking photos. I guess I have to take screenshots and post them. After all most of the Yelp Events are virtual. Try searching for virtual tours of your favorite museums, film studios and more. Our NYC Museums have lots of virtual events.

My screenshot of one of the Vatican Museum Tours posted with review 02/12/21.

We booked a 7 pm time slot. It wasn't a tour it was just an entry. We showed up to the office 5 minutes late and our 7 pm group hadn't left yet. Since we were 5 minutes late we were told we needed to wait until 7:40 and we would get in the 8 pm tour. Frustrating but we thought worth the wait to get in. After waiting until 8:30 we never got helped or were able to enter the Vatican. They told us over and over to wait and nothing happened. We were told we couldn't get a refund and wasted an hour and a half of our limited time in Rome. Very disappointed. Highly do NOT recommend this business.

I love museums, and like to wander around by myself, look at everything, and focus on items of interest for as long as I want to. The Vatican museum tour was the opposite of that. You will wait on line for hours to get in, or you can purchase "skip the line" tickets for a suppposedly fast-tracked admission, or, presumably the best option, a guided tour. The piazza was packed with hordes of tourists, so we opted for the guided tour. But, even with the official guide leading the way, it still took over an hour and a half to get into the building. The entire tour was like the NYC subway at rush hour. It was hot and stuffy, and packed shoulder-to-shoulder, being led by the nose along with a throng of people, with no chance to even stop to look at anything. The guide drones on in your ear in broken English. You have to follow her little scarf-on-a-stick, or you'll get dropped by the group. The only things I even remember were the impressive 400-foot long map room, and the overrated Sistine Chapel, where the priest got on the PA system to tell the thousand people inside to STHU and put away their phones because they were in a church. The tour ended at St. Peter's Basilica, where, thankfully, we were allowed to explore the world's largest church on our own, which was breathtaking, and worth all the prior torture. There are many collections of ancient and Renaissance art throughout Rome that are as good as the Vatican's collection. A visit to St. Peter's Basilica is a must, but if crowds are not your thing, skip the Vatican museum and go the Musei Capitolini instead.

St Peter's Baslica

Vatican Museum map room

The Vatican Museum was truly a memorable experience. I did not expect to see Egyptian statues here from many centuries ago. I highly recommend you book a guided tour here. So they can show you and discuss most of the highlights in each room. I enjoyed learning about Michaelangelo's story behind his artworks. The biggest highlight here is Michelangelo's artwork at the Sistine Chapel. This is a mind-blowing masterpiece. You cannot take pictures and videos inside the Sistine Chapel. I am Roman Catholic, and I did buy a few Vatican rosaries for my mother and I. I bought my mother a cream Vatican rosary in a beautiful rosary box.

We had a conflict with a tour and were double booked. We called customer service and basically got the response of "too bad." And we were charged twice for 2 tours on the same day. All Viator had to do was either refund one or provide some sort of credit for another tour. The funny thing is we booked 4 different tours throughout Europe and you would think they would consider us a good customer. NO. BUYER BEWARE. You are on your own. They will spend more time refuting this review than actually providing what they call "customer care". For the amount of effort they put into damage control - they could maintain their customers. We are heading back to Europe in the fall and WILL NOT USE VIATOR. They are owned by Trip Advisor - so stay clear of them . Local, private orgs actually take care of customers - Try Getyourguide.com or Toursbylocals.com

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Friday Night at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after sun sets on a Friday night tour
• Skip the line and gain fast access to one of the most important art collections in the world
• See top sights, such as Michaelangelo's 'Last Judgment' and the former apartments of Pope Julius II
• Follow your professional guide through all the highlights
• Avoid the crowds

Tour’s Location

What's included, departure & return, departure point, departure time, what to expect, additional info.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Dress code is smart casual (no sleeveless blouses or dresses, miniskirts, shorts, or hats)
• Choose from two pre-selected menus
• Cloakroom staff will accept bags and personal belongings irrespective of the material or dimension, with the exception of clothing items, hats, and portable umbrellas. It is obligatory to deposit suitcases, backpacks, containers larger than 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters, bags and backpacks that are cumbersome (except those carried on the shoulder and less than 15cm from the body at its highest point), spike-tipped and medium and large umbrellas, walking sticks (except those required by disabled visitors), tripods for cameras, and video cameras.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate

Cancellation policy

From 85. 26  usd, reserve now & pay later.

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Vatican Museums Friday Night - And Saturday night too!

By Elyssa Bernard

November 21, 2023

Did you know you can visit the Vatican Museums on Friday night as well as Saturday evenings?

Find out why you should put this special visit on your itinerary.

Why You Should Visit the Vatican Museums in the evening

This is one of my favorite "special things to do in Rome", because it feels like you are somehow in on a secret.

How is it possible to be able to visit one of the world's most stunning places, with so few people ?

Why don't more people know about this?

Here's what you need to know about visiting the Vatican Museums on a Friday or Saturday night:

• What are the opening dates/times ?
• How much does it cost ?
• How crowded is it ?
• Can/Should you take a tour ?
• Can you see Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• Will you see the Sistine Chapel ?
• Can you have Happy Hour inside the Vatican Museums on Friday or Saturday Night ? (hint - YES!)
• Is this the best way to visit the Vatican Museums if it's your first time ?

I really cannot recommend this highly enough.

Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

Vatican Museums Friday Night and Saturday Night - Dates and Times UPDATED FOR 2024

As of 2024 the Vatican Museums opening hours are being extended.

From January 1 , the regular hours will now be 9:00AM-7:00PM, apart from the Free Sunday events when the opening hours will still be reduced at 9:00AM-2:00PM.

However, starting from March and running all year (even in the winter months) the museums will be open for an extra hour until 8PM every Friday and Saturday.

The 8PM closing time will also be in effect on days around holidays such as the dates around Easter , Ferragosto and Christmas .

This means that the Saturday night events will remain as they were, with last entry at 6:00PM and closure at 8:00PM, but on Fridays the museums will be closing earlier, at 8:00PM instead of 10:30PM.

Whatever the closing time is, that means they close the doors at that time.

Which means that you will start being shooed out about half an hour before that.

Costs for visiting the Vatican Museums on Friday / Saturday nights

To visit the Vatican Museums Friday night or Saturday night, you MUST buy tickets online in advance.

You will not be able to purchase tickets on site.

The cost for visiting the Vatican Museums Friday night or Saturday night is the same as during the day, there will no longer be a separate ticket for the evenings.

As of January 1 2024, this will be 20€ for adults; 8€ for children between 6-18, and free for children under 6.

There is a 5€ fee to book online via the Vatican Museums website .

You can also use an online ticketing agency to book .

You might want to do this if you have trouble with the Vatican museums website, or if you can't easily find tickets available through the Vatican Museums.

Visit my page for everything you need to know about purchasing Vatican Museum Tickets .

Crowds at the Vatican Museums on Friday nights

I think the thing people want to know most about visiting the Vatican Museums is how to avoid the crowds.

This can be tough in high season , since the museums are busy every day they are open, all day. 

Up to 35,000 people may visit the museums throughout a given day, and right now Rome is busier than it ever has been.

So, are the Vatican Museums crowded when you visit on Friday or Saturday nights?

Previously, the extra late opening on Fridays meant that the galleries were pretty empty after 8:30/9PM.

On Saturdays the museums were not as quiet as on Fridays but the evenings did tend to be better for crowds than going during the day.

Colosseum by night

Another amazing night visit you can do in Rome is visit the Colosseum by night. Find out how!

The idea behind the new extended opening hours is to make the museums more accessible to all, so we will have to see what the crowds are like later in the day.

My instinct tells me that the evenings will still be less crowded, as most people will tend to want to visit during the day. I will update here once the new hours come into effect!

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

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Tours of the Vatican Museums on Friday Evenings

Yes, you can take a tour of the Vatican Museums in the evenings.

I highly recommend this tour with Walks of Italy.

You can also visit on your own, and rent the audio guide.

I always suggest a tour of the Vatican Museums, because it helps to know where to go and what you are looking at.

However, most tours go on the earlier side.

Will you see St. Peter's Basilica if you visit the Vatican Museums on a Friday night?

If you visit the Vatican Museums on an evening, you are going after Saint Peter's basilica has closed for the day.

The basilica closes at 6:30 PM in winter , and 7 pm the rest of the year, so you won't get to see it on a night visit to the museums.

You can either visit the basilica on a separate occasion, or visit it at around 3-4pm, and then head to the museums.

Make sure to give yourself a lot of time for waiting in the security line to get into the basilica.

In high season , it can take over an hour to get through that line.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Will you see the Sistine Chapel if you visit the Vatican Museums Friday night or Saturday night?

Every visit to the Vatican Museums finishes inside the Sistine Chapel .

This is the last major room you will see when you visit the Vatican Museums, whether on a regular visit or on Friday or Saturday night.

When the museums close at 7PM you'll start to be shooed out around 6:30PM.

When the museums close at 8PM you'll start being asked to leave by about 7:30PM.

You will find the Sistine Chapel less crowded than during daytime visits.

How to enjoy happy hour inside the Vatican Museums on Friday and Saturday evenings

Can you imagine having a lovely glass of wine and snacks right inside the Vatican Museums' Pinecone Courtyard? 

Previously you could book a specific ticket that included a drink and access to the buffet, but this seems to be have been removed for 2024.

I will keep checking and let you know if this gets reinstated!

Ready to plan your trip?

Is This the Best Way to Visit the Vatican Museums if it's Your First Time in Rome?

If it's your first time in Rome, visiting the Vatican Museums on a Friday or Saturday night can be a great idea, purely because it's much less crowded at night.

But you should know that you will not see St. Peter's Basilica , be able to  climb St. Peter's Dome , or enjoy St. Peter's Square by day.

So you may want to plan those things for a separate day, or go before you visit the museums.

Whether you visit the Vatican Museums Friday night, Saturday night, or normally during the day, if you are visiting the Vatican Museums for the first time, I'd really suggest you take a tour .

There is so much to take in, and they are enormous, that it's worth having someone guide you, and point out the most important works so you don't get overwhelmed.

If you are not that into tours, try the self-guided audio-guide.

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

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Friday night tour - Vatican Museums

• Europe    
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• Vatican City    
• Vatican City - Places to Visit    
• Vatican Museums

Friday night tour

It was awesome, but crowded. So crowded that I was pick-pocketed about half way through the museum, my camera was stolen. So was the case to the small binoculars that I brought along. When I left the museum I had binoculars and a camera case. I brought the binoculars to see the brush strokes in the Sistine Chapel. I kept wondering if I would have had an easier time seeing if it was day. Guess I'll never know.

For me that was THE musuem to see when in Rome. There's some amazing and unique stuff, so make sure you won't miss it when in Rome. Best of all, if you happen to be in Rome around the end of month you can visit it for free - skip to the end of the review for more info on that. The museum is large and basically a one-way route, so it's basically impossible to go back. Therefore plan ahead what you want to see - there are maps of the museum online. There is a shortcut to get faster to Sistine Chapel - but if you take it you will miss a lot so I don't recommend it. We took the long route and spend slightly over 2 hours in the museum, which was OK for our kids - but you can definitely stay much longer when going for a more detailed visit. You can make photos everywhere apart from Sistine Chapel. The long route starts with Egiptian exhibition, which is small (much smaller then British Museum or Berlin) but interesting. Yes - there are mummies (only two). I love ancient Egypt so I really enjoyed this part. After that there is a huge Roman collection - not my cup of tea, but also interesting. The tapestry collection is just OK, but the map collection is very interesting (though the maps are mostly of Italia). The next part is a series of 20+ rooms with paintings from different eras. I really enjoyed the Sobieski room with a great and hue painting of the famous Matejko. There's a lot of medieval paintings in this section, but many painters are not that known. We enjoyed this part quite a bit, but were a bit dissapointed by the modern art section (though they have two great paintings of Salvador Dali, so make sre you won't skip it - they're not particularly exposed). The Sistine Chapel - ah, such a marvel. Reserve at least 20-30 minutes to get all the bueatifully crafted details in it. After the chapel there are still more than 10 rooms, but there's really nothing that spectacular in them, so most visitors just skim through it. There is a cafe atthe end and, surprisingly, the prices are OK - standard prices for Rome. There's also a post office at the very end of the Museum, where you can buy and send postcards with Vatican stamp. Now about the entrance: there are queues at the entrance. Always. If you plan to visit, it's smart to buy the tickets online, since there is a separate queue for these people. If not, be prepared for long waiting times. As usual it's a good idea to plan to visit te museum in the morning. We were lucky enough to be in Rome in the last week of September. Now, almost every last Sunday of the month is free entrance to the museum (but check the calendar on he museums website). You don't need any tickets. However, during these days the museum openes at 9AM and the last entrance is at 12:30 PM. There are many stories on the web saying that during these free days there are enormous queues and huge crowds inside, so it's really not worth it. Well - we decided to give it a try and it was well worth it. We got there around 7:40 AM (80 minutes before the opening) and there were approx. 500-600 people already in the queue. However, around 8:00 AM the queue was already twice longer and at 9 AM it was gigantic, ending close to St Peter's square. Despite these crowds we entered the museum at 9:15 AM - because the museum is so large it can acomodate a huge number of people at the same time and it's not really that crowded. So my suggestions during the free days is to get there as early as possible.

Booked an official tour through the official Vatican website. While the group is large, you get a headset so you can hear. We also noticed the official tour groups get priority and we saw the smaller private groups constantly getting pushed aside. The tour we were on started and stopped at different locations. This means that you do not get a chance to use the gift and book shops at the entry unless you do a bunch of backtracking. Suggest go a bit early and use gift shops when you see them as you might not go back. The different churches gift shops have different gifts so if you see something you like buy it as you might not see it again. The tour was a solid 2 1/2 hours so use the washroom and grab some liquids before you go. There is no bathroom break. Yes it is crowded but it is worth it and yes it deserves to be.

If you do only one thing in Rome (besides throw coins in Trevi Fountain!), please take time to visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's. I would advise to buy a "Skip the Line" ticket from one of the tour companies. It is worth the price to not have to stand in line for hours. Take your time visiting the museums. Allow at least a half day, but preferably more, so you can truly absorb all there is to see! The Sistine Chapel will be the last thing on your tour, so be sure not to miss it! It will be crowded and perhaps even a little noisy (people tend to forget it IS a chapel, after all), but take the time to look up and soak in all the Michelango has to offer!

It's just far too crowded. Hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, with no air. Don't go if you're claustrophobic and dislike being shoved and prodded by other people. It's impossible to stop and look at anything because you simply get swept along with the massed hordes. Don't fall to the floor as the crowds would trample over you without a care. Surely there must be a better way than this of organising the visits, but one gets the impression that no-one gives a stuff as long as the tills are ringing! Staff all universally miserable to boot!

If you are planning your trip to Rome and are lucky enough to be there on a Friday May through to October I highly recommend doing the Friday night entry to the Vatican Museums for a far more pleasant experience than the chaotic crush that is the day time showing. I've done both now and cannot stress enough how much better the night time experience was. We had the Sistine Chapel virtually to ourselves and no more than 20 other people on the night we attended. We did however head straight there and then track backwards so we beat most people to it. You have two options for the Friday night sessions, which open 7pm - 11pm. You can just pay the entry ticket price of 16 Euro, or do what we did and get the 'Happy Hour' ticket for 32 Euro. For this you get to have one drink (white or red wine) with a small buffet in the Pinecone Courtyard. This was a very pleasant experience at twilight. The buffet consisted of roast meats sliced at the buffet with a selection of salads and other cold meats. If you've had a big lunch, it is enough for a small light dinner serving. We then proceeded to view the treasures in the museums without the huge day time crowds and got some amazing photos of the dome of St Peters at night. Best way is to buy your tickets online directly from the Vatican website and cut out the middle man. The have a secure site and accept credit cards. Print out before you go and go straight to the front of the line when they open the gates. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking

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Friday night tour - Vatican Museums

• Europe    
• Italy    
• Lazio    
• Vatican City    
• Vatican City - Attractions    
• Vatican Museums

Friday night tour

It was awesome, but crowded. So crowded that I was pick-pocketed about half way through the museum, my camera was stolen. So was the case to the small binoculars that I brought along. When I left the museum I had binoculars and a camera case. I brought the binoculars to see the brush strokes in the Sistine Chapel. I kept wondering if I would have had an easier time seeing if it was day. Guess I'll never know.

For me that was THE musuem to see when in Rome. There's some amazing and unique stuff, so make sure you won't miss it when in Rome. Best of all, if you happen to be in Rome around the end of month you can visit it for free - skip to the end of the review for more info on that. The museum is large and basically a one-way route, so it's basically impossible to go back. Therefore plan ahead what you want to see - there are maps of the museum online. There is a shortcut to get faster to Sistine Chapel - but if you take it you will miss a lot so I don't recommend it. We took the long route and spend slightly over 2 hours in the museum, which was OK for our kids - but you can definitely stay much longer when going for a more detailed visit. You can make photos everywhere apart from Sistine Chapel. The long route starts with Egiptian exhibition, which is small (much smaller then British Museum or Berlin) but interesting. Yes - there are mummies (only two). I love ancient Egypt so I really enjoyed this part. After that there is a huge Roman collection - not my cup of tea, but also interesting. The tapestry collection is just OK, but the map collection is very interesting (though the maps are mostly of Italia). The next part is a series of 20+ rooms with paintings from different eras. I really enjoyed the Sobieski room with a great and hue painting of the famous Matejko. There's a lot of medieval paintings in this section, but many painters are not that known. We enjoyed this part quite a bit, but were a bit dissapointed by the modern art section (though they have two great paintings of Salvador Dali, so make sre you won't skip it - they're not particularly exposed). The Sistine Chapel - ah, such a marvel. Reserve at least 20-30 minutes to get all the bueatifully crafted details in it. After the chapel there are still more than 10 rooms, but there's really nothing that spectacular in them, so most visitors just skim through it. There is a cafe atthe end and, surprisingly, the prices are OK - standard prices for Rome. There's also a post office at the very end of the Museum, where you can buy and send postcards with Vatican stamp. Now about the entrance: there are queues at the entrance. Always. If you plan to visit, it's smart to buy the tickets online, since there is a separate queue for these people. If not, be prepared for long waiting times. As usual it's a good idea to plan to visit te museum in the morning. We were lucky enough to be in Rome in the last week of September. Now, almost every last Sunday of the month is free entrance to the museum (but check the calendar on he museums website). You don't need any tickets. However, during these days the museum openes at 9AM and the last entrance is at 12:30 PM. There are many stories on the web saying that during these free days there are enormous queues and huge crowds inside, so it's really not worth it. Well - we decided to give it a try and it was well worth it. We got there around 7:40 AM (80 minutes before the opening) and there were approx. 500-600 people already in the queue. However, around 8:00 AM the queue was already twice longer and at 9 AM it was gigantic, ending close to St Peter's square. Despite these crowds we entered the museum at 9:15 AM - because the museum is so large it can acomodate a huge number of people at the same time and it's not really that crowded. So my suggestions during the free days is to get there as early as possible.

Booked an official tour through the official Vatican website. While the group is large, you get a headset so you can hear. We also noticed the official tour groups get priority and we saw the smaller private groups constantly getting pushed aside. The tour we were on started and stopped at different locations. This means that you do not get a chance to use the gift and book shops at the entry unless you do a bunch of backtracking. Suggest go a bit early and use gift shops when you see them as you might not go back. The different churches gift shops have different gifts so if you see something you like buy it as you might not see it again. The tour was a solid 2 1/2 hours so use the washroom and grab some liquids before you go. There is no bathroom break. Yes it is crowded but it is worth it and yes it deserves to be.

If you do only one thing in Rome (besides throw coins in Trevi Fountain!), please take time to visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's. I would advise to buy a "Skip the Line" ticket from one of the tour companies. It is worth the price to not have to stand in line for hours. Take your time visiting the museums. Allow at least a half day, but preferably more, so you can truly absorb all there is to see! The Sistine Chapel will be the last thing on your tour, so be sure not to miss it! It will be crowded and perhaps even a little noisy (people tend to forget it IS a chapel, after all), but take the time to look up and soak in all the Michelango has to offer!

It's just far too crowded. Hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, with no air. Don't go if you're claustrophobic and dislike being shoved and prodded by other people. It's impossible to stop and look at anything because you simply get swept along with the massed hordes. Don't fall to the floor as the crowds would trample over you without a care. Surely there must be a better way than this of organising the visits, but one gets the impression that no-one gives a stuff as long as the tills are ringing! Staff all universally miserable to boot!

If you are planning your trip to Rome and are lucky enough to be there on a Friday May through to October I highly recommend doing the Friday night entry to the Vatican Museums for a far more pleasant experience than the chaotic crush that is the day time showing. I've done both now and cannot stress enough how much better the night time experience was. We had the Sistine Chapel virtually to ourselves and no more than 20 other people on the night we attended. We did however head straight there and then track backwards so we beat most people to it. You have two options for the Friday night sessions, which open 7pm - 11pm. You can just pay the entry ticket price of 16 Euro, or do what we did and get the 'Happy Hour' ticket for 32 Euro. For this you get to have one drink (white or red wine) with a small buffet in the Pinecone Courtyard. This was a very pleasant experience at twilight. The buffet consisted of roast meats sliced at the buffet with a selection of salads and other cold meats. If you've had a big lunch, it is enough for a small light dinner serving. We then proceeded to view the treasures in the museums without the huge day time crowds and got some amazing photos of the dome of St Peters at night. Best way is to buy your tickets online directly from the Vatican website and cut out the middle man. The have a secure site and accept credit cards. Print out before you go and go straight to the front of the line when they open the gates. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking

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LIVE TOURS › VATICAN TOURS › VATICAN Museums Tour on friday night

VATICAN Museums Tour on friday night

The vatican museums & sistine chapel friday night tour offers you the opportunity to experience the highlights of this world-famous collection during a limited period of time each year, for a unique experience outside of official opening hours..

GOOD TO KNOW

• every Friday evening, from April to October
• only private groups

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

• Sistine Chapel
• Pinecone Courtyard
• Galleries of the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps
• Raphael Rooms

Vatican Museums – Friday Night: which time of the year?

Every year and only for a  limited period of time  (from April to July and from September to October) the Vatican Museums open on Friday night after sunset and with a limited number of tickets available.

The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Friday Night  tour will let you enjoy the art and history at a different pace, with limited numbers permitted to enter the museums, you’ll have more space to view the art works and enjoy the atmosphere. Your  E nglish-speaking licensed guide  will enhance your visit with the history and stories behind the art and artists but –  above all – choosing the Vatican Museums by night tour is quite another experience than on a summer morning… one-of-a-kind!

What’s the difference between a morning tour and evening tour?

As you explore the Vatican Museums you will see many of the same highlights that are visited on morning tours but  without experiencing the overheated rooms and crowds of daytime  visits.

Along with this you will escape the heat! As you know, Rome can be quite hot especially in June or July, therefore Vatican Museums by Night tour could be a nice way to beat the heat.

Don’t forget the  evening illumination! It will enlighten the marvelous Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps and the stunning painted ceilings of the Gallery of the Candelabra: it will be even harder to distinguish it as a trompe l’oeil! We’ll explore  Raphael’s Rooms  and at the end of the tour the Vatican Museum’s highlight: the frescoes on the ceiling of the  Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo  in the unique atmosphere of evening light.

CAREFUL: Don’t forget that in the evening St. Peter’s Basilica is closed, so it won’t be possible to visit it during the Vatican Museums by Night tour.

Note : Due to a limited number of tickets available this tour must be booked in advance and therefore it is not available for a last minute booking.

• Your guide is  LICENSED, LOCAL and specialized in ROME and VATICAN HISTORY .
• Dress code : no shorts – no uncovered knees and shoulders, no backpacks.
• IMPORTANT: Tickets and headphones (compulsory for 5 or more people, price 1.50 euro each) are not included in the price. Vatican Museums admission tickets price : ADULTS: from 30€  CHILDREN up to 18 y.o. or students under 26 y.o.: 21€  After paying the deposit to secure the tour, we will send you the online booking procedure to get your admission tickets or book your tickets for you on request.

From June to October and extra fee of 15%  will be added on last minute requests (3 days before the tour date).

PRICES: the guide fee must be considered as a total not per person.

We run only private tours.

We don't run small groups.

We can accommodate time/day request according to our guides' and entry tickets availability.

Final and detailed price will be provided after receiving your request from the contact form.

Starting price for a private tour 2,5 hrs for 2 adults: 350 euro + tickets but definitive price is provided *only* upon request. Price can be reduced during low season or increased during holiday, peak dates or last minute request.

For group larger than four, price will be provided upon request.

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ST. PETER’S BASILICA: IMPORTANT

Due to major disruption, multiple restoration interventions and jubilee 2025 rehearsal, the guided tour to st. peter’s basilica is now suspended until further notice., the vatican tour will end at the entrance of the church leaving you free to visit the basilica at your own pace when the access is allowed..

How can we help? Send a message and we will get back to you shortly!

Vip Vatican guided tour, Thank God it's Friday

Friday evening vatican guided tour.

The Vatican Museums hold a sheer amount of artwork, beauty, and splendour that attract thousands of tourists on a daily basis. This popularity means that at times the museums can get claustrophobically crowded. The solution? Come visit the museums at night! The Vatican Museums have special openings on Friday evenings for tourists who are looking for a premium experience. As the official Vatican Museums tour provider, we will help you visit the Vatican Museums and the superb Sistine Chapel in a more exclusive way! On top of that, a dedicated, English-speaking guide will be there to accompany you in every step on your journey to discover the Vatican at night. As the dusk is falling and you explore the nearly empty galleries you will get top insider knowledge from your assigned expert guide.

› Get premium skip-the-line admission tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, home to humanity’s most valuable treasures

› enjoy the after-hours experience with this special fridays only 19:00 tour when the crowds are smaller and the views are better, › take advantage of the encyclopaedic knowledge of a dedicated english-speaking guide who will accompany you on this journey, › choose who joins you on this tour, either be part of a small-group of no more than 12 people or choose the private option, have you ever wondered what museums look like at night.

Insightful, silent, and spacious… Many people wish to visit the Vatican because they want to admire one of the most important art collections in the world but they simply cannot stand the crowds. So many tourists are looking into visiting the Vatican Museums with very few people around. Well, you can now hang out at one of the world’s most stunning places at night! We provide a special time-slot on Friday evenings for travellers who prefer more authentic and less crowded experiences. As soon as you enter the museums you will feel the difference! You will have enough time and space to pay detailed attention to the masterpieces inside. This after-hours tour promises an unrushed and hassle-free experience. Exactly what you would wish for when visiting such a fabulous yet extremely popular place.

What parts of the museums will you visit?

Throughout centuries wealthy and famous visitors have presented the Pope with some of the most valuable artworks in Western art and history. These masterpieces can now be found within this labyrinthine complex. On this tour you will visit places like the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of Tapestries. The former holds an incredible collection of busts, statues and masks found throughout the continent from the time of the Roman Empire to present day. This gallery is divided into 6 superbly designed rooms whose defining features are the impressive candelabra from each room. The latter is a gallery that is protected from sunlight in order to best preserve the tapestries of Raffaello Sanzio. These superb tapestries illustrate some of the most famous Catholic myths. Part of the itinerary is also the Gallery of Maps where you will wander through a large number global maps created by Roman topographers centuries ago when cartography was undergoing its own Renaissance.

The Sistine Chapel evening experience

For many, the highlight of this tour is the Sistine Chapel. This place is usually heaving with tourists. By joining this tour you will be able to admire the chapel with very few people around you. Every inch of this place holds an incredible artistic value and it can be difficult to experience it fully during the usual operating hours of the Museums. This after hours tour will give you the opportunity to discover in-depth Michelangelo’s genius. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most renowned artworks of the Renaissance period. It has drawn admirers here from all the corners of the globe for over five hundred years. The ceiling is divided into 9 panels, each depicting an important Biblical Scene. Central to the ceiling is a famous fresco displaying one of the main stories from the Book of Genesis, the Creation of Adam. This fresco portrays God giving life to Adam the first man. Due to this special time slot that we provide, you will also have the occasion to observe and analyse the frescoes that are beautifully coloured in the rare shades of ochre, umber green, and ultramarine blue.

Small-Group Tour

You can join this tour, as part of a group of no more than 12 people. Being part of a small-group when touring the Vatican can be a fun yet more personal experience since the size of the group is small. Your assigned guide will accommodate everyone on the tour and answer everyone’s questions. Our guides are highly experienced at keeping such groups engaged and entertained and they will provide top insider knowledge on the monuments. This option is more budget-friendly while not giving away the benefits of having a guide to accompany you as you discover the Vatican. On top of that, it has proved to be a great option for tourists who do not mind the presence of other like-minded and culture-hungry travellers who are all enthusiastic about discovering the Vatican.

Private Tour

Newlyweds, families, first-time tourers, or couples and friends who prefer more privacy or are simply looking for more authentic travel experiences, may often think that having a guide to yourself is better than sharing one. With this premium option, you decide who joins you on this tour. Needless to say that you will benefit from the undivided attention of your guide and that you can also benefit from flexibility of itinerary. With this choice you will experience the Vatican in a very time-efficient and seamless way, where you can spend more time on the galleries that appeal to you the most and less time in others, you will see the Vatican at your own pace. You can also choose this option and upgrade it to include pick-up from your accommodation. This option promises a much more comfortable, efficient, and authentic experience!

This tour runs on Friday evenings only. When visiting the Vatican you are kindly asked to dress for your comfort while respecting the rules about covering your knees and shoulders.

Witness the fabulous art and architecture in the museum of museums

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Visiting Vatican at Night | Tours, Things to do, Dining Options

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour

• Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
• Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
• Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
• Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
• Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
• Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
• 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
• Group of 20 people or less
• Reservation fees
• Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
• It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
• Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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Hear from our guests

Vatican at night.

Given that the Vatican is an extremely popular attraction, it is safe to assume that it tends to be crowded all year round. The Vatican Night tour tickets are limited, ensuring that the after-hours visitors have more breathing room. Even though you might not get the time to linger around each work of art for a long time, you would still be able to appreciate the works without having to navigate through the jostling crowds.

Why book a Vatican night tour?

• You will be able to get after-hours exclusive night admission to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with these tickets, allowing you to dodge the crowds.
• Enter the Vatican Museums right after it closes to the public and explore the 54 stunning galleries that showcases some of the most important masterpieces at your leisure.
• During the day, the Vatican Museums are bustling with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's masterpieces. However, by night, these iconic artworks take on a whole new allure. Illuminated by soft lighting, the intricate details and vibrant colors come to life in a way that's simply mesmerizing.
• Do note that on all days except Sunday, this tour of the  Vatican Museums  and Sistine Chapel is available.

The Vatican at Night Experience

Plan Your Vatican at Night Experience

• Tour the Vatican Museums: Explore the museums in a relaxed setting with no crowds. Learn about the history of the Vatican, the Popes, and artists whose works have been showcased here.
• Happy Hour: Enjoy a lovely glass of wine and a buffet meal inside the Vatican Museums' Pinecone Courtyard.
• Stroll along St. Peter's Square: Start off at Ponte Sant'Angelo, and make your way to the Square. Don't forget to visit the Egyptian obelisk of Caligula in the center!

• Bistrot La Pigna: Located inside the courtyard of the Vatican Museum, the bistro offers salads and pastas.
• The Caffetteria Le Carrozze: The café has an outdoor seating and offers sandwiches and drinks.
• Tre Pupazzi Restaurant: Located just outside the Vatican, the restaurant offers authentic Roman fare.
• La Soffitta Renovatio : The family-run restaurant is a 15-minute walk away from Vatican. They serve Roman and Abruzzese cuisines.
• Timings: On all days except Sunday, this tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is available. The tour starts at around 4:00 PM
• Duration: This tour lasts for one hour.
• Meeting point: On the confirmation voucher, the actual meeting location will be listed.
• Opt for the Vatican at night experience if you want to see the Vatican City as you have never seen before.
• Reach the venue at least 30 minutes in advance to meet your guide.
• Adhere to the Vatican City dress code .
• Carry your identity card.
• Listen to your expert guide carefully if you want to know more about Vatican City.
• Do not carry large pieces of luggage as you won't be allowed to take them inside the Sistine Chapel or the other museums.

What to see on a Vatican night tour

Gallery of the Candelabra

The large marble candelabra that, along with the colored marble columns, divide the exhibition area into six sections gives this gallery its name. The gallery was designed between 1785 and 1788 by Pope Pius VI Braschi, and was entirely rebuilt during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII Pecci (1878-1903), resulting in the current ornamentation. The paintings were arranged like furniture, following symmetry standards that were suitable with the gallery's architecture.

Hall of the Maps

Within the Belvedere Courtyard is the Gallery of Maps. It is noteworthy not only for its map collection but also for the beautiful ceiling that dominates the space. Ignazio Danti made the maps in the 16th century. Pope Gregory XIII gave him the task of painting these exhibits for display in the Vatican. The map gallery is more than just a collection of dull maps. They offer an amazing view of the Italian states.

Gallery of the Tapestries

The Gallery of Tapestries, also known as the Galleria Degli Arazzi, is one of the most important and beautiful rooms in the Vatican museums. The room can be divided into two halves, with tapestries displaying scenes from the life of Christ on the left as you enter and tapestries commemorating the life of Pope Urban VIII on the left. As you approach the Vatican's tapestry room, you will note that the tapestries depicting Pope Urban VIII's life on the right are disregarded in comparison to the tapestries depicting Christ's life on the left.

Inside Vatican Museums >

Frequently asked questions about Vatican night tours

Yes, visiting the Vatican Museums at night is a special experience as it allows you to beat the crowds and see the museum's top attractions in a new light. This allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed viewing.

While we certainly try to enable our guests to make last-minute purchases, booking night tours in advance is highly recommended. This reduces chances of tickets being unavailable or sold out.

Vatican night tours start at €99. Ticket prices vary according to whether they are early morning or after hours tours.

Purchasing Vatican night tours is not only a great way to beat the rush of the morning and midday, but also allows you to see the exhibits in a different light. It's a unique experience that's sure to be memorable.

Your ticket is typically valid for the date you have purchased it.

Vatican night tours can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Yes, entry to the Sistine Chapel is included in a Vatican night tour. Get a chance to see two of the world's most famous pieces of art – Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and his Giudizio Universale, while beating the crowds!

No, Vatican night tours don't include access to St Peter's Basilica. However, booking Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tours offers access to this iconic church. Benefit from an expert tour guide.

Audio guides are not included Vatican night tours, but they can be rented at the entrance for an additional fee. If you are looking for a guided tour experience, opt for an expert tour guide who will accompany you on your night tour. They will offer insights into the artwork, its history and its significance.

Vatican night tours typically start around 4 pm and lasts for an hour.

Vatican guided tours

Plan your visit to vatican, vatican rules and regulations.

Fans in Portugal camp out 24 hours before Eras Tour show to watch Taylor Swift

While friday night's concert was beginning, fans where camping out for saturday night's show..

LISBON — After seeing the panic and frustration emerge Friday night at the Taylor Swift concert, Lara Madais lined up with her boyfriend Joao Almeida to camp out for Saturday night's show.

"We saw the big lines," Madais says from spot seven in the general admission line. Paramore had just begun their Friday night set and the two could hear Hayley Williams sing, "That’s What You Get" pour out of the open roof of Estádio da Luz as they sat against a concrete wall. "I've never seen so many people."

Poor communication by staff on entry gates and bottlenecked lines delayed Friday night's show about an hour. At one point, fans knocked over a barricade and began running towards the stadium hoping to not miss Swift as she took the stage for her first time in Portugal.

More: 'Absolute chaos': Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Lisbon delayed as fans waited to enter

For 24 hours, Madais and a handful of others waited outside of the stadium watching the 60,000 plus fans exit. Trains moved slower than snails. Some fans walked away from the stadium to grab an Uber or cab back to their hotels. The low cooled to 57 degrees overnight. Madais had her boyfriend to pass the time and make sure she was safe (he's not even going to the show).

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"I brought a power bank, snacks, cereal and a book," the 22 year old says. "We can watch some movies."

She paid €227 for her floor ticket ($246). To her, the cost and sleep deprivation are worth a moment to watch the record-breaking and massive Eras Tour .

"I know I won't be by the stage, but I hope to be three rows back," she says. "I just want to feel like I'm right there and she's singing to me."

Behind Madais sat Mafalda Gomes in a green sweatshirt with her suitcase containing her custom-made "Female Rage: The Musical" t-shirt.

"I'm saving a spot for my friend who is in the concert now," Gomes says. "I can't believe I'm going to see Taylor. I think I'm going to pass out because it's been my dream for like 10 years."

Gomes brought a friendship bracelet kit to pass the time. The neuropsychology student at Universidade Lusófona has been a fan since she was 12.

"I'm waiting for the surprise songs, because I hope Travis will come," she says about Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce who filmed his Friday "New Heights" podcast from a house "over yonder" and "across many different time zones." Fans speculate on if he'll make an appearance Saturday night at the show.

Taylor Swift 's next two concerts will be in Spain at the Real Madrid fútbol stadium.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

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