Vatican Museum Ticket Times

I would count on getting a later appointment for the Museums. Or, have a light lunch at the little courtyard restaurant on the museum grounds (keeping your noon appointment but start with lunch instead of touring). Once you enter the museums, you can stay until closing. Warning: do not eat the pizza at the basement cafeteria.

I just got back from Rome. Here's my two cents. We had Vatican Museum reservations for 1 pm. We went early, because this was all new to us and we didn't know how much time to allow for transportation and walking. I think as long as you arrive a little early or later (even by 1 hour) you will be fine. We found out the hard way that later is much better. If you can go at 2 pm, it will probably be much better. Allow about 2 hours for Museum. We got caught in a crush of tourists. So, we were unable to leisurely look at exhibits. It was more like crowd herding through. Honestly, it was far more crowded than I anticipated. Bring a bottle of water with you. Other important tips, a bus ride from Pantheon neighborhood to the square is about 15 minutes ride. Then, veer off to the right of the square and follow/walk along the wall to back area. This is the museum entrance. (Another 10 - 15 minutes). Ignore the left line (along wall) at museum entrance. Get in right side line and easily walk up to the entrance. This is the reservation line. Then, feel bad for those standing in line. Once you get inside, you go to a ticket booth upstairs and show your ticket voucher and photo ID. Allow 1 - 2 hours for St. Peter's Church. We were excited and actually budgeted too much time. We went at a slow pace, except for being herded through the museum.

Don't take it for granted that they will allow you directly inside if you are late. The tickets will still be valid but they have the right to make you wait in the line if you are not on time for your appointment. This could mean waiting in line for hours. If you don't think you'll make the 1pm appointment then book tickets for a later time. If the lines are really long they won't honor you being late as that is part of the crowd control efforts they have place. Just book a later entry time and take your time at lunch.

Donna

Restaurants do not open until 12/12:30 but you will find bars/cafes open all day. Your Scavi tour will be over by 11a - probably earlier. Visit St Peter's Basilcia after your tour. I wouldn't reserve the Vatican Museum until 1:30p if you want to eat at a restaurant. The museum will most likely honor your voucher if you are late but you should aim to attend at the time you reserve.

To avoid the crowds, although this isn't your main concern perhaps, go as late as possible. I agree with someone else to allow two hours, but be a bit selective-- once you go in the direction of the Sistine Chapel, etc., it's a long circuitous route and you won't easily be able to find your way back, so save all that for last. We went earlier and the crowds were merciless. And regarding the timed tickets-- I wouldn't count on getting in after your reservation time-- best advice is to get there ahead of your time actually.

lb

I haven't checked recently, but I believe the museum website says that if you're late they have the option of making stand in line with everyone else. So your ticket would still be good, but your reservation wouldn't. Also, since policy enforcement can be somewhat variable in Italy, I would suggest you plan to be on time -- particularly since you'll be there at the height of the tourist crush.

Also the walk from the end of the Scavi tour to the entrance to the museum takes at least 15 or 20 minutes, so allow time for that.

Thank you everyone for your help! I will make the museum ticket reservations for the later time.

Our experience of restaurants near the Vatican is that they specialize in poor food and scamming tourists. I would not try to schedule a restaurant meal then but would schedule the Vatican museums early and then plan to eat in their cafeteria -- it won't be fabulous but it will be fine and you won't be cheated.

Concerning the restaurants, we walked just a few blocks away from the Vatican and had a lunch that was one of the best meals of our trip. When we went inside it was full of priests. That might be something you could check for :) Unfortunately I can't remember the name.
Cynthia