We will be in Rome mid-September. We have reservations for the Vatican Museums at 12:30 on a Tuesday, want to do St. Peter's beforehand, and are trying to figure out what time we should be there. All recommendations from the "before times" suggest getting to St. Peter's when they open in order to avoid the lines, but I'm wondering if that is still the case. I want to allow 2 hours at St. Peter's because we may climb the dome. Anyone know what the crowds have been like around 9:00-9:30 am? Thanks!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
I follow the "Catholic Traveler" and "Romewise" on Facebook. Both are based in Rome. You could facebook message them to ask if there isn't anyone on the forum that would know.
Posted by
2497 posts
My daughter and husband were in Rome three weeks ago. They said they did not face significant lines anywhere. St. Peter’s square was practically empty.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
I thought if something else. There is a woman married to a Swiss Guard, worked for and lived in the Vatican. TravelAngel. I think she blogs, but I follow her in Facebook. She has written a short, inexpensive guide to the Vatican you might like.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
288 posts
I was there twice in August, once around 5pm and once around 3pm. Hardly any line either time.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
557 posts
I was there on Saturday morning at that time and climbed the dome but did not enter the museum. Spent about 5-10 minutes in line to go through the TSA-like process to enter the basilica. There were a few tour groups but the place is huge so felt relatively empty. No line to buy dome tickets and there were people at the top but not too many. Afterwards I went to the Vatican post office and it had only a few people in it. Be aware that if you opt for the elevator to the dome there are still about 155 steps involved afterwards!
Cynthia
Posted by
OP
29 posts
This is all good information to know. Thanks, everyone!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
Edit-
Original comment deleted as it was deemed unhelpful and irrelevant.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Well, joe32F, Rick Steves himself, in his Rome guidebook, states to allow “one hour, plus another hour if you climb the dome.” But, thanks for your helpful input.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Dplaunderville, that is exactly my point…how can anyone else assume how long I want to spend somewhere and how much of it I want to see? Joe (1) didn’t answer the specific question I asked; and (2) gave me a completely snarky and unhelpful reply. Personally, I would never spend 6 days at the Louvre because I don’t feel the need to “see it all.” But, I wouldn’t criticize you on a public forum for your choice to do so. You do you, I’ll do me, and we’ll both be happy.