We will be visiting all the major sights in Rome and Florence between Dec 27 and Jan 2 and I have heard from this helpline that most of these sights are not as busy at that time and all the waiting in lines doesn't exactly apply to this time of year. Do we still need to make reservations for Uffizi Gallery and Accademia and will the Vatican Museum still be crowded since it's the last Sunday of the month(Dec 28)? Should we try and go to Vatican City/St. Peters on another day? Any advice for this time of year as it relates to museums would be helpful. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
Sara--check your PMs re the Florence Museums.
I was there in the beginning of Dec. so it may be a little different for you, but I would recommend a tour/reservations for the Vatican or going another day. It's certainly not going to be as crowded as high season, but because it is Christmas break, you might get crowds visiting Rome over the holiday week, especially on the Vatican's free Sunday.
You HAVE to make reservations for the Borghese Gallery, regardless of time of year. If you have time, don't miss it. Bernini's sculptures are just breath-taking.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
The sights will be busy during the time you will be in Rome & Florence. Everything will shut down December 25-26 and January 1 making the sights more crowded. The Vatican Museum free day is always a mob scene. I would visit another day as crowd is so bad. Plus the free day has shorter hours.
Posted by
OP
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
19 posts
Thanks to both of you! I think I have decided to move the Vatican City Day to Monday of our trip instead of the free Sunday. We're still trying to decide if we absolutely need a tour for those sights b/c they seem to be expensive and if it's not as busy as most times...maybe we could get away with it.