Entrance for St. Peter's Basilica

Jenna, whether someone has had success in the past or not, there is absolutely no guarantee that you'll get through that door if you are not with a tour. It all depends on the mood of the guards on any given day so I don't think you can get a definitive yes or no to your question.

I would plan on doing the basilica before or after your visit to the museums. We had success in the early morning (arriving before the doors open) but others report shorter queues in the afternoon.

I have seen people turned away from the "secret door" because they were not with a tour. I think the guards have enough aggravation as it is without dealing with people trying to "sneak" into the Basilica.

Thank you for your respond. I think we will plan on going at 7:00 am when doors open.

Would you guys suggest getting a tour for the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel? I am personally not a huge art fan, but I just want to walk around inside for an hour or two and see the Sistine Chapel.

Right now I am planning on use Rick's audio guide tour on the cell phone.

A few years ago we bought tickets to a non guided tour. We met up in front of the Vatican museum with a group and the guide got us in the door and then we were on our own. We did exactly what you said looked at the art and saw the Sistine chapel. We did not go into the Basilica from there, we went in separate from the outside.

What time did go to the museums? I realize they will probably be busy at any time of the day, but I am planning on going to the Basilica at 7:00 am and (hopefully) will be out by 9:00 am. I am thinking maybe 10:00 am?

10:00am will be prime time for tour groups, but it may thin out near the Sistine Chapel at around lunch time.

If you plan to roam a little and set your own pace, the RS audio guide will be fine.

If I have a reservation for 11:30 am for the Sistine Chapel, on my own through the Vatican site, no audio tour, except the great Rick Steves podcast, when I finished it, does it takes me directly into St Pete Cathedral or do I need to exit and go through a different line? What is the best approach to maximize time? Thank you

From what I have been told, you will need to exit and go through a different line. I did the same thing you did - just booked a reservation for my admission and am doing Rick Steve's audio tour.

For groups that have tours, they can go directly into St. Pete Cathedral. I have heard people say that you can try to 'blend in' with the tour group and go into the Cathedral that way... but that's a risk. I am planning on going to the Cathedral at 7:00 am when it opens (just to be safe). My tour is at 10:00 am.

You cannot use the tour bypass door unless you take a guided tour. The guards usually check tickets. You will need to go out the regular exit and go through the security line for the basilica.

Just as clarification, you cannot buy tickets for the Sistine Chapel. You buy tickets to visit the museums which the chapel is a part of.

Donna

I think your plan to go to the basilica early is a good one. There will be no queues to get in and it will be relatively quiet. You may also want to ascend the dome. If you do this you enter the basilica and turn right. The dome can be ascended from 8am, either by walking up the whole way or by taking a lift then walking. There is a fee. We were there a few weeks ago and it was very quiet at that time of day with no waiting. If you do ascend the dome allow about 1.5 hours to enjoy the experience.