I have tickets to the Wednesday audience next week and would like to see the Vatican Museum after the audience (grabbing a takeout sandwich somewhere during the walk from St. Peter's to the museum). I'm planning on making reservations to the museum so I don't have to wait too long, but I'm not sure what time slot to book. I've seen a lot of different estimates about how long the audience lasts, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If I assume the audience lasts only 1.5 hours but it actually gets out later, then I'll miss my reservation time, but if I assume 2.5 hours and it ends earlier, then I could end up waiting at the museum entrance for my reservation to start, which is exactly what I wanted to avoid! Any advice on what I should do? Thanks in advance . . .
Posted by
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
The answer is: it varies. Depends on the crowd, the pope's mood and heaven knows what else! (Pun intended.) I would leave plenty of time before your Vatican Museum reservation. It's a bit of a walk anyway, and there is plenty to see in terms of people watching and soaking up the whole scene, so I wouldn't worry about having "too much" time.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Sarah, it is indeed a bit of a walk to the museum entrance. Good idea to grab something to eat along the way - do not, under any circumstances, eat the pizza at the museum cafeteria! If you decide to eat on the museum premises, there's a nice little restaurant (light meals) in the main courtyard of the museum.
Posted by
OP
CHICAGO, United States
12 posts
Thanks a lot! So if the Wednesday audience starts at 10:30 and can last as long as 2.5 hours (till 1), then maybe I should make the reservations for 2 pm?
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
143 posts
Yeah, I don't think you'll tire of the scenery in Vatican City while you wait for your tour.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
70 posts
When we were there the service was a bit over 90 minutes but don't forget you need to be there at least 60 minutes before it starts. The lines to get through the security scanners are especially long on Wed's.