I know Rick's guide says that Saturdays, last Sundays of the month and Mondays, are the most crowded for visiting the Vatican Museums, but would Mondays be so crowded? Only in Rome four full days, Monday is my birthday and thought going there (reserving for the 9 am open time) would be best and not as crowded. Anyone have experience with the Vatican museums on a Monday in winter? And if so, advise I go on a Tuesday instead?
Thank you.
I don’t think there would be a significant difference between Monday and Tuesday.
I lack Roberto's in-depth experience in Rome, but if you Google Rome Closures Monday, you'll find a list of sights closed that day, including the Borghese Gallery. With a bunch of other places closed, somewhat more than the average number of tourists may find their way to the Vatican on Monday. I'm pretty sure that's what Rick is reacting to. I have no clue how significant that difference might be.
Good point, I remember now many places closed Monday but not Vatican museums, but I'm wondering if in February it will be so crowded. I think I read that Feb 11, a Sunday, is the Vatican anniversary and it is closed that day, so the 12th, might be busier. I'll figure it out. Thank you all!
Vatican Museums are busier on Mondays for two reasons: they are not open on (most) Sundays and as you observed, other galleries are closed Mondays. BUT, the Vatican Museums are always busy, so just go. The best way to beat some of the crowds is to take a tour that gets you in before the individual ticket buyers. Walks of Italy does a "Pristine Sistine" tour that we enjoyed very much.
I was there on the Monday after the week of All Saints Day, so the start of the "slow" season. I did that early morning tour and the guide said it's never really slow at the Vatican museums. The Sistine Chapel, when we cut back through to get to St. Peters was crowded with all seats taken, but not as packed as people say it is in summer. Expect crowds around the highlights (map corridor, Rafael rooms, Pieta in St. Peters, etc.), and then you won't be disappointed.
The bigger issue might be going to St. Peters after the museum if that's in your plans. Tours get to do the shortcut so don't have to go back through security. If you go to the museum and then the basilica without a tour, you'll have to leave the museum and then go through security again to get in to The guide pointed to the line and said it was about a 2 hour wait at 11 am. In November. If you planned on seeing both, you might consider going to one before lunch and the other later in the afternoon? More experienced travelers can give their opinion if it's an interest and you didn't want the tour.
I went to the Vatican Museums 3 times, all in February. First time was a Monday, I had booked in advance and got in quickly. I met others who spent an hour or more in line to get tickets. The rooms were very crowded. The second time was on a Friday, I booked in advance and there was no line at all, the rooms were crowded but not nearly as much as the first time. The third time was this past February, I went on a Friday without booking. The line was very long and people who toward the end of the line said they'd already been waiting close to an hour. There were many touts selling fast entry at jacked up prices. It looked like group tours were getting preferential entrance (that's usual everywhere) and that was delaying others. I simply went somewhere else.
Thank you everyone for comments, all very helpful.
