wonderful travelers! we are one month out from our very anticipated trip to italy. i recall needing to reserve tickets to the vatican museum around NOW! but i went on the rick steve's site to double check this and found a news item saying the vatican museum is now not open to the public until 10 am. AARGH! we've got our itinerary planned for a 9am entry. is this true? there is no date on the website entry so i am not sure it is even a recent change noted. i was about to buy the tickets at the vatican.va site which does not EXACTLY say open to the public at 9. frustrating! please advise.
thanks so much
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
I don't know where you found information that the Vatican Museum is not open until 10a - this is incorrect. The official website states, "Open Monday to Saturday: the Ticket Office is open from 9 am to 4 pm. The Museums close at 6 pm." The museum accepts reservations beginning at 9a to the general public. Some tour groups have early entrance. You can reserve tickets for a 9a entry via the Vatican website: http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/index.html
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Sam is right. The museums open at 9 but if you're going next month it may be too late to get one of the first opening times. I would check the website to see if you can get these tickets and book as soon as possible. Here is the direct link: http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do Donna
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Any advice on what to do first? The vatican museum with a early time, then St. Peter's at the end or
St.Peter's first, and do the museum later in the day say 1-2ish?
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
I would visit St Peter's first, especially if you want to climb the dome. Then hit the museum after lunch. Most people are doing the opposite - the museum and then St Peter's. However this will not work on Wednesdays when the Pope is doing the Papal Audience in St Peter's Square, the basilica is closed during that time.