Does anyone have experience going to the Vatican the last Sunday of the month when it is free? I understand that it will be crowded and open from 8:30 until 2:00 (last admission is 12:30). Would you go very early - 7:30 - or wait until the crowd dies down? Any of your experiences would be helpful. I plan to be there in early June of 2012. Thanks.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
I lived across the street from the Vatican entrance and frankly, I WOULD NEVER go on a free Sunday. The place is packed, the lines are long - some folks wait and never get in.... thus the crowds and the lines do not die down. If at all possible, avoid "free Sunday" at the Vatican Museums. This is not the way to see these wonderful museums. I suggest after flying 7,500 miles, you pay the €15 and enjoy your visit to the Vatican Museums on a different day, rather than survive it on "free Sunday!"
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I agree with Ron. The 15 euros you save by going on free Sunday is not enough to get me to visit on that day. They are so crowded you really can't move, let alone enjoy the art work you are pushed past. I suggest you just book tickets for a different day and enjoy the museums at your own pace. Donna
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, Ca, USA
11 posts
Thank you. I will reconsider my itinerary and find another day for the Vatican! Thank you.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
162 posts
Put it this way, if RON OF ROME (formally) answers your post and says its a "no no", then its a "no no"...lol!! Oh and also Donna, she's all over this board and is very well informed!! I can say this, we went this past March which supposedly is a slower travel season on a Friday morning and it was still pretty packed so I couldn't even imagine the crowds on a free day...