I am leaving for Europe in 2 weeks and debating whether I should shelve the Vatican for a season when it won't be so busy. I am in Rome 3 days and nights, and from what I hear it is an ordeal to get through (unless you are part of a tour). What does everyone think about leaving the Vatican for another trip?
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
36 posts
HELL NO!!!!! Go to the Vatican. I took Ricks advice and I went at about 1-3pm. The line was not long and there were only some tours to contend with.
It is worth it. It was one of the best parts of my trip.
When in the Sistine really contemplate how it was painted and the wonder that came out of it.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Visit the Vatican Museum in the afternoon, about 1-2p as suggested above, and you will not encounter lines.
However if you are visiting the Vatican simply because you feel you are obligated to because you are in Rome then skip it. There is no reason to see a sight if it holds no interest to you. But don't avoid it simply because you afraid of line.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
I would agree on the Vatican. Sure it's busy but it's no busier than other mega sites in Europe like the Louvre.
The Sistine Chapel absolutely made my jaw drop, it was that amazing, and I had seen the painting, of course, many hundreds of times.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Agreeing with the above posters, this is Rick's 7th Axiom of European Travel: The other tourists want to see the same things you want to see, there are reasons for this, your sensitive perceptions may not be as unique as you think. Anyhoooo, this causes lines at some of the most worthwhile "attractions", especially in the summer. You can avoid the lines but you will miss some wonderful things. It's your trip and your money and in the end you get to have it any way you want it but you have to make choices.
Posted by
Daytona Beach, FL
223 posts
I agree with everyone else. I think of The Vatican as a must see. Before you decide to skip it, maybe you should take a virtual tour or two. (www.italyguides.it for St.Peters; www.mv.vatican.va for the Vatican Museums).
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
RD - I agree with all the comments posted - DO SEE THE Vatican. Lines this year are not long. Go mid-week and later in the day (after 12 noon) and you'll be fine! Enjoy!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
I agree with everyone else. The Vatican is definitely worth the time, and we went at 1:00 (with a 3 Millennia tour - not a skip the line tour) on a Friday (the 27th of June), and there was absolutely no line. There wasn't even a line for security.
Posted by
OP
Lawrenceville, GA, USA
79 posts
Thanks for the input. I do really want to see the Vatican. I will be in Rome August 8-10. How are August lines? What tours did you take? What is the wait if I go in the afternoon in August?