St Peters Basillica then the Vatican Museum?

With kids you have to break it up into two separate visits. It is going to be crowded unavoidable especially in summer.
Go into Basilica before 9 am (meaning you line up around 8 am) or line up after 5 pm.
Only visit the Museums and the Sistine Chapel either with a guided tour timed entry or DIY timed entry.

When we visited the Vatican City we started with the Vatican Museum first. We booked tickets for 9 am and spent almost 3 hours there. We then proceeded to the Basilica. The line was long, we waited in line for about 30-45 minutes. We brought some snacks with us so we munched on those as we wait in line. We spent an hour or so inside then went to a restaurant after to get lunch. We also didn't book a guided tour and pretty much did everything on our own pace. I suggest you eat a heavy breakfast before going inside the Vatican Museum and bring some snacks to stave off hunger during the tour.

I also suggest that you go to the Vatican Museum first since there is a lot to see. Get the earliest possible time entry ticket since it gets very crowded as the day goes on. I was overwhelmed by all the artwork that goes on and on and on before and after the Sistine Chapel. You can do the Basillica afterwards if your legs have not fallen off by the time you finish in the museum. Have fun.

Definitely the museum as early as you can, if you book ticket on line you can go directly to the entrance. Once you exit the museum you can walk to St. Peters and you'll find places to eat along the way, or many other places around the square before you enter St. Peters.

I second those who advocate taking a break for lunch between the Basilica and the Museum. Also, be aware that the Vatican Museum can be terribly crowded. I booked an after-hours tour (Dark Rome) for my family a couple of years ago, thinking the crowds would be lighter. Not. It was so packed that in the Raphael rooms (which are magnificent, BTW) I nearly passed out and had to spend some time at a window.

I'm not trying to discourage you. The Vatican Museum is a must-see in Rome (although if you return to Rome you may not want to do it again). Just be aware that it is packed with visitors. (I've been to Rome three times and to the Vatican Museum twice.)

As for when, I would recommend doing the VM first thing in the morning when you and your family are fresher and more rested and when the crowds are not as bad. Also, there will be more light in the Sistine Chapel (at the very end of the tour) and you will enjoy it more. When we saw it at night, the lighting they use (that washed-out white light, to protect the frescoes) was so dim that it was difficult to see the art and the colors were rather washed out. With daylight coming through the windows, you should be able to see things better. You can spend as much time in the SC as you want, which is good because it is a lot to take in.

As for the Basilca, consider going late afternoon and taking in the 5:00 p.m. Mass. I am not a Catholic, but it was one of the most beautiful and moving experiences on our entire trip. I was sitting right next to a group of Belgian nuns, and their obviously excitement and religious fervor at being in St. Peter's was contagious. Added bonus going late afternoon: crowds are not as bad - although St. Peter's is so huge that crowds aren't much of a problem.

I will add a vote for Museum first, Basilica afterwards.

Hi rd,

Definitely visit The Vatican first - early, early in the AM if at all possible.

Have you visited the official Vatican website to see what tickets and times are available? https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do

After The Sistine Chapel, you can go directly to St. Peter's Basilica, which you will find a very welcomed "relief" after the shoulder-to-shoulder viewing in The Vatican.

I love St. Peter's. It's like a breath of fresh air after coming out of The Vatican. I don't know where the snack restaurants are inside The Vatican. But, maybe you can take snack bars and eat them while waiting to get into the Vatican. Of course, you'll probably have a good breakfast.

Some things to note in case you're not aware:

• There is a security check at The Vatican. (bags and coats go in a bin on a moving belt and scanned. There are a couple of guards there - one to watch people and the other looking at the scanner screen.

• No big bags/backpacks or large umbrellas allowed in - they will need to be checked.

When I was there, 14" or so were allowed. Anything deemed too big and/or bulky will need to be checked in their complimentary coat/check room. This will impede your going directly to St. Peter's since you'd have to go back and retrieve your bags. I don't know if there is another way around that now. Then, you'd have to wait in line for St. Peter's (free to enter at any time anyway, but you'd have to go through another security/bag check) Not good in July weather.

(There is another coat check room at the ground level (bottom of the stairs) to St. Peter's. There is also a restroom. But, that is really out of your way going to The Vatican first.)

• No food or drinks allowed. But, when I was there (once at Vatican and a few times at St. Peter's, guards allowed water bottles to be put away in bags. It may be different in July with an abundance of people.

• There is/was a working "nasone" - water fountain - coming out of St. Peter's. Ask the guard to direct you. I forget the exact spot as you walk down and out to the Piazza. It is almost 'hidden' if you're not looking for it.

• No cams, phones, or talking in The Sistine. Guards keep reminding people...which can be louder than people actually talking, lol.

• No cams, phones or talking in The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Peter's which is strictly for Prayer and Reflection. Totally gorgeous in the Chapel. Guards remind people (and there is a big sign warning visitors) Guards do spot checks and will escort anyone out who disobeys the rule. I saw it happen.

• There are a lot of places to grab a formal lunch or a quick bite near and around The Vatican and St. Peter's. Going around and behind St. Peter's is a whole neighborhood with shops and eateries. If you have time, check out Borgo (rione of Rome)