We have entrance to the Vatican at 8:30am, Is it reasonable to do St Peter's before? It looks like it opens at 7am, I was thinking getting in line 6:30, hour in the Basilica and then get in line for the Vatican?
Posted by
Austin, Texas, USA
577 posts
It is possible "IF" you get right into the Basilica at 7am. if the line is long or you are delayed getting in then you might be rushed. Once you are in, an hour is enough time to see it.
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Thanks you!
Posted by
4 posts
Hmmmm..... worried about that time window.
Way back in Feb. 2003, I went to the Vatican early morning, must have been 8 am. It was a very long line. Didn't even consider seeing the Basilica before or after. It was probably one of the most eye-opening (and unpleasant) waiting experiences of my travels in Europe (I thought the lineups at the Uffizi was bad....!!).
Good luck.
Posted by
54 posts
You'll be rushing through the Basilica. It might be better to book an advance ticket for the Basilica for the afternoon https://booking.basilicasanpietro.va/en/idea/13692388/the-basilica
Posted by
6 posts
I would advise against it. We just returned from Rome and saw the Vatican Museums and spent time in St Peters Basilica on the same day and in that order. The security lines for both Basilica entrance and museum entrance can be long. Then there may be a slow procession to the church once through security. If you choose to do both in the order you suggest, you may have a short time to enjoy the church and then want to return. We had a 9 am museum entry time and it was extremely congested when we arrived which was well before 9. We ended up spending almost 2 hours later in the day at the Basilica.