I’ve been reading that Vatican can be very crowded and that it is important to reserve a time to enter the museum. I also read that the crowds are not as bad if you get reservations for when Vatican opens, but others say it’s better to go later in the day, about after 2. My family and I, me, my wife, two 12 year old's, and my mother plan on being there October 8 through the 14, and plan on making reservation for the 9th, which is a Thursday. I know that this question maybe personal preference, but I think for us, the less crowded the better. Thank you.
Posted by
Piedmont Triad, NC
176 posts
Hi Raymond,
One thing I would take into consideration is how happy/grumpy your group will be if they have to get up super early to be there at opening. Some people are morning people, others are not. If your group will be okay, I'd suggest be there early - just because I like to do museums when I'm fresh, then have lunch and plan something more relaxing and outdoorsy for the afternoon.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
When people talk about the museums and crowds they are usually talking about the entry crowds. The museums are crowded inside from the time they open until the time they close. You may find some rooms without crowds but the main galleries, especially those leading up to the Sistine chapel, are always packed with bodies. Even in the off season those galleries and the chapel will have wall to wall people in them.
You're going during high season so expect large crowds both inside and outside the museums. A timed entry will get you past the line outside but be prepared for the wall to wall people you'll find inside.
Donna
Posted by
Central Florida
484 posts
The museum is packed. St. Peter's Church is huge, so it's really not bad even with a lot of people. I would go online and check Church times. Also, I would try to avoid days when the pope is around unless you really want to see the pope. St. Peter's is a functioning church. So, church events can impact the schedule for those who just want to visit. I believe the church is open until 7 pm or so on Fridays. Plan on 2 hours for museum and 1-2 hours for the church.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I know people will disagree with me, but when I'm in Rome, I always stay at a hotel directly across from the Vatican. The lines are loooooong in the A.M. I've gone in at 3PM, and had a great time, with small crowds. I've walked around St. Peters Square @5pm (because my hotel was close and it was a spur of the moment decision) and found myself almost alone there! You can now buy tickets for an evening experience in the Sistine Chapel which I think would be incredible. They've installed lighting. I, myself, would love it if someone would chime in on how to do that.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Just go to the Vatican website to book the Friday nights at the Vatican museums. The crowds are much smaller and it's a wonderful atmosphere. We've been able to sit in the chapel for 45 minutes or more just admiring the art work without all the daytime crowds. It's really wonderful.
Donna
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
77 posts
The mornings seem to be more crowded. Rick notes in our Italy book, "The best (or least-worst) time to visit is a weekday late-afternoon. The worst days are Saturdays, the last Sunday of the month (when it’s free), Mondays, rainy days, and any day before or after a holiday closure. Mornings are most crowded." I'd try to go late afternoon. Be prepared in any case for a crowded visit as the Vatican is one of the most crowded and popular sites in Europe (if not the most crowded).