Is it better to pre-book a tour to go in the morning with the hordes or take a chance waiting in line to have a less-crowded opportunity in the afternoon?
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I went on a tour of the Vatican in the afternoon last March and it was really crowded then. Just wall to wall people. I'm not sure it makes that much difference but someone else may be able to give you a better idea.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8056 posts
Really, I consider the "Vatican" to be several sites as opposed to one. The Basilica or St. Peters is best seen early, before the crowds, as is the crypt. The cupola is dependent on weather or haze, probably best left for late morning. The museum is anyones guess; some say the crowds die late in the day, some say be early, I say if you are flexible and the crowd looks long after visiting the Basilica, then stop back later in the day. The tours cost significantly more, only get you to a slightly (maybe) shorter line, and you see the collection on their timetable.