I just learned (from Rick's guidebook update) that tickets to the Vatican Museums can now be purchased online. Has anyone used this option? Does this mean we can avoid the legendary long lines, or do we still have to wait in a different line? Does this also allow you to go into St. Peter's Basilica?
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
You can now make reservations for a specific time, 4 euros additional for the reservation making the entry 18 euros per person, at http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/tickets/index.html within 60 days of your expected visit. You still buy your tickets when you get there, but you take your confirmation up to the front of the line and they direct you from there. St Peter's Basilica is still a different entrance and still free. Sometimes you can go there directly from the Sistine Chapel, sometimes not, depends on the mood of the guards back there if they will let people other than with tour groups through.
Posted by
USA
85 posts
I just did this today, but I booked the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour too. It was E30, which includes the price of admission. It was cheaper than other tour agencies. RS book Rome 2009 says that it's almost impossible to book the Vatican tour, but it was quick and easy for me and there were lots of open dates available. I used the website for the Vatican, www.vatican.va.