We'll be in Rome for only two days, on a wknd. at the end of April. As it's the last wknd of a month (& I think a holiday wknd), I understand the museums are open on Sunday. This is probably a stupid question, but should we plan to do the museums on Sat. rather than Sun. due to crowds? Do we have to book one of the 50+ euro tours to make sure of getting in? I know this has been covered before, but am wondering with changing opening/closing hours & this year's tourist crowds (more or less?), does anyone have some up-to-date advice? I don't need a guided tour, as we've had them before...just a way to get in!Thanks.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I'm not sure they are always open on Sunday.
We went to the vatican on Nov. 1st, All Saints Day. We had asked our Italian friends if the museum would be open or if we should plan to go another day. They all said, "No problem".
The night before my friend called his friends in security (so we wouldn't have to stand in line). It was like a scene out of a Pink Panther movie watching my friend say, "I see" and "well let me know if anything changes" (in l'Italiano), then put the phone down and say, "They aren't open tomorrow."
Lesson learned, they do close. Get the official information rather than asking the locals. The good side was we saw Pope Benedict speak to the crowd in the square.
Posted by
Laval, QC, Canada
82 posts
If they do are open on that Sunday (since it probably is the last weekend of the month), the crowds will probably be too much. I would go on Saturday instead if you don't mind paying the admission fees. I guess you don't really mind since you're ready to pay for the tour. But anyways, if you can avoid the crowds, do it.
Posted by
OP
Arlington
127 posts
Thanks. I think Sat. is it! I know this has been covered before, but I can't find it: Is there a way to get tickets ahead of time & does it make a difference in the amt. of time you spend standing in line? We don't need/want a whole tour...just the most expeditious way in to the museums.