I've read that the Vatican is only open on the last Sunday of the month (and is free), and it just so happens that I will be in Rome at that time in May. I've also heard that it is super busy. Exactly how busy are we talking here? Mob scene busy? If I go before its even open will it be bad? Should I wait for afternoon? I was hoping to see Borghese gallery afterwards. What about getting a reservation, is it really useful on that day? Also, are the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters part of the cost, and are they free as well the last Sunday of the month? Thanks!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Either of those days in the afternoon would be better than free Sunday or in the morning of any day. Afternoons tend to have little to no lines outside but can still be very crowded on the inside. The good thing about the afternoons is that most of the tour groups have already exited the museums so you don't have to contend with that. Donna
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It will take between 1-2 hours in line to get inside then it will be wall to wall people. You will be pushed from one room to another with the sea of people inside. It doesn't matter if you get there early or late (last entry at 12:30) it will still be packed full of people. Basically, free Sunday is the most crowded day of the month. You couldn't pay me to visit on free Sunday. The sistine chapel is part of the museums and you can only see it by going through the museums. The basilica is always free. The Borghese gallery will require a ticket and a reservation. I would not combine it on the same day with the Vatican area. Donna
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34172 posts
Take all the advice from Ron in Rome's Vatican Museum page especially paragraph 13.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Wa, USA
663 posts
Thanks everyone! I am only in Rome for half of Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Would Saturday afternoon, Monday morning, or Monday afternoon be the better day/time to go? The website made it sound as if none of those times are any good. I would hope that with it being open on Sunday that Monday might be better than it would have been otherwise.