Vatican to our hotel at 11 pm- safe?

I didn't see anything about late hours on the Vatican website. It just says, "ST. PETER’S BASILICA: The Basilica is open every day from 7.00 to 19.00, April to September and from 7.00 to 18.00, October to March."

Violent crime is rare, and there should be plenty of people out and about since most Europeans seem to dine out very late. Keep valuables safely tucked away in a money belt or neck wallet, be aware of your surroundings, and 99.99% you'll probably be completely safe.

Jeff - this is from their website:

An extraordinary opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums after sunset.
Every Friday from April 24th to July 31th and from September 4th to October 30th 2015, the Museums will be open to visitors from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (last entrance at 9:30 pm).

Visitors will be able to admire important collections, following an itinerary that includes the Pio-Clementine Museum, the Egyptian Museum, the Upper Galleries (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps), the Raphael's Rooms, the Borgia Apartment, the Collection of Modern Religious Art, the Sistine Chapel.
Booking online is mandatory.

Admission ticket and Happy Hour
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a Buffet Aperitif in the magnificent setting of the Pinecone Courtyard. Having finished the aperitif visitors may then visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Hi Angela,

That is what I thought too - that it's a Friday night and others will be out at that hour too. Thanks!

Are you planning to take a special tour (like this one -- http://www.toursbylocals.com/vaticanatnight)? If so, I'd check with the tour provided about transportation. Surely they will have the answers you need.

It doesn't look like the place is just open for you to visit otherwise, but it is very hard to tell.

This looks like it is -- http://www.romeguide.it/?pag=schedaeventoengnew&id=10945&lang=eng -- but when you click on the Vatican Museums Web Page link it goes to a guided tour option.

It does say, "Every Friday from April 24th to July 31th and from September 4th to October 30th 2015, the Museums will be open to visitors from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (last entrance at 9:30 pm)."

Nothing is showing up on the Vatican page, possibly because it's too early. Or maybe because only guided tours are allowed at those times.

I think I see where I can buy tickets directly from the Vatican Museum site: link

Am I missing something?

Edith, there are taxi stands at the front of Saint Peter's Basilica, and probably near the Museum exit as well, if you decide to do that. There is usually a supplement to the fare after 10pm.

I don't think there is any problem going back to your hotel after 11:00PM
I stay in that area frequently and even as a solo traveler - I would not hesitate to take a bus
or metro and walk a bit back to my hotel.
Your Vatican late night adventure sounds wonderful.

I don't think there is any problem going back to your hotel after 11:00PM
I stay in that area frequently and even as a solo traveler - I would not hesitate to take a bus
or metro and walk a bit back to my hotel.
Your Vatican late night adventure sounds wonderful.

I have taken city Metros as late as they run in Rome and other European cities. If your feet are exhausted, you'll get home faster by taxi; between the Vatican and Termini, budget about €11 by day or €15 after 22:00.

I don't think you're missing anything. I think you are spot on. Thanks for that link. I certainly didn't see it until you linked to the ticket office. I noticed nothing on the website that even mentioned the Friday night option!

As others have said, you should have no problem getting home, but I'd take a 9 minute $12-$15 taxi if it were me. Rome2rio says it is an hour walk from the Vatican to Roma Termini -- https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Gare-de-Rome-Termini/Vatican-City-Vatican. The link also gives other options to select, with potential prices. That's where I got the taxi info.

Edit: Part of the reason I recommended the taxi option is how long you will be on your feet at the Vatican, on top of what you will do during the day before you go there in the evening. Adding an hour walk, would not be my choice. Been there, done that when I was about 30. Waited outside St. Peter's for an hour to get in on Christmas Eve. Waited an hour inside for the Pope to come up the aisle. Watched the Mass. That added up to 3 hours on my feet (10:00 - 01:00) with no place to sit. At that time of night (in 1977), by the time we got out, there was neither public transportation nor any taxis available. Fortunately, we met a young woman who was studying architecture in Rome who walked with us (total of 3 women) all the way home. It turned out she lived close to our pension. We felt plenty safe, just dead on our feet!

If you feel like spending the money for a cab and it makes you feel safe...Of course you have that option.
I travelled solo to Rome and walked late at night and never felt unsafe. I was also staying near Repubblica Metro.
Just use common sense and don't carry valuable, etc.
Have a wonderful trip...I cannot wait to go back...I thought Rome was magical!

You should be fine walking at that time of the evening. We're not usually late-night people but have found ourselves wandering about WAY past our usual bedtime in Rome! Our last hotel was close to where yours will be, and we didn't have any problems at all. As the others have said, there will be lots of people out and about on a Friday night.