Walks of Italy tours with the New Vatican Museum Hours

It has been decades since I've been to the Vatican Museums in the summer, and I've never taken a tour there, so I can't provide useful guidance on the entry-timing and tour questions, but I want to be sure you're aware of the Borghese Gallery, which is an opportunity to see some incredible sculpture (especially) in busy but not mobbed surroundings. Like the Vatican Museums, the Borghese sells out, so it's something you must plan in advance.

If I get back to the Vatican Museums at a time when they're offering late visits one night a week, that's probably what I'll opt for.

There are many other art venues in Rome that are lightly visited.

Bumping for more feedback....Thank you!

I think the lack of responses may have to do with the recent changes in the ticketing process and hours at the Vatican Museum. Many people simply haven’t visited yet under the new system and would find it hard to answer.

You mention that your children have a high interest in museums. Even the most interested individuals can have museum overload after awhile. I might be tempted to focus on the Borghese Gallery and the Capitaline museums. This would still give them amazing opportunities, but without the overwhelming crowds.

@Carol makes a very good point, there may very well not be any 'early bird' or late Vatican entries. Given what I've heard of the normal hour crowds, there isn't a chance I would brave that museum again, especially after having such a brilliant visit the first time! Have you looked at the amazing, uncrowded Roman museums, Palazzo Massimo https://youtu.be/s6g75E6Lzls?si=n53FzSbnAHZQ0ZWA & Palazzo Altemps? In addition to the Capitoline museums & the Borghese, you could consider something with wonderful art, and no crowds. Good luck!

I'm waiting to hear some responses about this topic myself as we have 7:15am Pristine Sistine tour tickets for end of March. I booked them end of last year not knowing the change in Vatican Museum hours.

I’m not sure our experience will be relevant for a summer visit. We visited the Vatican museum this week. We purchased regular tickets at 8:00 am. We arrived at 7:45, in time to get a decent place in line. Once we got through security, we went straight to the Sistine Chapel. One couple arrived before us. That’s it. No groups at all. We could sit anywhere we wanted. We spent about an hour there and it was not crowded when we left.

We then went back to the beginning and shuffled along with the crowds. The Raphael rooms were very crowded. The Sistine Chapel was also very crowded. We only spent a few minutes there the second time. We were definitely spoiled.

Thank you for the responses! We are planning time in the Borghese and Capitoline Museums (along with the Pantheon and several other churches) as we have four days in Rome, but also want our children to see the Vatican....and they do too!:)

I am now leaning toward just booking an 8AM entrance on our own and making our way to the Sistine first. That sounds amazing Eef, and maybe worth a try even in high season!