Sistine Chapel Tours: Which Tour is Right for You

– This post was written by Emma Levin –

A visit to the Vatican and the spectacular Sistine Chapel means witnessing one of the most iconic displays of art by the world’s most renowned artists. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. Whether you’re an early morning riser or a last-minute planner, there’s something for everyone in your group to enjoy. Book one of these amazing Sistine Chapel tours and make the most out of your visit to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.  

Best Sistine Chapel tour for history nerds

For those history buffs who love to pore over every detail, this Sistine Chapel Tour includes dedicated entrance to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel for the ultimate Vatican experience. You’ll skip the line and head on a three-hour tour of all the available rooms and galleries. Your expert guide will walk you through centuries of Christianity and artistic masterpieces like the Creation of Adam. Reviewers call this tour inspiring, as it’s led by a passionate tour guide that’s extremely engaging and informative.

Best Sistine Chapel tour for early-risers

If you prefer a more intimate Vatican experience, you can get into the Vatican on Saturdays before it opens to the public. Tickets for Vatican Museums Breakfast & Sistine Chapel mean you will need to wake up with the sun and arrive at 07:15 in the morning. However, with the energy of an Italian cappuccino, you’ll be among the first to see the divine frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Jet through the entrance of the Sistine Chapel and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Cortile della Pigna. 

Best Rome Tour to squeeze in everything

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Rome, then check out this full-day tour that covers the major highlights: the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel. 

This Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel full-day tour is split up into two sections: one three-hour tour visiting the Vatican and of course, a Sistine Chapel tour, before heading to a three-and-a-half-hour tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. This ticket is perfect for those who only have one day to spare for historical attractions. You’ll skip the line and be led by an incredible Vatican enthusiast.

Best Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour for last-minute planners

Here’s a tour for those more spontaneous planner types. This Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel last-minute ticket makes everything simple with an escorted entrance to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You’ll have assistance navigating the Vatican security before being escorted inside, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience. 

This ticket is best for travelers who’d enjoy acting as their own tour guide, and leisurely wandering the Raphael Rooms and the contemporary art collections. Gazing up at Michaelangelo’s Creation of Adam is a highlight. Reviewers claim the whole experience is easy from start to finish and appreciate the VIP entrance treatment. 

Best Sistine Chapel tour for cultural enthusiasts

If you want to see everything the Vatican has to offer, from the gardens to the museum to Michelangelo’s frescoes, then this Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel guided tour is perfect for you! Not everyone makes time for the Vatican Gardens, but this gorgeously intimate green space has borne witness to many secret meetings throughout the centuries. Understand the hype with an expertly guided tour and a skip-the-line entrance.

Best Sistine Chapel tour for a quick visit

If you’re short on time, then squeeze in a visit to the Vatican with this skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. Over the course of a two-hour guided tour, you’ll have access to all open rooms and galleries, including the Pio Clementine Museum, the Gallery of the Geographical Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Creation of Adam. Plus others! The guide gives you a passionate, in-depth tour where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Vatican and this beautiful piece of world history.

Important things to remember before your Sistine Chapel visit 

Keep in mind that almost 25,000 people visit The Vatican and Sistine Chapel every day! Try to plan ahead and consider visiting midweek, or during the low season (October-April) to avoid the crowded craze.

Since you’re in a holy, sacred place, please remember to dress appropriately for all Sistine Chapel tours. Wear more conservative clothing and close-toed shoes. Shorts are completely fine as long as they’re not overly revealing. Just leave the club clothes at home! Also, you cannot bring in luggage, laptops, or bookbags, so leave them in your hotel room. 

The Vatican Museums are open daily from 09:00 to 17:30, and the last entry is at 16:00. The museums are closed for all major Catholic holidays, so be sure to check the calendar.

Planned your visit? Here’s all you need to know about The Vatican & Sistine Chapel