vatican evening tours

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Visiting Vatican at Night | Tours, Things to do, Dining Options

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour

• Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
• Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
• Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
• Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
• Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
• Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
• 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
• Group of 20 people or less
• Reservation fees
• Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
• It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
• Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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Vatican at night.

Given that the Vatican is an extremely popular attraction, it is safe to assume that it tends to be crowded all year round. The Vatican Night tour tickets are limited, ensuring that the after-hours visitors have more breathing room. Even though you might not get the time to linger around each work of art for a long time, you would still be able to appreciate the works without having to navigate through the jostling crowds.

Why book a Vatican night tour?

• You will be able to get after-hours exclusive night admission to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with these tickets, allowing you to dodge the crowds.
• Enter the Vatican Museums right after it closes to the public and explore the 54 stunning galleries that showcases some of the most important masterpieces at your leisure.
• During the day, the Vatican Museums are bustling with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's masterpieces. However, by night, these iconic artworks take on a whole new allure. Illuminated by soft lighting, the intricate details and vibrant colors come to life in a way that's simply mesmerizing.
• Do note that on all days except Sunday, this tour of the  Vatican Museums  and Sistine Chapel is available.

The Vatican at Night Experience

Plan Your Vatican at Night Experience

• Tour the Vatican Museums: Explore the museums in a relaxed setting with no crowds. Learn about the history of the Vatican, the Popes, and artists whose works have been showcased here.
• Happy Hour: Enjoy a lovely glass of wine and a buffet meal inside the Vatican Museums' Pinecone Courtyard.
• Stroll along St. Peter's Square: Start off at Ponte Sant'Angelo, and make your way to the Square. Don't forget to visit the Egyptian obelisk of Caligula in the center!

• Bistrot La Pigna: Located inside the courtyard of the Vatican Museum, the bistro offers salads and pastas.
• The Caffetteria Le Carrozze: The café has an outdoor seating and offers sandwiches and drinks.
• Tre Pupazzi Restaurant: Located just outside the Vatican, the restaurant offers authentic Roman fare.
• La Soffitta Renovatio : The family-run restaurant is a 15-minute walk away from Vatican. They serve Roman and Abruzzese cuisines.
• Timings: On all days except Sunday, this tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is available. The tour starts at around 4:00 PM
• Duration: This tour lasts for one hour.
• Meeting point: On the confirmation voucher, the actual meeting location will be listed.
• Opt for the Vatican at night experience if you want to see the Vatican City as you have never seen before.
• Reach the venue at least 30 minutes in advance to meet your guide.
• Adhere to the Vatican City dress code .
• Carry your identity card.
• Listen to your expert guide carefully if you want to know more about Vatican City.
• Do not carry large pieces of luggage as you won't be allowed to take them inside the Sistine Chapel or the other museums.

What to see on a Vatican night tour

Gallery of the Candelabra

The large marble candelabra that, along with the colored marble columns, divide the exhibition area into six sections gives this gallery its name. The gallery was designed between 1785 and 1788 by Pope Pius VI Braschi, and was entirely rebuilt during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII Pecci (1878-1903), resulting in the current ornamentation. The paintings were arranged like furniture, following symmetry standards that were suitable with the gallery's architecture.

Hall of the Maps

Within the Belvedere Courtyard is the Gallery of Maps. It is noteworthy not only for its map collection but also for the beautiful ceiling that dominates the space. Ignazio Danti made the maps in the 16th century. Pope Gregory XIII gave him the task of painting these exhibits for display in the Vatican. The map gallery is more than just a collection of dull maps. They offer an amazing view of the Italian states.

Gallery of the Tapestries

The Gallery of Tapestries, also known as the Galleria Degli Arazzi, is one of the most important and beautiful rooms in the Vatican museums. The room can be divided into two halves, with tapestries displaying scenes from the life of Christ on the left as you enter and tapestries commemorating the life of Pope Urban VIII on the left. As you approach the Vatican's tapestry room, you will note that the tapestries depicting Pope Urban VIII's life on the right are disregarded in comparison to the tapestries depicting Christ's life on the left.

Inside Vatican Museums >

Frequently asked questions about Vatican night tours

Yes, visiting the Vatican Museums at night is a special experience as it allows you to beat the crowds and see the museum's top attractions in a new light. This allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed viewing.

While we certainly try to enable our guests to make last-minute purchases, booking night tours in advance is highly recommended. This reduces chances of tickets being unavailable or sold out.

Vatican night tours start at €99. Ticket prices vary according to whether they are early morning or after hours tours.

Purchasing Vatican night tours is not only a great way to beat the rush of the morning and midday, but also allows you to see the exhibits in a different light. It's a unique experience that's sure to be memorable.

Your ticket is typically valid for the date you have purchased it.

Vatican night tours can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Yes, entry to the Sistine Chapel is included in a Vatican night tour. Get a chance to see two of the world's most famous pieces of art – Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and his Giudizio Universale, while beating the crowds!

No, Vatican night tours don't include access to St Peter's Basilica. However, booking Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tours offers access to this iconic church. Benefit from an expert tour guide.

Audio guides are not included Vatican night tours, but they can be rented at the entrance for an additional fee. If you are looking for a guided tour experience, opt for an expert tour guide who will accompany you on your night tour. They will offer insights into the artwork, its history and its significance.

Vatican night tours typically start around 4 pm and lasts for an hour.

Vatican guided tours

Plan your visit to vatican, vatican rules and regulations.

Visiting the Vatican at Night: How to Visit and Choose the Right Tour

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2024

Categories Europe

Looking into visiting the Vatican at night ? If so then you 100% should. Trust me on this.

I mean, I have visited the Vatican both during the day and at night. And, real talk? The evening is FAR superior to the day.

See, if you visit the Vatican during the day then it will be absolutely packed with people who are, literally, being herded towards the Sistine Chapel.

So, if you enjoy feeling like a glorified cow that is being packed into a small corridor then you are a better person than me.

Because this chick right here loves a Vatican night tour . It’s just so much more personal and a whole lot quieter.

This way you can actually hear what your guide is saying and not be preoccupied by someone hitting you in the head with a selfie stick,

Plus, you’ll basically have the place to yourself and can enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Vatican in the evening .

However, to make the best decision possible, continue on with this mega epic insider post and learn all about the best Vatican after hours tour .

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Vatican Night Tours

My #1 pick for the best Vatican night tour is this VIP experience here . 🇮🇹 It’s a good price, is loved by all, and includes a glass of bubbly🍾.

1. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Night Guided Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (132 Reviews) Price: $103 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Via Germanico, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Operator: Gaudium Travel Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Roam the Vatican at night as part of a small group or private tour.

See, the shared version of this Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Night Guided Tour is limited to just 15 guests.

On the other hand, you can always spend some euros on a super snazzy private tour instead.

Either way, you’ll skip the lines and dive straight in with the wonders of the Vatican Museums.

In a nutshell, this Vatican at night tour takes you past the Fontana della Pigna (aka, the Pinecone), the Octagonal courtyard, the Hall of the Muses, and the galleries of the Candelabra and Tapestries.

This is where you’ll get a close-up of world-revered sculptures excavated from the Villa of Cassius near Tivoli.

“Although it is a bit expensive, our guide was worth it. We could see that she is more detailed and more knowledgeable than the other guides around (with all due respect to her colleagues). She was also more respectful, asking us to keep the way always open, and minding her tone of voice to don’t disturb the other tours. This is one thing that I personally find important.” Veridiana ( read more reviews now )

Plus, you’ll get to stare down some of the most beautiful mosaic floors in Italy while in the Round Hall and the Greek Cross Room.

Just don’t forget to eye up your next vacation spot in the Gallery of the Maps before ending up in the ornate Sistine Chapel.

Yeah, your expert guide will give you the inside scoop on how Michelangelo went about creating this masterpiece and what the frescoes represent.

Currently, this is where cardinals gather to elect the new pope. But, there’s a bunch of kooky facts you’ll only get to hear about when you book this Vatican night tour.

2. VIP After-hours Vatican Museums by Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (91 Reviews) Price: $87.43 per person Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes 📍 Meeting Point : Via Santamaura, 14B, 00192 Roma Operator: What a Life Tours Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, this gem is one of the top-rated Vatican night tours.

Seriously intimate, the VIP After-hours Vatican Museums by Night Tour with Sistine Chapel is limited to just 12 people per group.

Or, you do have the choice of booking a private tour. However, the itinerary is pretty much the same as the previous tour.

But, before you get started on your guided exploration, you’re invited to a toast where you can sip on a glass of bubbles and meet your fellow travelers.

Therefore, this is an awesome pick if you’re celebrating a special occasion. You know, like visiting the Vatican at night.

On the other hand, solo travelers might appreciate breaking the ice with other travelers before heading to the museums.

“This was the best tour of the Vatican I have had and I have been there 3 times. It was still crowded, but not nearly as crowded as the general tours which consisted of being herded through with throngs of people. We had skip the line tickets on those occasions, but that was a misnomer. What made this after hours tour exceptionally great was our amazing guide. Mario was the very best tour guide we have ever had and we travel a lot. His English was impeccable and he has studied history, art and theater. We learned so much and we had a delightful theatrical performance, as well. Hope you are lucky enough to get Mario as your guide. Only negative was that the evening tour does not include the basilica.” Mary ( read more reviews now)

Plus, this tour includes headsets. Therefore, you’ve got zero chance of mishearing any of the expert commentary provided by your local guide.

And, this tour gives you the choice to linger in the Sistine Chapel once the guided part of your tour comes to a close.

Then, you can make your own way outside into St. Peter’s Square and check out the basilica under the night sky.

Just be aware that while I did this tour and loved my guide, Mario, I was a bit disappointed that we were there when the museum was still open.

So while you do get to visit the Vatican at night, it is still crowded since the museum was open.

3. Night Vatican Museums Tour with the Sistine Chapel

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (21 Reviews) Price: $36.52 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Via Tunisi, 4 Operator: The Ultimate Italy Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, touring the Eternal City is hungry work.

But, this Night Vatican Museums Tour with the Sistine Chapel ensures that your tummy doesn’t rumble while you pore over some of the most incredible art in the world.

See, the best Vatican night tour with food starts with a light appetizer buffet and refreshments in the Pinecone Courtyard.

I mean, it’s not a banquet but it’ll fill a hole and add atmosphere to this Vatican after hours tour.

Plus, the buffet is accompanied by a live classical music recital on select nights.

So, once you’ve satisfied your appetite, you’ll progress with a super VIP tour of the museums and halls.

Of course, the highlights include the Gallery of the Maps.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the Vatican museums we were able to see on the tour. We could leisurely view the Sistine Chapel and all collections beyond the SC. Our guide, Ilaria, was a delight and a wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed her. The tour was the highlight of a very busy week in Rome.” Lee ( read more reviews now )

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and based on drawings by the friar and geographer Ignazio Danti, this is one of the coolest parts of the museum.

And, you’ll see the finest of the Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello). In fact, the frescoes in these reception rooms are on par with the Sistine Chapel.

And, before you reach the crowning jewel of the Vatican, you’ll fawn over lifesize fauna statues in the Room of the Animals.

Note, this tour starts a little earlier than the others due to the buffet.

4. Vatican at Night Private Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (9 Reviews) Price: $253 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Cafè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100 Operator: LivItaly Tours LLC – Experiencing Italy Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Whereas the first two tours give you the choice to go private or shared, this Vatican After Hours Private Tour is all about creating an exclusive, VIP experience.

In fact, this is the best private Vatican night tour cost-wise. See, you’ll need a minimum of 2 to book.

But, as you add additional people, the price per head decreases.

Of course, the tour follows the same steps as above.

Therefore, you’ll cruise through the Pinecone and Octagonal courtyards free from the crowds.

You’ll then admire the likes of the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and Discobolus sculptures as your guide tells you everything you need to know about these works and this incredible place.

Plus, you’ll crane your neck at the Sistine Chapel and hear everything you need to know about the art here.

“Our guide, Giovanni, was incredible. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the Vatican and was charismatic to boot. The only minor issue we had was that with a tour like this, there wasn’t a lot of time to truly soak in what we were seeing. The Vatican is huge and Giovanni did an amazing job keeping us moving to cover as much of it as possible, but that meant passing over so much art and history. However, I cannot fault him or the tour for that; we could probably spend a week inside the Vatican and still not have seen everything there is to see. Overall, a great experience. Especially since it was a private and late night tour that allowed us to be away from the majority of the crowd. It was busy enough even at that time; I can’t imagine what the day time is like.” Solomon ( read more reviews now )

Now, the Vatican is a big place and it’s impossible to cram everything into a 3-hour tour.

So, the guides on this private tour will hone in on lesser-known and particularly curious treasures.

Yup, it’s quality over quantity people.

Naturally, as a private tour, you do get a bit of input on the itinerary of this Vatican at night tour.

5. Vatican at Night Exclusive Small Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (9 Reviews) Price: $151 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Caffé Vaticano, on Viale Vatican 100 Operator: LivItaly Tours LLC – Experiencing Italy Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Standing head and shoulders above the rest, this is the best Vatican night tour for small groups.

See, this Vatican at Night Exclusive Small Group Tour is capped at 6 participants.

Therefore, you can book with the confidence that all your questions will be answered during this amazing activity.

And, there’s no need to don a pair of pesky headphones either. Yeah, super awful when they don’t work.

“Perfect time to visit this busy attraction. The small group had no wait but we still had to intermingle with other groups. Our guide was fabulous in getting us in front of relevant art pieces of interest and kept us moving. Light changes in early evening provide great pictures. Great value and worth the time.” John ( read more reviews now )

Plus, if you’re a family or group of 6 and make one booking, you’ll basically wind up with a bargain of a private Vatican evening tour.

Incidentally, if you’re traveling with shy or kids nervous in crowds, then this tour will help them feel more comfortable and secure.

I mean, the same goes for shyer adults who have tons of questions to ask.

Of course, the tour itinerary is fully inclusive of the signature museums, galleries, and those always fetching frescoes you’ve heard so much about.

Plus, you’ll see all the highlights of the Apostolic Palace – the official residence of the Pope.

Ultimately, the tour concludes in St. Peter’s Square where the guide will enlighten you with an orientation loop around the basilica.

6. Vatican Walking Tour (best Vatican night tour on a budget!)

⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5.0 (114 Reviews) Price: $5.52 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Operator: Airotour Ltd – Freetourrome Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Want to see the Vatican at night but your wallet’s saying no?

Okay, this walking tour doesn’t actually go inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

But, the itinerary circles around Vatican City and concludes in St. Peter’s Square.

Plus, it’s crazy cheap – making it a rad pick if you’re traveling to Rome on a shoestring.

Now, this walking tour commences at the Spanish Steps in the historic heart of Rome.

You’ll then stroll down Via Condotti and swing by the illuminated Castel Sant’Angelo.

Ultimately, the tour winds up at the Vatican, where you’ll get a perspective of St. Peter’s Basilica beneath the night sky.

Now, as with the other night tours, the basilica is off-limits due to the late hour. So, a perk of choosing this tour is that you get a good overview of the Eternal City.

“Ricardo (Spelling? sorry 🙂 was an excellent guide. We had limited days and the tour was scheduled on a rainy night. A group of 18 cancelled along wit our reservations. Ricardo showed up anyway and was willing to take just the two of us all through the planned itinerary. We had very personal treatment and his knowledge of architecture and art history was so interesting. We HIGHLY recommend this group and especially if you can get Ricardo!” Douglas ( read more reviews now )

Plus, because the whole activity is guided, you’ll pick up tons of tidbits of information along the way.

Heck, you can quiz your tour leader and ask questions about the history, art, architecture, and culture of Rome.

Remember, because this tour doesn’t enter the Vatican, there’s no need to adhere to any dress code.

Although, comfy shoes remain a must.

So, What’s it Like to Visit the Vatican at Night?

Well, a twilight trip to the Vatican is surreal, extraordinary, and unforgettable.

See, Vatican night tours are restricted to only the summer season on Friday nights.

Therefore, it’s a super exclusive experience.

And, only a limited number of tours are allowed into the Vatican at night which means fewer people getting in the way of your photos.

In fact, only around 8,000 spaces are available, in contrast with the 35,000 tickets that are sold during daylight hours.

Although, despite the tours being limited, you will have to accept that these tours are popular and the Sistine Chapel in particular may still feel quite busy.

Plus, all Vatican at night visits are part of a tour. Therefore, you’ll get expert commentary on all the art and history that you see around you.

All in all, with cooler evening temperatures and fewer crowds, make it a more enjoyable way to tour the Pope’s digs.

Pros and Cons of Visiting the Vatican at Night

So, is it worth it to book a Vatican night tour?

Absolutely, yes!!!

But, let’s zoom in on the pros and cons.

Vatican Night FAQs

Can you go into the vatican at night.

Yes, you can go into the Vatican at night on Friday evenings between April and October. Otherwise, the Vatican is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6.30 pm, with final admission at 4:00 pm.

Is Vatican City Nice at Night?

Yes, Vatican City is gorgeous at night with all the buildings lit up against the backdrop of the night sky.

And if you visit the Vatican Museum in the evening you’ll deal with fewer crowds. Therefore, you’ll be able to get up close to amazing masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel.

So, a visit to the Vatican at night is a quiet, profound, and emotionally charged experience that is not to be missed.

Can you Visit St Peter’s Basilica at Night?

While you cannot visit the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in the evening, you can admire the stunning exterior.

How late can you Enter Vatican City?

The Vatican Museum closes at 6:00 pm every day except Sunday, with final admission at 4:00 pm.

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There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best Vatican night tours.

Tell me, did your favorite Vatican night tour make the list? If not then let me know now.

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THE 10 BEST Vatican City Night Tours

Night tours in vatican city.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Night Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Vatican Tours

Vatican City offers countless artistic and architectural treasures, and you’ll be able to make the m...

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What to know about vatican from our local guides.

The Vatican Museums house 70,000 of the world’s greatest artistic treasures, of which 20,000 are on display. From ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, it would take days to discover it all, which is why we highly recommend booking a Vatican tour to help you make the most of your time at the museums.

A few of the collection’s undisputed highlights are:

• The Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes
• The Raphael Rooms, which include the famous School of Athens
• The Gallery of the Maps, perhaps the most famous of the Museums’ galleries adorned with 40 maps depicting the different regions of Italy
• Laocoön and His Sons, an enigmatic masterpiece of ancient sculpture
• The Belvedere Torso, which is said to have influenced the work of Michelangelo himself

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous individual room in the entire world. This is in no small part due to the significant artistic masterpieces adorning its interior, with Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” and ceiling frescoes being the highlights.

Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel’s namesake, commissioned its construction in the late 15th century. Today, its best-known use is for the papal conclaves, the process through which a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. It also serves as the Pope’s own private chapel when he is at the Vatican.

Want to have the Sistine Chapel all to yourself, just like the Pope? Avoid the crowds on a VIP tour outside opening hours. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can even accompany the Vatican Key Master himself as he opens the silent halls and galleries in the Vatican Museums early in the morning—including the Sistine Chapel.

As the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is itself a masterpiece of art and architecture. It houses some of the most significant religious art in the world, including Michelangelo’s moving Pietà sculpture and the Baldachin, Bernini’s massive bronze altar canopy.

Michelangelo was also the mastermind behind the famous dome crowning the basilica. Climbing the dome is a fantastic way to see not just the incredible mosaics lining the interior up close, but also to feast your eyes on spectacular views over Rome from the very top. Keep in mind that there are over 500 steps to get to the top of the dome from ground level, though an elevator is available to bypass approximately the first half. Underneath the Basilica, the Papal Crypts mark the final resting place of some of the most important Popes in Catholic history.

A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica will give you an up-close look at all of these treasures and more. Led by an expert art historian guide, you’ll see a side of the world’s most iconic church that few others get to experience.

The best and easiest way to ensure you skip the line at the Vatican is to book a guided tour . With no-wait access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll save precious hours of time that would have been spent in line. Plus, you'll be in the company of an insightful guide who can provide context on the innumerable masterpieces that can be hard to make sense of on your own.

The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am–6 pm. They tend to get more crowded the later in the day you go, so consider booking an early morning Vatican tour to get ahead of the crowds and ensure a more relaxed visit.

For an especially exclusive experience, consider joining the Vatican Key Master himself as he unlocks the silent halls, galleries, and even the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning before the Museums open to the public. Accompanied by a small group of just 20 other people, the Key Master’s Tour is the most special way to experience the Vatican in total peace and quiet.

Don’t want to get up early? Another excellent option is to take a special access tour after closing time to wander the halls of the Vatican in peace—and have the Sistine Chapel all to yourself.

From May through October, the Vatican Museums offer extended opening hours until 10:30 pm on Fridays and 8 pm on Saturdays. Taking a night tour of the Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!

The Museums are closed most Sundays (except for the last Sunday of every month) and on certain public holidays.

The Vatican is a religious site, and official rules mandate that visitors dress appropriately or risk being turned away. All guests regardless of gender are required to keep their shoulders and knees covered. In warmer months, it’s useful to have a shawl, scarf, or light jacket handy to pull on when entering the Vatican if your outfit doesn’t meet the dress code standards. Additionally, hats are not allowed.

While the Vatican dress code doesn’t have any hard-and-fast rules regarding footwear, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your Vatican tour. As long as you have comfortable shoes that are good for walking, you’re all set.

While there aren’t any restaurants within Vatican City itself, the surrounding Prati and Trionfale neighborhoods offer plenty of excellent options—particularly if you don’t mind walking a few blocks away (or further) from the Vatican walls. For a quick, on-the-go option, Anthony Bourdain-approved Bonci Pizzarium serves up some of the best pizza by the slice in Rome. In the mood for a sit-down meal after spending hours on your feet at the Vatican? Velavevodetto ai Quiriti—the Prati outpost of Testaccio icon Flavio al Velavevodetto—is perfect for home-cooked Roman classics.

Check out our popular Vatican articles

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The Best Vatican Night Tour 2024

T&t recommends | exclusive access, about vatican at night tour.

Get a once in a lifetime experience of visiting and touring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica, along with all of the masterpieces they hold at night.

DESCRIPTION

Vatican museum and sistine chapel: tour at night.

This 2,5-hour long Vatican at night walking Tour of Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel allows you to immerse yourself in the art inside of the Vatican. Your experienced tour guide will bring Vatican’s art and history to life right in front of your eyes while exploring the mosaics and crafts from the Roman imperial era.

With this tour, you can avoid standing in line for tickets and gain immediate access to the Vatican Museum. There you’ll be guided through the Tapestries Gallery, the Gallery of Maps, The Gallery of the Candelabra, and the well-known Raphael’s Room. Your guided Vatican night tour will end inside the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll see two of the world-famous art collections of Michelangelo – The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam.

This Vatican Night Tour will give you a unique experience of exploration of the Vatican. The night setting will make the Vatican even more fascinating and charming. This small group guided tour will also add something interesting to your learning about the art and history of the Vatican under the evening light of the city. A Vatican visit at night is a truly unique way of experiencing modern Vatican City.

Your expert guide will show you and tell you all about the incredible renaissance art inside of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. There are fewer crowds in the evening compared to the daytime crowds so you won’t have to wait around for museum entrance. You’ll freely enjoy attractions, such as the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Pinecone Courtyards, Octagonal Courtyards and other famous rooms and galleries with few visitors. And you will enjoy being a part of small group tours as you marvel at the art, history, and hidden treasures of the Vatican.

• Vatican Museums guided tour
• Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
• Access to Sistine Chapel
• Live tour guide
• Private tour (if option selected)
• Hotel pickup
• Short skirts
• Sleeveless shirts
• Luggage or large bags

Meeting Point

The tour meeting point is at the address: Gaudium Travel office, Via Germanico 67, 00192 Roma.

MAKE YOUR VISIT TO THE VATICAN UNFORGETTABLE! BOOK YOUR VERY OWN VATICAN EVENING TOUR

Admire the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Creation of Adam

Enjoy skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Visit the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Candelabra

Marvel at masterpieces and finest ancient sculptures done by Michelangelo, Raphael, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and many more

FAQ – Vatican Night Tours

Can you visit the vatican at night, can you see the vatican without a tour, is it worth getting a guided tour of the vatican, like what you see book vatican tour at night now, easy & fast booking process, good to know before you go.

• Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is only permitted to visitors dressed appropriately. Shoulders and knees must be covered and no hats are allowed.
• No photography or filming is permitted inside the Sistine Chapel.
• Please note that this tour does not include the visit to St Peter's Basilica as the church is closed at night.
• It is obligatory to deposit suitcases, large backpacks, and umbrellas in the cloakroom.
• This is a small group tour: maximum 12 participants.
• Students aged 18-25 must have their international student cards and ID cards as a proof of age with them on the day of the visit.
• This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Children under 18 years must have their documents with them as a proof of age on the day of the visit.

Night Vatican Tour with Private Access Fun

My English speaking guide was very attentive and super knowledgeable. He showed me details that I had not noticed and not to mention that the paintings are extraordinary. The Tour was incredible! Definitely do this to avoid the crowds!

Luiz Henrique

Special ambiance

Walking through the elaborate halls of Vatican Museums during the evening had a very special ambiance. The professional guides of our tour told us all about the roman sculptures, Raphael's rooms, and the Gallery of the Tapestries during our private tours of the Vatican.

Kelly Thomas

Book Your Tour & Explore Vatican at Night!

• Have a unique experience of discovering the Vatican during the nighttime.
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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

The Best Vatican Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Maps

Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 21, 2024

You already know that a trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to the famous country within the city: Vatican City. But there are so many different tour options, so how do you choose? It all depends on your travel interests and schedule. In this guide, you’ll discover our best Vatican tours and which one’s right for you.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post in your browser along with our article on the best Colosseum tours . We also have a dedicated guide to all things Vatican City where you’ll find everything you need.

All Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tours

All of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line tickets, local English-speaking guides, a tour of the Vatican Museums, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The right Vatican tour for you will depend on your interests, whether you want to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, and how much time you have to soak up all this beauty.

To help you find your perfect Vatican experience, here is a link bank of all our tours, followed by more in-depth descriptions and maps below.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

Express Vatican Tours (2 hours)

• Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Classic Vatican Tours (2.5 – 3.5 hours)

• Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (start times throughout the day)
• Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo

Full Experience Vatican Tours and Combos (4 or more hours)

• St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip
• Rome in a Day Tour Including Colosseum and Vatican Museums
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Vatican Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided Vatican visit:

• Purchase skip-the-line Vatican tickets

1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Everyone knows the Vatican Museums are filled with crowds most of the day. That’s why this Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and heat. Why? It enters before the general public so you can enjoy a less-crowded time throughout your tour.

With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the vast Vatican Museums, you can easily follow your guide through the Vatican’s galleries and museums. Explore the Pio-Clementino, the Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms as your guide brings each location to life.

Of course, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel where you’ll stand in awe under the centuries-old ceiling that has captivated travelers from around the world. Starting your day early in the Vatican is the best way to maximize your vacation.

2. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Want to see both the Vatican and the Colosseum? This combo tour gets you more bang for your buck by combining them! You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry at both the Colosseum and the Vatican. First, dive into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where you’ll walk in the steps of Gladiators and Emperors.

After lunch, rejoin the tour at the Vatican to hear stories of papal intrigue and see some of the world’s most celebrated artworks by masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

3. Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

If you don’t have time for an early morning tour or would prefer to visit in the afternoon, then our Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour is the one for you. With multiple start times throughout the day and skip-the-line tickets, you’ll find a time that’s just right for you and get straight to exploring.

4. Rome in a Day including Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our Rome in a Day Tour is one of our most popular tours to date. You start your day with a comprehensive tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with an English-speaking guide. Then you head to the city for a walking tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. End your day tour of Rome with a full Colosseum tour that includes the Roman Forum.

This is a great way to get the main highlights of Rome before you head out to discover it even better on your own. We provide transportation from the Vatican to the center of Rome, but this tour spends a lot of time on your feet. You’ll be ready for a delicious dinner when you’re done exploring one of the best tours of the Vatican and Rome!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

5. Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Looking for the best views in Rome? We know where to go. Our Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb  takes you to the top of the famous dome right as it opens and before there are any lines. Most of all, it’s before the heat of the day!

After you’ve climbed to the incredible lookout and soaked up those views, your guide will escort you into St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour that includes the Papal Crypts. For a quick tour of St. Peter’s and the dome, this is one of the best Vatican tours you can take.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Vatican Guide for more info.

6. Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel with Aperitivo

Looking for that truly exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? This might just be what you need. With a late afternoon entry to the Vatican, you’ll be led with your small group through the highlights. Then you’ll step into the Sistine Chapel along with no more than 100 other people (usually at least 2,000 during the day)!

Your guide’s stories about this magnificent ceiling will come to life as you experience quiet time in the Sistine Chapel that few ever will. Afterwards, enjoy a drink on us during your aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Sistine Chapel .

7. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Want to get more bang for your buck? Book our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour . No matter how many times you’ve been to Rome, this is a great way to start your trip.

Enjoy views from the most scenic viewpoint at St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds and the heat. Then follow your guide to your skip-the-line entrance at the Vatican where you’ll see the top highlights before stepping into the Sistine Chapel.

8. Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

On this guided Vatican visit, enter the Vatican Museums after hours and experience the museums with very few other people. You’ll feel like a VIP on this after-hours night tour of the Vatican. It’s the best way to really enjoy the quiet solitude in the 9 miles of museums here.

Not to mention, you’ll get to stand under the Sistine Chapel with just a handful of people around you. It’s almost as exclusive as you can get without booking a private tour. This Vatican Night Tour only runs on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, making it a very exclusive experience.

9. Skip the Line Vatican Tickets

Want to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace but with the benefit of skip-the-line tickets? Then reserve your own tickets with our privileged access that lets you bypass the crowds.

You’ll meet our helpful attendant near the Vatican Museums entrance, where they’ll escort you past the general line and into the reserved group entry. There you’ll go through security and be free to explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as long as you like.

10. Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip

Are you visiting Rome on a Saturday during the spring or summer months? Why not make a whole day of it with our Vatican Museums, Gardens, and Castel Gandolfo Day Trip ?

With this experience, you will take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, and a day trip by train to the Pope’s summer residence. A return train ticket and delicious lunch fit for a pope are included!

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Comment (1).

July 5, 2019

We are currently looking at all the various tour possibilities. Do you have tours which cover one or more of the restricted hidden areas of the Vatican Museums; namely the Bramante Staircase, the Niccoline Chapel and the Cabinet of Masks? Thank You.

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Vatican Evening Tour

Tour overview.

Indulge in the truly unique atmosphere of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on our VIP Vatican evening tour. This intimate journey features all the must-sees you would expect in the company of an expert insider guide and a small group of only 12 guests or fewer.

Tour Highlights

• Pinecone Courtyard
• Belvedere Apollo
• Laocoön and His Sons
• Belvedere Torso
• Greek Cross Hall
• Gallery of Candelabra
• Gallery of Tapestries
• Gallery of Maps
• Raphael Rooms
• Sistine Chapel

What's included

• Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Small groups of 12 or fewer
• All tickets and reservations
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly

What you’ll See Along the Way

When entering this hall, one is immediately struck by the unmissable pair of ornate sarcophagi, which Emperor Constantine had custom-made in precious red marble for the burial of his mother and daughter. The central flooring of the room is dominated by wonderful 3rd century mosaic, exquisitely representing the four phases of the moon with the head of Medusa in the center. Other must-sees include the two Egyptian telamones (man-shaped pillars) flanking the entrance and a number of marble sculptures portraying some of history’s most famous characters, including Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.

This 262-foot long gallery is more dazzling than ever and no wonder – its ceiling frescoes recently underwent a thorough restoration process costing the very grand total of one million US dollars. Though it was quite a splurge, the refurbishment was worth every cent as the richly decorated vault is now so stunning that it almost steals the attention from the marble sculptures below. The ceiling is more than just beautiful, though. It’s also a great example of mind-bending “tromp l'œil”. The masters who created frescoes used illusionistic painting techniques, making the images appear convincingly three-dimensional.

As you enter the Gallery of Tapestries, you will be fascinated by the wall hangings from the Scuola Nuova (New School), mostly woven in Brussels, which display several important episodes from the life of Jesus, including the Last Supper and the resurrection, as well as a depiction of the assassination of Julius Caesar. Although the tapestries are stunning to behold, they originally served as more than mere decoration. In fact, in the first centuries after their installation, the carpets also functioned as added insulation to the walls, keeping the Apostolic Palace warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

This absolute stunner of a gallery was inaugurated in the late 16th century. Pope Gregory XIII commissioned two of his favorite artists to fresco the 120-foot long walls with maps of all the regions of Italy which were under the papal power at the time. In only three years, 40 mural paintings were finalized, displaying the whole of the Apennine peninsula, complete with an exact coastal line and the most important cities of the period. The maps are decorated with historical events, monuments and particularities of the places depicted, as well as with ships, sea monsters and mythological figures.

This world-famous suite of rooms was painted by Raphael in the early 1500s by the commission of Pope Julius II. Raphael’s frescoes perfectly expressed the Renaissance’s religious and philosophical ideals and made the artist one of the most beloved and influential masters of art history. Out of all the incredible frescoes found in the papal apartment, The School of Athens remains the most celebrated. Curiously, Raphael chose to depict a number of his most esteemed contemporary colleagues in the gigantic painting – Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and even Raphael himself can be found amongst the vibrant frescoes.

In 1508 Pope Julius II summoned Michelangelo to Rome, asking him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter, respectfully declined the commission. Unsurprisingly, the pontifex did not take the artist’s “no” for an answer (they didn’t call him the “Warrior Pope” for nothing) and thus Michelangelo was forced to spend the next 4 years of his life unwillingly frescoing the chapel’s enormous vault. But, as much as Michelangelo loathed his neckbreaking chore, the fruit of his labor was spectacular, perhaps one of the greatest pictorial decorations in all of Western art.

The Pinecone Courtyard is somewhat of an outdoor gallery, filled with curious works of art. Apart from the over-sized bronze pinecone statue that gave this patio its name, the most famous piece found here is the cutting-edge chef-d'oeuvre at its center, a generous gift to Pope John Paul II from the artist himself, Arnaldo Pomodoro, in 1990. If you think the spherical work of art looks somewhat familiar; it could be because you have seen it before. In fact, different sized versions of Arnoldo’s futuristic-looking metal ball exist in numerous cities all over the world.

This exquisite marble sculpture is one of the most famous works in Western art history. It was found just outside Rome in the late 1400s and became a papal possession shortly thereafter thanks to Pope Julius II, who brought it to the Belvedere Palace (where it still resides to this day). The statue instantly became one of the Vatican collection’s most coveted showpieces and it would take many years before anyone realized that the sculpture was merely a Roman marble copy of a long lost Greek original in bronze. The identity of the creator is still held in mystery, but most experts believe it was the Greek sculptor Leochares.

This touching 2nd century AD sculpture portrays the priest Laocoön and his two sons as they struggle to escape the grasp of enormous sea serpents which had been sent by Poseidon as a punishment for leaking the secret of the Trojan horse. The father desperately tries to save himself and his children, but his efforts are all in vain; the younger son has already suffocated in the fatal grip of the serpent, while the elder is fruitlessly begs his father for help. The sculptor has skillfully captured the immense pain and mourning of the father, who cannot save his children from death nor himself.

This world-renowned sculpture is carved in white marble and dated to Greek antiquity, around the 1st century AD. While it’s only a fragment of the original figure, this torso has had a huge influence on the history of art. Upon its arrival in the Vatican in 1523, it gained immediate popularity and Michelangelo, who had always been fascinated with classical sculptures, distinguished himself as its most avid admirer. He was known to spend hours examining the broken sculpture in detail and drew hundreds of sketches of it from every angle. For many years, the Renaissance master even referred to himself as a “pupil of the torso”.

This circular room boasts several interesting pieces, including a sculpture of Emperor Claudius portrayed as the god Jupiter, a stunning bronze rendering of Hercules, and a giant porphyry basin recovered from Emperor Nero’s private estate. But even with all of these curious masterpieces on display, the exquisite flooring remains one of the most notable parts of the entire hall. These intricate mosaics adorned an ancient bathhouse on the outskirts of Rome until Pope Pius VI brought them to the Vatican in the 1800s. Incredibly, the delicate fragments were transported here piece by piece, like a spectacular 3rd century puzzle.

Vatican Museums Behind the Scenes

When sightseeing in the Eternal City, it’s not unusual to find yourself wishing the day wouldn’t end, and luckily – it doesn’t have to! Seize this unique chance to see the Vatican’s world-famous art and architecture in the special ambiance that few visitors ever get to experience. Our Vatican Evening Tour gives you the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive evening opening hours, so you’ll avoid the massive day-time crowds, making this starlit adventure inside its enchanting halls one of the most appealing ways to experience the masterpieces. This tour allows you to walk through the Vatican galleries and halls after the hottest hours of the day to see the globally acclaimed artworks like Raphael’s School of Athens and Michelangelo's iconic Sistine Chapel with the immortal masterpieces The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. So, go beyond checking the Vatican off your ‘travel to’ list, and see the colourful mosaics shimmer, sculptures in realistic shadows, and romantic moonlit courtyards glow, while your guide provides a detailed narrative of these historic walls. From the Gallery of Maps to the Gallery of Tapestries, the Laocoön to the Belvedere Apollo we’ll ensure your evening tour of the Vatican is nothing less than spectacular.

Unveil “Shiver-Down-the-Spine” Inducing Sights

The brightest star on this evening tour is, without doubt, the Sistine Chapel, and entering it at a time that was once reserved for popes or the papal conclave is as inspiring as it gets. You will also see the brilliantly frescoed walls and ceiling under perfect viewing conditions with lighting that is designed to highlight every vibrant detail. Learn about all of Michelangelo’s trials and tribulations in creating one of humanity’s greatest creative achievements, as you gaze into the biblical and revelationary scenes. You will also be delighted to know that under the layers of paint lies the original star-studded ceiling, proof that the Pontiff’s private chapel was often used at night. Our guides will offer you a fascinating glimpse into the rivalry and drama that unfolded between the creators of the Vatican’s most esteemed jewels. But aside from learning about the artists’ lives, you’ll also get insightful explanations on the processes behind the works themselves. We’ll witness and examine some of the most forward-thinking art techniques of the times, such as the speed at which frescos had to be painted, the innovative use of shadows in “chiaroscuro”, and the hidden messages and personalities that abound where you least expect it.

What our Customers say...

Amazing Tour!!!

What an interesting tour! So glad we decided to book a tour instead of doing it ourselves. Our guide was very knowledgeable, passionate about the tour and managed to keep us all together. Would definitely recommend this tour company as well as Mateo our tour guide.”

The Sistine Chapel Brought to Life!

Phenomenal tour! We had been pushed like cattle through the Sistine Chapel with another tour the day before, but this special night was the complete opposite experience. Our guide Mateo was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate - he truly brought the Vatican and the Chapel to life for us in a much more personal and relaxed way!”

Matteo was awesome! He was very passionate, very knowledgeable he made sure our visit to the museum and the Sistine Chapel was incredible. You’re lucky to have such a valuable employee, he represents your company very well!”

Great quality tour!

I had a fantastic time visiting the Vatican museums for the first time. Our tour guide Mateo was incredibly passionate about the history of the museums and everything inside. I would highly recommend this tour, it’s clear they love their job!”

Favourite Tour

The timing is perfect! The experience perfect! The smaller group makes a big diff, Everything perfect! We had Giuliano and he was very knowledgeable and kind. Loved this tour.”

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Vip Vatican guided tour, Thank God it's Friday

Friday evening vatican guided tour.

The Vatican Museums hold a sheer amount of artwork, beauty, and splendour that attract thousands of tourists on a daily basis. This popularity means that at times the museums can get claustrophobically crowded. The solution? Come visit the museums at night! The Vatican Museums have special openings on Friday evenings for tourists who are looking for a premium experience. As the official Vatican Museums tour provider, we will help you visit the Vatican Museums and the superb Sistine Chapel in a more exclusive way! On top of that, a dedicated, English-speaking guide will be there to accompany you in every step on your journey to discover the Vatican at night. As the dusk is falling and you explore the nearly empty galleries you will get top insider knowledge from your assigned expert guide.

› Get premium skip-the-line admission tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, home to humanity’s most valuable treasures

› enjoy the after-hours experience with this special fridays only 19:00 tour when the crowds are smaller and the views are better, › take advantage of the encyclopaedic knowledge of a dedicated english-speaking guide who will accompany you on this journey, › choose who joins you on this tour, either be part of a small-group of no more than 12 people or choose the private option, have you ever wondered what museums look like at night.

Insightful, silent, and spacious… Many people wish to visit the Vatican because they want to admire one of the most important art collections in the world but they simply cannot stand the crowds. So many tourists are looking into visiting the Vatican Museums with very few people around. Well, you can now hang out at one of the world’s most stunning places at night! We provide a special time-slot on Friday evenings for travellers who prefer more authentic and less crowded experiences. As soon as you enter the museums you will feel the difference! You will have enough time and space to pay detailed attention to the masterpieces inside. This after-hours tour promises an unrushed and hassle-free experience. Exactly what you would wish for when visiting such a fabulous yet extremely popular place.

What parts of the museums will you visit?

Throughout centuries wealthy and famous visitors have presented the Pope with some of the most valuable artworks in Western art and history. These masterpieces can now be found within this labyrinthine complex. On this tour you will visit places like the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of Tapestries. The former holds an incredible collection of busts, statues and masks found throughout the continent from the time of the Roman Empire to present day. This gallery is divided into 6 superbly designed rooms whose defining features are the impressive candelabra from each room. The latter is a gallery that is protected from sunlight in order to best preserve the tapestries of Raffaello Sanzio. These superb tapestries illustrate some of the most famous Catholic myths. Part of the itinerary is also the Gallery of Maps where you will wander through a large number global maps created by Roman topographers centuries ago when cartography was undergoing its own Renaissance.

The Sistine Chapel evening experience

For many, the highlight of this tour is the Sistine Chapel. This place is usually heaving with tourists. By joining this tour you will be able to admire the chapel with very few people around you. Every inch of this place holds an incredible artistic value and it can be difficult to experience it fully during the usual operating hours of the Museums. This after hours tour will give you the opportunity to discover in-depth Michelangelo’s genius. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most renowned artworks of the Renaissance period. It has drawn admirers here from all the corners of the globe for over five hundred years. The ceiling is divided into 9 panels, each depicting an important Biblical Scene. Central to the ceiling is a famous fresco displaying one of the main stories from the Book of Genesis, the Creation of Adam. This fresco portrays God giving life to Adam the first man. Due to this special time slot that we provide, you will also have the occasion to observe and analyse the frescoes that are beautifully coloured in the rare shades of ochre, umber green, and ultramarine blue.

Small-Group Tour

You can join this tour, as part of a group of no more than 12 people. Being part of a small-group when touring the Vatican can be a fun yet more personal experience since the size of the group is small. Your assigned guide will accommodate everyone on the tour and answer everyone’s questions. Our guides are highly experienced at keeping such groups engaged and entertained and they will provide top insider knowledge on the monuments. This option is more budget-friendly while not giving away the benefits of having a guide to accompany you as you discover the Vatican. On top of that, it has proved to be a great option for tourists who do not mind the presence of other like-minded and culture-hungry travellers who are all enthusiastic about discovering the Vatican.

Private Tour

Newlyweds, families, first-time tourers, or couples and friends who prefer more privacy or are simply looking for more authentic travel experiences, may often think that having a guide to yourself is better than sharing one. With this premium option, you decide who joins you on this tour. Needless to say that you will benefit from the undivided attention of your guide and that you can also benefit from flexibility of itinerary. With this choice you will experience the Vatican in a very time-efficient and seamless way, where you can spend more time on the galleries that appeal to you the most and less time in others, you will see the Vatican at your own pace. You can also choose this option and upgrade it to include pick-up from your accommodation. This option promises a much more comfortable, efficient, and authentic experience!

This tour runs on Friday evenings only. When visiting the Vatican you are kindly asked to dress for your comfort while respecting the rules about covering your knees and shoulders.

Witness the fabulous art and architecture in the museum of museums

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Vatican Night Tour with Happy Hour | Private

Revel in an extraordinary evening bathed with moonlight in the vatican at night, request your tour.

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Why Choose It?

• Invigorate your evening with a happy hour-style aperitivo in the Vatican.
• Admire  Michelangelo’s magnum opus , the Sistine Chapel,  without any crowds .
• Venture deeper  into the Vatican, viewing the  off-limits Cabinet of Masks .

Tour Description

Offering cocktails in the courtyard, majestic moonlight bathing Apollo Belvedere, and a divine dinner surrounded by stoic statues, our  Vatican Night Tour  promises an  unforgettable evening  in the   Vatican Museums . Embrace summer with open arms as the warm winds and moonlight douse this historic city with enchantment and allure. The Vatican  opens its doors on Friday and Saturday evenings  during this season for visitors to  view the masterpieces down its hallowed halls . On our Vatican Night Tour, the moonlight drenches each piece with a cool, otherworldly glow for a sight that is seldomly seen.

Wander  through the  Vatican Museum highlights

See the remarkable  Laocoon and his Sons in the flesh, a statue pouring with pathos, showing a father struggling in vain to save his sons. Make your way through the illustrious  Hall of Tapestries , admiring the craftsmanship that has gone into each piece. Lose yourself among the seemingly-boundless  Gallery of Maps , learning how people of previous centuries understood their world.

Visit  the sublimely frescoed  Raphael Rooms

The  Vatican  Raphael Rooms  boast frescoes unparalleled elsewhere in the Vatican, with the exception of the Sistine Chapel. In fact,  Raphael  and  Michelangelo  worked on both  around the same time , competing with each other to leave the most lasting artistic legacy. Listen to your private guide recount the fascinating stories of frescoes like the  School of Athens , then wander the rooms and passages leading to the Sistine Chapel.

Bathe  in the immeasurable beauty of the Sistine Chapel

Bask in the glory of Michelangelo’s ultimate work in the peace of the night with few surrounding crowds. This opportunity to behold the  Sistine Chapel  alone and without the crowds is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re more of an early bird, you can also see it on our  VIP earliest access tour . If you’re more of an owl and like to take tours with like-minded people, our small group  Vatican Tour by Night   might be the one for you.

Prosecco and canapès in the courtyard precede a stunning happy hour-style  aperitivo . To conclude our Vatican Night Tour, cool off with a sparkling glass of one of Italy’s favorite drinks and nibble on savory bites of local cheeses and cured meats. Surrounded by the timeworn statues of ancient Rome and the shapely gardens in the Pinecone Courtyard, your culinary experience within the walls of the Vatican Museums will be an unforgettable memory.

• Itinerary: Vatican Museums highlights Sistine Chapel Pinecone Courtyard aperitive
• Included: Skip-the-line tickets and reservations Private licensed guide Pinecone Courtyard happy hour
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes. (Itinerary may differ).

excellent guides

Our guides are fluent in English and have a contagious passion for the inspiring cultural heritage of our Italian cities. Experts in their fields, they will immerse you in the hidden histories and intriguing lives of history's great protagonists. So much to see, so easy to miss out: with the help of our guides, visit the most absorbing sites and uncover the stories that have changed the world. Don't miss this fascinating journey!

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Vatican Tours

Experience the splendours of the Vatican with expert guides

Best-Selling Vatican Tours

Early Morning Vatican with Sistine Chapel Semi-Private Tour

(327 Reviews)

max. group size: 10

adults 129 €

students 119 €

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Enjoy an exclusive Vatican Experience

11 results found

Private Essential Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica Tour

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Private Vatican Night Tour

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starts from 495 €

Private Early Morning Sistine Chapel with Vatican Tour

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The Best Vatican Tours

Discover rome’s wonders with our vatican tours.

Are you seeking an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rome and the iconic Vatican City? Look no further than our Vatican Tours ! Why choose us for your exploration? We offer a diverse range of excursions and private tours designed to cater to every traveler’s preferences and requirements.

We pride ourselves on providing expertly guided tours led by professional, multilingual guides. Immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of the Vatican with our knowledgeable guides who speak various languages, ensuring a truly immersive experience for all visitors.

We understand the value of affordability without compromising quality. Hence, our tours boast competitive pricing , with an exclusive discount available for students . Unveil the treasures of the Vatican while staying within your budget.

Flexibility is key, and that’s why we offer both private tours for those desiring an intimate exploration and group tours accommodating a maximum of 20 participants. Whether you prefer a more personal journey or the vibrant energy of group exploration, we have the perfect option for you.

Additionally, to enhance your convenience, we offer transfer services upon request. From private cars for a more exclusive experience to spacious coaches for larger groups, our transfer services guarantee a seamless transition to and from your tour, making your visit hassle-free.

Choose our Vatican tours for an enriching, effortless adventure, where every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure your journey through Rome and the Vatican City is nothing short of extraordinary.

Our Best Vatican Tours 2023-2024

Let's delve into some of our top Vatican tours this year. Each one offers unique insights into the Vatican's cultural treasures and rich history!

Private Vatican Tours

For those dreaming an intimate journey through the Vatican, we offer an abundance of distinctive options tailored just for you. Delve into the heart of Vatican City with our private tours , each promising a unique and unforgettable experience.

Discover the Private Experience: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica where our knowledgeable guides unravel the tales behind the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel . Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces while immersing yourself in the Vatican's profound history. Engage with the works of other esteemed artists like Raphael and uncover the opulent Vatican palaces. Conclude your expedition at St. Peter’s Basilica , a testament to unparalleled grandeur and spiritual significance.

Alternatively, choose our Private Vatican Night Tour . This exclusive evening exploration offers a serene ambiance as you explore the Vatican Museums , embracing Michelangelo’s frescoes bathed in the golden hues of twilight. With fewer visitors, relish an unhindered view of the Sistine Chapel and the museum's treasures.

For an extravagant journey through millennia of art and history, embark on our Private Vatican Tour: VIP Experience . Delve into the Renaissance narrative, and savor the exquisite Vatican collections. Customize your visit and bypass lines at St. Peter’s Basilica, where iconic artworks like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s celestial canopy await.

Opt for the distinctive Private Early Morning Sistine Chapel with Vatican Tour and explore the tranquil Vatican Museums in the early morning. Admire Michelangelo's masterpieces in the serene Sistine Chapel setting, delve into the Raphael Rooms, and conclude your experience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where you'll encounter renowned masterpieces and the world's largest dome on this unforgettable private tour!

Book your exclusive Vatican private tour today and unravel the secrets of this historic enclave!

Group Vatican Tours

If you are looking for a vibrant group exploration through the Vatican, we offer diverse tour options to suit every preference. Dive into the heart of Vatican City with our carefully curated group tours , each promising a unique and immersive experience.

Embark on our Early Morning Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel , an exclusive VIP entry allowing you to savor the Vatican Museums at their calmest. Marvel at Michelangelo’s breathtaking works and relish the lesser-crowded spectacle of the Sistine Chapel.

Short on time? Opt for our Essential Sistine Chapel Tour , a concise journey through the Vatican’s highlights. Witness Michelangelo’s transcendent Sistine Chapel's ceiling, delve into Raphael’s masterpieces, and skip the lines at St. Peter’s Basilica, encountering Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s awe-inspiring baldachin.

Looking for an in-depth experience? Choose our VIP Vatican In a Day Tour , an immersive exploration of the Vatican's art and history. Engage with expert guides, decipher Renaissance marvels, and discover hidden gems like Leonardo's artwork .

Instead, explore the Vatican after hours with our Vatican Museum Night Tour . Admire the Vatican's splendor bathed in the soft evening light and experience an intimate atmosphere at its most mesmerizing hour.

Can't miss Rome's essentials? Try our Rome in a Day Group Tour with Colosseum and Vatican . Uncover ancient Rome's legacy at the Colosseum and Roman Forum and explore Rome's Baroque marvels. Then complete your day at the Vatican Museums.

Book Our Vatican Tours Packages Today

Discover the allure of Vatican City with our exclusive tours. Immerse yourself in history, art, and culture effortlessly by booking one of our tours in Rome. The process is simple: visit the tour page and click " Book online " to secure your spot.

Need further assistance or have specific requests? Our live chat feature, located at the bottom right of your screen, is available for instant support.

Alternatively, our dedicated native-English customer care team is here to assist you throughout the day. Call us at +1-800-267-7581 or fill out the contact form for any inquiries.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonders of Vatican tours hassle-free. Book your spot now and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Vatican's timeless marvels!

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Private Vatican Museums at Night Tour

What to expect.

LivTours Private Vatican Museums at Night Tour is a special private tour allowing you to enjoy the wonders of the Vatican Museums in the soft light of the evening hours when crowds are winding down, and lights are dimming. On your Private Vatican Museums at Night Tour, you will enjoy a fascinating exploration through centuries of art and papal history! With smaller crowds, you can take the time to appreciate Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, making this a unique tour for art and history lovers.

An ideal way to spend an unforgettable evening in Rome while avoiding the daytime throngs and beating the summer heat! By visiting the Vatican at night, you will have the pleasure of the time and space to discover the magnificent art in a quiet and softly lit atmosphere with your private guide at your side. A private guide allows you to customize your tour and focus on the areas that interest you most. Your expert guide will adapt and tailor the tour to you.  Should you like, you also have the option of upgrading your tour, allowing you access to a VIP Secret Vatican Room!

Why book this tour

• Enjoy an evening inside the Vatican Museums at night with a private tour guide
• Admire the masterpieces of one of the vast Vatican art collection with less crowds
• See the magnificent works of Old Masters such as the Raphael Rooms & more
• See the Sistine Chapel like never before, under the soft, glimmering evening light
• Upgrade your tour to add access into the exclusive Vatican Secret Rooms

Exclusive private Tours and Experiences. Also offered in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swedish and Russian

Our prices always include tickets and reservations fees (no waiting in lines!)

Our tour guides and staff are selected experts and speak perfect English

Easy to book and prepay your tours with our secure payment system

Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions

Tour gallery

Read more about your Private Vatican Museum at Night Tour

On your LivTours Private Vatican Museums at Night Tour , you and your tour expert guide will enjoy privileged access to the Vatican Museums, maximizing your time in Rome without wasting a minute waiting in line. The Vatican’s historical art is one of the richest collections in the world. Your guide will help you catch the highlights as you navigate through the Museum. Without a doubt, the best part of a private tour is the ability of your guide to mold the tour to your curiosities.

Amongst the world-renowned highlights are the impressive Greek and Roman statues, you will learn the secrets behind the designs of these masterpieces. Your expert tour guide will tell you little-known gossip and stories of the Popes who lived in these splendid rooms which now house over 70,000 pieces of art!

Included in your tour is a visit to the Octagonal and Pinecone Courtyard where you will enjoy the evening ambiance of these beautiful courtyards.  Your guide will make sure you see the renowned Belvedere Torso, considered an exemplary masterpiece in sculpting having inspired even Michelangelo during his work on the Sistine Chapel. Not to be missed are the various galleries, in particular, the Gallery of the Tapestries, with designs by the great Raphael’s students, and the Gallery of Maps, with 40 panels of painted topographical maps created by Ignazio Danti.

You and your expert tour guide will make your way to the magnificent Raphael Rooms that are sure to look even more beautiful by evening glow. Listen to tales of these masterworks as you stand in the very spot Raphael spent countless hours painting!

The next to last stop on your tour is the majestic Sistine Chapel, with the delicate evening light reflected from the lunette arched windows, this will be a visual memory that will stay with you forever. Take your time admiring this masterpiece of 8,000 square feet of painting, which took a mere 4 years to create.

Your private Vatican Museums at Night Tour starts by admiring the world’s largest Roman Catholic church from the outside and seeing the unreal view of the columns positioned in such a way as to give pilgrims the sense of a cradling welcome.

This Tour Includes

• Guided tour inside the Vatican
• Pinecone courtyard
• Octagonal courtyard
• Ancient Laocoon statue
• Ancient Apollo statue
• Belvedere Torso
• Raphael rooms
• "The School Of Athens" masterpiece
• Gallery of maps
• Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelos Sistine Chapel ceiling
• Berninis bronze canopy

Know before you go

• Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
• There is no flash photography allowed on this tour, and all photography is forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel.
• Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
• Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
• Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.

Our Sustainable Tourism Promise

LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry.   LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism  and how LivTours is contributing, click here .

About our Private tours

When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience , you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people* . Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable.  *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.

Additional options

Make your experience even more unique by upgrading your LivTours experience. Please note: add-ons are non refundable.

Amazing experience

We are really happy we booked this tour! The Vatican museum is enchanting when seen at night, no crowds and no fuss. Our guide, Luca, was absolutely phenomenal and made the experience even better than expected! We couldn't have been happier with this choice.

Exceptional Vatican tour with Deborah

Deborah was our exceptional tour group for our recent Vatican private night tour. She was absolutely wonderful ! Very knowledgeable, interesting, funny and immediately became a dear friend. She accommodated our needs and made this tour one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. I would highly recommend Deborah and this tour company!!

Vatican night tour

Wonderful tour with a very knowledgeable guide named Santi. He explained everything in detailed so that we were fascinated by the most glorious beauty that surrounded us. Highly recommend LivItaly. It makes all the difference to have a guide (and an excellent one at that!) when exploring the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. I will definitely use them again.

Vatican museums at night

We booked LivItaly's night tour of the Vatican with Deborah. This was a private tour for just our family. Deborah was really excellent and made the tour interesting for all of us, including our 2 teenage sons and younger daughter. She made it interactive and engaging from the start and got the kids attention and respect . Going at night saves you the stress and headache of the crowds. Very worthwhile!!

Fantastic Vatican museum tour

My husband and I took LivItaly's private Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour. It was absolutely wonderful! We loved the personal attention of a private tour but it was our tour guide Giulia who made the tour exceptional. She is hands-down the best tour guide we've ever had, anywhere! With her warm, enthusiastic personality, she provided us with really interesting information and stories about what we were seeing. We didn't want the tour to end!

Choose dates later / Buy as a gift

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here .

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A tour of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City