Vatican & Sistine Chapel: Friday night guided tour

- Visit the Vatican Museums after official closing hours
- Avoid the crowds and the heat of the daytime
- See the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
- Visit Raphael's Rooms
- Borrow a headset to better hear your guide

Explore the Vatican Museums after hours
On certain evenings each year, the Vatican Museums stays open after official hours. If you manage to snag a spot on our Vatican Museums Night Tour, you are in for a true treat!

If you have ever visited the Vatican Museums on a summer morning, you're surely familiar with the long, stressful lines of people and the overheated rooms. Touring at nightn saves you from these hassles, while still letting you see all the highlights of the museum.  

As you explore the Vatican Museums, your knowledgeable, English-speaking guide will fill you in on the history and stories behind the art and artists.  You’ll appreciate the intricate artistry of master weavers in the Gallery of the Tapestries and the stunning painted ceilings of the Candelabra Gallery. And you'll also explore Raphael’s Rooms, which show the master at the height of his powers. 

Finally, you’ll experience the Vatican Museum’s ultimate highlight, the Sistine Chapel. Few people have the chance to stand beneath Michelangelo’s most important creation at this hour of the evening. Fun fact: there are nine central panels on the chapel ceiling, and the first one depicts the separation of light from darkness!

Your ticket will be e-mailed directly to you shortly after your booking is complete. Bring a printed copy with you on the tour.

Where does the tour begin?
The tour starts at the bottom of the wide steps across the street from the entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located between Caffè Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. 

Please be there 15 minutes before your tour starts. 

Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at the Vatican Museums. 

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours.  

Is there a dress code?
Yes, entrance into religious sites requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. City Wonders and Ticmate cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress.  

Are there children's tickets?
Yes, children's tickets are available for children between age 6-18. Children under the age of 6 years are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

- Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. 
- You can use the free luggage storage area which may result in your having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance.