The Rome IndexVatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Booking, timing, and how to see the Sistine Chapel without the crush.
Booking
Always book a timed-entry ticket online in advance — walk-up lines regularly run over two hours. Early-morning and last-entry slots are consistently the quietest.
How long to allow
Budget at least three hours if you want to see more than just the Sistine Chapel — the museums are vast, and the chapel sits at the far end of the route.
Dress code
Shoulders and knees covered, for everyone, no exceptions — this applies to the museums and is strictly enforced at St Peter's Basilica next door.