Magpie
5.0(17 reviews)

Vatican Museums Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

2.5 hours
Max 15 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy

About this activity

Experience the Vatican without the crowds on this Vatican Night Tour.

Highlights

  • Take advantage of extended seasonal opening hours and experience the Vatican museums at night
  • Learn about the breathtaking art and architecture from your expert Walks guide
  • Save time with skip-the-line tickets
  • Includes the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Belvedere Courtyard, Gallery of the Candelabra and much more!

Full description

Be one of the lucky few to enter the Vatican at night, after it closes for the evening. During extended seasonal opening hours you'll enjoy the museum with fewer crowds and see the Papal Palaces in a new light. This special access tour includes a full tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (excludes St. Peter's Basilica, which is closed at this time).
Take advantage of extended opening hours to visit the Vatican at night!

Welcome to the the Vatican's best-kept (non)secret: an after-hours visit that has been available for years but only attended by those in the know. You'll explore the galleries during a more peaceful, and cooler time of the day, with a local expert guide to help you decode the art and give you the stories behind the works.

On your Vatican at Night Tour you'll take in stunning old maps, medieval tapestries, and of course, one of the world's finest collections of statuary. As you admire statues like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons, your guide will tell you rich histories of the works, how they were created and how they came to the Vatican (hint: there is often a lot of wheeling and dealing involved).

Next, we move on to the Raphael Rooms where you will be treated to a collection of the finest frescoes in Rome. These rooms are usually packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people and can be stifling hot during the height of summer, but they'll be quieter and cooler on your tour, allowing you to appreciate the works up close.

You won't want to leave, but we've saved the best for last: the Sistine Chapel, glowing in the last rays of the setting sun. Your guide will instruct you on all the can't-miss details of the works before you enter, so you'll take in much more than you would if you just saw it on your own.

With small groups of just 15 people or fewer and a local expert, plus headsets to make sure you never get lost and can always hear your guide clearly, this special-access Vatican at Night tour provides an unforgettable experience.

Unfortunately this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.

Sites Visited
  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)
  • Belvedere Courtyard (Pinecone)
  • Octagonal Courtyard (Apollo Belvedere
  • Laocoön)
  • Gallery of the Candelabra
  • Gallery of the Maps
  • Gallery of the Tapestries

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums (exclusive night entrance)
  • Headset
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Meeting point

Start Location

Bar l'Ottagono, Piazza del Risorgimento, Rome, IT

We meet just outside the green bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/cafè located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio - close to Tram stop number 19. The closest Metro/Underground stop is Ottaviano.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information

Know before you go

  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
  • All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Reviews

5.0(17 reviews)
Matthew
Jun 2026
5.0

If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

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