Tourists to Rome often set aside the time to visit the Vatican. Noted as the smallest country in the world, this location is tiny but mighty. You can see many fascinating things here, including the artifacts in the Vatican Museums. From the fascinating Renaissance frescos to Egyptian artifacts, tourists are entertained for hours.
Though something you must understand if you are visiting is that the attractions are busy. Millions visit this small country every year. There are better times to visit and to ensure you enjoy your experience.
What is the Best Time of the Day for Visiting the Vatican Museums?
Let’s get straight to the point and answer the question. Generally, it is agreed that the best time of the day to visit the Vatican is as early as you can. In other words, this should be first thing in the morning, making it your first activity of the day. While you might not want to get up early on your vacation, if you want to explore the museums, an early rise has got to be on the cards. You can anticipate the lines growing as the day progresses.
The current opening hours of the Vatican Museums is 8:30 AM on most days of the week. So, if you want to avoid crowds, this is going to be the time you want to aim for. Being this early means that you do not have to wait in a long line at the entrance. Plus, it means fewer people are already inside, which improves your experience. Most tourists stay for around three hours inside the Vatican and this is enough time to explore the attractions.
There is one way to get around the crowds. You can arrange a tour of the Vatican, allowing you to explore when it is quieter. A tour guide will help you learn about the artifacts and there are private and VIP tours that include early entry. Not only do you avoid the tedious wait at the entrance. But, you also get to experience the place without many people being in before you.
What is the Best Month of the Year to Visit?
Note that it is not just the time that plays a part in your visit to the Vatican. It is also going to be the time of year you visit. There are peak times in Rome when it is busier with tourists. Naturally, many of them will also visit Vatican City while they are exploring Rome. So, this makes the place more populated and crowded, which can generally mean you have to battle through crowds.
Generally, the busiest tourist season in Rome is during the spring and summer months. Of course, this is when the weather is at its best and when people take a vacation. So, you can expect Rome and Vatican City to have more people around during these months of the year. If this is the only time of year you can visit, you should make your trip early in the morning. This is also going to beat the heat.
The best time for fewer crowds is during the winter. Generally, the place is quieter with fewer tourists since it is cooler. Flights and accommodation also tend to be cheaper too, and you can visit Rome on a budget. Just note that it is going to get darker earlier in the day when you are on vacation during the winter.
What is the Best Day to Visit the Vatican?
Something else you want to take into account is the day you visit the Vatican. You will find that some days the place will be hectic and congested with people. In particular, if you can avoid it, you want to stay clear of the weekends. Since this is when most people go out to explore and want to enjoy activities, it means that it can be busier. People are less likely to go during the week when they have responsibilities, including work. Plus, families with children will want to do fun activities on the weekend.
Therefore, the best time to visit the Vatican Museums is during the week. Combining this with a quieter tourist time and early in the morning gives you the best chance of avoiding crowds. You can have more time at the artifacts, having the time to stop, admire and learn. Congested areas of the museums cause less anxiety and stress. You can have a better overall experience and take your time inside.