Planning a trip to Rome and wondering if you need to pay to visit the Vatican?
As one of the most popular and iconic destinations in the world, the Vatican is a must-visit for travelers seeking to explore its rich history, art, and culture.
However, it’s important to be aware of the entry fees and ticketing options when planning your visit to the Vatican.
Let’s take a look.

Do You Have to Pay to Visit the Vatican?
In general, you can enter Saint Peter’s Square as well as the basilica for free, but that’s where the freebies end.
You’ll have to pay to visit The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Gardens – as well as many of the other best things to see at the Vatican.
These fees help to support the maintenance, preservation, and conservation of the Vatican’s vast collections and historical treasures.
The Vatican offers different types of tickets including regular tickets, guided tour tickets, and all sorts of other tickets including early entry and small group tours.
Here’s a look at the most common tickets:
- Vatican Museum + Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Basic + Audio Guide: €30.25
- Vatican Museum + Sistine Chapel Guided Tour: €60.00
- Vatican Museum + Sistine Chapel + St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour: €64.00
- Vatican Museum + Sistine Chapel Early Entrance Small Group Tour: €84.00
It’s worth noting that during peak tourist seasons, such as the summer months or holidays, the Vatican can be extremely crowded with long queues and wait times.
To avoid crowds and save time, one of our rules for visiting the Vatican is that it’s absolutely essential to buy skip-the-line tickets or book a guided tour.
This includes priority access to the Vatican attractions.
You can grab your instant smart phone tickets by booking with Tiqets using the buttons below:
Or you can book your guided tours using this button:
Finally, if you plan to attend a Papal Audience or a Mass celebrated by the Pope, there is no fee to attend.
🎟️ Looking to buy? Read my post: Where to Buy Tickets for the Vatican
⌛ Pro tip: How Long to Visit the Vatican?
Still Wondering If You Have to Pay to Visit the Vatican?
While there are entry fees to visit certain parts of the Vatican, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and other spots – these must-see attractions pay for themselves in memories.
Just make sure you don’t miss the incredible opportunity to explore the history, art, and culture of one of the world’s most iconic destinations – make sure you book your tickets in advance online.
👕 Pro tip: What is the Dress Code at the Vatican?
👍 Pro tip: Best Days to Visit the Vatican
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