Travel Tips
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Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with kids: all you need to know
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are a must-see for tourists coming to Rome: they're an incredible treasure trove of stunning artwork and a testament to the splendor of the Vatican. However, their sheer size can be intimidating, especially if you're planning to visit with your kids and want to make sure they enjoy the experience. How do you do that? Well, our article has all the important information you need to know!
Why are the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel worth visiting?
We can give you around 20 thousand reasons why the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are worth visiting! This is the number of the works of art on display here. The exhibitions include items related to the Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek and Roman civilizations, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and even to contemporary art.
This stunning collection has been created by the Church during centuries and features masterpieces by world-famous artists such as Giotto, Caravaggio, Leonardo, Raphael, Van Gogh, Picasso and many, many more. Visitors can admire Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets, Egyptian mummies, Etruscan vases and other incredible artifacts while walking through equally beautiful galleries and rooms.
In case you still aren’t sure, you should know that the museum includes the great Sistine Chapel, the result of the contribution of artists such as Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Take a deep breath and let yourself be dazzled by the magnificent Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo. In short, a visit to the Vatican Museums is a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you love art, beauty and culture.
Will my kids enjoy the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel?
A visit to the Vatican Museums isn’t just for adults! If you plan it appropriately, your children, too, will enjoy this experience and remember it forever. Here’s a few tips to ensure a smooth and pleasant visit:
First, book your tickets in advance and choose the Skip-the-Line option. Kids waiting in line quickly become fussy, which can make the experience difficult for the whole family. The collections are so large that a comprehensive tour can last more than 3 hours, so it’s vital not to waste any time. Another thing you should consider is that on some days the museums are particularly crowded, especially during the summer months. Try to book your tour early in the morning to explore the museum with leisure.
Secondly, remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. After all, you and your kids will be standing or walking for the majority of the time! We also recommend packing a few small snacks and some water for your little ones. Take a break every now and then, this way, they’ll be able to recharge and enjoy the experience more.
Last, keep your kids involved! The best way to do so is to book a kids tour of the museums. You’ll sit back and relax while a specialized guide teaches your children all about art and history in an age appropriate way, with plenty of games and fun materials. You can even prepare them in advance by reading books or watching movies about the ancient Egyptians or the Roman civilization: your kids will see the statues and the paintings come to life as you visit the museums! Children are very curious and the best way to stimulate them is to combine fun and learning in an interactive way. We’re sure that among the thousands of artifacts on display you will find something that they will love.
What to pack before visiting the museums?
Here’s a list of items we recommend you take with you before exploring the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel:
• A stroller
• Comfortable clothes, shoes and backpack
• A bottle of water
• Snacks
• One or two small toys to entertain your children while waiting
Costs and opening times
The Vatican Museums are open from Monday to Saturday (9.00 am – 9.00 pm) and on the last Sunday of each month (9.00 am – 2.00 pm).
Full price ticket without online booking: € 17,00
Reduced ticket without online booking: € 8,00
“Skip-the-Line” surcharge with online booking: + € 5,00
The tickets are free for visitors under 6 years old and on Sunday.
We recommend booking your tour of the Vatican Museums via a tour operator, who will provide you with the tickets.
How do I get there?
Taxi: the taxi will bring you right in the square in front of the museums.
Tram: line 19, stop at Piazza del Risorgimento.
Metro: line A, stop at Ottaviano or Cipro stations.
Bus: line 49, stop in the square in front of the museums.
How do I choose the best tour for my family?
The best way to ensure a good experience for your family is to book a tour led by an experienced and licensed guide who specializes in tours for children. Take a look at the reviews and choose among the kid-friendly options that offer the right combination of fun and learning, with plenty of games and interactive materials. Make sure that the booking options are flexible enough.
What are the challenges?
Here are some challenges you can expect and prepare for when you visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel:
First of all, the Vatican Museums are often quite crowded, which can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially for little kids. We recommend bringing some small and noiseless toys or books to keep them entertained while waiting in line.
Second, the city itself can be a challenge because of the chaos and traffic. Plan ahead to get from your hotel to the museums comfortably on foot or by public transportation.
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What else can I see in the area?
The Vatican Museums aren’t the only attraction offered by Vatican City. The other shining jewel of the country is the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world. This majestic construction overlooking St. Peter’s Square took more than a century to complete and it’s the result of the contributions of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo as well as Bernini, who realized the imposing colonnades standing in the square. St. Peter’s Basilica is a real treasure trove: its highlights are the breathtaking Pietà by Michelangelo and the monumental St. Peter’s Baldachin. Visitors also have the chance to explore the Vatican Grottoes, where are located the tombs of the popes.
Only few minutes walk you can also reach the Castle Sant'Angelo, an impressive ancient monument that used to be the tomb of the Emperor Hadrian, then it became the fortress of the Popes and now it is an interesting museum with a terrace offering breathtaking view of the city
Where can I stay with my family?
In order to enjoy the experience to the fullest and properly rest during your vacation, we recommend you and your family stay in a family-friendly hotel. Rome offers plenty of options among which you can choose, depending on the price range and the distance from the most important landmarks of the city. Take a look at our article dedicated to the top 20 family-friendly hotels and apartments in Rome: https://italywithkids.com/where-to-stay-in-rome
Where should we go eat?
Rome boasts a rich culinary heritage and good eateries are relatively easy to spot. If the restaurant you chose doesn’t have a specific menu for kids, you can ask them to serve a reduced portion or to provide a simple alternative. They’ll surely be happy to accommodate you! If your family has a sweet tooth, take a look at our list of the top 7 best ice-cream shops in Rome: https://italywithkids.com/thetop7icecreaminrome.html Visiting the Vatican Museums will be an enriching and unforgettable experience for your whole family. Now you know how to best prepare for this adventure!
