janeos

I want to do a self-tour late Oct, not with a guide. Is it worth it to buy a skip-the-line ticket from Viator? Does it really get you in andy faster? If not, what is best link for getting advance tix?

Lamorna

I visited the gallery in early December a few years ago. I had not booked ahead, and was fully expecting to be turned away. However, the gallery was half-empty and I was able to buy a ticket on the day and spend a wonderful few hours amongst all those Bernini's, Caravaggio's, Correggio's, Botticelli's...an unexpected bliss.

However, I got complacent and turned up again in June...only to be greeted by a queue out the door and absolutely no chance of gaining admittance.

So, I've never booked tickets, but I would say it is definitely worth it, however you do it, as it is one not to miss. if you can get a skip-the-queue, go for it as the queues do build up. I hope someone else can advise a bit better.

J x

greg

Any reason why you are looking for a marked up ticket from a tour company as opposed to booking directly with the Borghese Gallery?

It is not only get in "faster". It is whether you have any chance of getting in during your stay in Rome. When I was there last fall with a pre-reserved slot, I heard the ticket person turning away walk-in people that tickets were all sold out until a week later.

Jean

Unless the Viator skip-the-line ticket includes putting you at the head of the line for the coat/bag check, I doubt it would speed up the entry process. Make sure you arrive early for that line. You aren't allowed to take anything into the gallery, including any sort of bag/purse.

Bette

I bought in advance directly on the gallery site (not Viator). We visited in late June and people without tickets were being turned away.

HappyTrvlr

We bought directly from the gallery too. No need to use a third party.

janeos

Thanks all, will book directly.

janeos

I'm back. Tried to buy the ticket on the official site and it would not take either of my US credit cards. I checked with Chase, they are not blocked. Anybody else have this problem? Also, expensive to have ticket sent to me, about 10 euros, only option for free was pick up at Gallery. How much time will that add?

janeos

I'm back. Tried to buy the ticket on the official site and it would not take either of my US credit cards. I checked with Chase, they are not blocked. Anybody else have this problem? Also, expensive to have ticket sent to me, about 10 euros, only option for free was pick up at Gallery. How much time will that add?

luvtotravel

I was there in 2009. Of course, I don't know if things have changed since then. I was fortunate to be there during Culture Week when entrance was free. Still, I had to pay a reservation fee. The following is from my trip report:

I walked around the city until my appointment at the Galleria Borghese at 1:00 pm. I booked my reservation online about two weeks before the trip. As it was Culture Week there was no entrance fee -- just a three euro reservation fee. For those wondering, the three euro reservation fee was charged to my credit card. I mention it because the website was unclear about how the charge would be handled. When the reservation was completed they showed a fee of zero and the three euro reservation fee charged to my credit card.

I arrived at the Galleria Borghese early and and had plenty of time to check my purse and camera (no cameras allowed) and rented a headset. I'm glad I was early as a tour group showed up and there was suddenly a long line to check bags where moments before there was no line. I kept my valuables with me in a money wallet (inside my pants) and my wrist wallet. If you decide you want a headset, be sure you keep five euros handy before checking your bag. To use the bathroom they have a sign that says you need to show your ticket or reservation receipt to use the WC, but I didn't see the sign until after I had used the facilities, so I guess they are not strict about it.

The Galleria is amazing, just amazing. The Bernini statues alone were worth the visit -- Persephone and Apollo/Daphne. I was glad I did some research on what would be on display as it made more sense to know the stories rather than just walking by. The audio guide walks you around the statues pointing out things you might miss. Upon entering the Galleria I went directly upstairs as the tour groups start on the ground floor. At times I was alone in the rooms.

Reading54

We had no problem purchasing tickets online in 2012. May be trying a different brand of internet browser, and/or a different brand of credit card?

We picked up tickets at the box office. We were instructed (via the email confirmation) to arrive 30-min prior to reserved time otherwise we might lose our reservation.

So, choose to pick up tickets at the box office, make sure you arrive 30-min prior. Bring a printed copy of your email confirmation with you as proof of purchase.

kybourbon

Did you notify your credit card company in advance you were making a purchase on an Italian website? It's also possible they require a secure card as many Italian websites seem to do. You need to look at your own Visa or Mastercard, check the supplier (your bank or credit union) and see if they participate in secure card. Mastercard's program is called Secure Code (not all banks participate). I've forgotten what Visa's program is called. Basically, they are a code feature you set up with them in addition to the 3 digit numbers on the back of your card.

You can also get your hotel to call and book it.