dloech

We will be in Rome at the end of September.
TIA! gt;

JSLee

I would reserve a slot because the number of people allowed in at one time is stricly controlled.

I am not sure about now, but in 2002 you could only reserve a time slot. At that time, I had to be there 30 minutes before the alloted time. I missed mine due to a demonstration that halted traffic. By luck, this was before tourist season and there was only 20 people ahead of me.

Depending on you, expect to spend 1.5-2.5 hours there.

Patrick

We had been by a few times and tried to get them on the spot with absolutely no luck. Last time in Rome, we went by around lunch time and they said we could get tickets for 1:30 or so, which was fine. We went, had lunch, and came back for our scheduled tickets. But it makes sense to do it ahead of time so you're not doubling back and being disappointed if you can't get in.

maryell

I'd recommend reservation as well. I used this site http://www.ticketeria.it/ticketeria/borghese-eng.asp Bring along your reservation screen print. As mentioned, you should be there a half hour before the scheduled entry time in order to pay for the ticket and check items. I think the number allowed in is 360 people every two hour time slot. There is an announcement made for everyone to to leave after 2 hours then the next group enters. I'd also suggest starting on the second floor (mostly paintings) and then the first floor (sculptures). Afterward take a stroll through the Villa Borghese.

Patrick

Actually I'd consider doing the first floor of sculptures first and then move upstairs for the paintings. Why? Because every guide book I've seen suggests doing what maryell suggests. We did just that and found the top floor jammed. We went off looking for a restroom, and ended up on the sculpture floor which was nearly empty. By the time we browsed there it was really filling up and we moved upstairs which was then pretty desolate.

Intrepid1

I think they may also tell you that you have about two hours to see the place but having been twice I am not sure just how they regulate that part. I'm still not convinced that they actually do.

I agree that seeing the first floor sculpture first is a good idea as they are, IMO, the most impressive offerings of all.

Jocelyn_P

I started on the second floor, just as my guidebook recommended, but then DH had to drag me out of the museum as I didn't feel I had enough time on the first floor. I could have spent the entire 2 hours with Apollo and Dafne.

maryell

That's interesting; my experience was the opposite of Patrick's. (I also had the sense in general that many tourists hadn't looked at a guidebook in advance so maybe I ran into a higher percentage of non-planners or last-minute travelers that week.) Well, you can always check and see what it looks like that day. I do agree that the sculptures (Apollo and Daphne is also my favorite) are worth more time if you need to make that call. The Caravaggios were the highlight for me on the second floor.

Lexma90

Our experience, at 11 am on a Sunday at the end of September last year, was that YES, you definitely need the reservations in advance. And you need that 30 minutes ahead of time as well. There is a chaotic line to pick up tickets - the line includes both people with reservations already, and confused-looking people who don't have reservations, but who have to stand in line in order to make reservations (for a later time that day).

There were hordes of people on the ground floor, so we battled them for space to see the sculpture, then scooted through, visited the paintings on the next floor, THEN exited the museum (the exit is in "back", on the other side of the building from the entrance), walked back to the entrance, re-entered (the guard did check our tickets, I presume to make sure we were still in the correct 2-hour time frame) and went through the ground floor exhibits again. Worked for us!

Deepa

We went there at 3.30 in the afternoon in late july. Our hotel had made reservations for us, but on getting there, we discovered that we did not need the reervations. So it depends really, but to be on the safe side, reserve in advance.

adrienne

Absolutely reserve. You don't have to pay for the tickets until you pick them up at the museum.

I'd recommend also taking the guided tour (times in English are on the web site). It's a 1.5 hour tour of the highlights and focuses mainly on the sculpture which is the best part IMHO.

I've been to the Borghese 3 times and the last time I booked double tickets since 2 hours wasn't enough the first 2 times. It's one of the best small museums. You won't want to miss it.

Jean

Regarding Intrepid1's wondering how/if they regulate the 2-hour time limit: There is a public announcement in multiple languages about 10-15 minutes before closing. Museum personnel move through every gallery and herd people to the exits. The entire museum is emptied before the next timed group is allowed in.

sharon1306

I'm going to be in Rome at the end of September as well, and I just booked reservations for Galleria Borghese with www.ticketeria.it.

I just didn't want to take any chances. Better to be on the safer side...