My husand and I are planning on going to the Vatican Musuem on a Thursday in May. We want to go around 2 pm (based on great advice I've read in various places and heard from fellow Fodorites).
My questions are:
1. Does buying advance tickets allow us to avoid any potential long lines?
2. Anyone want to comment on the easiest way to get to the Sistene Chapel? That is a top priority.
3. We are staying in the Campo de fiori area - how long is the walk? Should we take a bus?
Should we buy tickets to the Vatican Museum online or not?
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Hi
We visited around that time in the afternoon and didn't have to queue to buy a ticket. I get the impression tour groups are at their most in the morning. The closing time was around 4pm so it gives you a couple of hours. My recollection of our visit is diminishing but I recall following the route for the various exhibits and finding our way into the Sistine Chapel. Yes it was crowded but we did get to view the site but not in depth of course. The Chapel is very crowded and its stuffiness dissuades visitors from staying too long. Long enough though to admire its splendour.
My recommendation would be to purchase tickets online, since you know what day and time frame you're interested in. Yes, it will save you much time. I don't know if you're interested or not, but we took a tour (2 weeks ago)offered through the Vatican website called Art & Faith. It was led by a nun from the UK - she was a wonderful tour guide! I've also taken 2 Context tours through the museums, gone without any tour a few times, and used the museum audioguide. It all depends on your interests and what you want to take away from the experience. Happy travels!