We will be in Rome for the first time next week and are wondering what the best time of day would be to visit the Vatican? I've read that lines tend to be longer in the morning, but wanted to see if anyone had a recent experience to share? How long to you usually have to wait in line? Thank you!

We took a tour at 1:00 PM and there was virtually no line. I would never stand in line with the morning crowds!

Go around lunch time. Have done this twice and we have walked right in.

are you talking about St. Peter's or the Vatican museums?

We want to see both, but were thinking about starting with the Vatican museums.

I would also add don't plan on going on a Monday or Sunday.

If I remember correctly there is one day they are closed (either M or Sun) and most travelers coming in on a Saturday beeline for the Vacatican the first day it's open and as early as possible.

We went I believe on a Tuesday around noon and also walked in.

Lunch time or later is best. Also, if you take a tour of the Vatican Museum the guides can usually take you out a back door near the Sistine Chapel and into St. Peter's, avoiding any line altogether.

This is great to know! Thank you all for your tips! We are leaving on Monday so I can't wait!

Well, if you want to spend some big bucks, the after-hours tour is the absolute best. I felt it was absolutely worth every dime and I'm cheap.

I don't know if Helen is doing any tours while you are there, but here is the website...

www.italywithus.biz

If you are interested, search on my name and you'll see the report I did on it over Christmas.

dave

bkmk