Vatican Museums: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

The Vatican Museums house over 70,000 works of art across 54 galleries spanning 7 kilometers. The undisputed highlight is Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, featuring The Creation of Adam — but don't miss the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Borgia Apartments. Book skip-the-line tickets at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Dress code is strictly enforced — shoulders and knees must be covered. Allow at least 3-4 hours for a meaningful visit. The museums are closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of each month (free entry, extremely crowded).