Vatican free last sunday of month

[Ferry Beach Kayaker]

Has anyone visited the Vatican on the last Sunday of the month when it is free. Any tips? is it worse than other mornings?

[CLEMM]

I read and heard that it is extremely crowded.

[grvdggr71]

Just want to make sure this is clarified: Admission to St. Peter's Basilica is always free when it is open to the public. The free Sunday you mention is specifically for the Vatican Museums.

[Hlitner]

That free day does not mean its free of lines (or queues for our Brit friends). In fact, they can have the largest crowds of the month on free Sundays.

 

Hank

[cruisemom42]

It is VERY busy. My sister and BIL tried arriving an hour ahead of opening, and there was already quite a line. They said it was wall-to-wall people.

[samavarcruiser]

Has anyone visited the Vatican on the last Sunday of the month when it is free. Any tips? is it worse than other mornings?

 

The crowd on the free Sunday is even worse than on other days. In addition to tourists, a lot of local families take advantage of free admission :o

[cruise kitty]

We did this at the end of Nov. 2009, got in line about 7:30 in the morning, long line, that grew longer as it got closer to opening time, once the museums opened the line went smooth & fast (except for several Italian families that ducked under the rope & cutted in line....what's up with that?) once inside, it was crowded, but we sent slowly to let most of the mob pass us by. I have never been there before so I have nothing to compare the crowd to, but we were able to see everything we wanted to.

[D4]

Here's a tip nobody mentioned: Since it's free and packed with people, be aware that the pickpockets will be there too.