Combo (Save 5%): Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets





Open today
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Select an option
- For a double-dose of art and history
- Experience the serene beauty of Santa Maria Maggiore at your own pace
- Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German (for Santa Maria Maggiore)
- Drift through iconic Vatican halls alive with colour, detail, and imagination
- For curated expert-led experiences across Rome’s finest
- Experience Santa Maria Maggiore through vivid storytelling and carefully chosen highlights
- Journey through the Vatican Museums with a guide who connects every artwork to its past
4.4/5(42,900)
Shachar N
Afonso S
Tiziano F
Mammadalizade J
Stephanie M
Kristin M
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Experience two of Rome’s most iconic sites in one seamless visit, skipping long lines while exploring the basilica’s sacred treasures and the Vatican’s masterpieces.
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Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.
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Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, and stroll through the historic Patrizi Montoro Palace.
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Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.
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Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
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Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
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Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German
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English guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (as per option selected)
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
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Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
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English guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)
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- Transfers
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 42,900 reviews4.4
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
25.1K13.9K1.8K7241.2KGuests from United States, United Kingdom, Spain and over 113 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
IInderpreet M
CoupleVerified bookingJun 20265/5We had a wonderful experience visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. A special thank you to the staff member at the entrance who checked our tickets. She was incredibly kind, patient, and helpful. She took the time to explain the layout of Vatican City, showed us the museum map, and gave us valuable tips on the best route to take, how to enter the museum smoothly, and where to find the best viewpoints. Her advice made it much easier to navigate and helped us make the most of our visit. The museums themselves were breathtaking, with incredible art and history at every turn. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and the excellent customer service made it even more enjoyable. Highly recommended!SStephanie M
SoloVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. I had seen so many photos before, but nothing compares to seeing it all in person. The museums are full of incredible artwork, beautiful halls, and fascinating history around every corner. The Sistine Chapel was the most unforgettable part of the visit. Looking up at Michelangelo's famous ceiling was an amazing experience. It was quite crowded, but everything was well organized. I definitely recommend buying your tickets in advance, especially the fast-track option, because it saves a lot of time and lets you skip the long entrance lines. It made the whole visit much more enjoyable. I would happily visit again.KKristin M
CoupleVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5We were welcomed into the office to check in and meet our tour group. Everything was very organized. Our tour group leader was Agnese and she was fantastic. We were a party of 2 but our total group was 7, 2 were young boys, and she did a great job with all the different ages. Agnese had tons of knowledge and gave us a good explanation of what were we're going to see before we got to that section. She was very conscience of the heat and made sure to keep us in the shade as much as possible and we moved at a perfect pace. In addition to the great education, skipping all the lines and using the back stairs, was worth the price of the tour itself!!VViktoriia Z
SoloVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5What I liked most was not only the famous masterpieces, but the feeling of moving through different layers of history and beauty. The painted ceilings, especially Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel, were absolutely breathtaking. I also loved the Gallery of Maps and the tapestry of the Resurrection of Christ — it was amazing to realize that such a powerful image was created with threads, not paint. The visit was very inspiring and emotional. It made me slow down, look up, and truly feel the scale of art, faith, and history preserved in the Vatican Museums.NNailea G
SoloVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5Buying my tickets through this app gave me great peace of mind. Everything was clear from the start, I received my tickets on time, and getting into the Vatican Museum was very easy. The museum is simply incredible; I thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and it was an experience I’ll remember forever. The only thing I wish had been different is that it was quite noisy inside the Basilica, which made it a little difficult to appreciate the tranquility of the place. Even so, it was an unforgettable experience. I definitely recommend both the app and the visit!
Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel plus full access to Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, with this hassle-free combo
Getting started
Begin at the designated meeting point near each site’s main entrance. Present your mobile ticket for validation and follow security procedures before entering. For guided options, your expert guide will introduce the experience and outline the highlights before you set off.
What to expect
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Dating to the 5th century, this major papal basilica is a cornerstone of Rome’s religious and artistic heritage, offering access to its terrace, museum, and sacred relics.
Features:
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Mosaics and frescoes: Admire early Christian mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories and artistic mastery.
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Crypt of the Nativity: Visit the site believed to house a relic from Jesus’ manger, a focal point for pilgrims.
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Architectural highlights: Experience the basilica’s grand nave, ornate chapels, and architectural details spanning multiple eras.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Home to one of the world’s largest Renaissance art collections, the Vatican Museums span 54 galleries and include the renowned Sistine Chapel, celebrated for Michelangelo’s frescoes and its ongoing religious significance.
Features:
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Sistine Chapel: Stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and view The Last Judgment, masterpieces central to Western art.
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Raphael’s Rooms: Explore rooms adorned with frescoes like The School of Athens, illustrating the height of Renaissance creativity.
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Galleries of Maps & Tapestries: Walk through corridors filled with vibrant cartography and woven narratives from the Renaissance era.
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Pigna Courtyard & Vatican Walls: Discover outdoor and architectural highlights that frame the museum’s vast collections.
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What to bring
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Wear comfortable shoes, as both experiences involve walking and climbing stairs.
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Dress respectfully for religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless tops, and see-through clothing are not allowed. A shawl or scarf can be handy for head coverage if needed.
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Carry a valid photo ID or passport that matches your booking details.
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Keep your smartphone voucher ready to present at the entrance or to reception staff.
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You may bring a camera for non-flash photography at the basilica.
What’s not allowed
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Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage; lockers are available on site for storage.
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Food and drinks, including water, are not permitted inside sacred areas.
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Flash photography, tripods, filming equipment, and mobile phones in the Sistine Chapel are strictly prohibited.
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Power banks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums.
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Pets are not permitted except for registered service animals.
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Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are forbidden on the premises.
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Access through the Holy Door is not included.
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Children under 7 cannot enter certain areas of the basilica, such as the Dome or underground sections.
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Using external guides or leaving the assigned guide in the Vatican Museums is not permitted.
Accessibility
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These experiences are not suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility difficulties, prams/strollers, or visitors with heart conditions, walking difficulties, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy.
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Some sections involve stairs, narrow passageways, or other areas that may be difficult to access.
Additional information
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General entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free. This ticket provides skip-the-line access for convenience.
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Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.
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Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance.
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Vatican Museums guests will pass through airport-style security; during peak times, waits can be up to 30 minutes.
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Both sites strictly enforce dress codes; non-compliance may result in denied entry.
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Management may close certain sections due to force majeure, religious ceremonies, or weather; such closures do not qualify for refunds.
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During Jubilee years or special ceremonies, some areas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, may be temporarily inaccessible.
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- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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