How Long do you Need to Spend in the Vatican Museums?

Given the size of the Vatican Museums, it is advised that you take at least 3–4 hours to comfortably tour them. The average guided tour, including the Sistine Chapel, lasts three hours. The most significant chambers can be explored in more or less 2 hours, even without a guide.

It's also recommended to allocate at least 30 minutes—or an hour if you want to ascend to the top—to explore Saint Peter's Basilica. It will take an additional 15 to 30 minutes to depart from Vatican City, crossing St. Peter's Square.