Visitor guide
Vatican Museums Dress Code
Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your hat inside. The same standard applies in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Inside the chapel, photography is not allowed and silence is expected.
Wear: tops with sleeves, trousers or skirts and shorts that cover the knee, comfortable shoes. Avoid: sleeveless or low cut tops, shorts above the knee, miniskirts and hats inside.
What the rules say
The Vatican Museums admit only appropriately dressed visitors. According to the official visitor advice, sleeveless and low cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts and hats are not permitted. The same decorum applies to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens. The rules also ask visitors to respect the sacred character of these places in their overall appearance.
Staff at the entrance decide whether clothing is acceptable. If you are refused entry for your clothing, a refund is unlikely, so it is worth checking before you leave.
What to wear
| Item | Usually fine | Not permitted |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | T shirts with sleeves, shirts, blouses | Sleeveless or low cut tops |
| Bottoms | Trousers, knee length skirts or shorts that cover the knee | Shorts above the knee, miniskirts |
| Headwear | Removed inside | Hats worn inside |
| Shoes | Comfortable walking shoes | No specific ban, but expect long distances |
In hot weather, a light scarf or shawl is the easiest solution. You can wear a summer top outside and cover your shoulders before entering.
Photography rules
In many museum galleries you can take photos for personal use without flash. Flash is not allowed, and tripods have to be left at the cloakroom.
In the Sistine Chapel, photography and filming are not allowed. Staff remind visitors of this, and you may be asked to put your phone away.
Behaviour in the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a consecrated space where conclaves are held. Visitors are asked to keep silent and move calmly. Guides explain the frescoes before entering rather than inside. Keep conversation to a minimum and follow staff instructions.
Bags and the cloakroom
After security, a free cloakroom takes items that are not allowed in the galleries. According to the official cloakroom rules, these include large bags and suitcases, most rucksacks, full size umbrellas, tripods and food and drink. Some items, such as cameras and coats, cannot be left there. We do not quote bag size limits, because the official rules are the reference. Travel light to save time.
Next, check opening hours, read how to get there or compare ticket options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts to the Vatican Museums?
Shorts above the knee are not permitted. Choose trousers, a knee length skirt or shorts that cover the knee. The same rule applies in St. Peter’s Basilica, so it is worth dressing for both if your plans include it.
Do I need to cover my shoulders?
Yes. Sleeveless and low cut tops are not permitted. A T shirt with sleeves works, and a light scarf or shawl can cover your shoulders if you are wearing a summer top.
Can I wear a hat inside?
No. Hats are among the items the official rules list as not permitted inside. You can wear one outside while you wait and remove it when you enter.
What happens if my outfit does not meet the rules?
Staff can refuse entry to visitors who are not appropriately dressed. Your ticket is unlikely to be refunded in that case, so check your clothing before you leave for the museums.
Compare Vatican Museums tickets
See which ticket fits your plans, from self guided entry to guided tours and passes.