Reservations For Museums When Traveling

In many cities, getting reservations for museums can save you time in line. Most museums do not require reservations, but why would you want to wait in long lines to buy tickets when a phone call or an internet reservation could save you the time and hassle?

There are some museums, and sometimes special exhibits within museums, that require reservations in advance or you won't get in. The Alhambra in Granada, Spain is one of those that requires reservations.

In Italy, the Borghese Gallery in Rome must be booked in advance. You also need reservations for the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan where you can see Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper".

Timed tickets are now available on the Vatican Museums website so you can avoid the lines. This is fairly recent. Last time we wrote about it, you just had to wait in line. Guess they heard us praying for reservations for museums at the Vatican!

And in Florence you'd be smart to make reservations for museums. Lines can be hours long to get into the Accademia to see Michelangelo's "David" or to get in to see the treasures in the Uffizi which is a real showcase for Italian Renaissance art.

You don't have to make the reservations before you leave home. We have made phone calls a day or two ahead and gotten reservations during shoulder seasons. There are operators who speak English. Have your credit card ready. You have to pay for your tickets when you make the reservations, and there is a small reservation fee, but it is worth it. Your reservations are for specific entrance times so you can use YOUR time to see other sights rather than waiting in ticket lines.

There are always tour operators and ticket agencies who will offer those tickets for a handling fee. You'll almost always get your ticket cheaper if you go the the museum reservation site. The tour operators are a good option if you want a guide, but just be aware of what you're paying for.

Another option for skipping lines is to get a "City Pass" or "Museum Card" in the city you are visiting. Always check to see what is offered and if they are of value to you.

If you get a museum card in Paris, say, you get to skip the lines by going in a special entrance. City passes work this way in a number of places. We've found that the Paris pass pays for itself in visits to about four museums. It lets you pop into other sights and museums that you might skip because of the price.... and you'll have time to do that because you didn't have to stand in line.

Check to see which museums require reservations. Reservations for museums are offered for your convenience in most cases... so you will be able to see the museums you want, when you want. No, you often don't need reservations, but your time is precious when you're traveling... so why not take advantage of their offer?

By: Stuarthe

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