There’s no denying that Italy’s iconic landmarks draw crowds from all over the world. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, long queues are an inevitable part of the experience—unless you know the insider tricks. One of the best-kept secrets among seasoned travelers is arriving an hour early and using a lesser-known entrance. This simple strategy can save you hours of waiting, allowing you to enjoy Italy’s treasures with far fewer distractions.

Most tourists follow the herd, heading straight to the main entrances where lines form well before opening time. However, many of Italy’s major attractions have secondary gates or alternative access points that are often overlooked. For instance, at the Vatican Museums, while the main entrance on Viale Vaticano is packed by 8 AM, the entrance near the Vatican’s railway station often has little to no queue, especially if you arrive just before the official opening. Similarly, the Colosseum’s group entrance, often reserved for guided tours, can sometimes accommodate individual visitors if you ask politely and arrive early.

Timing is everything. Arriving an hour before the official opening doesn’t just mean shorter lines—it also means cooler temperatures and softer light for photography. In summer, when Italy’s heat can be oppressive, this small adjustment makes a huge difference. Museums and archaeological sites are also less crowded in the first hour, giving you the rare chance to admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or the ruins of Pompeii without jostling through crowds.

Another advantage of early entry is the staff’s availability. Security and ticket personnel are less rushed in the morning, which means they’re more likely to answer questions or even offer helpful tips. At smaller venues, like Venice’s Doge’s Palace, arriving early can sometimes grant you unexpected perks, such as a quieter stroll through the Bridge of Sighs before the tour groups descend.

Research is key. Not every attraction has a secret entrance, but many do—and a bit of pre-trip homework pays off. Travel forums, local blogs, and even asking hotel concierges can reveal these hidden access points. For example, Florence’s Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, has a reserved entrance for Firenze Card holders that often moves faster than the general admission line. Even without the card, arriving before the crowds can mean walking straight in while others wait for hours.

It’s worth noting that some of these alternative entrances are seasonal or subject to change, so verifying the latest information before your visit is crucial. A strategy that worked last year might not hold true today, especially as more travelers catch on to these tricks. Still, the principle remains: early birds don’t just get the worm—they get the Sistine Chapel almost to themselves.

The psychological benefit of skipping the queue shouldn’t be underestimated either. Standing in line drains energy and patience, two things you’ll want to conserve for exploring Italy’s rich history and art. By bypassing the wait, you start your day refreshed rather than frustrated, setting a positive tone for the rest of your adventures.

Of course, this approach requires some sacrifice—namely, waking up earlier than you might prefer on vacation. But when you’re sipping your cappuccino in a nearly empty St. Mark’s Basilica while others are still stuck in line outside, you’ll know it was worth it. After all, Italy’s wonders are best enjoyed with time and space to appreciate them, not while craning your neck over a sea of selfie sticks.

In the end, the secret isn’t just about finding a different door—it’s about rethinking how you experience Italy’s cultural gems. A slight adjustment in timing and entry point can transform a hectic tourist experience into something far more serene and memorable. And isn’t that what travel should be?