Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

The basics

Due to its immense popularity, the museum often has long lines and extensive wait times—it's best to book tickets in advance to maximize your time. The galleries feature various long, winding hallways filled with priceless works of art, making it near-impossible to see everything on display.

Uffizi Gallery tours are recommended to help you see the top pieces and give some context to the works you’re viewing—small-group guided tours and self-guided audio tours are more than worthwhile. A visit is often combined with a stop at the nearby Accademia Gallery, which houses the Statue of David.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is considered one of the top museums in the world—and the one must-see site in Florence.

• The gallery halls are numbered and organized in chronological order.

• Ticket prices vary depending on whether or not your visit coincides with a special exhibit.

• Though there is some sculpture, the museum is known most for its collection of paintings.

How to get there

The Uffizi Galleries is set between the Piazza della Signoria and Arno River in central Florence, not far from the Ponte Vecchio. The museum is best approached on foot, and is about a 15-minute walk from the Duomo.

When to get there

The museum's busiest times include weekends, mornings, and Tuesdays. Crowds tend to be lighter after 4pm and from November to March. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month—expect the biggest crowds of all on these dates.

What not to miss at the Uffizi Galleries

Although art enthusiasts are bound to enjoy every piece, a few highlights include the Medici collection (gifted to the museum in the 18th century) and the Caravaggio works on the first floor. Other must-sees include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus; da Vinci's only completed panel painting,The Annunciation; and Titian's Venus of Urbino. Together with Raphael’s portraits and Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, these works signify the height of the Italian Renaissance.

Ways to explore

Due to its immense popularity, the museum often has long lines and extensive wait times—it’s best to book tickets in advance to maximize your time. The galleries feature various long, winding hallways filled with priceless works of art, making it nearly impossible to see everything on display in one visit.

Uffizi Gallery tours are recommended to help you see the top pieces and give some context to the works you’re viewing—small-group guided tours and self-guided audio tours are more than worthwhile, and they last anywhere between 90 minutes and three hours. A visit is often combined with a stop at the city’s Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s dazzling David statue.

Accessibility

The galleries are accessible via a dedicated entrance and interior ramps and elevators.

Age limits

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Headphones for audio guides, proof of ID

What to wear

The Uffizi Gallery is not a religious site, so there is no strict dress code. Visitors must wear a shirt, shoes, and clothing appropriate for a museum (no swimsuits or costumes, for example).

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects, pets other than service dogs; phones must be set to silent mode

Amenities

Wi-Fi, cloakroom with lockers and a separate luggage deposit, audio and video guides for rent, café, restrooms, gift shop

Address

The Uffizi Galleries are set between the Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River in central Florence, not far from the Ponte Vecchio and just next to the Palazzo Vecchio. The museum is best approached on foot and is about a 15-minute walk from the Duomo.

Driving

Florence’s compact historic center is almost entirely restricted to resident and commercial traffic, so reaching most of the central sights by car is nearly impossible. Avoid the hassle and possible fines of driving in the city and explore on foot or by bike instead.

Public transportation

The nearest public transport hub is the Santa Maria Novella train station, where trains, tram lines, and buses converge from locations across the city. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take a taxi to the museum.

Best times to visit

The museum gets very crowded during the midday hours, so book your ticket or tour for the first entry in the morning or the final afternoon entry to avoid the busiest time.

Best days to visit

Sundays and Tuesdays are the busiest days, as the museums are closed on Mondays. Visit on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning when the galleries are relatively quiet. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Best months to visit

Florence enjoys a lull in visitors in January and February, and the Uffizi Galleries are also less crowded during these low-season months. August is also a quieter month for Florence’s sights, as many visitors stay away to avoid the city’s soaring temperatures.

Special events

The Uffizi Galleries regularly host temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Check the calendar of current and upcoming shows on the museum website.