Uffizi Gallery Tickets (How to Skip the Lines)

When in Florence, one of the must-do thing is to visit the Uffizi Gallery (La Gallerie degli Uffizi).

This is one of the oldest and most famous museums in the world with one of the greatest collection of paintings (Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and some European painters) as well as ancient statues and busts from the Medici family.

This museum will keep you occupied for hours (you could easily spend whole day here), but you could see the most famous pieces in 2-3 hours.

Be sure to plan your visit ahead, as this is among most visited museums in Italy and you could wait in line for tickets for up to 2-3 hours in high season.

Read on to find out more about best ways to see the Uffizi and get the most convenient tickets for you.

🏠 For a great place to stay in Florence, we recommend Casa di Chiara, the stylish and cosy apartment equipped with every comfort to make you feel at home! We're sure you'll love staying here!

Madonna of the Magnificat by Sandro Botticelli

Check the Uffizi Gallery opening times

The Uffizi Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:30pm (the ticket office closes at 5:30pm).
It's closed on Mondays, 1st January and December 25 (Christmas).
Every Tuesday from March 26 to December 17, the Uffizi Gallery will be open in the evenings to allow visitors to experience the magic of the masterpieces by night. The opening hours will be extended from 6.30pm (the current closing time) to 9.30pm, with last entrance at 8.30pm.

Uffizi Gallery tickets - buying on the spot (not recommended)

It's possible to buy regular ticket at the spot which costs €25 in high season (from February to November) and the rest of the year €12.

But, don't rely on the last-minute approach, as you may miss the tickets. The Uffizi (along the Accademia Gallery) is the city's most visited museum and one of the most visited in the whole Italy.

That's why it's important to plan your visit in advance, and buy your tickets online (before your travel!).

This way you don't have to worry if you'll get the tickets, and spend your precious time in the lines once in Florence (see more ideas on what to do in Florence).

The gallery of the Uffizi with the frescoed ceilings

Is it possible to visit the Uffizi for free?

It's possible to visit the Uffizi for free on the first Sunday of each month (between October and March) and some other special days for the city of Florence.

However, we recommend to avoid visiting on these days, as the lines are too long and the museum is really overcrowded.

Note that kids under 18 years, visit for free (if accompanied with adults) as well as persons with disabilities, scholars, tour guides and some other categories.
For young people (between 18 and 26) coming from European union (plus Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Uruguay), the ticket costs only 2€.

Uffizi Gallery tickets - buying online

As we mentioned above, the Uffizi is one the most visited museum in Florence and that's why you should get your tickets in advance.

The easiest way to do this is to book them online, from online vendors such as Tiqets or GetYourGuide. These sites offer numerous ticket options, starting from skip-the-line tickets, to combo tickets as well as Florence city passes.

By booking the ticket online, you choose the day of the visit and a specific time slot for that day. This is the only way to get a skip-the-line ticket.

Worried about booking in advance and having to cancel the day before? Don’t be! When you book with Tiqets or GetYourGuide, you can cancel your tickets and get a refund right up until 24 hours before your visit.

Depending on your preferences, budget and sightseeing plans, you should choose the best option for you. Read on to find more about each of these options and book easily online (it's quick and hassle-free).

Madonna and Child by Filippo Lippi, the Uffizi

1. Priority entrance tickets to Uffizi Gallery

Most visitors of the Uffizi Gallery find priority entrance tickets very useful as you don't have to wait to enter the museum. However, you'll still need to show your smartphone voucher and ID at entrance gate 3 to receive your paper ticket.

Next, you need to proceed to gate number 1 with your paper ticket to enter directly (look for the sign "People with reservation").

Make sure to arrive at least 1 hour before your assigned time and bring your ID with you. If you are visiting on your own, use the app for audio information on the gallery.

👉 Buy priority entrance tickets here

La Primavera by Botticelli

2. Combined tickets to the Uffizi Gallery

Another option is to buy one of tickets that combine entry to the Uffizi with other Florence sights. Combinations are various, and here are the most popular ones:

Uffizi + Accademia ticket - Get priority entrance to the Uffizi and Accademia without any waiting! Plus, you'll get the Vox City Tour of Florence Audio Guide. It's travel made easy, educational and fun. 👉 Get tickets here
Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Boboli + Accademia - hassle-free entrance to these famous Florence museums (saves the money and time) 👉 Get tickets here
Uffizi Gallery + Brunelleschi's Dome - You'll get priority entrance to the Uffizi plus the Dome including and audio guide (choose your own time slots) 👉 Get tickets here
Uffizi Gallery + Bargello Museum - Get priority entrance to the Uffizi and Bargello Museum (very interesting sculpture museum) 👉 Get tickets here
Passpartout 5 days in Florence - Allows you to visit Uffizi Gallery (you'll get digital audio guide for Uffizi Gallery) and several others popular sights (Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens, National Archeologic Museum and Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure). Valid for 5 days so you have enough time to visit all! It's a pretty good deal! YOU NEED TO KNOW: You need to make the reservations only for the Uffizi, which must be the first museum to be visited (show up 15 minutes before the scheduled reservations time at door 3 of the Uffizi). Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens can only be visited later without any additional reservation, within 5 days of ticket activation. 👉 Get your pass here

3. Visiting Uffizi Gallery with Florence Pass

There's another great option if you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery - purchasing the Florence Pass. This pass allows you not only to visit the Uffizi Gallery, but also to skip-the-line to visit Florence Cathedral and climb the Brunelleschi Dome (to enjoy stunning views of the Florence) as well as visit Accademia Gallery (plus discounts on other entry tickets).

👉 Buy Florence Pass easily online

The Holy Family by Michelangelo

4. Visiting the Uffizi Gallery with Florence Card

The Florence Card (Firenze Card) is an official museum pass of the city of Florence. It's valid for 72 hours from the first use.

This card secure you one-time access to all of Florence's 60 museums, plus you get discounts at selected shops and restaurants. The best things is that all entrances are priority and without booking in advance.

Note that the card is not worth the money if you plan to visit only the Uffizi and Accademia. However, if you want to visit other 2 museums of Florence, such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, then the card is worth it.

👉 Get your Florence Card online

5. Taking the Uffizi Gallery guided tour

Tourists visiting the Uffizi Gallery on a small-guided tour

To make the most of the visit, we recommend taking a guided tour. A local guide will introduce you to the history of this amazing museum and also guide you from one to another masterpiece, telling you stories and details behind them and what they represent.

A great sources of guided tours are Viator and GetYourGuide, both offering a range of guided tours by local companies. On both websites you can compare all tours available on specific date and choose the one that best suits you.

Travellers can choose from various tours but we recommend choosing small-group tour or the private one. We found this small-group walking tour by City Wonders to be excellent!

Note! All tours include museum tickets, so don't buy tickets separately when taking a tour! Additional plus is that you'll avoid waiting in the line for tickets and you'll go inside through priority entrance.

A private tour will be completely customisable according to your pace and taste, although going with a group would be surely cheaper.

Why you'll love small-group City Wonders tour of the Uffizi

You'll easily find the meeting point - it's a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio (the tour representative will be wearing blue City Wonders jacket and holding tour sign). Headsets you get will allow you to clearly hear the guide throughout the tour (very useful).

The tour starts with an introduction of Uffizi Gallery (that dates back to the 16th century and it was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de' Medici to house the administrative and judiciary offices) then takes you on the second floor, where there are 45 halls displaying works of art from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Your guide will take you to watch all the main works with an excellent historical sequence and the explanations of even very interesting details about each the paintings.

You will get explanations about the various art pieces, which is the main advantage of guided tours because the Uffizi are not an interactive museum – you won’t find any information there, besides the name of the author and piece.

We truly enjoyed taking City Wonders guided tour of the Uffizi!

Once you book the tour online, your digital ticket will be at your fingertips. You'll see all tour details (date and time, duration, booking reference code) including contact of tour provider (in case you need to phone them) as well as explanation of how to find the meeting point.

You can easily cancel the tour online (if you purchase this option). So easy!

These great guided tours cover the Uffizi:

Full-day Florence Walking Tour (with David & Uffizi) - Travellers love this comprehensive tour of Florence (lasts for 6.5 hours), covering the most iconic sights including the Uffizi Gallery!
Uffizi and Accademia Small group tour - This tour visits two Florence's top museums in a single day (lasts 4 hours). Ideal for first timers!
Florence in a Day: Michelangelo's David, Uffizi + Guided Walking Tour - Experience the very best of Florence on a single tour that lasts 5 hours. Ideal for those visiting Florence in one day!
Uffizi Gallery Private Tour (skip-the-line) - You'll love this personalized guided tour of the Uffizi with great local guides (lasts 1h 40min)
Private Kids Treasure Hunt in Uffizi - Your kids will love this 2-hour tour on which they will discover the museum through small games and riddles
Private Complete Florence Guided Tour (David + Uffizi; with pick up) - On this tour you'll see the best of Florence in 6 hours (including Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery)
Express Early Morning Uffizi Small Group Tour - On this early morning tour, you'll explore the Uffizi without big crowds. This early access, combined with skip the line entrance, will allow you to make the most of your time and see famous works of art from world-renown artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and more.

Visiting the Uffizi on a day trip from Rome

Want to explore the wonders of Florence (including the Uffizi) on a day trip from Rome. Jump on a fast train in the early morning (we recommend Trenitalia Frecciarossa trains) and in only 1h and 30 minutes you'll be at SMN train station, in the centre of Florence.

You could take a taxi to the Uffizi, but we recommend to walk through the charming Florence's streets - it's 20 minutes walk. If you intended to visit the Uffizi on your own, we recommend getting the priority entrance tickets so you don't waste your precious time. Go to the entrance near the Arno River (close to Ponte Vecchio) and enter the museum there.

Or opt for a completely hassle-free sightseeing of Florence and spend 5 hours exploring Florence's highlights (including the Uffizi and the Accademia) on this guided walking tour (starts at 9:45am).

Best walking route from the train station: Go behind the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella to the square, then take Via del Sole and continue into Via della Spada. Next, turn right into Via de' Tornabuoni (famous for luxurious shops). Walk along this street until you reach the Arno River, continue walking along the river, towards the Ponte Vecchio. You'll reach the Uffizi once you pass this old bridge.

Best time (of the day and year) to visit the Uffizi Gallery

The best time to visit the Uffizi Gallery is from November to February, thanks to the fact there are fewer people in Florence in this period. During the tourist season, from April until October, you'll always find crowds in the Uffizi so it's important to choose the best time of the week and day to visit.

It's good to skip the weekends when most museums are more crowded than during weekdays. It is better to focus on midweek days, possibly avoiding Tuesdays.

When it comes to the time of the day, we suggest visiting early in the morning, right after the opening, around lunch time (from 1pm) or late afternoon (after 5pm). when you'll find a lot less people.

Taking photos is allowed in the Uffizi (but without the flash)

A few tips for visiting the Uffizi Gallery

When visiting the Uffizi Gallery, don't try to see all of it. It's a lot even for very experienced art lovers. You can decide in advance what to see - don't try to every single piece in the galleries. Pick some favorities that you really want to see and know more about and take plenty of breaks!
Bring water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. If you have a timeslotted entry, arrive at least an hour before and expect to enter an hour after your stated entry time has passed.
Note that backpacks, big bags and other large items are not allowed into the museum. Leave all these at your accommodation, but is you have one with your, there's a cloakroom at the museum where you can leave your items.
It's allowed to take photos of all the beautiful masterpieces, but make sure to turn off the flash, as the light can damage the delicate paintings. However, selfie sticks and tripods are forbidden and if they find you walking around with one, it will be taken from you.

How to reach the Uffizi Gallery (it's easy)

The Uffizi Gallery is located in the heart of Florence (Piazzale degli Uffizi 6) and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. It stands atop a hill overlooking the Arno River, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

FROM THE ACCADEMIA:
If you are already in the centre of Florence, walking to the museum is the best way to reach it. When starting from the Accademia Gallery, head southwest on Via Ricasoli toward Piazza delle Belle Arti. You will spot the Piazza del Duomo. Turn right and the immediate left onto Via dei Calzaiuoli. Continue onto Piazza della Signoria, turn right onto Via Vacchereccia and you'll spot the Uffizi Gallery.

FROM SMN TRAIN STATION:
If you are arriving to Florence by train, for example from Rome or Venice, the best way to reach the Uffizi is by walking, which takes around 20 minutes. First take Via Cerretani to reach Piazza del Duomo, then continue walk along Via Calzaiouli to the right toward Piazza della Signoria. Once you face Palazzo Vecchio, head to its right side and at this corner between this palace and the Loggia dei Lanzi, you'll find the Uffizi Gallery. Entrances are on the left wing, the ticket office to the right further down towards the Arno.

FROM SANTA CROCE:
First Basilica di Santa Croce take Via Antonio Magliabechi, then turn right to Corso dei Tintori, continue into Via de Neri and then into Via della Ninna until you reach Piazzale degli Uffizi, where the museum is situated.

FROM OLTRARNO:
From anywhere in Oltrarno you can easily reach the Uffizi. Just cross one of the bridges and continue walking towards the Uffizi (1 minute walk from Ponte Vecchio).

If you are joining a tour, you should reach the bank of Arno river and walk towards Ponte Vecchio, then continue walking for a minute to the north until you reach the Uffizi. Your guide (with tour agency representative) will be waiting for you there.

The closest bus stop to Uffizi Gallery is Diaz, located 250 meters away from the gallery. Use bus lines C3, C1, 23, 23A, 23B, 23N, C4, and C2.

The Uffizi is situated a short walk from Ponte Vecchio

The Uffizi Gallery has 3 different entrances:

Door 1 is for reserved tickets, large groups and school groups and Firenze Card holders (the shortest waiting time - 5 to 10 minutes).

Door 2 is the main entrance for visitors without pre-booked tickets (you can purchase your tickets here; you can expect long lines here).
The Door 3 is exclusively for visitors with pre-booked tickets - it's located near the Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River (the entry is fast here; this is where you'll enter if you book a tour).

The best way to see the Uffizi Gallery

The rooms in the Uffizi are ordered chronologically, with Ancient Greek and Roman art lining the decadent hallways in between. Begin your visit at the top floor and make your way down. If you're an art lover, don't skip galleries as each might be hiding some must-see Uffizi Gallery artworks.

On the other hand, if you want to see the highlights, such as "La Primavera" by Sandro Botticelli or "The Doni Tondo" by Michelangelo, join this guided tour and skip straight to the best parts.

Halfway through your visit, take a break in the museum café or enjoy on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Palazzo Vecchio. Have a coffee that will keep ready for the second part of your visit!

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery with kids (useful tips + tours)

Wonder if visiting the Uffizi Gallery with kids is a good idea? It surely can be challenging as the museum is huge and overwhelming.

We suggest you to buy tickets for your family in advance to avoid any waiting in lines. Also, choose priority entrance tickets, which will allow you to enter the museum straight without waiting. Plus, make a list of art works you are going to see as it is not possible to see it all.

Families are very much welcomed at the Uffizi Gallery

Consider booking a guided tour with a guide who works well with children. These 2 family friendly tours are very popular:

Treasure Hunt in Uffizi (Private) - 2 hour family tour is designed especially for the little ones. They'll be discovering some of the most important masterpieces through small games and riddles. Your kids will adore this tour!
Skip-the-line Uffizi Tour for Families with Kids - Incredible tour for families with engaging game to keep kids focused and excited. Perfect for the whole family!

Where to stay near the Uffizi Gallery

If you want to stay near the Uffizi Gallery, then Centro Storico would be obvious choice. In historic centre, you'll find most of iconic sights of Florence and you will be able to explore easily. Here you'll find most 5-star hotels of Florence as well as well as great apartments (book well in advance for affordable prices).

If you want to stay somewhere away from hustle and bustle, choose accommodation in Oltrarno (across the Arno River). This part of Florence is quieter and less expensive and you'll find many charming restaurants and wine bars here as well as authentic artisanal shops.

Our favourite place to stay in Florence is Casa di Chiara, a stylish new apartment, some 20-minute walk from Centro Storico (or a short tram ride). The interior is modern and beautiful, and you'll find all amenities needed for an amazing stay. We're sure you'll feel like at home staying here! The owners are the best you can imagine - super friendly and helpful with everything you may need. The apartment is a true gem! 👉 See more details and request booking

You'll love staying at Casa di Chiara, the cosy and stylish Florence apartment

You may like also Benci House, a charming boutique guesthouse only 5-minutes' walk from the Uffizi. Here you'll find modern and spacious rooms and a lovely terrace on the property. The breakfast served in the dining room is another bonus.

Just across the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery, you'll find Borgo San Jacopo Rooms, a great place with comfortable rooms and delicious breakfast served every morning (the staff is super helpful).

If you prefer hotel stay, choose Globus Urban Hotel, situated in San Lorenzo district, only a short walk from the Duomo. Reach the hotel from SMN train station in only 10 minutes on foot. Hotel offers super comfortable rooms and rich and tasty breakfast served in hotel's restaurant. Staff of the hotel is what makes this place special!

Another great place is 3-star Alba Palace Hotel, just around the corner from SMN train station and a short stroll from historic centre. This small hotel offers comfortable rooms, fantastic breakfast, great aperitivo and friendly and helpful staff.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli

La Madonna del Cardellino by Raffaello

The most famous paintings in the Uffizi gallery

Cimabue: The Trinita Madonna
Duccio: The Rucellai Madona
Giotto: The Ognissanti Madonna, the Badia Polyptych
Simone Martini: The Annunciation
Paolo Uccello: The Battle of San Romano
Piero della Francesca: Diptych of Duke Federico da Montefeltro and Duchess Battista Sforza of Urbino
Fra Filippo Lippi: Madonna with Child and Two Angels
Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci: The Baptism of Christ
Hugo van der Goes: The Portinari Altarpiece
Sandro Botticelli: Primavera, The Birth of Venus, The Adoration of the Magi and others
Leonardo da Vinci: The Annunciation, The Adoration of the Magi
Piero di Cosimo: Perseus liberating Andromeda
Albrecht Dürer: The Adoration of the Magi
Michelangelo: The Doni Tondo
Raphael: Madonna of the Goldfinch, Pope Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi
Tiziano: Flora, Venus of Urbino
Parmigianino: The Madonna of the Long Neck
Caravaggio: Bacchus, The Sacrifice of Isaac, Medusa

Loggia dei Lanzi is a perfect spot for people watching

What to do after visiting the Uffizi:

On the corner of the Piazza della Signoria, you'll find the Loggia dei Lanzi, consisting or wide arches open to the street filled with sculptures (such as Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini and The Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna). This is a free, open-air museum that’s part of the Uffizi. This is a great place for sitting and people watching.
Head to nearby Coin department store to grab a tasty schiacciata sandwich filled with mortadella from the ground floor café/restaurant or sit on the outdoor terrace and have a pizza with drinks.
Reach Piazza della Signoria, then turn into Via Porta Rossa for a shopping time (we recommend Leonardo Firenze - a shop selling cantucci and brutti ma buoni cookies and other great baked sweet goods).
Take a stroll along the Arno River until you reach Ponte alla Carraia, cross the bridge and right there you'll find Gelateria La Carraia offering delicious gelato (cheaper than others) plus, the service is amazing.

Uffizi Gallery Tickets (How to Skip the Lines)

Check the Uffizi Gallery opening times

Uffizi Gallery tickets - buying on the spot (not recommended)

Is it possible to visit the Uffizi for free?

Uffizi Gallery tickets - buying online