VISIT THE UFFIZI GALLERY – COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING THE UFFIZI GALLERY 2026
Best Time to Visit the Uffizi Gallery | Uffizi Gallery Visiting Tips
Everything you need to know before visiting the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery, or the Galleria degli Uffizi in Italian, is an art museum known for its collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. It also holds many sculptures, antiques, and drawings. It was constructed under the rule of the Medici family, famous as great patrons of the arts.
The Uffizi Gallery is a top attraction in Florence. You can see great Florentine art and learn about Tuscany and its rulers, the Medici. Planning ahead and booking your Uffizi Gallery tickets online and in advance are recommended so you can enjoy peace of mind, skip-the-line access, and other benefits.
About the Uffizi Gallery
The gallery’s name comes from the word “uffizi”, meaning offices, as Cosimo I de’ Medici intended for offices to be located in the building. It is a fine example of Italian Mannerist architecture and art collected by the Medici family is stored here. Later, it became the property of the Lorraine family, under the condition that these works of art would always stay in the city of Florence. The Uffizi became a museum open to the public in the 18th century.
The Uffizi Gallery’s collection contains works from ancient civilizations to contemporary times. Famous paintings include the “Birth of Venus” and “Spring” by Sandro Botticelli, “Holy Family”, also known as the “Doni Tondo”, by Michelangelo Buonarroti, “Adoration of the Magi” by Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Notable sculptures are the “Medici Venus” and “Wrestlers”.
Explore three floors full of art
The ground floor
On the ground floor of the Uffizi Gallery, you will find the Info Point, ticket pick-up points, a cloakroom, and restrooms. Take the Granducale staircase to get to the first and second floors.
The first floor
On the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery, you can find a collection of self-portraits and art from the 16th and 17th centuries. Find works by Giovanni Bellini, Bramantino, and Bernini and a collection of furniture and contemporary works. You can see Caravaggio’s paintings, such as “The Medusa,” and art by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
The second floor
On the second floor are collections of art from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as early and high Renaissance. Artists exhibited here are Giotto, Simone Martini, Lippi, Perugino, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and others. Botticelli’s masterpieces “Spring” and the “Birth of Venus” are also on the second floor. There is a terrace with a cafeteria and panoramic views.
Best time to visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museums in Italy. In 2021, it was the country’s most visited place of culture, beating the Colosseum, Pompeii, and the Vatican Museums. As there are many people, we recommend visiting early in the morning, because it can become crowded around noon. If you want to avoid crowds, January may be a good option, as it is the least busy month in Florence.
Plan your visit to the Uffizi Gallery
ADDRESS: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GETTING THERE: You can park under the Santa Maria Novella train station and walk about 10 minutes to the Uffizi Gallery. Start on Via Cerretani, then find Via Calzaiuoli. You will get to the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi is to the right!
Entrances: There are two entrances to the Uffizi Gallery. Door 1 is wheelchair accessible. There is a pre-booked ticket pick-up point and a ticket office close by.
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Uffizi Gallery Ticket
Skip the lines, save money and explore the world's most celebrated art collections of Medieval and Renaissance masterpieces with this Uffizi Gallery Discounted Ticket. View the works of many famous Italian artists, as well as the unique pieces of antique furniture, sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, photos, and books in the beautiful setting of a 16th-century palace. Explore the stunning corridors and galleries and see Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo Da Vinci's Annunciation, and the artwork of Michelangelo, Raffaello, Caravaggio, and Titian. Select your preferred time and explore the artistic treasure of Florence at your own pace.
City Pass
Florence Pass
See Florence’s top attractions with just one booking! Skip the line to enjoy panoramic views from Brunelleschi’s Dome and visit Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. You can also visit the Accademia Gallery, where you can see Michelangelo’s sculpture “David”, the Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens. The pass includes an audio guide app, so you can learn a lot about the history of the sites and Florence. Your pass is valid for 1-5 days, giving you plenty of time to visit without hurrying.
FAQ - Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Are there toilets and baby-changing facilities at the Uffizi Gallery?
You will find toilets and baby-changing stations on the ground floor by the Granducale staircase. On the first floor, pass through room D6 and then D5 off the main corridor to find the toilets. On the second floor, the restrooms are by the cafeteria, next to the Lanzi staircase. There is a room near the cafeteria where you can breastfeed.Are water bottles allowed in the Uffizi Gallery?
Eating or drinking in the exhibition areas is forbidden to prevent any damage to the works of art.Is there a cafe inside Uffizi?
Yes, there is a cafeteria on the second floor, where you can get food and drinks and enjoy panoramic views of Florence and the Palazzo Vecchio. It is located on the terrace of the Loggia dei Lanzi.Can I take a backpack to the Uffizi Gallery?
You will have to leave it in the cloakroom. Don’t worry; the service is free of charge.Can I take photos in the Uffizi?
You are allowed to take photographs for personal use. Please note that the flash, tripods, selfie sticks, lighting, stands, and drones are not permitted. It may be forbidden to take photos of some works in temporary exhibitions. Read the signs in the gallery and ask the staff for more information.Is the Uffizi Gallery accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, there are elevators, accessible entrances, and accessible restrooms. There is a wheelchair ramp at the entrance, and Door 1 is wheelchair accessible. The elevator is located next to the Granducale staircase. Accessible toilets on the first floor can be found by going through rooms D6 and D5 off the main hallway. On the second floor, accessible restrooms are next to the cafeteria and the Lanzi staircase, as well as next to the Niobe room. On both the first and the second floors, the elevators are located next to the staircases.Uffizi Gallery DOs & DON’Ts
DO expect a security check
All visitors to the Uffizi Gallery must pass through a metal detector inspection. You will have to take off your jacket or coat and put them in a tray to be scanned by a metal detector.
DON’T eat or drink in the exhibition areas
It is strictly forbidden to eat and drink around the artwork. There is a cafeteria on the second floor, where you can enjoy a refreshment and something to eat.
DO take a guided tour
Book the Uffizi Gallery Small-Group Tour to explore its collection with an expert guide. They will explain the meaning and the history behind the works and answer any questions. It’s a great option if you want a stress-free visit, as your guide knows where all the works are. You can enjoy skip-the-line access, too, and save time on your vacation.
DON’T bring large bags
You must leave your backpack, bag, umbrella, and other big items in the cloakroom. The maximum size of items must not exceed 40 x 40 x 50 cm. The service is free of charge.
DO walk around leisurely
Don’t just rush to see masterpieces like the “Birth of Venus”. Take a relaxing stroll around the Uffizi Gallery and take in centuries worth of masterful art.
DON’T visit only the Uffizi Gallery
Florence has a long history and many beautiful buildings and interesting attractions. See the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s “David”, and more. For convenient access to various top attractions in Florence, check out the Florence Pass.
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Art journey
Uffizi & Accademia Tickets
Visit two top attractions in Florence with just one ticket, which includes skip-the-line access. You can listen to a helpful audio guide as you leisurely stroll around, taking in paintings and sculptures. At the Uffizi Gallery, you can see artworks collected by the Medici family, famous patrons of artists. At the Accademia Gallery, you can see many sculptures by Michelangelo, including the famous “David.” Your ticket is valid for 1 day, so take it easy - there’s no need to rush!
Priority access to all attractions
Uffizi Gallery Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Tickets
Skip the line at the Uffizi Gallery, and then visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. You can learn a lot from the included audio guide. The Uffizi is filled with Italian Renaissance art, the Pitti Palace is where the Medici, rulers of Tuscany, lived. They designed the Boboli Gardens, creating the Italian garden style and influencing other European courts. Your ticket is valid for 5 days, so you don’t have to rush anywhere.