The Ultimate Guide to Buying Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery

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No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, the city’s most renowned museum and home to some of the world’s most iconic artworks. Known as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and an unparalleled repository of art, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see for any visitor. In this guide, we’ll focus on everything you need to know to secure your tickets and make the most of your visit.

Why Booking Tickets in Advance is Essential

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The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museums in the world, and tickets often sell out quickly, especially during the high season. Booking in advance not only guarantees your entry but also saves you from long lines at the entrance.

Florence’s rich cultural heritage attracts millions of visitors annually, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Types of Tickets Available

To cater to various preferences and budgets, the Uffizi Gallery offers several ticket options:

  • Standard Admission: Grants access to the permanent collection.
  • Combined Tickets: Include entry to the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens.
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Ideal for those who want to avoid long queues.
  • Guided Tours: Combine a ticket with an expert guide who will enrich your visit with insights about the artworks and their history.
  • Audioguide Tickets: For a self-paced exploration with detailed explanations of the exhibits.

Check below for the latest ticket prices to visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence:

TicketsHigh Season Prices*Low Season Prices**Buy Online
RegularEuro 25,00Euro 12,00buy here
Reduced***Euro 2,00Euro 2,00buy here
Free Admission (0-17 years old)Euro 0,00Euro 0,00buy here
Entrance Reservation: Euro 4,00
*High Season: from 21 December to 9 January and from 21 February to 9 November
**Low Season: from 10 January to 20 February and from 10 November to 20 December
***European union citizens only, over 18 and until the day of the twenty-fifth year of age showing passport or ID. Among the non-European countries, reduced-price tickets are granted to citizens from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Uruguay and citizens with permit cards issued for the reasons listed on the website of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Tickets can be purchased online from the official retailer, but they are non-refundable once issued, meaning you cannot change the date, time, or cancel them.

Alternatively, you can book your ticket through Get Your Guide, generally with a flexible rate.

Where to Buy Tickets

  1. Official Website:
    • The safest and most reliable way to purchase tickets. Visit the official Uffizi Gallery website to book your tickets directly.
    • Note: Tickets purchased through the official site are non-refundable and date-specific.
  2. Third-Party Platforms:
    • Websites like GetYourGuide and Viator offer tickets with flexible cancellation policies and additional perks, such as skip-the-line options or package deals.
    • These platforms often provide user reviews to help you choose the best option for your visit.
  3. At the Entrance:
    • While tickets are available at the museum, lines can be long, and availability is not guaranteed. It’s recommended only if you’re visiting during low season or mid-week.

Free Entry Days

The Uffizi Gallery offers free admission on specific days, such as the first Sunday of each month as part of the “Domenica al Museo” initiative. On these days, entry is first-come, first-served, and advance reservations are not available.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

  1. Timing:
    • Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
    • During extraordinary openings, such as extended evening hours, the museum is typically less crowded.
  2. Guided Tours:
    • Opt for a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the gallery’s rich collection and history.
  3. Plan Your Route:
    • The Uffizi offers maps with suggested routes based on your available time. Focus on the highlights if you’re short on time or explore the entire gallery for a more comprehensive experience.
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A guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery is a fantastic way to see the most important works and learn about their history efficiently. The museum is vast, and without a guide, you might miss interesting stories.

For those planning to visit the Uffizi Gallery with children, follow the route suggested by the book “Avventura agli Uffizi” by Chiara Naldi and illustrated by Marta Manetti. It is available in many Italian bookstores, on Amazon Italy, and at the museum shop.

Here’s a photo of my daughters with the book illustrator, Marta Manetti, at an event in Tuscany:

uffizi book

The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Highlights include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Bacchus, and da Vinci’s Annunciation.

Beyond the artworks, the architecture of the building itself and its historical significance make the Uffizi an unmissable destination.

Haven’t booked your accommodation yet? Check out our top hotel recommendations in Florence!

The Uffizi Gallery’s Exterior

The Uffizi Gallery is housed in an ancient building rich in history. Just to give you an idea: it was constructed between 1560 and 1580 based on a design by Giorgio Vasari—over 450 years ago!

The building is located on the banks of the Arno River in Florence, nestled between the Galileo Museum and other buildings that today house hotels, shops, and apartments.

In the center of the photo, we see the 16th-century building that houses the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (to the right is the Galileo Museum, and to the left is the "Vasari Corridor," which connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace).
In the center of the photo, we see the 16th-century building that houses the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (to the right is the Galileo Museum, and to the left is the “Vasari Corridor,” which connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace).

Approaching from the Arno River towards the entrance, you’ll notice a U-shaped palace. You can spot the Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and a series of statues commemorating historical figures of Florence.

The external facade of the Uffizi Gallery, with the Arnolfo Tower in the background
The external facade of the Uffizi Gallery, with the Arnolfo Tower in the background

The strategic position of the Uffizi Gallery was intended by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici to centralize Florence’s thirteen magistracies next to the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of government.

The Vasari Corridor

Read: How to Buy Tickets for the Vasari Corridor

When in Florence, notice the external corridor extending from the Uffizi Gallery and passing over the Ponte Vecchio. This is the “Vasari Corridor,” linking the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno River.

The Vasari Corridor connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, passing over the Ponte Vecchio.
The Vasari Corridor connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, passing over the Ponte Vecchio.

The Vasari Corridor was a private passage allowing the grand dukes to move safely and freely between their residence and the government palace, circumventing the uncertain support of the population for the new duke and government system.

The corridor, constructed in just nine months in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, was commissioned for the wedding of the grand duke’s son, Francesco, to the Archduchess of Austria, Giovanna d’Austria.

It also represented a faster means of transport than carriages, which had to pass over the Ponte Santa Trinita.

Photo of the Vasari Corridor taken from inside the Uffizi Gallery.
Photo of the Vasari Corridor over the Ponte Vecchio taken from inside the Uffizi Gallery.

The meat and fish markets on the Ponte Vecchio were relocated to avoid unpleasant odors for the grand duke, replaced by goldsmith shops that still occupy the bridge today.

Vasari encountered difficulties only when the corridor had to bypass the Mannelli Tower at the end of the Ponte Vecchio, having to circumvent it with a system of corbels.

Upon visiting the museum, you’ll access the first and second floors of this imposing palace and explore collections of ancient sculptures and paintings ranging from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age.

Inside the Uffizi Gallery Museum
Inside the Uffizi Gallery Museum

Marvel at works by Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and renowned Renaissance female artist Artemisia Gentileschi.

The painting "Bacchus" by Caravaggio, created around 1598.
The painting “Bacchus” by Caravaggio, created around 1598

Science enthusiasts will appreciate a portrait of Galileo Galilei by Justus Suttermans from 1635.

Portrait of Galileo Galilei by Justus Sustermans, created in 1635 inside the Uffizi Gallery
Portrait of Galileo Galilei by Justus Sustermans, created in 1635, inside the Uffizi Gallery

Visitors can explore the museum on their own following a map with two suggested routes based on available time. However, a guided tour is highly recommended to delve deeper into the history of Florence, the artists, and their masterpieces.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). Saturday and holiday visits require booking at least one day in advance.

The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th.

Where to Eat After Visiting the Uffizi?

If you’re tired of pasta and traditional Italian food, it’s worth taking a short walk to Piazza della Repubblica, where you’ll find the Hard Rock Cafe! I love diving into some fries and a burger after walking for miles. Not to mention the comfy chairs where you can rest for a bit—there’s nothing like a strategic stop!

And for those returning exhausted to the hotel or apartment, a great option is to order food delivery.


Have you visited the Uffizi Gallery? Which artwork caught your attention the most?

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Barbara
I am a passionate adventurer and writer, with a love for exploring new cultures and sharing my experiences. After following my dreams to Italy in 2005, I met and married my Italian husband, and together we have two wonderful daughters who bring us joy. With a background in journalism and professional blogging, I am skilled in delivering engaging and accurate content. Having previously owned a travel agency, I have gained valuable insights into different destinations and cultures. I am thrilled to share my knowledge about Tuscany and beyond, providing unique perspectives on travel, culture, and lifestyle. You can also find my informative content in Portuguese on www.brasilnaitalia.net.

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