Florence is an open-air museum on the banks of the Arno. Its masterpieces are concentrated and much in demand: the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's David) form queues of hours, so a ticket with a set time and skip-the-line access is well worth it.
What to see in Florence
- Uffizi Gallery: the greatest Renaissance picture gallery (Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael); timed-entry ticket.
- Accademia Gallery: Michelangelo's original David and the unfinished Prisoners.
- Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore): Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower.
- Ponte Vecchio: the medieval goldsmiths' bridge, the postcard of Florence.
- Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio: the political and sculptural heart of the city.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: the best views of Florence, at sunset.
Our Florence guides
- Uffizi Gallery tickets: skip the line with an audio guide
- Accademia Gallery tickets: Michelangelo's David
Practical tips
- How many days: 2-3 days for the essentials; book the Uffizi and Accademia on different days.
- Best season: spring and autumn; July and August are hot and very crowded.
- Closures: both museums close on Mondays; buy a timed ticket online.
- Getting around: the historic centre is entirely walkable.
How to organise your visit
- How to get there: Florence airport (Peretola) is 15 min away by the T2 tram; many travellers arrive by high-speed train at Santa Maria Novella, right in the centre.
- Rough budget: average cost around €50-80 a day per person, tickets aside.
- Common mistake to avoid: confusing the Uffizi (painting) with the Accademia (the David): they are different museums with separate tickets.
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