If you’re visiting Florence and want to see some of the best artwork in the world, there’s no better place to go than the Uffizi Gallery. It’s the largest art museum in the world and is visited by more than two million people each year.
But there’s so much more to the Uffizi than just the great classical masterpieces that you probably learned about in school. Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems to check out while you’re there.
1. Get There Early
If you’re planning on visiting the Uffizi Gallery, it’s best to get there early. This will allow you to explore the artworks in a more leisurely manner and avoid waiting in a long line at the entrance.
You can also book your tickets in advance, which will give you a time slot that works for your schedule. These tickets are available for a fee of 4 euros per person, but you’ll have the advantage of bypassing the queue and entering the museum directly.
If you’re visiting the Uffizi Gallery with kids, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. There are many ’free admission’ days during which the museum is free to enter for people under 18 years old, but you’ll need to reserve your ticket in advance.
2. Book a Guided Tour
One of the best ways to make sure you see everything in Florence is to book a guided tour. These tours typically include a professional guide and audio guides, plus entrance without queues.
The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its large collection of paintings and sculptures from the 13th to 18th centuries. They feature the works of great artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
A guided tour also gives you the opportunity to experience art in a more intimate way, as an expert will walk you through the museum and put each painting into context. It is a wonderful way to learn more about Italian culture and history.
3. Book a Guided Tour Online
A guided tour is a great way to learn about the Uffizi Gallery and its collection of masterpieces. They're led by an expert guide and will teach you about the stories behind each painting, their context, and the artists who created them.
You can book a guided tour online with sites like Expedia, Airbnb Experiences, and Adrenaline Hunter. They have a large audience and offer a convenient booking process for tours.
There's a lot to see at the Uffizi, so plan on spending about 3 hours. If you're visiting the Uffizi with a group, you'll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early so that your tour can start on time.
4. Book a Guided Tour with a Local Guide
Having an expert guide can make the difference between an average visit and one that’s truly incredible. A local guide can take you to places that are otherwise difficult to find on your own and share amazing anecdotes that really make the city come alive.
A guided tour will ensure that you get to see all of the most important exhibits and learn about the stories behind each piece of art. It will also allow you to spend time with your guide and enjoy the museum in a more relaxed manner.
To book your Uffizi Gallery ticket and tour, you can use a third-party website such as DoTravel. This will save you the trouble of finding a guide and dealing with long queues.
5. Book a Guided Tour with a Local Guide Online
The Uffizi Gallery has an incredibly rich collection of art and is one of the world’s most famous museums. With over 100 rooms and 13,000 square meters of exhibition space, there’s no shortage of artwork to admire.
The best way to experience this art museum is with a local guide, who will show you around the gallery and explain its history. They’ll also answer your specific questions and tell you about the context behind each work of art.
The best way to book a guided tour with a local guide online is through Viator, which has the largest repository of travel guides. All you need to do is indicate where you’re heading and they will help you find the perfect expert guide for your trip.