Ever feel overwhelmed when planning a trip to Florence, the Italian city bursting with dozens of museums? Well, I did. When I landed there for the first time, the sheer number of museums outright staggered me.
Priceless sculptures, incredible architecture, ancient technology, legendary paintings, there’s absolutely no shortage of artistic splendor. So, where do you even begin?
Well, if you fancy visiting the absolute must-sees, here are the best museums in Florence that I’ll recommend.
The 8 Best Museums in Florence, Italy, You Must Visit
Just as I said, Florence has a staggering number of museums. Ancient art galleries, natural history museums, science museums, modern art museums, the city has them all. And they earned it the nickname “The Capital of Art.”
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is undoubtedly the most famous art museum in Florence, Italy. And let’s just say it’s a must-visit for anyone with even a tiny bit of interest in Renaissance art. As most seasoned travelers would agree with me, you can’t miss this place even if you don’t plan to visit the rest of Florence.
The museum’s historic buildings have an interesting story to begin with. That is, they weren’t always about art. In fact, they were originally government offices (That’s right, “Uffizi” indeed means “Offices” in Italian.)
It was founded in the year 1581 by Vasari, who built it for Cosimo I. But later on, the powerful Medici family took over it and decided to stash their massive art collection in it.
The museum houses lots of, I mean lots of masterpieces to catch your attention right off the bat. There are artworks by all the heavyweights, like Duccio, Cimabue, Giotto…and, of course, the legendary Botticelli.
You’ll see herds of people always gathering under his super-famous “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera.” So, maybe you’ll want to check out his stunning religious pieces like the “Madonna of the Magnificat” or “Madonna of the Pomegranate” first.
The Uffizi also has a dedicated Michaelangelo room, where you can see the legendary artist’s showstopping artwork, “The Doni Tondo.” And it also happens to be his one and only fully-finished easel painting.And here’s another thing – the Uffizi now has an entirely new floor and an excellent bookshop for art lovers to explore.
The Essentials
- Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze (just steps away from the famous Ponte Vecchio)
- Hours Open: 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Tickets: €20 for adults (March-October), €12 (November-February)
Pro tip: Visit during the “shoulder hours” to avoid the crowds. Get there right at 8:15 AM when it opens or later in the afternoon, around 4 PM. And if you can, book skip-the-line tickets online. The lines here can get insane, sometimes stretching on for hours.
Palazzo Pitti
Now, the Palazzo Pitti is one massive museum. And that’s because it actually houses several museums within it. So, chances are spending a whole day won’t be enough for you to explore it all.
Pretty similar to the Uffizi, this museum has a ‘non-artistic’ history. It was actually the home to the Italian Kings back when Florence was briefly the capital of Italy (between 1865 and 1871). Maybe that gives you a hint as to why it’s so huge.
Among the eight museums here, the Palatine Gallery is undoubtedly the main attraction. It has the second biggest art collection after the Uffizi. And it’s pretty much jam-packed with incredible pieces by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and so on.
But the Palazzo Pitti isn’t only about classical art. You’ll find lots of modern bits in its Galleria d’Arte Moderna. It’s where they’ve got a massive Tuscan art collection from the mid-eighteenth century to all the way up to 1945.
And museums aside, Palazzo Pitti also has an absolutely gorgeous garden called the Giardino di Boboli. You can wander about its stretch of greens to find the famous Grotta del Buontalenti. It’s just to the left of the entrance (past the quirky statue of a dwarf riding a giant tortoise).
And if you want a pleasant break to take some Instagram-worthy photos, there’s also the magical-looking Isolotto-fountain.
The Essentials
- Location: Piazza Pitti
- Hours Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM
- Ticket Price: March–October €16, November–February €10. Buy tickets here.
Ticket tip: If you’re an art lover looking to come back here again, you can take advantage of the annual pass for €35. And there’s also a 3-day pass that combines the tours of the Palazzo Pitti museums, Boboli Gardens, and the Uffizi for just €38.
Galleria dell’Accademia
The Accademia Gallery, or Galleria dell’Accademia, is one of the best art museums in Florence, with tons of paintings in its store. But the thing is, most people visit this famous museum to admire the legendary Michelangelo’s sculptures– ‘David’ to be specific.
And that’s for good reason, of course. After all, Michelangelo was only 29 years old when he sculpted this masterpiece, and it’s been on display for over five hundred years.
Today, David stands in his own special alcove. Behind the glass, he looks so regal and full of questions at the same time. That’s because, apparently, someone hammered his toe back in 1991.
While you’re there, take a quick look at Michelangelo’s unfinished St. Matthew. It’s right nearby. He started it right after David on commission from Opera del Duomo. But you’ll see… David clearly stole the show even back then.
The Essentials
- Location: Via Ricasoli 66.
- Hours Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 am to 6:50 pm.
- Ticket Price: €16. Book your tickets online, way in advance.
The Bargello
Strolling through the Bargello pretty much feels like it’s the Uffizi’s cooler, less-hyped cousin. It’s housed in the Palazzo del Bargello, which dates back to 1255 and was actually the headquarters of the city’s chief magistrate.
The charm of the Bargello begins right behind the ticket office, which you’ll almost always find packed full. But not only with the crowd. The place houses many famous masterpieces, including those by Michelangelo.
And then, if you move into the Salone del Consiglio Generale, you’ll find the museum’s second big room, which is all about Donatello–the godfather of Renaissance sculpture.
You’ll see his famous St. George as well as two Davids (by Donatello). It makes you think… what was it about David that captivated these artists?
But the Bargello isn’t just about the big-name sculptors. They’ve also got this incredible collection of European and Islamic applied arts. There’s so much dazzling stuff made of enamel, glass, silver, ceramics, ivory, you name it.
It’s like walking through a treasure chest gouged up from history. I’m always blown away by the detail and craftsmanship – things people made hundreds of years ago, by hand!
The Essentials
- Location: Via del Proconsolo 4.
- Hours Open: The hours are a bit quirky, honestly. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:15 am to 2:00 pm. Plus, it’s open on the second and fourth Monday of the month and the first, third, and fifth Sunday.
- Ticket Price: €10. But special exhibitions might cost you a bit more.
You can book your tickets online. Here’s the link.
Museo Galileo
Sure, everyone knows Florence for its art. But the thing is, long after the artistic peak, Florence was still a major hub for scientific innovation back in the day. It was pretty much like an intellectual hothouse, buzzing with big ideas. And the Museo Galileo, the Florence Science Museum, takes you right into that brilliant past.
And you won’t have to wait long after entering this site to believe me. Right on the first floor, they’ve safely kept the instruments Galileo himself used. For example, you’ll see the very telescope he used to spot those four moons of Jupiter. Surprisingly (or shockingly) yet, you’ll see three of Galileo’s actual finger bones and a tooth on display.
But apart from that weirdness, they’ve also got amazing Arab astrolabes, early calculating machines, telescopes of all shapes and sizes, and even some ornate thermometers.
And there’s no way to miss the giant armillary sphere. It’s massive – made way back in 1593 for Ferdinando I. It’s one of those things that just makes you stop and stare.Then head upstairs, and it just keeps getting better. They’re safekeeping more exquisitely crafted scientific and mechanical equipment.
You’ll see dozens of clocks and timepieces and spectacular electrical machines that make you wonder how they even figured that stuff out back then. And then there are the ancient surgical instruments, medicine cases, and even anatomical wax models to fascinate you all the more.
On your way out, make sure to check out the ground floor. They’ve got this interactive area designed to explain scientific principles in a fun, hands-on way. It’s great for kids… but honestly, I always have a blast playing around with it too.
The Essentials
- Location: Piazza dei Giudici.
- Hours Open: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, it’s 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Tuesdays, it’s 9.30 am–1 pm.
- Ticket Price: €10. Book your tickets online here.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
The Meuso dell’Opera del Duomo is more like a repository of ousted artworks. And that’s because it’s filled with stunning art that’s been taken out of the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Campanile over the centuries.
Among them are the likes of Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise” and artistically brilliant works of Donatello and Michelangelo. Literally, all the top sellers are there, all in one place.
Interestingly, the museum just reopened in 2015 after a massive €50 million rebuild. They even expanded into an old 18th-century theater. It’s huge now, with three floors packed with over 750 items.
Walk in, and the first thing you’ll see is this enormous hall with skylights with a full-scale reconstruction of the Duomo’s original Façade by Arnolfo Di Cambio. It gives you the sensation of going back in time and getting the feeling of the Duomo which was like enough centuries ago.
There’s also a room on the ground floor dedicated to one of Michelangelo’s last works, the Pietà, which he carved when he was almost 80 years old. And it was supposed to be for his own tomb. Just imagine how incredibly moving and powerful it can feel.
The Essentials
- Location: Piazza del Duomo
- Hours Open: from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily, but closed on the first Tuesday of every month
- Ticket Price: Well, you can’t just buy a ticket for this museum alone. You need to get the “Grande Museo del Duomo” ticket. It’s €18, but valid for 72 hours and it gets you into everything.
These include The Dome, the Campanile, Santa Reparata (the crypt under the Duomo), the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the Baptistery, and even the Museo Misericordia.
Palazzo Vecchio
For hundreds of years, Palazzo Vecchio was the government headquarters in Florence. The Medici family, Machiavelli, and even Leonardo da Vinci – they all walked these halls.
Now, it’s an art gallery. But truly, the experience centers more on the ambiance of the place, exploring the rooms, and flashing your mind back to the days of old than on art exhibits.
When you walk into the courtyard, you’ll see some beautiful stuccoes and frescoes. And you’ll also see many people snapping pictures of the David replica that stands there. It’s not the real deal (that’s in the Accademia, remember?), but it’s still impressive, and it marks the spot where the original once stood.
Head up to the first floor, and you’ll step into the Salone dei Cinquecento – the Hall of the Five Hundred. This is the largest and most important room in the palace, which was designed by two great artists: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Up on the second floor, you’ll find the former private rooms of the Medici court. And let me tell you, these guys knew how to live. The rooms are still sumptuously furnished, giving you a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Florence’s ruling family.
But keep an eye out for something special – Donatello’s Judith. It’s a powerful sculpture of a biblical heroine and one of the many secret treasures throughout the palace.
And before you leave, don’t forget the tower. The 311-foot Tower of Palazzo Vecchio, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio – the same guy who built the Duomo– offers some spectacular views of Florence.
The Essentials
- Location: Piazza della Signoria
- Hours Open: Generally, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, but in the winter months, it closes a bit earlier
- Ticket Price: €15-€20 for a full-access ticket. Book online from here.
Museo Archeologico
So, you’ve feasted on Renaissance art, geeked out over Galileo’s gadgets, and plundered the Duomo’s treasures. But the Museo Archeologico can take you way back in time – to the world of the Etruscans and Egyptians.
That’s right. Florence might be famous for the Renaissance, but it also has this amazing, often overlooked ancient history. And the Museo Archeologico is the place to explore just that.You’ll be taken into the Etruscan territory right on the first floor. It has tons of funerary figures that give you a glimpse into their beliefs about the afterlife.
Now, what attracts people most here are the two incredible bronze sculptures. First, there’s the Arringatore, also known as the Orator. He’s this life-sized bronze figure, and he’s the only large Etruscan bronze we have from the Hellenistic period.
And then, there’s the Chimera, a triple-headed monster from the 4th century BC. It’s fierce, it’s mythical, and it’s absolutely captivating.
The museum also includes such a fantastic Egyptian thing – what a way to go. After all, who doesn’t fancy a good old mummy, to be honest? You have the papyri written with hieroglyphs, the little statues of gods and goddesses, and of course, the coffins with real mummies inside.
The Essentials
- Location: Via della Colonna 36
- Hours Open: Mondays and Saturdays 8.30 am–2 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 8.30 am–7 pm. Also, on the first and third Sunday of the month, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
- Ticket Price: Only €8. And if you have a same-day ticket for the Uffizi, you get in for free.
Tips on Booking Tickets Like a Pro
Okay, so here’s the deal: most of Florence’s state-run museums belong to this group called Firenze Musei. They control the tickets, and thankfully, they let you reserve a certain number in advance. This is HUGE, especially for the popular spots like the Uffizi, Accademia, and Bargello. Even the Palazzo Pitti museums, Boboli Gardens, and the Archaeological Museum are in on this.
You can reserve tickets by phone (055 294 883) or better yet – online.There’s a small booking fee (€4 for Uffizi and Accademia, €3 for the others), but believe me it’s worth it just to skip the annoyingly long lines.
For the Uffizi and Pitti, you can reserve tickets directly at the museum, but honestly, why take the risk?
Freebies and Discounts: Know Your Rights!
Here’s the insider’s tip: you can get free admission to state-run museums on the first Sunday of the month!
Besides, if you are an EU citizen under 18 and have your passport, you will not have to pay for entry at any time.
And if you’re between 18 and 25 or you’re a teacher (with ID), you will get a whopping 50% discount. Every little bit helps, right?
Mondays are No-Museum Days
Word to the wise: most major museums in Florence are closed on Mondays. It’s disappointing, I know.
Some might be open for a couple of Mondays each month, so double-check the specific museum’s website if you’re visiting then.
Also bear in mind that even if there’s a museum open, the ticket office usually closes 30 minutes before the museum itself does.
Is the Firenze Card Worth It?
Okay, let’s talk about the Firenze Card. It’s €85 and valid for 72 hours from first use. It gets you into 72 museums and monuments, including all the big hitters. You also get to skip the lines (separate entrance for cardholders). For an extra €7, you get unlimited public transport, which is handy.
But the catch is that to make it really worth the money, you have to rush. You should be able to visit a lot of museums during those 72 hours that are available to you. Plus, some of the museums covered by the card are outside the city center, which might not be ideal for a short trip.
Where to get it?
The Via Cavour and Piazza Stazione tourist offices, or at a bunch of museums (Uffizi (door 2), Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello, Pitti, Strozzi, Museo Bardini, and Cappella Brancacci). Bought it online? Pick it up at any tourist office or at the Museo Bardini, Cappella Brancacci, Palazzo Vecchio, or Palazzo Strozzi.
Florence Museums Await You
Florence has amazing museums. But to make the most of your time, do your research, book those tickets in advance, and decide which museums are your top priorities.
