Has anyone used the Firenze Pass to gain admission to the Uffizi and Accademia? Rick Steves's guide says to purchase the Firenze Pass when we arrive in Florence. But I'm also reading (in other places) that we need to make reservations to see the Uffizi and Accademia-- that there are only so many people allowed in at one time? So if we buy the Firenze Pass while in Florence and do not have a reservation at those two places, will we still be able to skip the line with the Pass and tour those places?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16700 posts
You do not need to make a reservation for the Uffizi or Accademia if using the Firenze Pass. It will allow you to skip very long ticket lines but not the security queues: no one can skip those. If there are too many people in the museums at one time, there can be a wait even for people with advance reservations/passes.
Posted by
123 posts
I agree with Kathy. The Firenze Pass is invaluable for skipping the admission lines, but we are all subject to the security lines. Going through security at both the Uffizi and Accademia can be a lengthy and frustrating experience. If you visit either of these places first thing in the morning, you'll get right through security. Later in the day will likely take longer. When I went to the Uffizi on a whim on a Wednesday afternoon back in February, my Firenze Pass got me past the line, but security was pretty strict and thus took longer.
One additional note about security.... If you plan to visit any of the Duomo complex sites (Duomo, Baptistery, etc.), DEFINITELY go early or right around lunch time (1:30-ish). They recently installed airport-style security at each of the buildings in the complex, and the lines are atrocious as a result.
Happy travels on your visit to Florence!
Posted by
1970 posts
I have used the Firenze Pass. I would like to share a few tips, so you can maximize your pass. (I don't know how many days you have in Florence.)
1). Get a RS guide for Florence and look at the list of sites and a map. Look at times, locations, and days open. Write a schedule to sequence the sites based on these criteria.
2). Start your pass (activate at first site) around 10-11am. Why? The pass is for 72 clock hours once activated. That means on day four, you can gain admission to one last site before 10 am - like Santa Croce at 9 am.
3). On day 3 - activate the duomo combo. ticket by going to one duomo site like the baptistery. Then, after your Firenze card expires on day four - you can use the remaining features on your Duomo ticket and explore Duomo complex. The Duomo Complex Combo. ticket is issued to you free of charge. You take your Firenze Pass to Duomo ticket Office and you will be issued a Duomo Card.
This way - you get an extra day of paid sightseeing on your Firenze card.
See statue of David first thing when it opens or last 1:30 hours of day. Use a free RS audio download to get you through the Uffizi - good pace and tour - for free! Review it before going.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Sun-Baked in Florida-- thank you for taking the time to outline these details for savings. Our group of four greatly appreciates your insights!
Posted by
1970 posts
I want to throw one other nugget at you - the location of the Duomo ticket office. On the North side of the Baptistery, there is a mini-piazza, paved area. On the north side of this "mini-piazza" - there is a row of businesses. Look for a sign that says something like "biglietteria" which is the Italian word for ticket booth. You will walk down a short, narrow "alley." This is where you get the duomo tickets. It may feel a little weird at first - kind of like going down an alley in a Harry Potter movie. The alley is safe.