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Museum scheduling in Florence

Posted by (Birmingham, AL) on

Hi all,

We will be in Florence, from June 1 to June 5 (leaving that morning). Unfortunately June 3rd is the first Sunday of the month, which means the free museum day. I feel pretty certain that I don't want to try and go anywhere near the Uffizi on that day. And of course, the Uffizi and the Accademia are closed on Monday. So that leaves us with Saturday, and Friday afternoon after we arrive, (we will take a morning train from Venice.) I guess we will plan on the Uffizi for Saturday.

So first question, would you attempt to try the Accademia on that free Sunday, or will it be just a complete zoo? I think we could pull off going to the Accademia on Friday afternoon - I wouldn't want to attempt both museums on the same day.

Second question, any idea how early we need to start purchasing advance tickets? Do they only book up to a a few months in advance?

Last question. Obviously we would plan for going to the Duomo on Sunday or Monday, probably Monday, since so many other things are closed on Monday (and some things I might want to go to are not closed every Monday but at closed on the first Monday, so they are out). So what suggestions do you have for Sunday? Would you attempt any of the places that are open for free that day? Perhaps the Pitti Palace? I should say that I hate huge crowds in museums - I would rather just walk around and explore. But still, we are there and want to take advantage of the opportunity....

Posted by
752 posts

I'd attempt All the places open on a free day, in order of importance to you, and if that's where you want to go. You've come a long way, make your limited and expensive time here count. If you let the crowds stop you, you won't do much of anything here, and what's the point of that?

Time to go from zero to a hundred and make yourself a plan, I think you'll be glad you did. LMK.

Posted by
120 posts

I did the Accademia on Friday. I reserved a time slot close to the closing. If I remember correctly, I think I was done in less than two hours. It really was perfect. I have a friends who live in Florence & said that was the best time to go, the crowds thin out a bit. Still crowded but not squeeze through crowded. If you reserve tickets ahead of time you have to pick them up first before getting on another line with your ticket to get in. That ticket booth is right across & a little left to the lines to enter (if you are looking at the Accademia). And what's great is you also pick up your reserved ticket for the Uffizi, which I also went to Saturday & it was an absolute mob scene. I went around noon. David is just breathtaking, literally brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy!!

Posted by
93 posts

Hi David, we’ll probably pass you in Florence at some point; we’re there June 1-4 for our 2nd trip(with our son & his girlfriend this time). We found some advice from a former tour guide there and are booked for Uffizi Saturday morning first thing and Academia around 4 with lunch in between, based on her timing suggestions. Saturday is also Republic Day(national holiday) in Italy, thank goodness those two are both open). Sunday we’re doing the ‘freebie’ at the Bargello Museum, hoping to miss the hordes at the better known museums; the kids picked this one out due to their interest in it’s sculptures. Then on to Florence centre for a walk-about and the Porcellino Market; my wife picked up a beautiful leather purse there 5 years ago.

Posted by
93 posts

Oh, and David, if you get the chance try and get up to Piazzale Michelangelo(on the other side of the river down from Ponte Vecchio) to watch a sunset over Florence; beautiful!

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