Uffizi Gallery

I think it totally depends on time/day/season etc. I don't plan of buying reservations because it isn't that important whether or not I get in. If there is a long line I plan on just moving along. If it is important highlight of your trip however, you should get a reservation.

Rick Steves (our Guru) has a definite opinion about that: "Your best strategy is to get reservations for the Uffizi as soon as you know when you'll be in town. After learning how easy this is and seeing hundreds of bored, sweaty tourists waiting in line without a reservation, it's hard not to be amazed at their cluelessness."For how to make reservations, see Rick's book or search for prior discussions here, go here for how to Search for prior discussions

Yes I always make a reservation on-line from the U.S. for the Uffizi because I really do want to tour it and after about two hours I go into art overload soooo we go again each time we go to Florence. Even the building is really intersting. My take on it is why waste your precious time waiting in line if you don't have to. It's like the Paris Museum pass...saves hours. Worth going to even for the non-art buff...think of it as doing that Rennaissance thing. Aim for early morning to have more of the galleries to yourself. Then gelato, then lunch, then gelato, then gelato then.... Avoid like the plague any gelato place near the Ponte Vecchio (scoup $10 ice cream anyone). This from someone who doesn't eat dessert for months at a time.

depends when you go...I was there in February and walked right inside in the middle of the afternoon with no wait.

I did get some really good hot chocolate at the nearby Cafe Rivoire...

Yes, it does matter what time and season you go. However, like one of the other posters said, why on earth wait at all when you can have reservations in hand and go when you want? Online, you can chose your own time, pay online and poof, get your # and you're all set. Nothing else to bother with. Even non-art majors like myself and husband, gained SO much from the Uffizi and others.

In Florence, right around the corner from the Accademia is the Science Museum which was practically deserted. Had all the telescopes, etc. from Galileo and others throughout history. Was either free or really cheap.
Louise

I also just asked our small B&B to book tickets for the Uffizi & Accademia for our trip in May, we got the exact time for one and within an hour of our requested time for the other. No muss, no fuss and no fees........

Jeff's method (post immediately above) is Rick's favorite method of getting reservations at Florence museums.

I can use some advice as to when is the best time of day to visit the Uffizi and how much time to allow (approximately) as well as the Accademia so that we can make our reservations in advance. We will arrive in Florence from Venice on an early train on 9/29 and have two nights in Florence before heading to Rome. We don't need to see every museum in Florence, these two are our priorities and any others that are recommended and we want to make the most of our time without rushing around- we want to wander and enjoy the city while we are there. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We made reservations for both the Uffizi and Academia about two or three days in advance. It wasn't hard to do, especially in late October, but we noticed there were long lines even then for people who chose not to get reservations. Travel time is too valuable to waste in long lines.

The Uffizi experience is essentially a line of people snaking their way slowly through the museum. It's not the best museum environment but the art is outstanding.

In his books Rick has written a tour of Accademia (David) and suggests that if you follow his tour, allow 30 minutes (for just the David) or 1 hour (to see the rest of the Accademia). Same thing for Uffizi and following his written tour will take 2 hours. He also describes the times that are most and least crowded, and how to make reservations (which he strongly recommends).

Thanks for the advice. I definitely DO NOT want to wait in line wasting valuable travel / sightseeing time.

We are going to Florence in late June and I looked on the web yesterday and the only tix available for both days we are there are between 12:00 and 14:45. Is booking Academia for 12:00, then do lunch and walk to and do Uffizi at 14:00 nuts?

Also, is it better to call Italy for the tix or do on the web? Benefits of either way?

I went in early August and I booked two months in advance... and still did not get my preferred entry time as it was already booked. It certainly depends on the time of the year you are going.

Our hotel made our museum reservations for us. I emailed them our days and preferred times (e.g. early AM) they responded with some choices and we answereed back. Doesn't get much simpler. Ours was not a fancy hotel either; I think this may be standard practice among Florentine hoteliers. If art is your thing, also check out Fra Angelico's works at San Marco Convent nearby and my favorite, Massacio's frescoes at the Brancacci Chapel across the river.

We went last September,and booked a time in advance-we had to wait in a short line to get our ticket,then went over to the main building and pretty much walked straight in.The other line looked LONG for those who had not booked ahead of time.

i've waited in line a couple of times. I have walked in once without a line, but that was in Feburary. In April 07 we went in the late afternoon 3pm(?). We were in line for 15 minutes.

We will be there the third weekend in July and are planning on doing the Uffizi and Accademia on a Sunday. My hotel will make our reservations but not before May. Is that too late? There will be 5-10 of us.

Deb, you won't have time for lunch. Budget 90 minutes for Accademia, then you should be @ 15 early for your Uffizi appt.

By the way, for everyone with an inquiry, I highly recommend the RS Florence/Tuscany guidebook-- it's more than hotels and restaurants. Rick spells out everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Uffizi and Accademia so you can use your time wisely, and have a no-stress great time. It will will save you hours of planning time, and eliminate hours of wasted time once you get to Florence. After all you don't have much time there, so every hour is precious.

We just completed our reservations (no credit card needed) by phone- much easier than an online reservation that does require a credit card and that credit card would not go through! We made a morning reservation at the Uffizi and will have lunch at The View Open Bar (highly recommended by friends) then after lunch we are off the The Acadamia- a full but fun day with our son and daughter-in-law. We are doing this on May 5- can't wait!!!

I ate lunch at the Golden View Open Bar with my Italian friend in February...we got a nice window seat with a nice view of the Arno river. I would say they charge a little more for food there but the view was really nice. I thought it was lovely on the inside too. nice bathroom area! Then we walked over to the Uffizi...

don't miss the Sunsets at Ponte Vecchio.

Make a reservaton. The lines are long. 'nuf said.

In response to one of the other posts, you must call the museum direcly if you wish to make reservations prior to noon. You can reserve online for noon or after.