Visit the Uffizi & Accademia Galleries in Florence, Florence

Spend a day exploring Florence and discovering its famous museums at your own pace. You’ll visit two incredible art galleries and immerse yourself in the history of the Italian Renaissance period. The Uffizi Gallery has a collection of masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Donatello, and others. On the other hand, the Accademia Galleria houses valuable works of art, and its spectacular architecture is impressive in its own right. Among other favorites, the gallery is home to one of the Renaissance's most iconic works of art, Michelangelo's David. 

• The Grand Duke of Tuscany commissioned the Uffizi's building in 1560 as offices for the Florentine magistrates (“Uffizi” in ancient Italian meant offices). Today, these former offices host some of the most important and famous masterpieces globally.
  • Start your day early and give yourself at least 3-4 hours for your visit to the Uffizi. This expansive art gallery has so much to offer.
  • After a visit to this expansive collection, head to the top floor of the Uffizi for a break at the gallery's cafeteria. Offering beautiful panoramic views of the Florence city center, this is a great place to pause, have a cappuccino, and recharge your batteries before continuing to your next stop.

• The Accademia dates back to 1784 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, reorganized the Academy of Design in Florence into the modern Academy of Fine Arts.
  • The main masterpiece is the incredible 14-foot tall Renaissance sculpture, Michaelangelo's David, which depicts the Biblical hero. This sculpture was created between 1501 and 1504 and became a symbol of the Florentine Republic's strength during a time of massive political change. Much like David facing the mighty Goliath, the Republic was threatened at the time by stronger states, not to mention the Medici family regaining power.
  • Give yourself at least an hour to explore and admire the great works of art inside this gallery.