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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 27 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Florence’s other big-name art museum (with the Uffizi) has a world-class collection of 14th- and 15th-century art, but those endless queues of people are really here to see one thing: Michelangelo’s 1504 4m-high statue of David.

Moved here in 1873 from Piazza della Signoria, the iconic sculpture appears quite different in the flesh: the head and hands are larger than expected (a trick of perspective; originally the statue was placed higher up).

Walk around the back to see David’s sling, a tree stump – and those famous buttocks.

Don’t miss

Also look out for Michelangelo’s four unfinished sculptures known as Slaves or Prisoners, originally placed in Buontalenti’s Grotta in the Boboli Gardens.

Other not-to-be-missed artworks here include The Madonna of the Sea and The Madonna with Child, Two Angels and John the Baptist both by Botticelli, and Filippino Lippo’s Annunciation. There is also a superb collection of old musical instruments including violins and cellos by the likes of Stradivarius and Guarneri.

While you’re there

Combine a visit to the Accademia with a stop at the spectacular frescoed monastery of San Marco, a two-minute walk away, to see exquisite works by once-time resident monk Fra Angelico.

Logistics

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is a 15-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.

As with Uffizi, the queues are legendary, so if you’re going independently, it’s essential (if you want to skip the worst of them) to pre-book tickets via the official Florence Museums website, entitling you to enter via a reserved entrance. You can also pre-book tickets at the church of Orsanmichele (Via de’ Calzaiuoli). Audio guides are available in six languages (for a small fee). You can book a 1.5-hour private tour with an expert (in English).

Alternatively, book onto an organised tour; they’ll arrange a skip-the-line-ticket for you. Some tours include a stop at the Uffizi too. See our recommendations below.

When to do it

The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. The quietest moments are first thing and during lunchtime.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included

Florence

Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included
You can find out the marvelous associated to the Michelangelo’s David, by joining the Accademia Gallery Tour, of about one hour long, conducted by professional licensed guides. In addition to exploring the highlights of the gallery, you will get to skip the line which barricades the entry to the museum on a daily basis. Choose from one of the seven departure times available when you book.

Price: €48

Min age: 0

Rating 4.63 / 5 [2538 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Accademia & Uffizi Museums: Small Group Tour with Optional Lunch

Florence

Accademia & Uffizi Museums: Small Group Tour with Optional Lunch
Prepare for an extraordinary guided journey into the Accademia Gallery. Marvel at Michelangelo masterpieces, including the renowned "David”. This embodiment of Renaissance beauty symbolizes the invincible power of the Florentine Republic, radiating strength and bravery. But Florence's marvels go beyond imagination. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must, where an awe-inspiring collection of artworks by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, and other masters awaits. Explore the esteemed halls and discover unparalleled treasures like Botticelli's breathtaking masterpieces, "Primavera" and "Birth of Venus". As your guided tour concludes, be enchanted by the Uffizi Terrace's privileged viewpoint, offering a panoramic vista of Florence's iconic monuments. Allow yourself to be captivated and if you desire, extend your stay, cherishing every moment in the museum's embrace. Enhance your experience by opting for a delightful lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Price: €109

Min age: 0

Rating 4.07 / 5 [1950 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour

Florence

Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour
• Skip the line Unforgettable experience with genuine tour • 4-hour small group (max 10-15 people) tour of the Accademia and the Uffizi • Discover the incredible masterpieces of Renaissance art • Priority entrance to the most important museums of Florence • Walking tour through Duomo Square and Piazza della Signoria The “Florence & Global ” Touch.  See Florence the right way with us Want to see Florence with a guide but are not keen on being herded around in a large, impersonal group or spending a fortune for a private tour? Look no further. “Florence & Global ” tours are designed for the selective traveller, providing all the benefits of a private tour with the group tour value.

Price: €124

Min age: 0

Rating 4.66 / 5 [1917 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Accademia Gallery Entrance Ticket with Priority Access

Florence

Accademia Gallery Entrance Ticket with Priority Access
Fast-track entrance ticket to head inside Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in Florence to explore independently. Home to the original statue of ‘David’ by Renaissance genius Michelangelo, the gallery is a must-visit attraction for art lovers and sightseers alike! Here you can admire the unfinished Michelangelo sculptures such as ‘San Matteo, I Grigioni, la Palestrina Pietà, works of art of Ghirlandaio, Perugino and much more.

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.10 / 5 [973 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo

Florence

Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo
Skip the long lines to both the Accademia and the Catherdral on this Best of Florence guided tour. Begin with skip-the-line access to get up close to Michelangelo's 'David' in the Accademia Gallery. Then see the Duomo, the city's iconic, Gothic-style cathedral with your skip-the-line access and guided tour inside the Cathedral & Duomo. Afterwards, your guide will take you to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery where Michelangelo's David was originally supposed to stand. Then explore the streets of Florence, taking in landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Palazzo della Signoria e Piazza della Repubblica and learn about the influence of the famous Medici family on Florence.

Price: €68

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [746 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Florence

Tuscany, Italy

Florence

A heady mix of incomparable Renaissance art, gorgeous palazzos, Tuscan cuisine and home-grown haute couture.

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

Round-ups

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