Except a few small museums, that are only open by appointment, or museums that are hosting an event or a special opening, generally no reservation is required to visit the museums of Tuscany and tickets can be purchased on site, at the time of the visit.
Two "heavyweights" are an exception to what has just been declared, and when it comes to them reservations are not compulsory, but definitely highly recommended: Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, in Florence.
The queue in front of these two museums begins to form early in the morning, even before the ticket offices open, and during high season it can reach a daunting length.
From April to September, or during particularly overcrowded periods (Christmas holidays, Easter), the advice is to book, always, no matter the day of the week. During the rest of the year it's a good idea to book at least for visits during the weekend.
Here are the information on how to do it, through official sales channels.
The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, so, of course, every day a long line of people waits to get in!
The official website allows to easily purchase an online ticket while booking for a specific day and time.
The confirmation mail must be presented (either printed or on smartphone/tablet) at the Uffizi ticket office (Door 3) to receive the admission ticket and, most importantly, enter the museum through the fast track lane, skipping the queue!
The booking fee is 4 euro and is applied on either full, reduced or free admissions.
For access on Saturdays and public holidays reservations must be made at least one day in advance.
It's also possible to make a reservation by phone, calling the number +39 055294883 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 6.30pm; Saturday, 8.30am - 12.30pm).
Another way, once in Florence, is to purchase ticket+booking at one of the following ticket offices: Uffizi, Pitti Palace, National Archaeological Museum, Orsanmichele Museum and all the State museums (for example, National Museum of Bargello).
The Accademia Gallery houses the highest number of sculptures by Michelangelo, including the world-famous David, and some other majestic artworks. No wonder there is a constant long line in front of its door!
Like the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia is a State museum, so the sales channels are the same.
Through the official website it is possible to buy a ticket and book a day and time for the visit, with an additional cost of 4 euro that applies to any type of ticket.
As for the Uffizi, it is also possible to book by phone: +39 055294883 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 6.30pm; Saturday, 8.30am - 12.30pm).
One last tip: Uffizi and Accademia are closed on Monday, so here is what to do in Florence on a Monday.
