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 line 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, 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, it is not surprising the long line of people waiting every day to get in to admire them!
The official website allows to easily purchase an online ticket while booking for a specific day and time. For visits on Saturdays and holidays, reservations must be made at least one day in advance.
The booking fee is 4 euro to be added to the cost of full, reduced, and even free admission. The confirmation e-mail with the QR Code must be presented directly at the entrance to access the museum.
It's also possible to make a reservation by phone, calling the number +39 055294883 (Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.; Saturday, 8.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m). Also in this case, you will receive a QR code via e-mail.
Alternatively, once in Florence, it is possible 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).
Regarding the rules for accessing the Vasari Corridor, reopened at the end of 2024, you must be in possession of an Uffizi Gallery entry ticket with a Vasari Corridor Supplement (at a time scheduled at least 30 minutes after the entry time selected for the Uffizi Gallery). You must visit the Uffizi Gallery first, before entering the Corridor, which is traversed solely in the Uffizi–Boboli direction, with no possibility of turning back to or reentering the Uffizi Gallery afterwards. The ticket does not include access to the Boboli Gardens nor admission to the Pitti Palace.
The PassPartout 5 Days allows you to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and (for an additional fee) the Vasari Corridor at a combined discounted price. This cumulative ticket is valid for 5 consecutive days, guarantees priority access and requires reservations only for the Uffizi Gallery, which must be the first museum visited (in conjunction with the Vasari Corridor), by showing up 15 minutes before the scheduled reservation time at door 3 of the Uffizi. Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens can only be visited later, without any time constraints or additional reservations, within 5 days of ticket activation (or 6 days in case the 5 days of validity include a Monday, December 25 or January 1).
The "Prima Mattina" promotion allows you to purchase a discounted ticket to visit the Gallery in the morning between 8.15 a.m. and 8.55 a.m. during high season.
The Accademia Gallery houses the highest number of sculptures by Michelangelo, including the world-famous David, and some other majestic artworks. The long line of visitors in front of its door is thus a constant!
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.