As you wander open-mouthed past some of the most familiar paintings and sculptures in the world, it’s hard to imagine that Florence’s celebrated Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) started life as administration offices for the city’s magistrates. It wasn’t until 1574 that the Grand Duke of Tuscany chose the building to house his collection that would be added to by subsequent generations and finally become a star attraction of the Grand Tour.
The building, designed by Giorgio Vasari, is of immense architectural interest for its elongated U-shape featuring an internal courtyard which has been referenced ever since as a blueprint for European streetscapes. The collection of art from the 13th to 18th centuries is one of the most important in the world, being comprised exclusively of acknowledged masterpieces which have had a major influence on Western art.
For many visitors, the highlight of their tour is catching the first glimpse of Botticelli’s famous Primavera and The Birth of Venus. Other celebrated treasures include da Vinci’s Annunciation, Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, paintings by Giotto and Caravaggio, and sculptures by Michelangelo. There are also many fine examples of German, Dutch and Flemish masters including Dürer, Rembrandt and Rubens.
With so much to see, spread across more than 40 rooms on two levels, it’s a good idea to plan your visit with the help of a guide book, available from reception. Audio guides in several different languages may also be hired. Take time out to enjoy a refreshing snack in the rooftop café and gaze down at the crowds in the Piazza della Signoria before recommencing your cultural journey through the galleries.
As one of Florence’s most popular visitor attractions, the Uffizi can be extremely busy, especially during peak periods, so pre-booking your tickets is a sensible way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and May 1.
Uffizi Gallery
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Reviews of Uffizi Gallery
5/5 - Excellent
Book tickets online beforehand to avoid the queues.
5/5 - Excellent
Wonderful if you’re an art-lover, interesting just to see some famous paintings if you’re not. Either way, prepare for a long wait for tickets, toilets and the cafe.... and miles of walking. It’s huge!! Also, extremely crowded., we actually queued to view certain paintings.
5/5 - Excellent
When going round, don't forget to look at the building itself, which is stunning. Book tickets in advance, even if it costs a couple of Euros more - avoids the huge queues.
5/5 - Excellent
Book ahead and allow a lot of time. It's a fabulous place to visit.
3/5 - Okay
The Italian museum system is a bit backwards. Lots of queing even if you have reserved tickets. Also, for some reason, every museum we visited, the toilets were missing toilet seats, in both mens and womens toilets. Very strange as you would think that the city would make sure that the facilites in their most prominent buildings were top notch.
5/5 - Excellent
Pre-booking is essential!
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Best time to go to Uffizi Gallery
The best time to visit Uffizi Gallery is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
 Calendar Month |  Temperature |  Precipitation |  Cloudiness |  Occupancy |  Pricing |
| January | 41.4°F (5.2°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| February | 43.0°F (6.1°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly Low |
| March | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| April | 54.3°F (12.4°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Average |
| May | 60.4°F (15.8°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly High |
| June | 69.6°F (20.9°C) | Light Rain | Sunny | Average | Slightly High |
| July | 75.2°F (24.0°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly High | Average |
| August | 75.2°F (24.0°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| September | 67.3°F (19.6°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| October | 58.8°F (14.9°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Average |
| November | 50.2°F (10.1°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| December | 43.5°F (6.4°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
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