Uffizi Gallery Entrances

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a dream for many art lovers, but knowing how to enter can make all the difference. 

With three separate entrances, each serving different types of visitors, choosing the right one can save you time and confusion. 

If you’ve booked tickets online, plan to buy them on-site, or are arriving with a tour group or pass, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The Uffizi Gallery attracts over 3 million visitors annually, so booking in advance is a smart move. The Skip-the-Line ticket is the most popular and budget-friendly option. The Guided Tour ticket includes expert insights, while the Small Group Tour offers a more personal experience with fewer people.

Overview of Uffizi Gallery entrances

The Uffizi Gallery, one of Italy’s most popular art museums, features three main entrances around Piazza degli Uffizi to better manage crowds and simplify access.

Each entrance serves a different category of visitor based on ticket type and booking status. 

Door 1 is used by large groups and school groups, as well as Firenze Card holders. 

Door 2 is the main entrance for those purchasing tickets on-site, often associated with the longest wait times. 

Door 3 is the priority access point for visitors who have booked their tickets online, offering a faster and more efficient entry experience. 

Understanding which door to use can save significant time and make your visit to this Renaissance treasure much smoother.

Entrances of the Uffizi Gallery

Navigating the Uffizi Gallery begins with understanding its three separate entrances, each designed to manage different visitor categories efficiently. 

All three entrances are located around Piazza degli Uffizi, but the entry point you use depends on how you’ve planned your visit—whether you’ve pre-booked tickets, are part of a group, or intend to purchase tickets on the spot.

Door 1: For groups, special reservations, and Firenze card holders

Located on the left side of the building when facing the Uffizi Gallery, Door 1 is reserved for large groups, school tours, special reservations, and Firenze Card holders. If you’ve already picked up your ticket, either after pre-booking or purchasing it on-site, you may enter through this door.

• The left half of Door 1 is for groups, while the right side accommodates individuals and families.
  
• While this entrance usually offers a shorter wait time (5–10 minutes), it’s still wise to arrive 10–15 minutes before your reservation.
  
• Helpful English-speaking staff are often available outside if you’re unsure where to go.
  

Door 2: For on-site ticket purchases

Door 2 serves as the main entrance for those who haven’t booked tickets in advance. If you plan to buy your ticket on the day of your visit, this is where you’ll queue—sometimes for hours, especially during the summer or on weekends. 

• The line at Door 2 stretches down the arcade toward the Arno River and is longest in the morning.
  
• Some Uffizi-related cards (like “Friends of the Uffizi”) are also processed here, often with a separate counter.
  
• Visitors are advised to carry photo ID, especially when using any kind of card or pass.
  

To minimize waiting, it’s best to either arrive well before opening or, ideally, book your tickets in advance and use Door 3.

Door 3: For online ticket holders

Located across the piazza on the west side, Door 3 is the exclusive entrance for those who’ve pre-booked their tickets online. This door allows visitors to redeem their booking voucher, either printed or on a smartphone, for actual entry tickets.

• It’s a priority access point, meaning you can skip the general admission lines altogether.
  
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to ensure a smooth entry process.
  
• Double-check your online booking to confirm whether you’ve paid the full ticket price or just a reservation fee—you may need to pay the remainder upon arrival.

After ticket redemption at Door 3, visitors are often directed to enter the museum via Door 1.

Tips for visiting the Uffizi gallery

• If you haven’t booked your ticket online, try to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the museum opens. During the busy season, getting a last-minute ticket is often not possible.
  
• Booking tickets online in advance is the easiest way to avoid long lines. Just be sure to show up about 15 minutes before your reserved time.
  
• On the first Sunday of every month, entry to the Uffizi Gallery is free. It’s a great way to save money, but expect big crowds both inside and outside.
  
• From November to February, visiting is much calmer and tickets are half the usual price, making it a smart choice for a budget-friendly experience.
  
• Children under 18 can enter for free when accompanied by a family member, so no need to buy tickets for the kids.
  
• Try to avoid carrying large bags or luggage. If you need to, there’s a free cloakroom near the ticket office where you can leave your things.
  
• Consider using an audio guide or joining a guided tour to learn more about the artwork. Setting aside 2–3 hours will let you enjoy the gallery at a relaxed pace.
  
• Don’t miss the top floor—it features must-see masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
  
• There’s a cafeteria on the second floor where you can enjoy a coffee and take in beautiful views of Florence.
  
• The gallery is accessible for everyone, with free wheelchair access and priority entry for people with disabilities and their companions.
  
• You’re allowed to take photos for personal use, so your phone camera is perfect for snapping memories.
  
• If you’re staying in Florence for a few days, combo tour tickets are a great way to explore multiple attractions with one purchase.
  

Frequently asked questions about the Uffizi gallery’s entrances

Here are some FAQs about the different entrances of the Uffizi gallery.