we're going in september and have 3 days in florence. trying to decide whether to do uffizi one day, accademia the next, or to do them both the same day? also trying to decide whether to just pay the fees and get the advance tickets online.

IMO, do not attempt to "do" both in the same day...I found the Uffizzi so engrossing I took two visits there and never nade it to the Accademia at all the first trip, thus forcing me to visit Florence again...I know, its a hard life.

I saw both over two days. I think it would be difficult to do both over one day because there is SO much to see at the Uffizi. IMO, I enjoyed the Accademia much more than the Uffizi; it's a more intimate museum. For me, David made my trip.<BR><BR>I didn't buy my tickets online. On the day I arrived, I asked the hotel to order them for me. I saw the Accademia on the following day, and the Uffizi on the day after that. <BR><BR>Whether you get the tickets online or have the hotel order them, just make sure you get reservations! The lines are incredibly long.

Keri, we were there in high tourist season (mid-July). We went to the advance ticket door at the Uffizi about 11am and got tickets for 6 people for 3:45pm that same day. I think it cost about 1.5 euro extra for the advance ticket -- WELL worth it since the line was said to be over 2 hours wait. I think you could do that if the online fees are a lot higher. It will not be an inconvenience to do this because you will inevitably find yourself within a 5 min walk from the Uffizi on your first morning in Florence.<BR><BR>In my experience, the line for the Accademia is also very long so any small fee for advance tickets would be well worth it. Uffizi is pretty exhausting -- can't imagine visiting another museum the same day. But the Accademia is small and the highlights minimum: Be sure to look at the half-formed figures in the corridor leading up to the David. These are "The Prisoners", some of my favorite sculptures in the world.

Okay, so maybe I'm not the avid art afficionado as the previous posters are --- I think you can visit the Uffizi easily in 3.5 hrs. And I went thru a bit less time. Yes, it does have a myriad of masterpieces, but we're not talking about the Louvre (now THERE's a big museum). Clearly you have to understand what kind of art lover you are to guestimate if you'll be there all day or only 1/2 day. DEFINITELY get your tickets ahead of time, whether it be thru online site or calling once you get to Italy. If you look through other similar messages, you can find the phone no.<BR><BR>

I will also be there in September. I booked my reservation on FlorenceArt.it. It takes 36 hours to approve, then you can print out your voucher for your reservation. Very easy to use.

I quite disagree with the need for two days. Sensory overload might get you - - and this COULD be a reason to enjoy two different visits to the Uffizi - - say, 90-120 minutes each on two different days. Sure, you could spend 6 hours there; you could spend 6 hours there every day for a month. But only a limited number of people are prepared to take it in at the most complete level.<BR><BR>I think that the Uffizi CAN be enjoyed in 45-90 minutes (I am assuming that you are not standing in any lines at either place - - by getting reservations). Once again, of course, you can spend twice that long.<BR><BR>And I have had good experience asking the front desk at a hotel to make the reservations - - allows for maximum flexibility in setting the visit according to mood, weather and other constraints on your schedule.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I suggest doing both over two days. I truly enjoyed the Academia much more than the Uffizi. There is a number in the Frommers/Fodors Guide that you can call ahead of time to reserve. This will allow you to plan better and make the most effective use of your time.

We did the Ufizzi at 10:00 am, was out by 1:00 for a leisurly lunch, and stroll around this beautiful city. Did the Academia at 3:45, took about an hour. No problem doing them both in one day. Definitely get your tickets ahead of time, however. Many hotels will do this for you at a lower cost than the online service.