Palazzo Vecchio
A fortified medieval palace in Florence, now a museum, showcasing lavish chambers, ornate courtyards, and breathtaking tower views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Palazzo Vecchio
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fortified medieval palace in Florence, now a museum, showcasing lavish chambers, ornate courtyards, and breathtaking tower views.
"Really cool to see the amazing art displayed on the walls inside the hall. Walking inside not knowing what I would see just to be amazed by the craftsmanship."
Book tickets in advance
:admission_tickets: Avoid long lines by booking online, especially for popular tours like Secret Passages.
Climb the Arnolfo Tower
:athletic_shoe: Worth the climb for incredible city views! Wear comfy shoes.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 25,083 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arnolfo Tower Views
Palazzo Vecchio
Climb 95 meters for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, including the Duomo.
Hall of the Five Hundred
Palazzo Vecchio
Marvel at the immense scale and stunning frescoes adorning this grand hall, a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Michelangelo's Graffiti
Palazzo Vecchio
Discover a curious historical detail: a face etched into the wall, rumored to be by a young Michelangelo.
Cloister of Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio
Experience a serene symphony of arches, frescoes, and light in this beautiful, often overlooked, courtyard.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Palazzo Vecchio Tickets Ahead
Consider the Secret Passages Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book tickets in advance
:admission_tickets: Avoid long lines by booking online, especially for popular tours like Secret Passages.
Climb the Arnolfo Tower
:athletic_shoe: Worth the climb for incredible city views! Wear comfy shoes.
Explore hidden gems
:camerawithflash: Look for 'Michelangelo's graffiti' for a unique historical detail.
Don't miss the cloister
:camerawithflash: A peaceful spot with beautiful architecture, perfect for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book tickets in advance
:admission_tickets: Avoid long lines by booking online, especially for popular tours like Secret Passages.
Climb the Arnolfo Tower
:athletic_shoe: Worth the climb for incredible city views! Wear comfy shoes.
Explore hidden gems
:camerawithflash: Look for 'Michelangelo's graffiti' for a unique historical detail.
Don't miss the cloister
:camerawithflash: A peaceful spot with beautiful architecture, perfect for photos.
Secret Passages Tour
🔑 An unmissable experience for history buffs, book via the official site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Palazzo Vecchio for its stunning art, impressive architecture, and rich history, particularly highlighting the Hall of the Five Hundred and the Arnolfo Tower views. The Secret Passages tour is a standout experience for many. Some find it less engaging if they're not deeply into art or have already visited many museums, and a quick exterior look might suffice for those on a tight schedule or budget.
"12.5 euro entry
Is 3-4 levels of rooms with very intricate paintings and decor. Overall was interesting and nice to look at. There are many signs with lots of information, a bit fatiguing by then end
There is some free access areas on the ground level which are worth it if you’re not up to a full walk through"
Peta Musgrove
"Really cool to see the amazing art displayed on the walls inside the hall. Walking inside not knowing what I would see just to be amazed by the craftsmanship. I would recommend it for any one coming for art and history, but if your not much into art and have visited alot of museums throughout the day then it won't be worth it for you. However for my friends and I enjoyed visiting and seeing this place."
ngawang sherpa
"Must to visit! No long queues and it takes you back in time. You can see the popular Dante's Death Mask. Do not skip climbing the tower as it offers great views but ensure you have a separate ticket."
Elis Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Vecchio is centrally located in Piazza della Signoria, Florence. It's easily accessible on foot from most major attractions. If arriving by public transport, look for bus stops near Piazza della Signoria.
Yes, Palazzo Vecchio is right next to the Uffizi Gallery and close to Ponte Vecchio, making it easy to combine visits.
Yes, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station to Palazzo Vecchio.
Parking in the historic center of Florence is challenging. It's best to use public transport or walk. If driving, look for paid parking garages like Garage Europa or Parcheggio Sant'Ambrogio.
Approaching from Piazza della Signoria offers a grand first impression of the palace's imposing facade.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tickets for Palazzo Vecchio in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
Palazzo Vecchio typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, depending on the season and day. Always check the official website for the most current Palazzo Vecchio hours.
Ticket prices vary, but a standard admission ticket for Palazzo Vecchio is around €12.50. The Secret Passages tour has a separate fee. Check the Palazzo Vecchio official website for current Palazzo Vecchio price details.
While the main palace requires a ticket, you can explore Piazza della Signoria and see the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio, including the copy of David, for free.
Yes, besides standard admission, you can book tickets for specific tours like the Secret Passages tour or combined tickets that might include other attractions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) is the largest room in Palazzo Vecchio, famous for its massive Vasari frescoes and Medici family history.
Absolutely! The climb up the Torre di Arnolfo offers spectacular panoramic views of Florence, making it a highlight for many visitors.
It's a curious face etched into a wall, believed by local legend to have been created by a young Michelangelo.
This guided tour takes you through hidden corridors and secret rooms within Palazzo Vecchio, offering a unique historical perspective.
Yes, Palazzo Vecchio is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, with stunning frescoes, sculptures, and decorated chambers.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, Piazza della Signoria and the surrounding streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, and gelato shops.
There is a gift shop within Palazzo Vecchio where you can purchase souvenirs related to the palace and Florence.
Many highly-rated gelato shops are located within a short walk of Palazzo Vecchio. Look for places with natural colors and artisanal flavors.
Yes, several rooftop bars in Florence offer stunning views of the city skyline, including Palazzo Vecchio.
You'll find traditional Tuscan cuisine, including pasta dishes, Florentine steak, and local wines.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arnolfo Tower for city views, the Hall of the Five Hundred for its grandeur, and the cloister for its architectural beauty are prime photo locations. 
Photography is generally allowed inside Palazzo Vecchio, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork. Always check for signage.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for exterior shots of Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
The 'Michelangelo's graffiti' and the intricate details within the Secret Passages tour offer unique and less common photo opportunities.
The view from the Arnolfo Tower is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of Florence, including the Duomo and the Arno River.
![Uffizi Gallery - A sculpture in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence [ IG: @clay.banks ]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1579748048451-365c9c9bfbc1%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxVZmZpemklMjBHYWxsZXJ5fGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NTgwMDQzNTB8MA%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=2048&q=75)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit