Wondering where the Statue of David is in Florence? You’re not alone. Of the 1.7 million people who admire this hunk of marble yearly, over half had to first learn that it’s displayed loud and proud in the Accademia Gallery. So, what are the hours, how do you get tickets, and what else is there to see? We’ve got all those questions answered for you.
Your quick answer: Book an Accademia Gallery timed ticket or guided tour a month in advance, aim for the 5 pm window, and step back under the arch for the best full‑height view of David.
Visiting the Statue of David
Florence is filled with Renaissance art, but no single work embodies the city’s identity like Michelangelo’s David. This towering nude was carved when Michelangelo was just 26, defying both artistic norms and marble constraints.
Wanna see him for yourself? Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting the Statue of David.
Tickets & Hours for the Accademia Gallery
So, how much does it cost to see the Statue of David? Here’s what you need to know:
Tickets:
- Adult ticket: €16
- Under 18: Free
- Reservation fee: €4 if you book online
- Free first Sunday of the Month
Opening times:
- Tues – Sun, 8:15 am to 6:50 pm
- Open until 10 pm Tuesdays from June 3 – July 22
- Closed every Monday, Jan 1, Dec 25.
👉 No tickets left on the official Accademia Gallery website? We lock in extra tickets for our Florence Accademia Gallery Express Guided Tour just for this reason.
Where is the Statue of David?
Michelangelo’s David stands under a custom-built skylight in the Tribune, the central hall of the Accademia Gallery. Finding him inside is just as easy as finding the museum in Florence.
- Walking: Florence is compact; it’s 10 minutes from the Duomo and 18 minutes from Ponte Vecchio. Head for Piazza San Marco and follow the “GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA” banners down Via Ricasoli.
- Bus: Hop on electric shuttle C2 or standard lines 10, 11, 17 to San Marco-La Pira. Two zebra crossings later, you’re at the ticket line.
- Tram: From Santa Maria Novella station, the T1 stop Alamanni-Stazione is 50 m away; walk 14 minutes northeast from there.
- Taxi: Fixed city center fares hover around €8–€12.
Interessante Fact: Michelangelo’s David was trundled here in 1873 on a wooden cart running over greased rails to protect it from weather.
Tours to See the Statue of David
For your schedule, interests, and budget.
👉 Not ready to book? Read about the best Florence tours to take and why.
Visitor Tips for the Accademia Gallery
To make the most of your visit, follow these tips.
- Book your ticket at least a month in advance in the summer months. Outside of this season, one week is a safe bet.
- Be sure to step back under the first arch for the only full-height photo.
- Avoid bringing a large backpack as you’ll need to wait in an additional line to store it.
- Book a guided tour, otherwise you’ll miss out on all the incredible stories.
- Don’t stop at David; some of Michelangelo’s most revealing works are in the Hall of Prisoners.
How Long Does It Take to See the Statue of David?
A guided Accademia Gallery tour typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, with time focused on David and the museum’s highlights. If you’re visiting on your own, plan for at least 1 hour to see David and another 30–45 minutes to explore other rooms.
If you only have one day in Florence, join our Accademia’s David & Uffizi Gallery Combo Tour to see both icons in under four hours.
What’s Worth Seeing at the Accademia Gallery
You came here for David, but don’t miss these stops:
👉 Click on the name of the stop for a detailed explanation!
- Michelangelo’s David: Seventeen feet of glorious marble showing David poised before the fight with Goliath.
- Hall of Prisoners: Four half-finished “Slaves” show Michelangelo’s chisel marks and work-in-progress thinking.
- Hall of Musical Instruments: Medici Stradivarius and the first piano ever built.
- Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines: Walk all the way around; each angle reveals a new twist in the spiral.
- Florentine Gothic Room: Bonaguida’s gold-drenched Tree of Life.
- Hall of the Colossus Paintings: Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Perugino, all in the same room.
👉 Dive deeper into what interests you on our Private Accademia and Uffizi Express Tour.
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Where to Eat Near the Accademia Gallery
Don’t let hunger ruin your visit.
- Ristorante Cafaggi: €€ | Family Run — family-run trattoria, perfect for bistecca and hearty Tuscan plates.
- Fuoco Matto: €€ | Kid Friendly — lively pizza-and-pasta spot that welcomes kids and carnivores alike.
- Arà: è Sicilia: € | Quick Food — grab-and-go cannoli and arancini straight from Sicily.
- Ristorante Accademia: €€ | Tuscan Bistro — touristy name, genuinely solid Tuscan classics.
Interessante Fact: A proper Florentine steak is served rare; locals say anything more cooked is “for the English.”
👉 Find more Great Restaurants Near the Accademia Gallery.
Attractions Near the Accademia Gallery
These are all within walking distance of the Accademia Gallery and make a great addition to your Florence itinerary.
- Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome (5 min south): Florence’s cathedral; a climb up the dome gives the best skyline photos.
- San Marco Monastery (3 min east): Small museum famous for Fra Angelico frescoes in the monks’ cells.
- Piazza Santissima Annunziata (4 min southeast): Quiet square with cafés and the historic Ospedale degli Innocenti portico.
- Mercato Centrale (10 min west): Two-level indoor market for quick pasta, pizza, and local produce.
- Bargello Museum (9 min south): Sculpture museum home to Donatello’s bronze David and early Michelangelo pieces.
👉 For more ideas, check out our article on the Top Things to Do in Florence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Accademia Gallery
Reserve at least one month ahead in peak season (April–October), and one week ahead during off-peak season.
Look for guided tours from reputable third-party companies, like The Tour Guy. You’ll get skip-the-line tickets plus insights from a licensed guide.
Plan 60 minutes for a guided “David-only” visit or 90 minutes if you want to see the Prisoners, musical instruments, and Gothic rooms too.
Yes, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed and guards will ask you to step back if you block the aisle.
Fully accessible: elevators connect every floor and staff can provide portable ramps where needed.
Yes, from time to time, we offer promo codes for Accademia Gallery on our dedicated promo codes and discounts page.
Final Thoughts
If you’re going to wait in line for something in Florence, it might as well be for a 17-foot masterpiece carved by a 26-year-old genius. But honestly, you don’t have to wait at all—timed tickets and a little know-how go a long way. Make the most of your visit by arriving later in the day, stepping back to take in the full height of David, and giving the rest of the gallery a chance.
More Planning Resources For Your Florence Adventure:
Things To Do in Florence Off the Beaten Path
Best Foods and Dishes To Try in Florence
Amazing Day Trips from Florence
Where To Stay in Florence
Florence has a small historical center packed with iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the best neighborhoods in this beautiful city.
