Plan your visit to Palazzo Vecchio: Layout, Tips & More

Visitor information at a glance

Location

Piazza della Signoria, Florence 50122

How to get there

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance: Via dei Gondi

Accessible sections: Ground, first, and second floors of the Museum

Inaccessible sections: Tower, Secret Passages, Mezzanine

Timings

9am - 7pm (Fri to Wed) and 9am - 2pm (Thu)

More information

Types of access

Museum: a regular entry ticket gives you access to the three floors of Palazzo Vecchio.
Tower: buy separate tickets for access to the top of Arnolfo Tower.
Secret passages: an exclusive tour through hidden corridors can be added to your tickets.

Your journey through Palazzo Vecchio

Duration of visit

In order to fully explore the Palazzo Vecchio Museum and Arnolfo Tower, give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours of time.

Types of guided tours

Regular: skip the lines and join a group of up to 25 other people and an expert guide.
Small-group: choose the guided tour option with just 14 other people to enjoy an intimate and dedicated exploration.
Secret passages: this tour with limited availability takes you through narrow stairways and concealed private studies as you observe the palace from a new perspective.

Explore guided tours

Palazzo Vecchio's layout

Level: -1

Palazzo Vecchio was constructed in the early 14th century over the ruins of an ancient theater that was part of the Roman city ‘Florentia’ dating back to the 1st century BC. These underground ruins are currently not accessible.

Level: 0

The ground floor contains the courtyards, and the Monumental Staircase which connects you to the first and second floors. The First Courtyard, designed by Michelozzo, features Vasari’s frescoes and a central fountain topped with Verrocchio’s Putto with Dolphin sculpture. The Second Courtyard (of the Customs) is smaller and administrative, leading to various rooms and offices within the palace.

Level: 1

Salone dei Cinquecento, the grand hall of the first floor, houses Michelangelo’s Genius of Victory statue and Vasari’s frescoes glorifying Medici rule. The hidden Studiolo of Francesco I contains secret cabinets and alchemical themes.

Level: 2

The second floor includes the Apartments of the Elements, with cosmological and mythological frescoes, and the Terrace of Juno. Explore the Apartments of Eleonora of Toledo, featuring Bronzino’s murals in her private chapel and Green Room. This floor also boasts the Hall of Geographical Maps, with 16th-century painted world maps.

Level: 3

Ascending further above, the Arnolfo Tower offers panoramic city views from 95 meters up, and contains the Alberghetto prison where Savonarola was held before his execution.

What's inside Palazzo Vecchio?

When is the best time to visit Palazzo Vecchio?

In the year

Late fall (October–November) & early spring (March–April) have fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and shorter wait times.
Winter (December–February) is least crowded, except for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In the week

Tuesday to Thursday avoids the weekend crowds and Monday closures of some other Florence attractions, making it easier to explore without rush.

In the day

Early morning (9–10:30am), right after opening, the palace is less crowded.
Late afternoon (5–7pm) sees fewer visitors, especially in the off-season, allowing a quieter experience before closing.

To avoid long waits, steer clear of peak summer (June–August) and weekends, when tourist numbers are at their highest.

Best time to visit

Book Palazzo Vecchio tickets & tours

Palazzo Vecchio Skip-the-Line Tickets

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

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Combo (Save 5%): Palazzo Vecchio + Arnolfo Tower Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Palazzo Vecchio Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 15 min.

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Know before you go to Palazzo Vecchio

Bag & security check: All visitors must go through a security check; large bags and backpacks are not allowed.
No flash photography: Photography is permitted, but flash and tripods are prohibited inside.
No touching artifacts: Many walls contain original frescoes and sculptures—avoid touching surfaces.
Quiet in certain areas: The palace still functions as Florence’s City Hall; some rooms may require silence.
No food or drink: Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the museum.
Children supervision: Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Restrooms: Located on the ground floor.
Cloakroom: Free cloakroom service for small bags and coats. Wheelchairs can also be rented here.
Elevator: Available for accessibility needs but limited to certain areas.
Gift shop: Sells books, souvenirs, and reproductions related to the palace’s history.
Café: No café inside, but several options nearby in Piazza della Signoria.
Audio guides & tours: Available in multiple languages for an additional fee.
WiFi: Limited or unavailable—download guides/maps in advance.

Book tickets in advance: Avoid long lines by pre-booking online, especially in peak season.
The ground floor courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio, and the Loggia dei Lanzi of Piazza del Signoria are free to visit.
Climb the Arnolfo Tower: For stunning views of Florence, but be ready for a steep climb.
Take a Secret Passages tour: Enter a hidden set of stairways, corridors, and rooms.
Check for events: As an active government building, some rooms may be closed for official events.
Bring a guidebook/app: Many frescoes and symbols have hidden meanings—having an explanation enhances the experience. Upgrade for an audio guide or a guided tour.

Piazza della Signoria (1 min walk) – Admire the copy of Michelangelo’s David and other famous statues.
Uffizi Gallery (2 min walk) – Home to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael.
Ponte Vecchio (5 min walk) – The historic double-layered bridge lined with jewelry shops.
Santa Croce Basilica (7 min walk) – The final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Duomo & Giotto’s Bell Tower (10 min walk) – Admire Brunelleschi's Dome up close at Florence’s iconic cathedral, and scale its panoramic tower.
Bargello Museum (10 min walk) – A former prison turned museum with Donatello’s David.
Palazzo Pitti (10 min walk) – Grand Renaissance palace with stunning architecture, vast art collections, and the beautiful Boboli Gardens.
Mercato del Porcellino (5 min walk) – A famous market where you can rub the boar’s nose for luck.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Palazzo Vecchio

Can I buy tickets at the entrance, or should I book in advance?

Tickets are available at the entrance, but booking online is recommended, especially for summer months or visits of the secret passages and tower, which have limited slots.

Can you climb the Arnolfo Tower, and is it worth it?

Yes! The Torre d’Arnolfo is open to visitors, offering panoramic views of Florence. It’s 418 steps with no elevator, but the view of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Tuscan hills makes the climb worthwhile.

Is there an elevator for accessibility?

Yes, but access is limited. Most of the main rooms are reachable, but Arnolfo Tower and some hidden areas require climbing stairs. Check with staff for assistance.

Is Palazzo Vecchio still used as Florence’s City Hall?

Yes, it’s both a museum and the seat of the Mayor of Florence. Some rooms are still used for official functions, so parts of the palace may be temporarily closed.

Is Palazzo Vecchio kid-friendly?

Yes! There are interactive exhibits, treasure hunts, and family-friendly tours, including a special route where children dress as medieval figures.

Can I visit at night?

Yes, sometimes. Palazzo Vecchio seasonally offers night tours, usually between 7pm and 11pm. These provide a mystical atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Are there any secret passages in Palazzo Vecchio?

Yes! There are hidden staircases and secret rooms, including Duke Gualtieri’s escape route, the Studiolo of Francesco I, and passages behind the massive frescoes in the Hall of the Five Hundred. Some can be explored on special guided tours.

What is the Little Angel with Dolphin fountain?

A bronze fountain by Verrocchio (1476), featuring a playful putto holding a twisting dolphin, originally made for a Medici villa and later placed in Palazzo Vecchio’s First Courtyard.