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Your handy guide to planning Palazzo Pitti visit

Palazzo Pitti Plan Your Visit

Located in Florence, Italy, Palazzo Pitti is a stunning palace that houses several museums and galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Costume Gallery. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned art enthusiast, this travel guide provides all the necessary information to help you plan your visit to Palazzo Pitti.

Palazzo Pitti | Visitor information at a glance

Palazzo pitti area view

What are the Palazzo Pitti's opening hours?
Palazzo Pitti is open from 8:15am to 6:30pm (Tuesday - Sunday). It is closed on Mondays.

Where is the Palazzo Pitti located?
Palazzo Pitti is located in Florence, Italy, on the south side of the Arno River. Get directions

How many entrances does the Palazzo Pitti have?
Palazzo Pitti has one main entrance at Piazza de' Pitti. There are several other entrances inside the complex for specific galleries and gardens of the palace.

How many visitors does the Palazzo Pitti see per year?
Palazzo Pitti receives approximately 4 million visitors per year.

What are the Palazzo Pitti hours?

Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15am to 6:30pm

Last admission: 5:30pm

Closed: Monday, December 25, and January 1

Visitor duration: The duration of a visit to Palazzo Pitti can vary depending on the interests of the visitor and the areas they wish to explore. A general estimate is around 2-3 hours. 

What is the best time to visit Palazzo Pitti?

The best time to visit Palazzo Pitti is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller, making for a more peaceful experience. Spring is especially perfect to explore the palace's gardens without the crowds and in full bloom.

Pro tip: Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can also help avoid the busiest times of day. However, note that some sections of the palace may have reduced hours or be closed during the off-season, so check beforehand.

Where is Palazzo Pitti located?

How to get to the Palazzo Pitti?

By Public Transport

By public transport

By bus: Take lines 11, 36, C4 and C3. The nearest bus stop is called "Pitti" and is located on Via de' Guicciardini.

By tram: Take the T1 tram line and get off at the "Unità" stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Palazzo Pitti.

By train: You can take a train on line R and stop Florence Santa Maria Novella train station. From there it's a short walk.

By Car

By car

If you are traveling by car to Palazzo Pitti, keep in mind that the palace is located in the historic center of Florence, and parking can be challenging. There are several parking options available:

  • Garage Lungarno (350 meters from Palazzo Pitti)
  • Garage delle Terme (650 meters from Palazzo Pitti)
  • Porta Romana Parking Lot (850 meters from Palazzo Pitti)
  • Oltrarno Parking Garage (1 kilometer from Palazzo Pitti)



Book Palazzo Pitti tickets

Medici's Mile Guided Walking Tour with Pitti Palace Tickets
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
More details
Florence 5-Day Pass: Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Tickets
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
More details

Know before you go to Pitti Palace

Skip the Line
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Tips
Dine
Stay
Nearby
Skip-the-line

There is one main entrance and several other for specific areas inside the Pitti Palace.

  • The main entrance, which is located on the south side of the palace and leads to the courtyard. From here, visitors can access the Palatine Gallery, Royal Apartments, and other museums within the palace.
  • The accessible entrance with rental wheelchairs and walkers located on the left side of courtyards.
  • The entrance to the Costume Gallery, which is located in the Palazzina della Meridiana, adjacent to the Pitti Palace's southern wing.
  • The entrance to the Boboli Gardens, is accessible via Pitti Palace courtyard. There's also a separate entrance via Romana on the right side of Pitti Palace.
Restrooms
  • Restrooms: There are restrooms available throughout the palace and in the gardens.
  • Cafes and Restaurants: Palazzo Pitti has several cafes and restaurants including the Palazzina della Meridiana Cafe, the Buontalenti Grotto Cafe, and the Terrace Cafe in the Boboli Gardens.
  • Bookshop: The Palazzo Pitti Bookshop, near the main entrance, offers a wide range of books, guides, and souvenirs related to the palace and its collections.
  • Audio Guides: Audio guides are available for rent at the main entrance, providing visitors with a self-guided tour of the palace and its collections.
  • Cloakrooms: Free storage services available on the right side of the court. Umbrellas, big bags and backpacks can be stored. 
  • Baby Pit-Stops: On the right side of the court, in the basement, is a designated area where nursing mothers can change, relax, and rest.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the palace and the gardens.
Reserved Parking
  • The palace has several ramps and elevators, providing access to all floors and exhibition areas. 
  • Palazzo Pitti offers free loan of wheelchairs to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs can be requested at the main entrance.
  • There are accessible restrooms available for visitors with disabilities throughout the palace and in the gardens.
  • Audio guides are available for rent at the main entrance. The audio guides also have a special mode for visitors with visual impairments.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the palace and the gardens.
  • Reserved parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available in the Parterre Parking Garage, located near the palace.
Palazzo Pitti rules
  • Flash Photos/videos are prohibited inside the palace, and the Boboli Gardens. Please respect the privacy of the artworks and fellow visitors by refraining from photography within the palace.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the palace or the gardens, with the exception of bottled water.
  • Smoking is prohibited throughout the palace and the gardens.
  • Don’t touch any of the artworks or exhibits in the palace or the gardens.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting the palace. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and bare feet are not allowed.
  • It is necessary to provide the crew with all LAG items and overcoats for security reasons.
Palazzo Pitti
  • Reach the Palazzo Pitti premises at least 15 minutes before it opens to gain entry when the palace isn’t crowded.
  • Opt for the guided tour, if available, so that you don’t miss the important facts about Palazzo Pitti. With a history as fascinating and the palace as vast as Pitti's you'll not regret it!
  • A full 140 rooms, housing a number of important museums and galleries, research beforehand and plan accordingly. The Palatine Gallery, which holds an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by artists Raphael, Titian and Rubens, is the most famous. Visitors can also tour the sumptuous Royal Apartments, Silver Museum, Porcelain Museum, Carriage Museum, and Costume Gallery. The palazzo even houses a Modern Art Gallery, highlighting Italian painters from the 18th to early-20th centuries.
  • If you're into history, particularly interested in the Medici dynasty, consider joining a walking tour of Florence covering the Renaissance monuments built during the reign of the Medici family.
  • The Boboli Gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a stroll through the gardens to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Dine
  • Caffe della Galleria: The cafe is perfect for making a pit-stop during your tour. 
  • OLIVIA: The restaurant is a gourmet heaven near Palazzo Pitti. 
  • Ristorante Caffe Pitti: Enjoy great Italian cuisine and good vibes at this renowned restaurant
  • Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: The dream dine-in for wine lovers.
Palazzo Pitti stay
  • Luxury: Palazzo Bianca Cappello, 180 m away; Hotel Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, 130 m away; Hotel Lungarno, 300 m away
  • Mid-range: SoprArno Suites, 130 m away; Palazzo Martellini Residenza d'Epoca, 220 m away; Hotel La Scaletta Florence, 200 m away
  • Budget: Soggiorno Pitti, 32 m away; B&B Beatrice Di Beatrice Burzagli, 150 m away
Duomo
  • Boboli Gardens: These beautiful gardens are located right behind the Palazzo Pitti and offer stunning views including numerous sculptures, fountains, and lush greenery.
  • Uffizi Gallery: The gallery features an extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Duomo: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore features a massive dome designed by Brunelleschi and is located in the center of Florence. 
  • Palazzo Vecchio: This impressive palace was once the seat of government in Florence and is now home to the city's town hall. 
  • Santo Spirito: This beautiful church is located in the Oltrarno district, and features a stunning interior and artworks, including a crucifix by Michelangelo.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Palazzo Pitti

Is Palazzo Pitti worth visiting?

Yes, Palazzo Pitti is worth visiting. It is a stunning palace with various museums and galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Costume Gallery. It houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and early Baroque paintings, with masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.

How long should I spend at Palazzo Pitti?

To fully experience Palazzo Pitti, plan to spend at least half a day there. The Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art alone can take a few hours to explore. Additionally, the Boboli Gardens and the Royal Apartments are also worth visiting.

How can I reach the Palazzo Pitti from the city center?

Palazzo Pitti is located on the south side of the Arno River in Florence and pretty close to Florence city center. You can reach it by crossing the Ponte Vecchio, the 'old bridge', and walking a short distance.

Can I visit the Palazzo Pitti for free?

No, Palazzo Pitti charges an admission fee, and you will need to book tickets to be able to access the museum.

How can I optimize my visit to the Palazzo Pitti for a more personal and less crowded experience?

To have a more personal and less crowded experience, consider visiting Palazzo Pitti during the off-peak season, such as in the fall or winter, and avoid weekends and holidays. Additionally, visiting in the late afternoon or early evening may also result in fewer crowds.

Can I visit the Pitti Palace with kids?

Yes, Palazzo Pitti is a family-friendly destination. Children under 18 years old can enter for free, and there are several exhibits, such as the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Museum of Costume and Fashion, that may interest them.

Do I need to book tickets for children?

Children under 18 years old can enter for free, but you may need to book a ticket for them if you are visiting during peak season or if they are part of a guided tour.

Can I visit the Palazzo Pitti in a group?

Yes, Palazzo Pitti allows groups to visit. Some guided tours are also available for groups.

Is Palazzo Pitti wheelchair friendly?

The Palazzo Pitti is accessible for visitors with disabilities, with a ramp and accessible entrance.

What should I wear when visiting the Pitti Palace?

Dress appropriately for the formal setting of the museum, avoiding bathing costumes, skimpy clothing, wedding dresses, period costumes, or any other fancy dress undignified for such places. It is also forbidden to walk barefoot or bare-chested in the museum.

Do visitors at the Pitti Palace get access to Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wifi is available throughout the museum.

Are dogs allowed inside the Pitti Palace?

While pets are not allowed inside the Palace, guide dogs are an exception with appropriate supporting documents.

Where can I find the Pitti Palace cafe?

The Pitti Palace Cafe is located within the Pitti Palace complex on the right side of the courtyard. It closes at 7pm from September to May and at 8pm from June to August.

Is photography permitted inside the Pitti Palace?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Pitti Palace, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal and Imperial Apartments. However, the use of flash is not allowed to prevent damage to the artworks.