This summer, we booked a last-minute guided walking tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze—home to Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David. I like to keep some flexibility in our travel plans, so when we had a free day and everyone in the family was enthusiastic about seeing the statue—even though it was a two-hour drive from our hotel in La Spezia—I jumped at the opportunity. My son, a budding art lover, was especially keen. Plan for about 1.5–2.5 hours at the museum; this gave us time to marvel at David and also to discover more of the museum’s treasures.
Booking Experience
We booked the “Florence: Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour” through Get Your Guide, operated by The Traveler Tours. Their team was responsive and kind from the start—a relief, especially after we hit unexpected traffic on our drive to Florence. When we called, they assured us they could move our reservation to a later tour at no extra charge. Thankfully, we made it in time! The one-hour tour with a live guide was just right for our family. The “skip-the-line” feature was a huge benefit with young kids who aren’t big fans of waiting. Headsets were provided for everyone, ensuring we could all hear our guide above the museum buzz (though our youngest, at four years old, couldn’t use the headset). Our guide’s name was Ana Khizanischvili (@ana_khizani), who was very knowledgeable and patiently answered our children’s questions. Overall, we were very happy with the tour and the company’s flexibility.
What to Expect Inside
The Accademia spans several floors and rooms filled with masterpieces. We began in a spacious gallery hung with paintings—thankfully, with benches where the kids could rest while our guide set the scene of Florence during Michelangelo’s era. We learned that David was originally meant to perch on top of the Duomo, but its extraordinary beauty led city officials to display it at ground level for all to admire. Before reaching David, we explored Michelangelo’s “Prisoners,” unfinished sculptures that seem to wrestle free from their marble blocks. Then, in a sunlit hall, we beheld David himself. Our guide talked us through the statue’s details and history as we circled it, taking in Michelangelo’s mastery from every angle. After the tour, we freely explored other highlights, including a fascinating exhibit of historic musical instruments—the museum houses the first piano!
Family Travel Tips
- If booking a live guide isn’t in your budget, try Rick Steves’ free audio guide (“Florence – The Accademia: Michelangelo’s David”), which you can download and use offline. We’ve relied on his guides for tours across Europe.
- Large backpacks and any drinks (even water) aren’t permitted inside, and there’s no locker room—so plan to leave these in your car or hotel.
- We did not bring a stroller, though we did spot a few families who did. I couldn’t find official information confirming whether strollers are allowed inside, but our kids were happy to rest on benches throughout the visit. Elevators make moving between floors manageable for little legs.
Arrival and Parking in Florence
Keep in mind, Florence’s city center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), making it more pedestrian-friendly but tricky for drivers. Only authorized vehicles may enter. We downloaded the Parclick app and reserved a spot at Garage Sant’Orsola, which provides the paperwork needed for ZTL access. The premium price was worthwhile after our two-hour drive—we parked just five minutes from the museum and friendly staff were always on-site. I was even able to retrieve things from the car after our museum visit, which was handy since large bags aren’t allowed inside. If parking in the ZTL sounds daunting, consider public transit or parking outside the restricted area.
Food & Family-Favorite Restaurants
The area around the Accademia is packed with great eating options. After our tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the lively Trattoria Mario, famous for its Florentine steak and family-friendly vibe—reservations are a must! Later, after a stroll by the Duomo, we treated ourselves to gelato at La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale. The Duomo rises just outside, and there are a few chairs to savor your sweet treat with a view.
Our day at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze was everything we hoped for—art, history, delicious food, and discoverable corners of Florence for the whole family. It was worth the drive and the last-minute planning. Whether you’re traveling with kids, art lovers, or simply curious minds, a visit to see Michelangelo’s David is something your family will always remember.