Galleria dell'Accademia (Gallery of the Academy of Florence), Florence (must see)

Tucked beside Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts, this gallery is smaller and more focused than the Uffizi—but no less impressive. Despite the name, it’s not formally tied to the Academy itself. What you’ll find here is a rich concentration of Florentine paintings, primarily from the 14th to 16th centuries, by artists like Uccello, Ghirlandaio, or Botticelli. There’s also a striking collection of plaster sculptures by Bartolini, Pampaloni, and Giambologna.

But the true magnet is Michelangelo’s original “David”, a striking masterpiece that anchors the entire visit. Leading up to it is a series of unfinished works by Michelangelo that are beautiful in their own right—among them the four “Prisoners” and a dramatic “Compassion”. These partial figures reveal the raw, emotional intensity of his process: you can still see the grooves left by mallet and chisel. And “David”, of course, has transcended the gallery, replicated endlessly—from beachfront resorts to casino lobbies—yet none compare to the sheer impact of seeing the original in person.

Elsewhere in the gallery, a dedicated room displays gleaming gold-ground polyptychs, rescued from churches around the region. Upstairs, you’ll discover a fascinating textile exhibit featuring fabrics and tapestries from the 13th and 14th centuries. Don’t skip the musical instrument section—it’s a treasure, including stringed instruments by Casini, Amati, and Stradivari, along with rare harpsichords. Each display comes with a detailed description, and some offer audio commentary at the push of a button.

Tip: During peak travel seasons, try visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday evening—the gallery stays open late, and the lines tend to be shorter. If you pre-book your ticket online, just remember to head across the street to the designated doorway to exchange your confirmation for an actual ticket. The guards outside will point you in the right direction.