Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Occupying the top floor of the U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi along the banks of the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery was Europe's first modern museum, created by the Medici family at the end of the 16th century. Today, the museum is any art lover's dream: it still displays the family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch and Titian's Venus of Urbino.

Because of the many works of art housed here, you're going to need to take your time. One TripAdvisor user recommends you start by "getting a tour guide or the audio tour, just because there is so much that you want to know details." Many recent visitors also say that the main problem with this museum isn't art overload, it's the crowds. Before you visit, be sure to check out the museum's official website, where you can purchase tickets in advance and acquire additional information about the gallery's extensive art collection, showcased in over 45 halls.

The Uffizi Gallery — which sits just a few blocks from Ponte Vecchio in central Florence — is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Admission is about $9 USD (€6.50 EUR). For more information, visit the gallery's official website.