Florence may be most famous as the Cradle of Renaissance, but it also boasts a fabulous queer legacy.
Long before the rainbow flag, Florence boasted a gay scene as colourful as Botticelli’s Primavera. Many Florentines, including leading artists like Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo, engaged in copious, though clandestine, homosexual affairs. Yet collectively they promoted a queer culture that celebrated male beauty and intimate connections in ways that resonate with LGBTQ+ interpretations today.
Not to mention gifting us some of the greatest art and sculpture in Western culture through their rendering of the male form.
Florence is still a fantastic city for LGBTQ+ travellers. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to sip Chianti while watching the sunset or you’re more in the mood for dancing and a dark room, Florence has something for everyone. Here are some of the best gay bars in Florence.
Piccolo Café
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:30 pm–2 am; Friday – Saturday 5:30 pm-2 am
Address: Borgo Santa Croce 23
Instagram: Quelo
Just around the corner from Basilica Santa Croce, Piccolo Café has been a staple of the city’s gay scene since 1994. As its name suggests, Piccolo is small and intimate. But size isn’t everything. It’s also the motion of the ocean. And Piccolo makes a splash with both tourists and locals who are looking to start their night over cocktails and draft beers.
The bar’s pink and purple cosy interior certainly invites conversation, while spilling out onto Borgo Santa Croce for a quick smoke makes for a quintessentially Florentine experience. Piccolo truly comes alive after dark, attracting a diverse crowd of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. At the weekend, its resident DJ spins mainstream international and trashy Italian tracks.
Crisco Club
Open: Mon 10 pm-12 am, Tues-Thurs 10 pm-3 am, Sat 10 pm-6 am, Sun 10 pm-12 am
Address: Via Sant’Egidio 43, Rosso
Instagram: Crisco
For those seeking a more adventurous night out, Crisco Club is the place to be. This long-running establishment has been a cornerstone of Florence’s gay nightlife since the 1980s and is the number one cruising hotspot in Florence. Located near Florence’s main cathedral, the Duomo, for that extra bit of spicy taboo, Crisco Club offers a unique blend of dance floor energy and intimate spaces for more private encounters.
Crisco Club is known for its themed nights, including the famous Naked-Jockstrap events on Thursdays. With its dark, labyrinthine interior and pulsing music, Crisco Club provides an environment where patrons can let loose and explore their desires freely.
Remember, what happens at Crisco stays at Crisco 😏
Queer
Open: Daily 8 pm – 2 am
Address: Borgo Allegri 9r
Facebook: Queer Florence
Located in the Santa Croce area, just a few minutes walk from Piccolo, Queer has quickly become one of Florence’s most popular LGBTQ+ hangouts since its opening its doors around 10 years ago. Queer is perfect if you’re looking for a stylish, American-style bar that blends Italian charm with international modernity and offers a fresh take on gay nightlife in Florence.
The bar is famous for its creative cocktails and themed nights, including karaoke and drag performances. Queer’s friendly staff and inclusive vibe make it a welcoming space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies and it attracts a young, diverse crowd with its energetic atmosphere.
Quelo
Open: Monday – Saturday 6 pm – 1 am (2 am Fridays and Saturdays)
Address: Borgo Santa Croce 15r
Website: Quelo Florence
While not a gay bar per se, Quelo deserves a mention among the best gay bars in Florence for its super-inclusive atmosphere.
Situated a few doors down from Piccolo, this cosy spot in Borgo Santa Croce has become a favourite among Florence’s LGBTQ+ community and open-minded locals alike. Quelo’s eclectic decor, featuring books, games, and local art, creates a warm and inviting ambience.
The bar is known for its creative aperitivi and cocktails, as well as its delicious aperitivi and appetisers. Their cocktails really are special sauce, but you might want to steer clear of the Long Island Iced Teas if you want to remember anything from your night. 😵💫
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