The ultimate gay travel guide to Florence

Gaily Tour has created several tours to bring you around the gayest parts of Florence. Choose between a Fashion Tour, Renaissance Tour, Gay Tour, and Florence by Night tour. On each tour, you’ll get to skip lines into Florence’s most coveted sightseeing parts, On the Renaissance tour, you’ll get instant access to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. While on the Gay Tour, you’ll get into the Accademia Gallery, without having to queue. This takes the “move, I’m gay” meme to a whole new level! This tour was set up, not only to introduce tourists to the underlying gay history of Florence but to provide a safe space for LGBTQ travelers. Yes, Florence is a safe city for queer people. But being around other gay people provides an extra veil of security one just can’t refuse. 

With Italy Gay Travels you can get a taste of all the deliciousness on offer in Italy in a short time with this whirlwind tour of the gayest cities. Both Rome and Florence have been the capital cities of Italy, while Naples is the World Capital of Pizza! You'll be enjoying all the fascinating history, art, architecture and food in the company of like-minded gay men, who are sure to become your new best friends. Lovely guided walking tours are included, as are some crazy nights out bar-hopping between the best gay establishments in each city!

With special drink deals, irresistible pop music, and mixer events, this is the hangout spot where all the gays come to play. Queer is a chic, American-style gay bar, with the sophistication and charm of Italy. Queer lives up to its name by encouraging all patrons to be as free and open as they please – making the experience of drinking here all the more special. The bar staff are some of the friendliest we’ve ever met (who had a lot of patience for our indecisiveness). And it didn’t hurt how gorgeous they were. We couldn’t resist flirting with them – and blushed red when they flirted back. Queer certainly lives up to the name! 

Despite what some might say, size isn’t everything. And Piccolo’s small interior proves just why. From the moment you walk in the door, you are blasted with neon pink lights, the sight of plush furniture, and the sounds of iconic Italian music – it will feel as if you entered into the lair of the Pink Panther. Yes, it may be teeney, but the atmosphere makes up for it in leaps and bounds. It's the best place to go for a quick drink. Especially when starting a night out. Piccolo has a fabulous selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, so everyone is satisfied. Of course, we gorged on fruity cocktails whilst bopping away in our seats to feelgood pop tracks. 

Whilst we first assumed this gay friendly bar was named after the villain in Anastasia the locals gently let us know that this probably wasn’t the case…Nevertheless, we loved drinking here. Decorated in an old-fashioned, speakeasy-style, a visit to Rasputin is not to be missed. Entry to the bar can only be accessed via an unmarked doorway, making the experience super alluring from the get-go. Luckily, trying to find it isn’t as stressful as it may sound (thanks to Google Maps). Once inside, you’ll be transported back to the 1920s, with the dim lighting, elegant music, and lavish décor. Cocktails hit around the €20 mark, but it’s well worth the price tag, with the craftsmanship that goes into making each drink being superb.

Scandal! Lewd behavior! Salacious acts! All things conservative Italy says ‘no’ to. And yet, it’s everything Crisco Club believes in. It’s been at the forefront of Florence’s gay cruising scene for over two decades, and it shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. It is mostly a men’s only space where guys can chill out and let it all hang out (and oh boy, do they). Expect anything from underwear parties to nude soirees (yep, the full-throttle!). Women are admitted on certain nights but are only allowed in certain areas.

Super exclusive. Super manly. Super fun. Super gay. Fabrik is fantastique! And although it may be a bit of a trek outside the city, the night is worth every minute of travel. The best way to get there is by train, just hop on the Firenze-Prato line to Calenzano station. It's housed in a domineering industrial-style building, with over 600 square meters of bars, video rooms, private booths, and a cruising area. Like a twisted version of Wonderland, who knows what you’ll find as you waltz around dark rooms full of swings and glory holes. You’ll like it even more in the back (that sounded way dirtier than we meant it too!) We came across a wide-open space with a heated gazebo where dozens of guys were hanging about drinking and chatting.

Inspired by the music scene of New York’s Greenwich Village, Tenax is an alternative club for queer people who love rock, electropop, and techno. Strobe lighting and expert sound systems make dancing in this place feel otherworldly. If you like moving in a sea of flashing colors, whilst feeling the harsh vibrational beats soar through your body, then this is the spot for you. DJs and performers from around the world have been known to make an appearance at Tenax, including DJ Pawsa, The Wizard, and Raresh. It’s not exclusively a gay club, but it welcomes an open-minded crowd, so LGBTQ folk shouldn’t feel uncomfortable coming here.

“Hey this sounds like the perfect night out for you”, Seby quipped as we checked out the ad for “Bossy”. Ha Ha, very funny Mr Cranky. This event is a gay-friendly dance party that takes place every Thursday in Soul Kitchen. Located on the historical Via de Benci, surrounded by iconic buildings and stony structures, it’s the last place you’d think you’d find a trendy gay bar. It has a very hipster/ “too cool for school” type of crowd, with music that is more on the deep house and electro-funk side. So, if you come expecting Gaga or Ariana, prepare to be disappointed. Though if you come with a cool and laidback approach, then you’ll feel right at home.

As the only gay sauna in Florence, Florence Baths has become a thriving feature of LGBTQ life since it opened its doors in 1991. We would say that the best time to visit the baths is during the summer months. This way, you can take advantage of the expansive outdoor whirlpool and cruising garden. Hot guys hanging around in their speedos, engaging in flirtatious chat, and disappearing off into a corner is what you can expect to see. Inside, you’ll find Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, open showers, and massage therapies, so no matter what, you can expect a rub down at some point. The Baths also include a dining and drinking area for you to grab a bite or a cocktail.

One of the most popular food spots in all of Florence, Mercato Centrale is an open-air market, built inside an old warehouse. It may look a bit decrepit from the outside, but inside, it’s like a Foodie Wonderland. We discovered a wide selection of stalls and food shops, which wafted out a concoction of gorgeous scents that left us dizzy with hunger. Seby and I could have stayed there for hours with the number of available options. We sampled as much as our stomachs would allow – everything from cheesy pizzas to crunchy cannoli, spicy pasta to mouth-watering truffles. You name it, we ate it. Vendors were very chatty and welcoming towards us, eager to introduce a fresh pair of tourists to their cuisine. The market stays open until midnight, though most stalls tend to close around 10pm.

If it’s good enough for Elton John, then it’s good enough for us! La Giostra is the ultimate date night vibe, with twinkling lights hung across the ceiling, red-brick arches, fine wooden décor, and a menu brimming with Tuscan specialties. When we visited, the place was jampacked with family gatherings and doting couples (fair warning: if you want to dine here, book ahead). The atmosphere was bouncing off the walls, chattering over plates of food and glasses of chardonnay. Family is the key ingredient in the success of La Giostra – with the restaurant having been established by a father and his sons. Their menu was curated with ancient recipes that had been passed down through generations, and it is clear just how authentic their food is from the first bite. We enjoyed freshly made pasta and world-class wine. Food can take a little bit of time to arrive, but the wait is worth every minute.

We don’t know whether it was the smoldering cocktails, the glass-roof atrium, or the dark wood décor, but this place gave us the ultimate Gothic fantasy. Every inch of the space is touched with opulence and lavishness. After all, the building the Locale is based in once belonged to the Bastari Rittaffè family back in the 1200s. While we mainly went to Locale for the food, we were also a bit nosy to see what dining in a genuine palace is like. We dined in the basement, which is where the servant’s quarters used to be. It’s one of the most interesting eating out experiences we’ve ever had. The restaurant serves traditional Italian food and is super popular with the international crowd.

“Cooking the unrepeatable, living in the moment, together and always looking to the future”. With a mantra like that, who would pass up the opportunity to dine in the Gucci Osteria? The unique dishes are inspired by the fashion God, Gucci who has a penchant for all things dramatic, colorful, and fabulous). Head chef, Karime Lopez, is renowned in the culinary world for her passion for Italian cooking – so you are guaranteed a top-tier meal. We enjoyed a marinated bonito with purple corn tostada, infused with citrus flavors and giving a whole new spin on seafood. The restaurant itself is attached to the Gucci Garden Museum (which we recommend popping in to either before or after your meal). They also offer a wine-tasting experience at the cellars and vineyards of Castello di Monsanto winery – be sure to book it well in advance.

What has a Michelin star and the most romantic view in Florence? Borgo San Jacopo! There's truly nothing more magical than dining on exquisite food while looking out over the river as the lights start coming on in the evening. Head chef, Claudio Mengoni, is a mastermind when it comes to his craft. Our ultimate highlight from the menu is the porcini mushroom ice cream and fig molasses. Sound bizarre? We thought so too! But it truly blew us away. Despite such high-quality cooking, the atmosphere in the restaurant wasn’t pretentious in the slightest. Staff were laidback and friendly, made small talk whilst serving us, and treated us like close friends. And with over 900 selections of wines to choose from, it’s safe to say this place is like Wonderland for us.

We loved visiting this spot for our morning smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, as well as some sweet treats in the afternoon! They have an excellent range of vegan and vegetarian options here as well as some of the best avocado toast we've ever eaten. After all the delicious pizza and pasta we gorged on during our trip, it was definitely nice to have something fresh and healthy for a change as well. The best thing is they're open every day from 8:30am until 9pm, so you're set whether you're an early bird or more of a sleep-in till noon kinda person… not pointing any fingers *cough, cough* Seby!

Ponte Vecchio is considered to be one of the most cherished features of Florence. It was one of the first bridges built in the city and is believed to have stood since (at least) 966 AD. While it was created as a method of defense, it quickly became a busy shopping spot for residents on neighboring sides. Over the years, it has taken the force of several floods and damage, the most disastrous being in 1345, which caused a need for an extensive rebuild. Despite its misfortunes, the bridge was spared from the Germans during WW2 – the only bridge across the Arno to do so. A walk across will give you exceptional views of Florence, and a chance to do some shopping at the stalls/shops that line the bridge. We also recommend taking a boat ride under the bridge for some gorgeous shots of its unique structure.

“Is it weird to have a crush on a statue?” I ask Seby.
“Even I’m getting body envy right now…” he replies.  
You’ve heard about it. You’ve read about it. But have you seen it in the ‘flesh'? It’s one of the world’s most famous statues for a reason, and since you’re in Florence, you have no excuse to not see it. Perched in the center of the Accademia Gallery, David stands at 17 feet tall and is made out of Carrara marble. It represents the famous Biblical figure from the story of David and Goliath. The statue itself is very impressive – so expect to see many people snapping pics. We were just excited to admire it for the sheer craftsmanship in creating the human body from stone… and not just because of David’s rock hard abs.

The Duomo, part of the wider Florence Cathedral, is easily one of the most defining features of the Florence skyline. However, it nearly never existed. Construction on the dome was so messy, experienced so many setbacks, and encountered so many issues that the dome wasn’t finished until years after the rest of the building. From inside, visitors can get wondrous panoramic views of the city. It’s a great place to grab pictures, breathe in the sight of the chequered red and white topped buildings, and feel like the King of the World (ala Jack Dawson from Titanic). And be prepared for a big climb – as you’ll need to ascend 463 steps to reach the top. We recommend going along on a tour of the entire cathedral, as you get walked through the museum and into the dome, all the while learning about the building’s extraordinary past. 

In the very center of Florence, lies the Palazzo Vecchio – an exquisite town hall that overlooks the bustling Piazza della Signoria. Built in 1299, it has played host to the city’s leaders for centuries. During their reign, the Medici family transformed it into their family palace. The place still holds onto its opulence and charm. Swing by, either by yourself or on a tour, to discover the incredible architecture, sculptures, and paintings, as well as absorb the fascinating history that has occurred throughout the years. You’ll easily lose yourself for hours wandering around the building. It contains a gallery of statues, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David, three stunning courtyards, and a massive hall full of artworks.

You can’t think of Tuscany, without summoning the thought of wine. They practically go hand in hand. So, when in Rome (or in this case, Florence), get yourself to a vineyard stat! We practically got drunk off the smell of the vineyards, which hits you the second you approach the farm. There are plenty of guided tours for you to join in on which is the best way to learn all about the history and expertise that goes into making a bottle. From the time it is a grape, to the moment it touches your lips, making wine is an intense and exhaustive experience. And there was us taking it for granted. We’d recommend joining a tour over showing up to a vineyard unannounced, plus you’re more likely to get a free tasting. It’s a great way to make new friends and allows you to see a regional area of Tuscany you may have never seen otherwise.

Sure, it sounds cheesy… but enjoying a pasta making class with a loved one can be a dough-lightful experience! There are plenty of classes in Florence for you to sign up to. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll expand on your cooking skills learn all about the pasta-making process. Plus, some insight into what types of pasta work best with certain wines and sauces. And once it’s all done, you don’t need to argue about where to eat for dinner – you’ll have already made it. Don’t think of yourself as a cook? We didn’t either. But our teacher was so patient and so incredible at walking us through everything step-by-step, that by the end, we felt we could give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money.