Gay Florence
Florence (Firenze), located in Central-Northern Italy, is part of the Tuscany region. It is situated along the flowing Arno River, the second most important river in Italy behind The Tiber.
Tuscany has long been a key destination for travelers looking for romance and a taste of authentic Italy. It has taken top honors multiple times as a favorite destination by readers of Travel + Leisure.
Florence is known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance when it performed the essential function as a centre of medieval finance and trade.
Today, the town is a flourishing cultural center, graced by the ancient architecture and creative arts that fuse past and present. The charming medieval town of Florence is an ideal springboard for adventures deeper into the Tuscan region, home to wine, olives, and simple farm fare.
The best way to truly experience the classical wonders of Florence is by foot. Strap on a backpack and those walking shoes, and set out along the grand halls of the Uffizi museum, rub the nose of the boar at the Fontana del Porcellino, and sip an espresso in the Piazza del Duomo.
As the last remaining Renaissance town, Florence is indeed an international treasure.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Florence
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Best Time to Visit Florence
Snow is rare in Florence, but it's magical when it happens. The high season is between May and September when the Italian sunshine keeps things warm for popular activities like art festivals, dining "al fresco," and tourists and summer students from all over the world flock to see the magnificent city awash in beautiful, yellow light. Once the crowds start to dissipate, in Fall, it's especially lovely. November has the highest precipitation on average, including December, March, and April. You'll do best by dressing in layers to adjust to weather fluctuations.
Top Things to See and Do in Florence
What to do in Florence, Italy? We're so glad you asked! Come along with us because there are so many reasons to visit Florence! Below are just a few of the endless highlights.
MUST DO Florence Attractions & Activities
- Spend time learning about the art and architecture of the Renaissance city, including the Duomo, a marvel by Brunelleschi, and its Campanelli (bell tower) by Giotto. These are just a few names of the Italian Renaissance masters you will get to know. The more you learn about Florence and its great architects and artists, the more you'll yearn to know more. Everything has an incredible story, and you cannot help but be in awe of it all.
- Michelangelo dubbed the gilded bronze doors of Florence's Baptistery of San Giovanni by Lorenzo Ghiberti as the "Gates of Paradise" and is considered a masterpiece since its debut installation in 1452.
- Michelangelo's David is one such masterpiece found at The Galleria dell-Accademia.
- Donatello's David is a bronze sculpture at the Bargello National Museum.
- At The Uffizi, you'll find Botticelli's The Birth of Venus (see if you can find his self-portrait in one of the paintings).
- Look for room 15 at The Uffizi to see the magnificence of Leonardo da Vinci.
- Oltrano (translated to "on the other side of the Arno River") is located on the left bank of the Arno River and is where you will find the Piazzale Michelangelo. It's a great square and place to view the enchanting yellow light of the city, especially when you catch the sunset.
- While there, visit The Bardini Gardens. Take the Renaissance staircase to the top and discover one of the city's best views. It's known for the famous Wisteria Tunnel (blooming from April to October).
- The Giardino Delle Rose, designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1865, is also located in the Oltrarno. Stop and smell the over 400 types of roses. You'll never want to leave!
- Another "garden of Eden" site to behold is The Giglio which is replete with the iris flower that flourishes amidst the olive groves. The irises bloom in the springtime, so this is yet another reason to visit Florence "off-season." Aside from the wonderful aromas while you stroll, this is another perfect spot from which to view the city of Florence from a distance.
- Take a day trip to Siena! There is so much to see and do that it's hard not to get completely carried away! But if you have time, take a trip to Siena for its medieval splendor.
- Or, travel a bit farther distance and go back even further in time to Ravenna and experience its Byzantine mosaics and architecture, including the Basilica di San Vitale.
- Milan is known internationally as the epicenter of fashion, but there's a passion for fashion in Florence! Florence is a mecca for quality shopping with famous fashion designers, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Guccio Gucci, and more.
- If you're interested in fashion, travel a little south of Florence and visit Solomeo, home to visionary and fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli. Solomeo is a 12-century hamlet that was lovingly restored and preserved by Brunello Cucinelli. His incredibly successful business plays second fiddle to his love of nature, people, and the philosophical ideas that propel him. The result is a life well-lived, an inspiration for future generations, and a business beyond compare.
MUST EAT Florence Gay-Friendly Dining
Florentine cuisine is incredibly delicious because of its superior quality, and it is further enhanced when accompanied by regional Chianti wine. The Tuscan dishes are simple and reliant on local produce, cheese, and meats. Beans, which are super healthy on many fronts, are often a prime ingredient. The variety of dishes ranges from hearty soups to "Bistecca Fiorentina" to "Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo (long, thin flat pasta flavored with porcini mushrooms and truffles). You'll find the traditional salt-free bread "Pane Toscano" to be dense with a crispy crust.
The Florentine restaurants are versatile, flexible, and offer all types of food, no matter your taste or budget.
For breakfast, coffee and "cornetti" (Italian for croissant) is a special treat in this incredible city.
MUST VISIT: Florence Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Florence comes alive after sunset, and the social scene is always lively and fun. You'll feel like you belong and can be yourself in bars and nightclubs. Piccolo Café is on "gay street," and you can find a laid-back vibe there as well as a DJ on weekends. For more, see the "Gay Scene" below.
Travel Safety Tips
Florence is considered a very safe city with little crime, whether day or night. The best thing for travelers is to lock valuables in your hotel safe when you venture out to be sure and be mindful of pick-pocketers as you would in any city.
The Gay Scene in Florence
The gay scene in Florence is typically found on the the north shore of the Arno River. Florence’s gay scene requires proof of membership so don’t be surprised if you are asked for a Arcigay UNO CLUB card. You can typically get one at the entrance of the bar or club.
View the Gay Scene in Florence
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