Event Dates
From: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
To: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Festa di San Giovanni
Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2026
Each year, on 24th June, Florence celebrates the feast of Saint John the Baptist in spectacular fashion.
Festa di San Giovanni & Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2026
Each year, on 24th June, Florence celebrates the feast of Saint John the Baptist in spectacular fashion.
- Visiting Florence for the celebrations? Stay at the Plaza Hotel Lucchesi rated “Fabulous” by guests with stylish rooms, a stunning rooftop pool, superb views and excellent location.
The Event
- Festa di San Giovanni & Calcio Storico Fiorentino is perhaps one of the most important celebrations in Florence, featuring events from early morning to late evening.
- Over the years, the event has combined religious traditions with secular celebrations carrying on historical and enjoyable traditions for locals and tourists.
- Highlights include a stunning fireworks display along the river Arno and the Calcio Storico Fiorentino matches, an early form of football featuring some of Italy's hottest players!
- Stay at the Grand Hotel Minerva, located close to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella featuring one of the best Gym views in Europe, facing the stunning piazza.
Morning: the Candle Ceremony (La Cerimonia dei Ceri)
- Celebrations begin in the early morning with The Ceremony of Candles.
- A stunning parade goes through the city's historic centre to the Piazza Duomo.
- Events end with the candle presentation to the Archbishop of Florence.
Afternoon: Calcio Storico
- A quintessentially Florentine event where the four teams from the city's historic neighbourhoods have a face-off.
- The Whites of Santo Spirito, the Reds of Santa Maria Novella, the Greens of San Giovanni and the Blues of Santa Croce.
- Every year a total of three matches are played – two semi-finals and the final.
- The matches follow the historical procession of the Florentine Republic, with the flag-bearers and musicians.
- Matches are adrenaline-fuelled and intense. The athletes are also very easy on the eye.
- Our top tip! Try and grab a seat at the bleachers in Santa Croce during the final.
Evening: The “foci” – Fireworks.
- Marvel at the Fochi di San Giovanni, a fantastic firework show that begins at 10 pm.
- The display lasts for an hour. Fireworks are set off from Piazzale Michelangelo and can be seen from several points in the city.
- Catch the best views of the fireworks from the banks of the River Arno.
Best hotel rooftops to catch the fireworks
- Se.sto on Arno – The Westin Excelsior – Enjoy a dinner in the lounge and experience the best of the fireworks.
- La Terrazza Rooftop Bar – Hotel Continentale – Book a front-of-the-line seat and enjoy Champagne from 21.45 to 23.30.
- Empire Rooftop Bar – Hotel Plaza Lucchesi – An unprecedented and breathtaking view of the city. Sip a drink by the pool while admiring the Duomo and the fireworks display.
Gay Florence
- Florence is one of the most popular cities with international tourists, and prices are high year-round, so plan your trip well in advance.
- Head to the Santo Spirito neighbourhood, just out of the city centre, with some great cocktail bars for a breath of fresh air and a less touristy atmosphere.
- Enjoy spectacular city views at Piazzale Michelangelo, close to Santo Spirito.
- Shop like a rockstar along Via de Tornabuoni, home to the city's top designer stores.
- No trip to Florence is complete without taking in the Statue of David. Book a skip-the-line ticket and save time.
Gay Bars
- Piccolo Café – A 2-min walk from the Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence. Piccolo Café attracts a mix of locals and tourists and is home to a large penis mirrorball. What's not to love? Gets busy after dinner (from around 11.30 pm)
- Queer Pub – Another bar in the Santa Croce neighbourhood, a little smaller, serving great cocktails and playing a mix of pop and house music.
- Twist Bistro – In between the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the Galleria dell'Accademia, Twist is the perfect place for an aperitif before dinner and hosts popular theme nights and drag shows.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the gay bars along Santa Croce.
- Rasputin – Gay-friendly secret cocktail bar with a speakeasy-style.
Clubs
- Fabrik – Gay cruise and fetish club (15 minutes from the centre) popular with bears and hosts special theme nights and naked Sunday afternoon events. Trains run frequently from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station and stop at Calenzano, right opposite the club. It's housed in an industrial-style building with over 600 square meters of bars, video rooms, private booths, and a cruising area.
- Crisco Club – Longest running cruising club in Florence, just metres from the Duomo. Small, busy and fun with different theme nights, including naked and jockstrap parties.
- Florence Baths – Complet with an outdoor whirlpool and cruise garden, a very busy gay sauna in the Summer season.
Parties
- The Shade @ Limonaia di Villa Strozzi – Combination of entertainment, music, stand-up drag comedy, and drag shows.
- Icon – Weekly event run from September to May in the historic centre of Florence, close to Piazza della Signoria. Plays a mix of pop and commercial music.
- Bear Troops – Popular bear party on select Saturday nights. The event takes over the Fabrik Club in Calenzano.
- Pride Park – Epic pop-up parties with world-class DJs, drag queens, and Italian superstars, held throughout the Summer in outdoor locations.
Dining
- Cucina Torcicoda – Located just a few steps from Piazza Santa Croce, the restaurant features different rooms with a pizzeria & gourmet dining options in an elegant space with modern art.
- Trattoria Il Francescano – The ideal place to taste traditional Tuscan specialities and great outdoor seating next to Basilica di Santa Croce.
- Mercato Centrale – Open-air market inside a former warehouse with everything from delicious Pizza to sublime truffles.
- La Giostra – Family-run restaurant with a long waiting list for reservations, so plan ahead. World-class wines, fresh pasta, excellent T-bone steaks and the occasional celebrity.
- Locale – Creative Tuscan dining & inventive cocktails in a 1500s palazzo with a 13th-century basement.
Recommended Hotels in Florence
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the gay bars and Attractions
Hotel Bernini Palace, Hotel Spadai, Grand Hotel Cavour, Hotel Balestri
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Hotel Bernini Palace is located in the heart
of the gay district close to the gay bars
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Festa di San Giovanni visit The Website
Gay Map of Florence
Piazza San Firenze 29, 50122 Firenze Florence, Italy
Set in a 15th-century building, Hotel Bernini Palace is a 5-minute walk from Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio. It features antique furniture and Murano-glass chandeliers. Some rooms are decorated in a classic style. Others boast Renaissance Florence décor with period tapestry and canopy beds. They all come with a satellite flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Hotel Spadai, Via dei Martelli, 10, Firenze, Florence 50129, Italy
4-star hotel near Historic Center - Downtown
Near Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza del Duomo, Hotel Spadai provides dry cleaning/laundry services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or Turkish bath/hammam, and indulge in aromatherapy, a sports massage, or a body treatment. Free in-room WiFi and a business center are available to all guest
Via Del Proconsolo 3, 50122 Firenze Florence, Italy
Grand Hotel Cavour has a rooftop terrace with views over Florence Cathedral. It offers a grand entrance hall with free WiFi, marble floors and statues, and elegant rooms with air conditioning. The Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio are both less than 600 m from the Grand Hotel Cavour. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is just a few steps away.
Piazza Mentana 7, 50122 Firenze Florence, Italy
Hotel Balestri faces the Arno River in Florence city centre. Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery are 400 m away. It features a roof terrace with lovely city views. Rooms are elegantly furnished, air-conditioned and offer satellite TV. They include a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Some have a balcony, and some boast views of the Arno River.
Calimala 2, 50123 Firenze Florence, Italy
Featuring a restaurant, fitness centre, bar and free WiFi, Hotel Calimala is located in Florence, less than 1 km from Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo di Firenze. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The property provides city views, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Laurus Al Duomo, Via Cerretani 54R, Firenze, Florence 50123, Italy
4-star hotel near Historic Center - Downtown
Near Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza del Duomo, Hotel Laurus al Duomo provides a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop/cafe, and a library. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
Grand Hotel Minerva, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16, Firenze, Florence 50123, Italy
4-star boutique hotel refurbished in 2018 and located near Historic Center - Downtown
Central Market and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are located near Grand Hotel Minerva, which provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and dry cleaning/laundry services. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a gym and a business center.
Grand Hotel Baglioni, Piazza dell'Unità Italiana 6, Firenze, Florence 50123, Italy
4-star boutique hotel near Historic Center - Downtown
Central Market and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are located near Grand Hotel Baglioni, which provides a roundtrip airport shuttle, a rooftop terrace, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Be sure to enjoy a meal at B-Roof, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as car rentals on site and a bar
Address:Via Guelfa 93/r, Florence 50129
- A cozy gay sauna located near the central station.
- Features include a steam sauna, dry sauna, and private cabins.
- Lacks a bar area, focusing instead on relaxation.
- Most popular on Sunday evenings.
Daily from 12:00 to 20:00/21:00
Address: Borgo Santa Croce 23/r, Florence 50122
- A vibrant, straight-friendly gay bar nestled in the heart of Florence, just a stone's throw from Piazza Santa Croce.
- Known for its open atmosphere and diverse crowd, it attracts a mix of ages, making it a popular spot.
- The best nights to visit are from Thursday to Saturday for a lively experience.
- Open: Tuesday 20:00 – 02:00; Wednesday-Saturday 17:00 – 02:00
Address: Via Sant'Egidio 43/r, Florence 50121
- Crisco Club is Florence’s main gay cruising and fetish venue
- Known for its dark rooms, themed nights like “Naked-Jockstrap,” and late-night techno beats.
- It draws a lively crowd, especially on weekends, with entry including a drink.
- Staff are friendly, though the vibe leans more adventurous than social. Best visited after midnight.
- Open: Monday-Thursday: 22:00 – 03:00
Friday-Saturday: 22:00 – 06:00
Address: Via Giuseppe Verdi, 28/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Viktoria Lounge Bar in Florence is a stylish, LGBTQ+-friendly spot in Santa Croce, known for top-tier cocktails and warm, welcoming service.
- Run by twin bartenders, it offers a relaxed vibe with indoor seating and a terrace, turning livelier as the night goes on.
- A local favorite for aperitivo and late-night drinks.
- Open: daily from 11:am to 2:pm
Website
Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 52/R, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
- Twist Bistrot is a cozy, queer-friendly café-bar in Florence known for its fun drag nights, vintage decor, and welcoming vibe.
- Popular for both aperitivo and lively evening shows, it offers friendly service and good value.
- A great spot for a relaxed, intimate night with a touch of flair.
- Open: Monday to Friday 7am–12am
Saturday 8am–1am, Sunday 8am–12am
Address: Borgo Santa Croce, 15R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Quelo Bar in Florence is a cozy, artsy lounge popular with the LGBTQ+ community for its warm, inclusive vibe.
- Known for creative cocktails, local art, and a relaxed aperitivo scene, it's not officially a gay bar but feels like a safe, welcoming space.
- Ideal for low-key queer-friendly evenings.
- Open: Daily 6 pm–1 am (Closed Sunday)
Instagram
Address: Via della Vigna Vecchia, 23R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Full Up Club in Florence is a lively, gay-popular nightclub with a 1920s speakeasy vibe, featuring drag shows, burlesque, live music, and DJ sets.
- The venue offers a stylish interior, strong sound system, and friendly staff.
- Known for its theatrical energy, it’s a top spot for queer-friendly nightlife with a cabaret twist.
- Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10pm–4am
(Closed Monday & Sunday)
Address: Via dei Servi, 82/red, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
- Pink Street Club is a stylish, gay-friendly nightclub in central Florence with UV lighting, upbeat music, and a fun, welcoming crowd.
- It’s known for lively weekend nights, friendly staff, and affordable drinks.
- Open late, it’s a popular spot for dancing & pre-party vibes in the city.
- Open: Wednesday, 10pm–2:30am
Friday 10pm–3am, Saturday 10pm–4am
Instagram
Recommended Hotels in Florence
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Florence that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Hotel Bernini Palace
5 Star Luxury
- Free WiFi
- Room Service
- Private Parking
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- 24-Hour Front Desk
Hotel Spadai
4 Star, Great Value
- Free WiFi
- Airport Shuttle
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Spa & Wellness Centre
- Electric Vehicle Charging
Grand Hotel Cavour
4 Star, Location
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Centre
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Balestri
4 Star, Readers Choice
- Free WiFi
- Room Service
- Pets are Allowed
- Concierge Service
- 24-Hour Front Desk
Video Gay Florence Guide
Discover the beauty of Gay Florence.
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