LGBTQI+ Spaces

Student Tips & Resources

Florence is a city renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, which includes a meaningful LGBTQ+ history with roots reaching back to the Renaissance.  The current LGBTQ+ scene is comparatively understated relative to larger metropolitan areas. The following recommendations are based on student experiences and local insights, designed to help students identify queer-friendly spaces, engage with the local community, and navigate the city safely. While enjoying the city and expressing yourself, be aware of your surroundings and reach out in case you have any questions or concerns. Be safe and enjoy the city.  You belong here!

Queer-Friendly Nightlife & Cultural Spaces

While Florence does not have designated queer party venues, there are nightclubs and cultural spaces that regularly host LGBTQ+ events. Follow their Instagram profiles to stay updated:

• La Limonaia Strozzi : @lalimonaiastozzi 

• The Shade Firenze: @theshadefirenze

• Combo Social Club: @combosocialclub

• Queer Factory Florence: @queer_factory_florence

• World of Ladies: @wol_world_of_ladies 

• In & Out: @in.e.out.firenze

LGBTQ+ Bars & Cafés

• Twist Bistrò

  • Location: Via Cavour

  • Highlights: Drag shows, vintage shop vibes

  • Links: Instagram | Facebook

• Quelo Bar

  • Location: Borgo Santa Croce 15/r

  • Highlights: Friendly, queer-friendly atmosphere

  • Links: Instagram | Facebook

Events & Festivals

• PridePark / NCS

  • Monthly queer party organized by Azione Gay e Lesbica

  • Location: Flog Auditorium

  • When: Last Friday of every month

  • Links: Instagram | Facebook
    
    

• Florence Queer Festival

  • Celebrates queer culture through film, theatre, photography, and literature

  • Opportunities: submit a feature film, attend a screening or event, volunteer

  • Links: Website

  • NYU Florence and the LGBTQ+ club collaborate on this event in various ways, so students can get involved

LGBTQ+ Organizations in Florence

• IREOS 

  • Centro Servizi Autogestito Comunità Queer

  • Address: Via dei Serragli, 3, 50125 Firenze FI

  • Website: IREOS

  • Queer community center offering health, legal, and psychological support.
    
    

• Azione Gay e Lesbica

  • Advocacy group, party organizer (PridePark), and cultural events.

  • Address: Via Bronzino, 117, 50142, Firenze

  • Website: Azione Gay e Lesbica

• Arcigay Firenze “Altre Sponde”

  • Local branch of Italy’s largest LGBTQ+ organization.

  • Address:  Via Enrico Forlanini, 164, 50127 Firenze FI

  • Website: Arcigay Firennze
    
    

• Love My Way APS

  • Social, decolonial, and climate-conscious queer space.

  • Location: Via Ghibellina 40 R, Florence

  • Instagram: @lovemywayaps

  • Website: Love My Way

Safety

• Queer public displays of affection are generally accepted in Florence, especially in touristy or international areas. Still, individual attitudes can differ, so it’s useful to stay aware of the people around you.

• Be especially careful when navigating the city at night.  If you experience bias or threats to your safety, please call NYU Florence for help (+39 055 5007 450 - after hours, follow the automated prompts to reach the staff member on call)
  
  

Sexual Health & Resources

• IREOS offers free and anonymous HIV/STI testing.

• The NYU Florence Campus Nurse can perform most sexual health screenings, covered by GeoBlue insurance