Where to Watch the World Cup in Florence – International Bars and Outdoor Screens

Florence, as it always is, will be packed this summer. The city of Dante, Botticelli, Fiorentina and the birthplace of The Renaissance is never short on tourists. Florence is one of Italy’s busiest cities, with an estimated 10 to 12 million tourists descending on the Tuscan city every year.

Naturally, summer is peak season. And if you find yourself there in June and July, you might want to catch a glimpse of the World Cup.

Of course, Florence has its own history with the tournament. The Stadio Artemio Franchi was one of the venues for Italia ’90 and witnessed Diego Maradona missing from the penalty spot in the quarter final against Yugoslavia. Despite their captain’s miss, Argentina won and advanced to the semi-final and a clash with the hosts.

While there is no Azzurri at the World Cup this summer and with the vibe surrounding the competition in Italy not what it would normally be, you can still watch games around the city and join in on the festivities.

Given Florence’s international flavour, there are plenty of places to catch the action, with different kinds of options available.

Of course, pubs and live sport go hand-in-hand, and so a top spot to see games is the Irish pub The Fiddler’s Elbow in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. An institution in the city since 1990, the pub has five indoor screens, not to mention stocked with the usual selection of international beers and spirits.

Other bars in the city worth checking out is the American student haunt The Lion’s Fountain on Borgo degli Albizi. A popular spot in the city with seven screens, even in busy times you’re guaranteed to miss none of the action with space for everyone. Moreover, The Lion’s Fountain also serves food, with burgers, chicken wings and finger food all available to order. 

Finnegan’s Irish Bar on Via San Gallo, which makes the claim of being the only Irish bar in the city owned by Irish people, is another that’s showing live games, with the pub showing at least two per-day throughout the group stages.

Completing the round of pubs is The Joshua Tree Florence on Via della Scala. A stone’s throw away from Florence’s Mercato Centrale, The Joshua Tree is a small-but-cosy boozer that’s promised “ice-cold beer, big screens, and the perfect atmosphere” for watching games this summer. What else could one need?

If you’re want to eat food while watching the game’s biggest players going toe-to-toe, then make your way to the Hard Rock on Via dei Brunelleschi. As the temperature climbs in Florence during the steamy summer months, the thought of sitting in a nice air-conditioned restaurant with food, a beer and watching a game sounds like a true delight. 

Another alternative is the Red Garter Firenze on Via dei Benci. An American steakhouse that’s been in the city since 1962, Red Garter is a cornerstone of Florentine life and is well known throughout the city as a place to watch live sports of every kind. Red Garter is showing live matches throughout the tournament and are situated in an ideal location not far from the Uffizi Gallery, with giant screens on display as you munch on burgers or steak while sipping a cold pint. 

Yet if you want something a little different and want to experience an outdoor event, then we have you covered. 

Close to the River Arno is Atollo, a summer hotspot in the city. Normally known as a place to relax with an evening aperitif as a DJ plays in the background, Atollo is showing live screenings of games during the tournament, which makes it ideal if in groups of people. Order a drink, sit by a table with the breeze from the river wafting over and enjoying the action sounds like a great way to spend an evening in Florence. 

Surf Ventura Club is another great little spot. A nondescript looking establishment from the outside, the cocktail bar is perhaps the perfect way to unwind after a day of wandering around Florence. 

Inside is undoubtedly where the magic happens. A place primarily for cocktails and desserts, Surf Ventura Club is located across the river and not far from the bucolic Boboli Gardens. 

This is one of the best places in the city to go for cocktails, and they are also showing live matches. The bar is small, so it’s best to arrive early for your game of choice. It’ll be an experience you won’t forget in a hurry, a different side of Florence not found in many guide books.

Despite the lack of Italian presence at the World Cup, Florence has your nation covered should you find yourself in the city during the competition.