On the first Sunday of each month, Florence offers free access to its state and civic museums, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Renaissance masterpieces and discover the city’s hidden treasures. After a day surrounded by art and history, with its prime location, Helvetia & Bristol, is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
In 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse brings a spirit of energy, movement, and transformation. From February 16 to 22, Florence comes alive with celebrations culminating in a colorful parade through the historic center, featuring majestic dragons and traditional Dances. A vibrant cultural encounter in the heart of the city.
From February 27 to March 1, 2026, Stazione Leopolda becomes a living bookstore for TESTO, one of Italy’s leading publishing events. Inspired by this year’s theme, Estro, the festival gathers 165 publishing houses and over 180 international authors for previews, talks, and workshops. A refined way to experience Florence through its stories—like a true local.
From March 14 to August 23, 2026, Florence hosts a major retrospective devoted to Mark Rothko, unfolding across Palazzo Strozzi, Museo di San Marco and the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in dialogue with the Renaissance. Featuring over 70 works on exceptional loan, the exhibition turns the city into a journey of light and contemplation. To experience it seamlessly, guests may reserve our dedicated package or contact our Concierge for bespoke arrangements.
From March 19 to 28, 2026, Florence hosts the Korea Film Festival, featuring film previews, director talks, and insights into Korean culture. An immersive experience for cinema lovers, perfect for discovering the city between screenings.
At Easter, Florence celebrates the historic Scoppio del Carro in Piazza del Duomo, a vibrant display of fireworks, tradition, and symbols of renewal. A unique spectacle blending folklore and history.
From April 16 to 22, Florence celebrates Florence Cocktail Week with masterclasses, tastings, and events at the city’s top venues. A chance to explore creativity and mixology, with Cibreo Ristorante & Cocktail Bar offering exclusive experiences for guests.
From April 25 – May 20, 2026, the Giardino dell’Iris opens to reveal the bloom of over 1,500 iris varieties. A stroll amid colors and fragrances in one of Florence’s most enchanting gardens.
On May 1, Piazza della Signoria hosts the Trofeo Marzocco, a renowned flag-waving tournament showcasing Italy’s best performers in a historic procession with music and dramatic displays. A lively celebration of Florentine tradition and pageantry just a few steps away from Helvetia & Bristol Firenze.
The renowned Maggio Musicale Fiorentino season returns in April to June 2026 with a rich program of operas, concerts, and orchestral performances spanning a variety of periods and styles. Italy’s oldest music festival blends grand opera with world-class symphonic experiences.
From May 23 to 25, 2026, Firenze dei Bambini invites families to explore Florence through workshops, performances, and creative activities hosted across museums, squares, and public spaces. A playful celebration of learning and discovery for children of all ages.
On June 24, Florence celebrates Saint John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, with traditional ceremonies and a spectacular fireworks display over the Arno River that lights up the summer sky. One of the most evocative nights of the year to experience Florence’s history and magic. Did you already know the ritual of St. Giovanni’s water?
In June, Florence brings to life the ancient tradition of Calcio Storico in Piazza Santa Croce, with passionate crowds cheering. A unique event blending skill, strength, and historic pageantry.
From June 12 to 14, 2026, Firenze Rocks lights up the Visarno Arena with three nights of major international acts: Lenny Kravitz (June 12), Robbie Williams (June 13) and The Cure (June 14), joined by bands like Mogwai, The Twilight Sad and Just Mustard. A must‑see rock and pop music weekend that turns Florence into a vibrant summer stage.
On July 26, Florence’s Oltrarno district comes alive for the Feast of Saint Anne, with colorful processions, traditional music, street stalls, and fireworks along the Arno. A day blending devotion, local culture, and neighborhood life, offering a unique chance to experience Florence like a true local.
Cibrèo, an icon of Florentine dining with over 45 years of history, expands its presence at Helvetia & Bristol Florence with the new Cibrèo Ristorante & Cocktail Bar. Here, a contemporary menu enhances the flavors and textures of tradition, while the striking Cocktail Bar, featuring a yellow Siena marble counter, offers signature cocktails inspired by the same culinary philosophy.
La Ménagère is a multifunctional space in Florence featuring a café, cocktail bar, restaurant, flower shop, tapas bar, design store, and event space. In the Restaurant, young chefs from the Saffi Culinary Institute present high-quality dishes that blend tradition and innovation, while at the bistro guests can enjoy coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, and signature bites with a creative flair.
In 2018, the Antonio Mattei biscuit factory opened its Museo Bottega in the heart of Florence, celebrating, narrating, and showcasing the art of the famous Cantucci di Prato. A place to discover Mattei’s history as a producer since 1858, admire the production process, enjoy various tastings, and purchase biscuits to take home an authentic Tuscan flavor, best paired with a fine Vin Santo.
Book a visit or a Craft Experience at one of the ancient Florentine boutiques with our concierge and uncover the secrets of craftsmanship. Learn the rarest artisanal techniques by simply touring a workshop partner of Helvetia & Bristol or creating your unique personal souvenir by hand, guided by master artisans.
Via dei Pescioni, 2
50123 Firenze
Italy
General Manager: Federico Versari
CIR CODE: 048017ALB0003
CIN CODE: IT048017A1JJ5NDZ7I
T: +39 055 26651
F: +39 055 288353
Hotel Contacts: helvetiabristol.fi@starhotels.it
Reservation Requests: reservations.helvetiabristol.fi@starhotels.it
(PEC) Certified Email: starhotels_helvetiabristol.fi@legalmail.it
Starhotels Finanziaria S.r.l. con socio unico
Viale Belfiore, 27 - 50144 Firenze Italia T +39 055 36921 F +39 055 36924
Sede legale in Milano (MI) 20121, Via Turati 29 - Capitale sociale Euro 10.000.000,00 i.v.
Codice fiscale, Partita IVA e numero di iscrizione al Registro delle Imprese di Milano Monza Brianza Lodi n. 05201490967 - R.E.A. n. 2657539
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