Florence Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Florence’s premier nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Florence. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

An Intro to Florence, Italy

Florence is the capital region of the Tuscany region of Italy. The city is the most populated region in the Tuscany region. The city is famous for its cathedrals, museums, art and literature. Once the most important city in Europe which was considered to be the economical capital, the city lost its economic significance due to continuous battles during the medieval ages. But, still the city attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world and is one of the most important cities in Italy. UNESCO has declared the historic part of Florence as a world heritage site and that says a lot about the beauty and significance of the city. The city also is the fashion capital of the world and is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. The city which is colourful and vibrant through the day become alive and kicking through the night. Millions of tourists from around the world enjoy the nightlife of Florence, the city has some great pubs, bars, nightclubs amongst other attractions. The tourists who visit the historical places, museums, art galleries during the days step out during the nights to enjoy the nightlife of Florence.

Florence At Night

Let us see the best of nightlife that Florence has to offer in this article.

Nightlife in Florence

The city known for its historic treasure and rustic streets is also a great spot to experience a blend of the past and the present after the dark. The nightlife in Florence is unlike any other cities in the world as it gives a perfect mix of classic places with modern vibes.
Before you head out for the nightlife in Florence here are a few things that one needs to know, the Italians hate public intoxication, so drink as much you want inside the bar but once you are out make sure you hold it up or get ready for some unwelcoming stare from the locals. Also, don’t forget to dress well since you are in one of the most fashionable cities in the world. The parties also generally start late in the night and go on till the early hours of morning, so ladies and gentlemen be patient after all who wouldn’t mind an extra preparation time?
The charming beauty of the city and the laid down and relaxed daily routine of the residents could lead the unknowing tourists to assume that nightlife is not a priority for this city. But this could not be further from the truth. Florence does know how to party.

Nightlife in Florence

Best Places for Nightlife in Florence

Like in most Italian cities, the nightlife in Florence flows in and out of the piazzas. Whether denizens are looking for stellar aperitivo, a hearty meal, cheap booze, or a night of dancing, they will invariably meet up in the square before heading out for the night. The great thing about the nightlife areas in Florence is that there are so many options to choose from. Florentines love meeting up in the bustling piazzas during the day, but come nightfall, they are packed with party-ready patrons looking to prime up the night. What most of the squares have in common is that they’re typically surrounded by cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants, and clubs, so it makes it easy to hop around in case something isn’t good on any particular night.

One of the most popular Florence nightlife areas is around Piazza Santa Croce. This massive stone square is surrounded by renaissance Florentine architecture and is virtually taken over every night by packs of young Italians and international students looking for the next best pub to crawl into.
Another famous nightlife area is Piazzale Michelangelo. Less about crazy booze hunting, the square offers its visitors some of the best views of the city, but also fun outdoor events and shows that are perfect for a couples’ night out. No matter where you go in the city or what you’re looking to do, the piazzas provide the perfect launching ground for any great night on the town.

Piazza Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce

A massive stone piazza that stretches from the steps of the Basilica Santa Croce to the street, Piazza Santa Croce is a refreshing open area featuring beautiful frescoes, an impressive statue of Dante Alighieri, and plenty of renaissance Florentine architecture, all of which can be admired from the scattered stone benches and the vast basilica steps. During the day and into the night, the piazza is packed with locals, international students, and tourists who come to kick a football around, gaze upon the sights, or relax under an umbrella at one of the cafés. A popular night time hangout for a young crowd of bar hopping Italians, Piazza Santa Croce is virtually taken over every evening by groups who gather to sip wine and chat or who stop by for a bit of conversation between pubs.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Perched atop a hill on the south side of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a breathtakingly expansive view of Florence, making it a popular spot for residents and tourists alike. The front of the Piazzale looks out over the Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo, and beyond to the hills of Fiesole. Though the place is usually over-crowded during the day – and intensely hot in the summer – by night there’s no more romantic spot for enjoying a gelato and admiring the city from afar as local street performers provide soothing guitar music. Concerts and shows are often staged in the piazza during the summer, and important football matches are shown on a gigantic screen in the middle of the square.
Whether visitors bring a bottle of wine to share on the stairs or set up their easels and tripods to try to capture the view, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a stunning backdrop for a scenic interlude during the day or a bit of high-spirited conversation with the young local crowd that gathers there at night.

Apart from these places one can also enjoy the nightlife in Florence by sitting on the nicely spaced rock benches along the monuments. After all, wouldn’t you enjoy some peaceful silent time enjoying the cold breeze with some magnificent views?

Best Bars of Florence

Florence is famous for its wine and craft beers. One can find the best wines from all over the world in this city. People love to drink and dance in Europe and off course Florence has all the arrangements for that. It is a place which attracts millions of tourists every year, so the bars offer everything from budget drinking options to VIP facilities. Long and exhaustive wine menu is available at a lot of places but be ready to shell out some cash for these wines. On the contrary be ready to grab a glass of cold beer at a budget price catching up on some sporting action at a local bar. Here is a list of prominent bars located in the city of Florence:

  • Kikuya pub and bar (Monday to Sunday 6:00pm to 3:00am)
  • Red Garter (Monday to Saturday 4:00pm to 4:00am, Sunday 11:30am to 4:00pm)
  • Full Up Concept Club (Thursday to Saturday 12:00pm to 4:00am)
  • Yab (Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 7 p.m. – 4 a.m. Closed on Tuesday & Sunday)
  • Space Club (Everyday 10:00pm to 4:00am)

These bars offer some of the best drink and ambience in Florence. Make sure you dress well or get ready to be denied entry at most places because don’t forget that you are in one of the most fashionable places on earth!

Best Bar Restaurants of Florence

Well, if drinks is the only thing on your mind then you should head to one of the bars but if drinks and food is what you are looking for then be sure to visit any of the bar restaurants in Florence. Italy is almost synonymous with pizza and almost all the places would serve pizza here in Florence. Fancy a drink with a slice of pizza may be?
Let us look at some of the best bar restaurants of Florence:

Bitter Bar

Bitter Bar

This place serves some of the best cocktails in town. Indulge into the thrill of experimenting with varied flavours of cocktails which are made with unusual ingredients at this bar. Adding a hint of gourmet flavour to the cocktails, in this bar one can enjoy the calm ambience along with sipping these cocktails with a twist. Also, the food here is mouth-watering. Located at Via di Mezzo this place is open between 8:00pm to 2:00am on all days.

Sabor Cubano

Sabor Cubano

If carefree and relaxed Cuban ambience is what you are looking for then this is just the right place for you. Just as the name suggests, this place will satisfy your cravings for Cuban delicacy. It has a relaxing ambience and some live piano music played in the backdrop. This place will give you a perfect set-up to enjoy the Florence nightlife. Located in the Via Sant’Antonino street of Florence this place is open between 7:00pm to 1:00am.

Sesto Narno

Sesto Narno

Florence has one of the most magnificent views in the world and if one wants to experience the glam of Florence while dining and sipping a few drinks this is the place to be. Located at the heart of Florence this place will give you surreal experience of enjoying drink in peace while looking at the panoramic view of the city. It is open between 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 7:00pm to 1:00am on all days.

Procacci

Procacci

Holding its rich taste of wine and reflecting the heritage of the Florence culture, the wine bar of this place is designed to relax and calm its visitors. While serving the iconic wines, this place is unusual than other nightclubs in Florence as you can also savour the taste of their smoked salmons and truffles. The place is located at Via de’ Tornabuoni and is open between 10:00am to 9:00pm on all days.

Coquinarius

Coquinarius

If dark nightclubs is not your thing and you would like a place with some fine wine and tasty Italian cuisines then this is the place for you. Unlike the dark nightclubs, this place in Florence gives the taste of delectable Italian cuisine with a fine glass of wine. Situated in the heart of the city, this place serves day and night and can be a great place to relax and enjoy the Florence nightlife.

Green Street Bar

Green Street BarThe nightlife hub of Florence, this street bar is located at one of the busiest districts of Santa Croce. This place opens it gates for the sundowners every night and serve them the best of the brewed craft beers along with a full-service bar. Located at the Via Ghibellina region of Florence this place is open between 8:30am to 2:00am.

Major Events in Florence

There are events round the year in Florence and the events vary from literature, art, religious to music festivals. One can plan their trip around one these festivals when visiting Florence. During these events the entire city lights up with energy and vibrance. One can experience Italy in true sense in these events. Let us look at the most prominent of these events:

  • Epiphany – January 6
  • Carnevale Carnival – February
  • Florentine New Year- March 25
  • Historical Re-enactment of Holy Friday
  • Scoppio del Carro – Easter Sunday
  •  Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – May
  •  Patron Saint Feast Day / Calcio Storico- June 24
  •  Florence Dance Festival: Estate Fiesolana – June to July
  •  Sesto d’ Estate- June to July
  • Festa di San Lorenzo- August 10
  •  La Festa delle Rificolone (Festival of the Paper Lanterns) -September 7
  • Nativity of Virgin Mary- September 8
  • Festa di Santa Reparata- October 8

Each of these events offer something for everyone. And be assured that these events are accompanied with a lot of food, drink, music and dancing. The season of spring that is June and July have the maximum number of events in Florence and this is one of the best times to visit Florence. Make sure you plan your visit to Florence around one of these events.

Nightclubs of Florence

Florence has the amusements for the nights in the form of nightclubs, and late-night bars. In this part of the guide, we will find out about the famous nightclubs located in Florence where you can enjoy the dance, music,drinks and also feast on some finger licking food all at the same time. Here are the details of the most amazing clubs located in Florence which stay open from late evening until the dawn: –

Moyo

Moyo

This nightclub is located just a few steps away from the central Santa Croce Square. It is the perfect place to start your night out in town. Here, you’ll find quality cocktails prepared with fresh fruits and excellent alcohol. Moyo is one of the best places for aperitivo in Florence with gorgeous buffets.

Flò

Flò

This nightclub offers the best views offered by any of the clubs in Italy. Located at a prime location in the heart of the city. It is an elegant club and has an exclusive guest list. It offers mouth watering buffet along with some great lively music to keep you going for the night. But, one thing remember to dress well for this club or else get ready to be turned away!

YAB

YAB

YAB is one of the most famous discothèques and clubs of Florence. It is located just a few steps away from the central Piazza della Repubblica. If you want to dance with your friends in an international atmosphere (YAB is mostly frequented by international students in Erasmus), this is the place to be. The exact street address of this place is Via dei Sassetti 5r.

Tenax

Tenax

Tenax is a historical club and has been frequently visited by the most famous DJs of Italy and Europe since the 1980s. It is the most famous club in Florence. The quality of music is the best you’ll find in town. It is located at Via Pratese in Florence.

Full Up

Full Up

Opened in the 1970s, Full Up has been recently renewed and now accommodates a younger crowd. Here, you’ll find university students as well as high-school ones. At Full Up, you can hear music from the disco era to hip-hop to the newest songs. Also, the location is excellent; close to the Duomo , it’s very easy to find. The exact locaton of this place is Via della Vigna Vecchia street in Florence.

The Space Club

The Space Club

Spaceclub is one of the most popular clubs amongst the women in Florence. Women are the most welcome and luckiest costumers at Space Club; some nights of the months, they can get in for free! The SpaceClub is also a fun place to dance, listen to good music and drink some of the best cocktails in town. It is located at Via Palazzuolo in Florence.

Hangar

Hangar

Hangar is located in the old Ghetto region of Florence. This are was once inhabited by the Jewish community of Florence. It is a cool club where you can spend a nice night out listening to great live music. Located at Via dei Pepi, the interior is perfectly decorated and looks like a little art centre. If you are looking for an affordable and at the same time chic place, Hangar is the right one for you – cocktails are cheap, and the place is simply amazing.

Timing Guide for Nightlife in Florence

The city of Florence known for its history, architecture and art is thronged by tourists all over the globe. Tourists who visit these historical and religious places of interests through the day step out post the sunset to enjoy the nightlife of Florence. Most of the pubs, bars and clubs open around noon and close in the early hours of the morning. In June and July which is the peak season in Florence with a lot of events lined up the timing could be from morning till the early hours post sunrise. The nightlife starts pretty late, generally post 10:00pm, so be patient. The party peaks around midnight and continues to thrive till at least 4:00am. Check the timing guide for particular places of interests as some places remain shut at one of the days of the week. But get ready to dance, sing and drink like the Florantians do when in Florence!

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Conclusion

Florence located in the Tuscany region of Italy is one of the most famous cities in the world for its history, art, religion and literature. The city is the fifth most populated city in Italy and exhibits everything that Italy stands for in good proportions. Once known for its trade and prominence across Europe the city still enjoys lime light from the populations of the world.
Museum, art galleries, cathedrals and historical monuments are to be visited during the day and one can always feast on some amazing pizzas that Italy can offer in between all these trips. There are some prominent bars and pubs which serve great collection of wines through the day and night. One can also gulp a few glasses of craft beers while catching up on some sporting actions during the day.
During the night one can head out to any nightclubs or dance till they drop in one of the discotheques in Florence. The nightlife begins late in the evening and goes on till the early hours of the morning. One can see pubs and bars with classic historical feels and modern vibes at the same time in Florence.
Though there are events round the year in Florence, June and July is the time with the most of the events. These events range from art, literature, culture, history, religion, music and dance. And there is a lot of food, music and drinks along with these events.
So, Florence is one city that needs to be on top of anyone’s list when visiting Italy or Europe. The city has something to offer for everyone. Put those walking shoes on during the days and the dancing shoes on during the nights. And don’t forget the Pizzas!

 

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