Florence Nightlife
The city’s well-heeled foreign students, who come to study Italian and art history, fuel the nightlife in Florence. The city boasts flexible licensing hours - some pubs stay open until 0100 or even 0300. The most bohemian area is the Oltrarno, south of the river. Elsewhere, nightlife is concentrated around Piazza della Signoria, home of more sedate venues. The city’s main nightclubs close in the summer and head to the beach instead, but summer-only clubs spring up in their place.
It seems that Florence could never lose her reputation as a city of culture. Visitors should keep an eye open for one-off recitations played in churches and piazzas around the city. The entertainment publication Firenze Spettacolo (www.firenzespettacolo.it) provides listings on entertainment in the city. Box Office Toscana (Tel: +39 55 210804; www.boxofficetoscana.it) sells most other tickets.
Bars in Florence
Casa del Vino
Casa del Vino is situated close to the central market and is a classic old-style enoteca (wine bar), all polished wood and Chianti tipples. Choose from a selection of panini or get a plate of snacks to allow you to try more than one glass of excellent plonk.
Address: , Via del Ariento 16R, Florence, 50123Telephone: +39 55 215 609.
Website: http://www.casadelvino.it
Le Volpi and L' Uve
For a glimpse of an authentic Italian watering hole, wend your way to Le Volpi and L'Uve to sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. The owners, Riccardo and Emilio, can recommend plates of salami or cheese to accompany your selection, and there's a pretty terrace too.
Address: , Piazza dei Rossi 1, Florence, 50125Telephone: +39 55 239 8132.
Website: http://www.levolpieluva.com
Mayday Club
The Mayday Club is a stylish cocktail bar in the heart of Florence. The bar's name goes hand in hand with its vintage decor, which revolves around the theme of radio waves, telegraphs and transmitters. The seasonal cocktail list features top liqueur brands and house-made infusions, all served up to an accompaniment of jazz. The bar also holds afternoon seminars where you can learn how to mix your favourites.
Address: , Via Dante Alighieri 16r, Florence, 50122Telephone: +39 55 238 12 90.
Website: http://www.maydayclub.it
Clubs in Florence
Red Garter
This American-style bar, club and restaurant has been going since 1962 and is especially popular with foreign students, who flock here for the nightly karaoke. The dance floor gets very lively, with guest DJs and occasional live bands. Classic American fare is on offer, such as chicken wings, burgers and steak, and there are also large screens for sporting events.
Address: , Via De'Benci 33r/35r, Florence, 50122Telephone: +39 55 248 0909.
Website: http://redgarteritaly.com
Space Electronic
Located in the Santa Maria Novella district, this is a large, rowdy club. Spread over two floors, they often have different tunes pumping out of each level. So if you hear house music challenging the speakers upstairs, expect R&B and hip hop downstairs.
Address: , Via Palazzuolo 37, Florence, 50123Telephone: + 39 55 293 082.
Tenax
This spot in the Peretola district is one of the best places to cut shapes in Florence. It's a fashionable house club, split over two levels, that's popular among the locals. It attracts a youthful but varied crowd who come for the first-rate DJs and great sound system, but it's only open from October until May.
Address: , Via Pratese, 46 Peretola district, Florence, 50145Telephone: +39 335 523 5922.
Website: http://www.tenax.org
Live music in Florence
Girasol
In true Italian fashion this is a restaurant, pizzeria and cocktail bar all in one. The red-hued Girasol Latin Bar, near the Fortezza has live music most nights of the week. Sunday to Thursday is Latin, Brazilian or Cuban, while Saturday and Sunday is varied. Concerts are free - just pay for your food.
Address: , Via del Romito 1, Florence, 50134Telephone: +39 55 474 948.
Website: http://girasol.it
Jazz Club
You can hear live music five days a week (Tuesday through to Saturday) in this characterful basement club. Despite the name, it’s not always jazz,with Brazilian, Cuban, blues and rock bands testing the speakers too. Visitors must pay a nominal fee to become a member on their first visit, but it includes a free drink.
Address: , Via Nuova de' Caccini 3, Florence, 50100Telephone: +39 055 527 1815.
La Dolce Vita
South of the river, long-time favourite La Dolce Vita retains its chic crown and is popular with students at happy hour, who spill out onto the piazza. The artworks on the walls change every two to three weeks. Live music every Weds and Thurs from 1930-2130.
Address: , Piazza del Carmine, Florence, 501Telephone: +39 55 284 595.
Website: http://new.dolcevitafirenze.it/
