14 Best Nightlife in Florence, Italy

Casa del Vino

San Lorenzo Fodor's choice

Come here for creative panini, such as sgrombri e carciofini sott'olio (mackerel and marinated baby artichokes), and an ever-changing list of significant wines by the glass. They also have a well-stocked collection of bottles to go.

I Fratellini

Piazza della Signoria Fodor's choice

A hop, skip, and a jump from Orsanmichele in the centro storico is I Fratellini, in existence since 1875. It sells wines by the glass and has a lengthy list of panini, including pecorino with sun-dried tomatoes and spicy wild-boar salami with goat cheese.

il bar de l'O

Duomo Fodor's choice

This swanky, American-style bar is attached to the Hotel l'Orologio. It's a good spot for a well-executed cocktail with tasty snacks; when it's warm, you can sit outside and gaze at the beautiful facade of Santa Maria Novella.

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Il Santino

Santo Spirito Fodor's choice

Though it has only four tables and four small stools at an equally small bar, Il Santino is blessed with a big wine list and superior cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies to match.

Le Volpi e l'Uva

Palazzo Pitti Fodor's choice

Le Volpi e l'Uva, which translates as "the foxes and the grape" and is based on one of Aesop's fables, off Piazza Santa Felicita, is an oenophile's dream: they pour wines by the glass and serve equally impressive cheeses and bite-size sandwiches to accompany.

Caffè Sant'Ambrogio

Santa Croce

Come here when it's summer for outdoor seating with a view of an 11th-century church (Sant'Ambrogio) directly across the street. Come here at any time of the year for perfectly mixed drinks and a lively atmosphere filled with (mostly) locals.

Piazza Sant'Ambrogio 7–8/r, Florence, Tuscany, 50122, Italy
055-247–7277

Cantinetta dei Verrazzano

Piazza della Signoria

In the heart of the centro storico is Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, where serious wines may be had as well as tasty baked treats in the morning and light lunches.

Gran Caffè

A perfect stop for a marvelous panino or sweet while raving about the majesty of Michelangelo's David is just down the street from the Accademia. Do be aware that sitting at a table is more expensive at most cafés, and this place is particularly notorious in trying to get you to sit down.

Jazz Club

Santa Croce

Enjoy live music in this small basement club.

Via Nuova de' Caccini 3, Florence, Tuscany, 50121, Italy

Kitsch

San Marco

Choose from indoor or outdoor seating and take advantage of the great list of wines by the glass. At aperitivo time €12 will buy you a truly tasty cocktail and give you access to the tremendous buffet; it's so good, you won't need dinner afterward—in fact, they called it "Apericena." That means, roughly, drink and dinner.

Oliandolo

Santissima Annunziata

Just down the street from the Accademia, Oliandolo is a perfect place to have a light lunch.

Olio & Convivium

Santo Spirito

Here you'll find a great selection of cheeses and cured meats, wines by the glass, food products to take home (like powdered porcini mushrooms), daily specials, as well as some tasty food served in situ.

Pitti Gola

Palazzo Pitti

At Pitti Gola you can order tasty tidbits to accompany your choices from the extensive and impressive wine list. The outdoor seats have a view of Palazzo Pitti.

Rex

Santa Croce

A trendy, artsy clientele frequents this bar at aperitivo time. By 10 pm, the place is packed with mostly young folks sipping artful cocktails.