While the days are long and the nights warm, as work
and studies slow down, it’s time to catch up with friends and have a glass of prosecco.
Because it’s not (yet) illegal to drink outdoors, on summer nights, patrons at
many local haunts spill out onto the sidewalks and into nearby squares while sipping
their spritzes. As these night-out itineraries suggest, no matter what area of
Florence you are in, there’s a place to relax and enjoy some enchanting music
with a date or a dance with friends under the stars.
SANT’AMBROGIO
Known best for its fabulous food market and great
restaurants, the area surrounding Sant’Ambrogio is the quintessential place to
meet up with friends. Gather a group and grab a cocktail with fresh fruit at
Caffe Letterario Le Murate (preferably after dinner as the aperitivo is
not remarkable). Formerly a prison, Le Murate is now a center for cultural
events, live music and outdoor cinema. If you prefer a more romantic location
for two, follow the example of the locals and sip a glass of pinot grigio at one of Florence’s most popular
wine bars, Caffe Sant’ Ambrogio (see TF 156), located in the piazza Sant’Ambrogio. Whether on a date or with a
group, head to Las Palmas, the outdoor bar and restaurant in piazza Ghiberti.
Enjoy the drink, il negroni, as dance, cinema and live music, including
jazz and classical, fill this open air piazza each night to September 9 (see www.laspalmasfirenze.it).
OLTRARNO
Discover hidden wine bars and perfect escapes for an
evening aperitif. One idea for a date starts off in the beautiful and hidden
piazza della Passera, steps from the Palazzo Pitti, sipping a spritz and people
watching before heading over to enjoy a performance at the annual opera
festival in the Boboli gardens (see www.festivalopera.it, which includes
various sites for festival events, as well as the Boboli). Through
mid-September, friends seeking a ‘beach’ escape should look no further than the
Arno’s banks: Easy Living returns this summer as the day and night
hangout for young people, and the maxi screen there is perfect for watching the
Olympic Games. For a ‘Sex and the City’ night out, start with a cocktail at the
famous Terrazza Bardini on Costa San Giorgio before heading off to dance the
night away at Dance Club Flo, located near piazzale Michelangelo. The cocktails
are pricey, but the entry is free (no cover) and the view of the city
spectacular.
BEYOND THE CENTER
On a sweltering summer night, escape to Le Pavoniere
in Cascine Park. A little farther from the center but completely accessible
with the tramvia, this public pool turns into a trendy cocktail bar and
restaurant at night where for the price of aperitivo, a swim is
included. For a night to remember, head to Fiesole to experience Estate
Fiesolana, an annual festival of theater, music, dance and cinema set in the
ancient Roman amphitheater (see www.estatefiesolana.it; until July 31).
Georgette Jupe is in her 20s and
has lived in the land of pasta, Dante and intrusive future Italian
mothers-in-law since 2007. Dozens of jobs later, she still takes pleasure in
making up new names when placing reservations. Her passions are travel, wine,
language and culture.
[This article appeared in print on July 12, 2012 and was revised online on July 16, 2012.]
