November lands between two distinct seasons on Florence’s social scene. By the time mid-autumn rolls around, the spirited movida of the summer months has slipped by. The Spritzes stop flowing so freely and the city’s piazzas are no longer packed to the brim. November calendars get neglected until Christmas markets bring the masses back to Florence’s streets and squares.
Sound familiar? Lest you mistake this month for little more than a pre-December dead zone, we’ve selected some prime hangouts for the home stretch of 2015. Each of these places feels like a cozy ‘covered piazza’—they’re central, social spaces where it’s easy to mingle, meet for a coffee or find your next ̶c̶r̶u̶s̶h̶ ̶ professional collaborator. Stop hibernating: head instead to old standbys and new hubs until the holiday season sneaks up on us.
CAFFE’ GIACOSA (via della Spada 1)
‘Cozy’ and ‘chic’ aren’t often used in the same sentence, but this via della Spada standard is an effortless mix of both. Connected to Florence’s flagship Roberto Cavalli boutique, this high-fashion hideaway is particularly welcoming in winter. What better way to start a drizzly November morning than with a frothy, chocolate-dotted cappuccino and a friendly conversation? Squeezing into the limited seating might be just the thing that gets you striking up a chat with a stranger. Sip at leisure on the leather couches lining the walls: table service isn’t required, except on Saturdays after 2.30pm, so though the brand and clientele may be high-end, your bill certainly won’t be.
L’APPARTAMENTO (via Giraldi 11)
This lively new space is just a few doors down from Dante’s house, but a world away from medieval Florence. Offering courses in disciplines from ceramics to Chinese medicine, L’Appartamento seems set to become Florence’s next ‘catch-all’ cultural center. A membership card for this homey-yet-hip hangout grants you access to exclusive workshops, concerts, parties, mini-marketplaces, theatrical productions and more. Without the distractions of summer and sunshine, the city’s creative energy will be moving indoors—and L’Appartamento is poised to become the nucleus.
What are your favorite Florentine hangouts and event venues for when the weather’s gloomy, but you can’t stomach staying in? We want to hear from you! Continue the conversation by writing to events@theflorentine.net.
*Article modified November 2016.
