It’s time to get outdoors—and stay outdoors as late into the night as possible. Here’s our round-up of Florence’s hotspots for late-night drinks and general summering.
Manifattura Tabacchi
After its latest The Factory expansion, Manifattura Tabacchi is gearing up for a thrilling summer events program. The youthful hotspot gets hotter with exhibition showings, live music, movie screenings, vintage markets and much more. Along with the program of events, the rooftop garden paired with fabulous food outlets makes it the perfect spot to hang out, grab a bite and catch a tan, all while getting cultured.
Villa Vittoria
Located between Santa Maria Novella train station and the Fortezza da Basso conference centre, Villa Vittoria is a sleek summer hotspot. Hang out for happy hour as the gates open at 7pm sipping your favourite aperitivo and diving into some of the finest street food in town (Beppa Fioraia, MAEEZ, 180grammi and Ti Stuzzico). Expect Brazilian brio on Tuesdays, Latin Wednesdays and Post Office Thursdays, while Fridays celebrate the Noughties and Saturdays are a mash-up. Book presentations and culture talks continue to be a big thing.
Viale Filippo Strozzi 2
The Lodge Club
The perfect one-stop-shop, The Lodge offers a night of fun in one chic atmosphere. Near piazzale Michelangelo, the city views provide a sublime backdrop to savor a Mediterranean-centric dinner before transitioning over to The Jungle for craft cocktails. If you’re looking to party harder, there’s an exclusive club open by reservation only. The Lodge retains a rotating set of live performers and DJs for guaranteed summer entertainment.
Viale Giuseppe Poggi 1
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino hosts a weekly “Live at 25”. Guests can enjoy live music and DJ sets every Thursday evening from 7pm-10:30pm.
Piazza San Paolino
Fuoribordo
Unwind at this funky outdoor space filled with activities to enjoy during those long summer nights. Play a round of mini-golf or giant billiards before retreating to the relaxing terrace for a well-crafted cocktail. If you’re hungry, feast your eyes upon 7 street food vendors tempting you with everything from pizza to sushi, hamburgers, and even fried chicken. This is a great spot for children and adults, and will leave you feeling at ease.
Via Fabrizio De Andrè
Fico Bistrò
Fico Bistrò is all about enjoying a meal and drink outdoors with a side of culture. The nature-inspired atmosphere replete with a leafy decor provides the perfect escape from Florence’s typical urbanity. The menu is simple but stacked with everyone’s favorite summer foods like burgers, seafood, and even vegetarian options. If the Florence location fills up, venture to the Pontassieve outpost set on a lush lawn near the Arno river. Check out the events lineup online: from live music to comedy night, there’s always something going on
Area Pettini Burresi, via Faentina 145
Ultravox
Nestled in Cascine Park, Ultravox Firenze is a summer events space packed with themed festivals and musical performances. The Viper Summer Festival, Rap Florence Festival and Dieci Festival make up the summer fun. Treat yourselves to a house-made bite from the TRIShome street food peeps: fried chicken with fries or with salad in a wrap or made-to-order poke.
Prato delle Cornacchie
Anconella Garden
You’ll never be bored at Anconella Garden, whose variety of events ensures no two experiences are the same. With live music, a playground and an impressive aperitivo/dinner menu, the fun is bound to last the entire summer season.
Parco dell’Anconella, via Villamagna 41
Il Fiorino sull’Arno
Adorned in colorful lights, this fun spot along the river promises countless memorable summer nights. Enjoy live music and munch on healthy street food and restaurant options. Open seven days a week.
Lungarno Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi
Habana 500
Latinx rejoice! This riverside Cuban spot is the ideal place to let loose. Attend one of the salsa classes for all experience levels before striding onto the dance floor. Move your body to classic bachata, salsa, merengue and even some reggaeton music before building up an appetite and enjoying authentic Cuban food.
Lungarno Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi
Molo Firenze + La Toraia
Located along the lungarno, Molo Firenze incorporates art, culture, music and entertainment all in one place. This summer season sees a program of inclusive events ranging from concerts to crafts and yoga classes. Rex Firenze, Il Polpaio, Nura, L.Nigro, SimBIOsi and Vivaldi make up this year’s food and drinks court. A short distance away, La Toraia serves a mean Chianina burger to the beat of live music, theatre shows and a kids’ corner.
Lungarno Cristoforo Colombo 27 + lungarno del Tempio 1
OFF Bar
Situated beside Florence’s other body of water, the Lago dei Cigni behind the Fortezza da Basso, Off Bar is convinced that this could be your summer love. Expect daily concerts, workshops, film screenings and art moments with local and international artists alongside icy drinks (we’re loving the Peppa Pimm’s cocktail) and morsels from Melloo, Thai Food Living and Pizzagnolo.
Piazzale Oriana Fallaci
Giardino dell’ArteCultura
One of the loveliest parks in town, this garden is the perfect hangout at any time of the day, especially for families looking for things to do during the (very) long summer break. Embrace the live music, book readings and yoga classes through September, plus the reasonably priced food and drinks.
Via Vittorio Emanuele II 4
Light – Il Giardino di Marte
Find a bit of everything at this outdoor oasis in the Campo di Marte residential neighborhood. Light never misses a beat with their smorgasbord of events. Catch the latest soccer match on the big screen while enjoying a beer on the outdoor patio. If live music is more your thing, enjoy a jazz concert. Better yet, dance the night away with a killer throwback DJ set. Enjoy some Light in your (summer) light.
Viale Manfredo Fanti 1
Serre Torrigiani Bistrot + Serre Torrigiani in Piazzetta
Loved by many, Serre Torrigiani Bistrot is a cozy garden bar and restaurant hidden in plain sight near piazza Tasso. Unwind over an aperitivo, dine out on experimental dishes and slip in a nightcap as days turn to long summer nights. If you fancy staying central, enjoy the drinks, snacks and live music in the revamped piazza dei Tre Re, off piazza della Repubblica and via dei Calzaiuoli.
Piazza dei Tre Re + Via Gusciana 27
Easy Living in Fattoria
Become one with nature this summer. OVA – Orto Verde Animali hosts events through September. Enjoy cinema, dance and books, plus children can take part in educational farm walks where they learn more about animals and their natural habitats (in English thanks to StoryTime English Labs). Stay put for gastronomic delights with their farm-to-table food approach.
via Poccetti 1
Santa Rosa Bistro
One of Florence’s more hidden gems, Santa Rosa Bistro is perfectly nestled in Giardino Henry Dunant. It’s a perfectly modern yet classy atmosphere offering reasonably priced drinks and locally sourced Tuscan food throughout the summer season. Most of the bar and restaurant is immersed within the luscious greenery of the park, making Santa Rosa Bistro a wonderful place to enjoy an aperitivo, dinner or nightcap throughout the summer months.
Lungarno di Santa Rosa
