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Much to some people’s surprise, Florence isn’t a crazy big city, nor does it have a cosmopolitan sort of vibe. That’s something I used to love, especially when I lived in New York City, but the older I’ve grown, the more I fall in love with the more intimate cities, just like Firenze.
The nightlife in Florence Italy is super special, and I personally feel like it suits the overall vibe of our Renaissance gem to the tee! You’ll find that this list isn’t just limited to nightclubs or bars, but instead, is a funtastical plethora of options for our night owls and those after a good time during their expedition in Firenze.
Also, I have to note: Florence isn’t the place for clubbing. Sure, you do find nightclubs around, but these totes cater to the younger, backpacking, kids-on-contiki-tour crowds. (If you are looking for these spots, then check out the likes of Yab, Babylon Club, Flo Lounge Bar, or Otel.)
Instead, we spent most nights getting boozy bougie at the many cocktail bars, rooftop options with views to die over, and then finishing it all off in a food coma from the late-night spots still open — secret bakery, anyone?
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- 1. Soul Kitchen: For the best mezcal-infused cocktails
- 2. Locale: ‘Modern techniques with ancestral methods’
- 3. The Arts Inn: Gallery or Bar
- 4. Florence’s Secret Bakeries: Midnight snacks
- 5. The Lodge: Gorgeous views over the city of Florence in an outdoor setting
- 6. Aria Rooftop: For something fancy
- 7. Atrium Bar: The best vintage negroni
- 8. Bitter Bar: Speakeasy for whiskey lovers
- 9. Il Santino Bevitore: For a fab wine night
- 10. Xo: Energetic atmosphere and good vibes
- 11. Space Club: If you’re in your 20s traveling abroad
1. Soul Kitchen: For the best mezcal-infused cocktails
Vibes on vibes is the only way to describe Soul Kitchen, which will forever hold a special place in my heart!
The first time I was in Florence during our honeymoon, my hubby and I stumbled upon Soul Kitchen by chance. We were there in April, post-dinner and a few Aperols down, and were looking for a nightcap/vibey spot for some drinks. Walking the streets near Piazza Santa Croce, Soul Kitchen drew us in with its small gathering crowd and funky tunes!
If you love your mezcal, there’s a grapefruit and chili infusion (which will certainly get you well on your way). The staff are just the best here, too, and so friendly! They’ve also got a thing where you order three tapas (if memory serves) for something like 15 euros.
We loved it here so much that when we were in Florence for my bestie’s wedding, we ended the bachelorette here, and it’s where the bachelor’s kicked off. When I say we overtook the show… but, Soul Kitchen was more than happy to oblige!
2. Locale: ‘Modern techniques with ancestral methods’
There’s just something about dramatic interiors that gets me going, and in a city such as Florence with its delicious artsy background, I feel like Locale epitomizes all the things to love about Firenze, including the nightlife in Florence Italy!
After all, it IS inspired by moments of the Renaissance, clearly evident in the old-age statues dotting corners, not to mention the fact that the whole setup is within a building dating to the 13th century… come on! And get this, the Ground Floor is decorated after Rooms of the 1500s, and the Cellar after Rooms of the 1200s… intrigued?
Arrive for dinner (the creative plates of food here are mesmerizing and playful) and stay for a round x5 of “forward-thinking” craft cocktails. And drink profiles are all about seasonality. It’s a no-brainer as to why they clocked in the award for 36th place of the world’s best bars 2024!
3. The Arts Inn: Gallery or Bar
Art appreciators, this one’s for you!
A cocktail bar inside an art gallery? There couldn’t be a better place for it in Italy! In fact, the space is the former atelier, i.e., the art studio, of the artist who’s the mastermind behind this concept. But it’s not just a cocktail and wine bar that is set up in a themed space; it is actually an art gallery, and visitors can feel free to amble around with a glass of wine in hand, pause, and mill the essence of life/emotions brought on by each piece of art, and purchase any of the artwork that captures your soul.
The moody pinky-red walls are ambient as ever, and The Arts Inn reminds me of the art houses of New York or Paris. As you can imagine, the eclectic attention to detail is so alluring. Choose between signature cocktails, classics, vino, and beer.
4. Florence’s Secret Bakeries: Midnight snacks
Have you ever heard of a “secret bakery” before? Neither had we until we arrived in Florence, and to be honest, it’s one of our favorite things about the nightlife in Florence Italy! Yeah, yeah, we can’t help our sweet tooths over here.
But how amazing is it? Once you’re done eating and drinking and get an insatiable craving for something decadently delicious, all you need to do is hunt down a secret bakery. Why the name? Technically they’re “illegal” as they open up shop after hours. And by that, we’re talking only around 10/11pm. But we’re not complaining; it’s where we get our sweet fix of Italian pastries, cakes, etc. after-hours.
Some secret bakeries to check out are I’ Pastaio and Cornetteria Notte. Tip: bring coins, and don’t make a fuss.
Another late-night snack to get down with is undoubtedly from All’Antico Vinaio if you make it to the iconic sandwich shop before 10 pm — although depending on the lines (which are always there), they sometimes stay open until just after!
5. The Lodge: Gorgeous views over the city of Florence in an outdoor setting
Oh, The Lodge, I have stories about you. On our first night in Florence the last time I was there (last year September), we met up with friends we hadn’t seen in a while and were buzzing from excitement — and a few aperitivos. With excitement in the air, we were dead keen on a little festive party. It was totally spur of the moment – and the bartender from Soul Kitchen told us about The Lodge.
Situated directly above Piazzale Michelangelo, it’s a seasonal bar-meets-club, where you can expect the likes of bottle service and Italian crowds bustling on the dance floor.
One of the guys was wearing Birkenstocks — as I said, last-minute plans vibes here — and we were told we weren’t allowed in, unless we do bottle service. Sussing the crowd, we decided against it.
Instead, there’s a beautiful bar area below the main dance floor with exquisite views over the city (still part of The Lodge) where we enjoyed one last round of drinks before calling it quits. To be fair, we had a full day the next day in the Tuscan countryside at a Michelin restaurant, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise?
6. Aria Rooftop: For something fancy
Fancy-shmancy but with some of the most INSANE vistas over the rooftops of Florence, if you don’t mind a splurge, add Aria Rooftop to your list of nightlife in Florence Italy to check out!
Forming part of the 5-star Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel, we brought our bride-to-be here for a few drinks the one night, and it was sublime!
As they do in Florence, drinks were served with snacks, but with a twist, and all cocktails are shaken and inspired by Firenze. This is the most picturesque spot in all of the city for rooftop photos, but the bar closes at 9:30 pm.
Local tip: You cannot visit without a reservation. Drinks are pricey: 20 euros and up for a Spritz.
7. Atrium Bar: The best vintage negroni
Another high-end establishment is the stunning Atrium Bar (at the 5-star Four Seasons), and also one that has had a place in the list of world’s 500 best bars! Open until 12:30 am, the name is sort of a giveaway, designed after an atrium, with its open glass ceiling.
The space is bright, with high ceilings and loads of natural light even in the evening, and gorgeously decorated! It’s playful yet feels like stepping back in time, with giant chandeliers, rich tapestries and persian carpets. The mixologists love a bit of theatrics, too.
Cocktails follow suit, arriving on a choo-choo train or negronis served with a huge block of ice, which is then topped with a thin wafer crisp and caviar and arrives on a vintage drinks trolley.
8. Bitter Bar: Speakeasy for whiskey lovers
Consider yourself somewhat of a whiskey connoisseur? We love a good speakeasy and we double love that this joint is dedicated to all things fermented grain mash liquor.
As a speakeasy, yes, it is inspired by the roaring 20s, down to the interiors and drinks list. It makes sense with the whole whiskey vibes too, as during the prohibition, whiskey (and bourbon) were actually still available but ONLY for medical reasons. Today, there’s even still 1920s-style whiskey that certain labels procure. Interesting, right? That’s why whiskey is so associated with this period in American history.
(Source: bitterbarfirenze)
Anyhoo, back to the nightlife in Florence! To get in on part of the action at Bitter Bar, all you have to do is ring the bell (love this at any time). ANDDD best of all, they only close at 2 am!
9. Il Santino Bevitore: For a fab wine night
From whiskey to wine, Il Santino Bevitore is fuss-free, classic “enoteca” (that’s wine bar in Italian), epitomizing the meaning of one.
Closing up shop just before midnight, enjoy a couple of glasses of vino before or after your dinner plans, or if you’ve had a massive lunch, it’s also a wonderful option for the night to wine and dine on crudo boards (cold meats and cheese), breads, tartare, and excellent-quality white and reds.
Grab a table inside, or do it the quintessential Italian way, sitting at one of the tiny tables on the curbside, right up against the wall.
P.S. If you are looking for restaurants in Florence for dinner or lunch, here are 12 delish options to help with that one!
10. Xo: Energetic atmosphere and good vibes
As I mentioned earlier, the clubbing scene in Firenze leaves much to be desired in my opinion, and you’re going to want to rather take advantage of the whole “club vibes” in places like Milan or Rome.
However, XO Club is one of the better clubs from your selection of them, and although it’s not MASSIVE, it’s always busy, the music is relatively good (if you love that typical commercial club sound) and the staff don’t give you hassles (which can be a thing in this city).
Bottle service is available and it’s centrally located, so there’s no need for taxi rides far from the city walls. Instead, you can walk home and get a kebab en route to bed!
11. Space Club: If you’re in your 20s traveling abroad
This discotheque seems to receive mixed reviews quite often, but I guess it all depends on the sort of nightlife in Florence that you’re after.
I’m in my early 30s now (although I still feel at least 25), but I remember when I traveled overseas when I was 21, I honestly didn’t really care much for reviews. Just as long as there was a cool crowd of foreigners, and a bustling party, we were there. And many times, if you’re joining some sort of club crawl, then Space Club is the type of party where you’d end up at.
It ticks all the boxes in this regard, and it definitely is host to a younger, “fresh out of college” crowd. My husband and I still very much love to party, and the one evening we were searching for a dance floor, but one look at the long lines of young travelers, and the EDM-type music banging out the door, and it was a hard no for us. But if I were younger, single, and just after a good time, you probably would have caught me busting moves on the D-floor here.
While you’re here, get to know Florence’s street food scene before you venture around (so you know what to look out for). Or, if you’re a plant-based eater, we know what the woes can be like.
Pre-check the vegan restaurants in Florence with our comprehensive list and find yourself pleasantly surprised. Where are you off to next? Ever considered Umbria, bordering Tuscany? It’s only two-hours from Florence.
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