Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany known as the "cradle of the Renaissance" (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches and buildings.
Think of Florence and what springs to mind? Probably Michelangelo’s statue of David, Brunelleschi’s dome, maybe the Church of Santa Maria Novella. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it goes without saying that the city is chock-full of art and history. But what happens after the museums close and the gallery lights go off? Venture out of your hotel or apartment rental, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Florence can be exciting by night, as well as impressive by day.
Girasol Latin Bar (Via del Romito 1)
Drop in for: Latino spice
You can find this South-American-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar near the Fortezza. If you’re peckish, they serve Latino treats like Argentinean beef, as well as delicious pizzas. Head to the bar and then the dancefloor to the sound of toe-tapping Brazilian and Cuban rhythms. La dolce vita meets la vida loca.
Casa del Vino (Via del Ariento 16R)
Drop in for: Old World Florence
In search of a more authentically Florentine experience? Casa del Vino might be more up your street. The name translates simply as ‘wine house,’ reflecting the unpretentious simplicity of this traditional enoteca (wine bar). Located close to the central market, the bar has a classic interior of polished wood and shelves lined with countless liquor bottles. What better place to order that quintessentially Tuscan red wine, a chianti?
The Gallery Hotel (Vicolo dell’Oro 5)
Drop in for: Beautiful people and beautiful bebite
Rustic charm is all very well, but some of us crave a touch of pretension from time to time. When such a mood takes you, head to The Gallery Hotel on the well-appointed Viccolo dell’Oro. This street is just minutes from one of Florence’s major landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio. The terrace bar at the Gallery has a reputation for attracting an image-conscious crowd that often includes a model or two. Expect to pay a bit more for the view, however – drinks and appetisers are pricier than normal here.
Central Park (Via Fosso Macinante 2)
Drop in for: A night you may not remember
You’ll have to venture to the outskirts of the city to find Florence’s most popular ‘superclub.’ With five floors of music ranging from hip-hop and RnB to House, electronica and disco classics, it’s easy to see why they built this nightspot away from the sedate cobbled streets of the centre. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee and bought a drink, hang on to your receipt: they’ll ask for it later and you may have to cough up if you can’t produce it. If you can arrange transport, Central Park is just the ticket for a wild night in a supposedly tame city.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
