The Best Nightlife in Florence

When the museums close down and the tour groups have gone home for the day, Florence doesn't roll up its sidewalks and go to sleep. With a healthy population of students and young professionals, the Renaissance city is a great nightlife destination. Beer pubs, wine bars, and a well-established craft cocktail scene mean there's something for everyone. The Santa Croce neighborhood is widely considered party central for American college students in Florence. Other hotspots include the Santo Spirito and San Frediano areas, on the other side of the Arno River.

Read on for our guide to the top 10 places for nightlife in Florence.

01 of 10

Il Locale

Il Locale, Florence

Il Locale

Address
Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 906 7188

Occupying part of a 16th-century building, with a cellar dating to the 1200s, the exquisitely restored rooms ooze atmosphere. A long wine list, fancy cocktails, and a full dinner menu mean you could easily make a night of it at this Santa Croce hotspot, or just stop in for the drinks and unmatched ambiance.

Open every night until 2 a.m.

02 of 10

MAD–Souls & Spirits

Mad - Souls & Spirits, Florence

Mad - Souls & Spirits

Address
Borgo S. Frediano, 36/38r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 627 1621

Billing itself "the self-proclaimed awesomeist (sic) cocktail bar in Europe and Micronesia," MAD–Souls & Spirits certainly doesn't take itself too seriously. But what is serious here is the dedication to great craft cocktails at working-class prices. Since opening in 2016, the bar has developed a cult following and given cocktail aficionados yet another reason to trek over to trendy San Frediano.

Open every night until 2 a.m.

03 of 10

Manifattura

Manifattura

Manifattura

Address
Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 239 6367

The vibe at this craft cocktail bar near Santa Maria Novella is vintage meets hipster, elegant meets edgy. Bartenders here are seasoned veterans, and they take pride in their mixology and in the made-in-Italy mantra (all spirits served come from Italy). No need to worry about parting with a 20-euro note to get a cocktail here, either—everything on the drink menu is 10 euros or less.

Closed Monday. Open to 1 or 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

04 of 10

PopCafé

Pop Cafe Santo Spirito

Pop Cafe Santo Spirito

Address
Piazza Santo Spirito, 18/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 217475

Adored by locals for its friendly vibe, fresh cocktails and evening crowds filling up the sidewalk tables, PopCafé has an enviable location on tree-shaded Piazza Santo Spirito. A young, mostly local clientele flocks here for negronis, live music or DJ sets, and to hang out with friends. Oh, and for the free Wi-Fi.

Open every night until 2 a.m.

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05 of 10

Moyo

Moyo Firenze

Moyo Firenze

Address
Via dei Benci, 23/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 247 9738

Set smack dab in the middle of Santa Croce's raucous nightlife hub, Moyo is popular for a number of reasons. First among them being its generous aperitivo spread, an all-you-can-eat buffet that's yours for the price of a few drinks. Food and cocktails are international, high-quality, and constantly changing. Late nights here offer DJ sets and themed parties, making this a great spot to hit at the beginning and at the end of your night out.

Open every night until 3 a.m.

06 of 10

Mayday Club

Mayday Club, Florence

Mayday Club 

Address
Via Dante Alighieri, 16/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 238 1290

It's tough to find a decent bar in the most touristy parts of Florence, but Mayday delivers. The small, low-key bar has been open since 2001 (a lifetime in Florence's fickle bar scene) and was among the first wave of craft cocktail bars to herald in the boom. You'll need a membership to drink at this uber-cool spot, but fortunately, they're sold on a walk-in basis.

Closed Monday. Open Tuesday to Saturday until 2 a.m.

07 of 10

Caffe Rivoire

Cafe Rivoire, Florence

Cafe Rivoire 

Address
P.za della Signoria, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 214412

Yes, it's overpriced and touristy. But some places are classics for a reason. This cafe, bar and chocolate shop has had the best seat in town since 1872 – right on the Piazza della Signoria, Florence's main square. A glass of prosecco on the outdoor terrace will cost you a pretty penny, but you can't beat the scenery. Plus, did we mention they have coffee, alcohol, and chocolate, all in one place?

Open every night until 10 p.m.

08 of 10

Sky Lounge at Grand Hotel Minerva

Sky Lounge at Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence

Grand Hotel Minerva

Address
P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 27230

Unfortunately, you can't jump into the pool on a balmy summer night. But the rooftop bar at the Grand Hotel Minerva, overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella, is still a good bet for great views, an away-from-the-madding-crowds experience, and a refreshing spritz. The roof can be rented for private events as well.

Open every day until midnight.

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09 of 10

Art. 17 Birreria

Art. 17 Birreria, Florence

Art. 17 Birreria

Address
Borgo la Croce, 64 r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 234 6694

Pubs in Florence don't have to try very hard to reel in customers, especially with the huge numbers of college students in town looking for cheap dives and cheap pints. Art. 17 Birreria is a rare pub that makes an effort with its focus on carefully sourced artisanal (artigianale in Italian) beers from Italy and beyond. There are always interesting offerings on tap, plus a wide selection of bottled craft beers often accompanied by live music. There's no food served here, so make this a stop for before or after dinner.

Closed Sunday. Open Monday to Saturday until 2 a.m.

10 of 10

Le Volpi e L'Uva

Le Volpi e l'Uva, Florence

Le Volpi e l'Uva

Address
Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone +39 055 239 8132

If you're a wine connoisseur (or if you just like to try new wines) head to Le Volpi e L'Uva, a small, serious wine bar near Ponte Vecchio. There are usually a couple of dozen wines offered by the glass, with a focus on small-batch, Italian vintners. Try a few on your own, or arrange for a guided tasting, a wine flight, or a wine tasting lesson, including a blind taste test. They also do nice antipasti plates to accompany the vino. An early closing time makes this a before-dinner stop or place for a light meal.

Closed Sunday. Open Monday to Friday until 9 p.m.

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The Best Nightlife in Florence