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Florence Nightlife

Nightlife in Florence is fuelled by the city's well-heeled foreign students who come to study Italian and art history. Old World meets New World, as gangs of silver-tongued Romeos gather to admire leggy American blondes.

The city boasts flexible licensing hours - some pubs stay open until 0100 or even 0300. The most bohemian area is the Oltrarno, south of the river, Elsewhere, nightlife is concentrated around Piazza della Signoria, home of more sedate venues.

It seems that Florence could never lose her reputation as a city of culture. Visitors should keep an eye open for one-off recitations played in churches and piazzas around the city. The entertainment publication Firenze Spettacolo (www.firenzespettacolo.it) provides listings on entertainment in the city. Information for clubs and live music events can be found at www.vivifirenze.it. Box Office Nuovo, Via Luigi Alamanni (tel: (055) 210 804; www.boxol.it/www.boxofficetoscana.it), Via Porta Rossa 82r (tel: (055) 219 402), or Viale Giannotti 13r (tel: (055) 680 362) sells most other tickets.

Bars in Florence

Casa del Vino

This place is situated close to the central market and is a classic old-style enoteca (wine bar), all polished wood and tipples of Chianti.

Via del Ariento 16R
Tel: (055) 215 609.
Website: www.casadelvino.it

La Dolce Vita

South of the river, long-time favourite La Dolce Vita retains its chic crown and is popular with students, who spill out onto the piazza.

Piazza del Carmine
Tel: (055) 284 595.
Website: www.dolcevitaflorence.com

Le Volpi and L' Uve

For a glimpse of an authentic Italian watering hole, wend your way to Le Volpi and L' Uve to sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. The owners, Riccardo and Emilio, can advise a plate of salami and cheese to accompany your choice of wine, and there's a pretty terrace.

Piazza de'Rossi 1
Tel: (055) 239 8132.
Website: www.levolpieluva.com

Negroni

Negroni invented every Italian clubbers' favourite drink back in the 1920s (gin, Campari and red Martini), and attracts an up-for-it 30-something crowd to its sleek, contemporary.interior for a dash of sophisticated nightlife in Florence.

Via dei Renai 17r
Tel: (055) 243 647.
Website: www.negronibar.it

Noir

Set by the river, this watering hole has a baroque-black interior, and its clientele spill out onto the riverbank for amazing sunsets over the Arno. A good spot for an apertivo.

Lungarno Corsini 12-14r
Tel: (055) 210 751.

Clubs in Florence

Central Park

On the outskirts of Florence in Parco delle Cascine is Florence's superclub, with different floors offering changing vibes, from electronica to disco, and two outdoor dancefloors. It mainly attracts Florence's gilded youth. Transport can be difficult for those without a car.

Via Fosso Macinante
Tel: (055) 359 942.

Meccano

This place is self-consciously stylish, and huge, with four indoor and outdoor dancefloors and six bars. The club regularly hosts theme nights too, so don't forget your fancy dress costume.

Viale degli Olmi 1
Tel: (055) 331 371.

Montecarla

Close to the Boboli gardens, Montecarla is all boudoir decadence and leopardskin seats. Its exotic decor attracts a loyal following. Be prepared to be impressed.

Via de' Bardi 2
Tel: (055) 234 0259.

Tabasco Disco Gay

Florence's oldest and best gay club is Tabasco Disco Gay. As hot as its name, it is set in medieval catacombs.

Piazza di Santa Cecilia 3
Website: www.tobascogay.it

Tenax

This club in the Peretola district is a hip house club, favoured by a younger crowd, and has some great live concerts.

Via Pratese, Peretola district
Tel: (055) 632 958.
Website: www.tenax.org

Live Music in Florence

Be Bop

Florence does not have a great deal of choice when it comes to live music but you can hear some good sounds at Be Bop, a much-loved retro cocktail bar specialising in live jazz, cover bands and funk.

Via dei Servi 76
Tel: (055) 295 230.

Girasol Latin Bar

Near the Fortezza is the red-hued Girasol Latin Bar, which has everything from Brazilian to Cuban beats.

Via del Romito 1
Tel: (055) 474 948.
Website: www.girasol.it

Jazz Club

Try the atmospheric Jazz Club, which serves up live jazz, blues, salsa and world music from Tuesday to Saturday.

Via Nuova dei Caccini 3
Tel: (055) 247 970.
Website: www.jazzclubfirenze.com

Opera in Florence

Teatro Comunale

Opera season in Florence starts in September and is held chiefly at the Teatro Comunale on the banks of the Arno. L'Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is the city's main orchestra and also plays here.

Corso Italia 16
Tel: (055) 277 9350.
Website: www.maggiofiorentino.com

Teatro della Pergola

Chamber music can be heard most weekends at the Teatro della Pergola,
an ornate 17th-century theatre that also stages classical concerts and opera.

Via della Pergola
Tel: (055) 226 4353.
Website: www.pergola.firenze.it

Dance in Florence

Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

If you want to see ballet, particularly during the Maggio Fiorentino festival, which is held at various venues throughout the year, you can get information and tickets from the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

Corso Italia 16
Tel: (055) 277 9350 or 427 5367
Website: www.maggiofiorentino.com

Theatre in Florence

Teatro Puccini

Try this city theatre for a variety of performances from opera to new plays.

Via delle Cascine
Tel: (055) 362 067.
Website: www.teatropuccini.it

Teatro Verdi

This is one of two chief venues for drama in Florence. Most performances are conducted in Italian, so a good understanding of the language is vital. Performances are typically productions of classic Italian dramas or foreign plays in translation, interspersed with the occasional contemporary production. Regular ballet performances also take place here.

Via Ghibellina 99
Tel: (055) 212 320 or 239 6242.
Website: www.teatroverdifirenze.it

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