When evening arrives, the city transforms, the sun’s last rays set the façades of the palazzos ablaze before giving way to the night, and then a magical, romantic atmosphere envelops this city full of surprises.
Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
The view from Piazzale Michelangelo is simply stunning, but it is not a place for solitary appreciation of the view. This vast space created in the late 19th century is literally stormed by thousands of visitors every day and is one of Florence’s tourist must-sees. A front row view may be hard to find, but watching the sun slip behind the city’s characteristic red roofs to silhouette its unmistakable skyline is nonetheless an experience not to be missed. Try to arrive a little early and head for the wide staircase to the left of the bronze reproduction of the David: it’s a perfect spot to catch the enchanting spectacle comfortably seated on the steps.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The charms of San Frediano
Different from Florence’s other districts, San Frediano has its own particular charm and is worth exploring in the evening. Start at the bustling Piazza Torquato Tasso and then stop for a beer at Ornitorinco, a delightful neighbourhood bookshop with an adjoining bar. After a look at the ex-gasometer, a curious circular structure that served as the city’s gas depot in the 19th century, dine at one of the family-run trattorias that only exist in San Frediano, such as Al Tranvai (Piazza Torquato Tasso), where you will be greeted by the front of an old Florentine tram. Then turn your attention to the remains of the ancient city walls and the Church of San Frediano in Cestello. Finish your meanderings with a drink sitting at a table on the banks of the Arno at the Circolo Rondinella del Torrino.
Santo Spirito
The sparkling atmosphere of Santo Spirito
If you just have one night in Florence, spend it in Santa Spirito. In this district, even at night, tourism is just one of the many elements (but not the dominating one!) that make up the atmosphere. Exploring the bars and restaurants in the area, there is a vitality that has nothing to do with the number of tourists that invade the city, every corner exudes a refresingh sense of authenticity. The area offers various noteworthy venues, in the summer the Circolo Aurora delights with open-air concerts of jazz, bossa nova and rock, while in winter, the atmospheric turret of the walls of Piazza Tasso is hub of conviviality, the Mad is unique for its creative cocktails, like the Viagra Falls and Trainspetting, and for some oddities such as the lap dance pole in the bathroom. For a more intimate atmosphere, La Cité is a cosy café-bookshop that offers an atmosphere more like a friend’s living-room than a venue in the Florentine city centre.
The coolest clubs
A cocktail paradise inside a historic 13th-century palazzo: the range of proposals from Locale (on the prestigious list of The World's 50 Best Bars), change according to the season, but the sensory experience is always thrilling. Situated in a historic 13th-century building, this cocktail bar offers innovative creations that vary with the seasons. From the refreshing No Cloud’s with tequila, lemon and verbena, to the surprising Radicchio combining vodka, fermented radicchio and brown rice: each drink is designed to provide a unique sensory experience. The restaurant also offers tasting sessions and a remarkable selection of whisky, mezcal and gin. The elegance, setting and quality all come at a price - around €20 per cocktail - but the experience fully justifies the investment. Alternatively, if you want an experience steeped in history, the Caffè Gilli has been operating since 1733 and has seen many illustrious figures from art and literature sit at its tables.
Negroni
The Florentine cocktail
The Negroni epitomises the Florentine cocktail tradition. This famous aperitif was invented in Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni, a connoisseur in the matter of alcoholic beverages, asked the bartender at Caffè Casoni to modify his usual Americano by replacing seltzer with gin. The now iconic recipe calls for Campari, red vermouth and gin in equal parts with plenty of ice and a slice of orange. The roaring success of this creation continues to this day.
