Florence is a city full of romance, elegance, and charm. One cannot help but bow to its beauty, and from any angle, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by it. If you plan to go out after sunset and are looking for recommendations on what to do, here are 4 ideas to enjoy the evening in Florence.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
The first step to starting your Florentine evening properly is to head towards Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks Florence. It’s a magnificent spot to admire the city from above, and the view that awaits you once you arrive will take your breath away.
Our advice is to sit on the stairs and wait for the sunset that paints Florence gold. Some street musicians play songs, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Casual Dinner with Schiacciata or Lampredotto
One of the must-dos in Florence is “schiacciata,” the typical Tuscan flatbread. There are many “botteghe” (shops) where you can enjoy a high-quality schiacciata, filled in various ways and accompanied by a glass of good Chianti.
An authentic culinary experience that locals love to indulge in is enjoying a juicy sandwich with lampredotto, a long-standing street food specialty. It’s a sandwich filled with abomasum, the fourth stomach of cattle, served with bread soaked in its broth and accompanied by green sauce.
Best places to eat schiacciata in Florence
All’Antico Vinaio
The lines were so long with people waiting to enjoy their opulent schiacciata that at one point the owners decided to open 3 more locations, all in the same street (Via de Neri), just a few meters apart. A true delight just a stone's throw from Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.Cantinetta di Verrazzano
A small hidden gem in the historic center, located in a side street off via de’ Calzaiuoli, so still very close to Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Duomo. You can choose from baked goods or sit at the restaurant. The wine is excellent as it’s produced in the estate’s castle.Focacceria Pugi
Focacceria Pugi is also renowned for its numbers. There are three locations in the city, but the one in the historic center is located in Piazza San Marco. "Il Pugi" is one of the historic bakeries in Florence, opened in 1925.I Fratellini
On the first street to the right of Via de’ Calzaiuoli, coming from Piazza della Signoria, there's another excellent place for schiacciata. Here, too, you can choose to enjoy street food or sit at a table.
Best places to eat Lampredotto in Florence
L’Antico Trippaio in Via dei Cimatori
It’s one of the most famous and oldest lampredotto (tripe) stalls in Florence. Located in the small square halfway down Via dei Cimatori for over 90 years, it’s a landmark for Florentine street food.
Walk along the Arno and Ponte Vecchio
“A full belly thinks better,” they say in Florence. So, after filling up with a delicious “schiaccia” and a good glass of wine, the best thing to do is take a walk along the Lungarni (the riverside streets) until you reach Ponte Vecchio.
If the sun hasn’t set yet, the sunset will turn the bridge golden. The columns of Lungarno degli Archibusieri form a small viewpoint from where you can enjoy a romantic view of Ponte Vecchio. It’s beautiful both at sunset, for the play of lights, and at night, under the starry sky.
Crossing Ponte Vecchio, it’s a must to stop for a postcard photo of Florence, capturing the moment with your smartphone and your eyes.
Taste true Italian gelato
Gelato is an Italian excellence, as everyone knows, and foreigners distinguish "gelato" from commercial ice cream. But where are the best gelaterias to enjoy true Italian gelato during your evening walk in Florence?
Best places to eat gelato in Florence
Gelateria dei Neri
At the gates of Piazza della Signoria, this gelateria is named after the homonymous Via dei Neri, where the gelato is excellent and offers a variety of flavors that will challenge even the most sophisticated tastes.Gelateria la Carraia
One of the most recommended places to eat gelato, for two reasons: the location and the quality. This gelateria is located across from the Ponte alla Carraia, from where you can admire the luminous and elegant Ponte Vecchio. A treat for the eyes and the palate.Sbrino in Santo Spirito
Sbrino is considered a farm gelato maker, known for its quality and surprising originality. The gelato and granita are made with fresh ingredients and seasonal fruit, prepared with the utmost care. But the true specialty is the alcoholic flavors. Ever tried gelato with Negroni?Gelato Bio di Edoardo in Duomo
If you can manage to avoid being put off by the line, the organic gelato by Edoardo in Piazza Duomo is a guarantee. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for a second helping. According to many, the hardest part is choosing the flavors: it could take you up to 20 minutes, as you’ll want to try them all.Gelato in Piazza della Signoria
Enjoying one in the evening in the elegant and charming Piazza della Signoria is an emotion that opens the heart, and the only natural thing to do is stay silent and admire the beauty. Near Piazza della Signoria (on via Calimaruzza and via Calzaiuoli), there's an excellent gelateria, Gelateria Venchi, which since 1878 has produced high-quality chocolate and, in recent years, has also started making artisanal gelato with always fresh, Italian ingredients.
