Are you in Florence for a weekend and do you want to spend an authentic and lovely evening? There are many things you can do at sunset or thereafter: an aperitif with a view, a guided tour or a visit to one of the many museums! A special night in Florence may surprise you!
Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Florence at night!
Florence at night: what to do in the city?
In Florence after dark, the city transforms into a romantic and lively playground. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo, wander across the illuminated Ponte Vecchio, or soak up the vibrant nightlife in squares like Piazza del Carmine. Sip cocktails in trendy bars on Via de’ Benci, explore art during evening openings at the Uffizi or Accademia, and admire monuments like the Duomo beautifully lit—all while enjoying a gelato in hand.
Iconic Views & Evening Strolls
- Piazzale Michelangelo: A classic spot for panoramic sunset and night views over Florence.
- Arno River Banks: Stroll along the river to see golden reflections, especially near Ponte Vecchio.
- Piazza del Duomo: Admire the cathedral and baptistery illuminated at night, free from daytime crowds.
- Ponte Vecchio: Walk across this iconic bridge, watching city lights shimmer on the Arno and browsing the historic shops.
Aperitivo & Nightlife
- Oltrarno (Santo Spirito / Piazza del Carmine): Experience authentic Florentine nightlife with lively piazzas, creative bistros, and informal bars.
- Historic Center (Via de’ Benci): Discover stylish cocktail bars and modern lounges for a chic evening out.
- Wine Bars: Sample Tuscan wines in cozy, intimate settings, often tucked away near Oltrarno or the city center.
Culture & Evening Entertainment
- Evening Museum Tours: Major museums like the Uffizi and Accademia open later for a calmer, more relaxed art experience.
- Palazzo Vecchio: Explore the palace after hours to see its map room and sculptures without the crowds.
- Live Music: Check out jazz clubs, small venues, or live music in the piazzas.
Treats & Late-Night Fun
- Gelato: Treat yourself to a scoop (or two!) from popular gelaterias like La Carraia after dinner.
- Late-Night Shopping: Enjoy illuminated window displays along Via de’ Tornabuoni and near Ponte Vecchio.
Tips for Exploring
- Walkability: Florence is compact and well-lit, making walking the best way to explore at night.
- Dinner Timing: Locals dine late—restaurants become lively around 8–9 PM.
6 incredible things to do in Florence at night
If you think that nightlife in Florence is made up only of discos and clubs, you are wrong! The city has much more to offer. Here you can enjoy culture and history of Florence even after sunset, without giving up fun and leisure. How to do it? Here are my ideas on what to do in Florence at night.
Florence at night: join a guided sunset tour
One of the best way to spend a night in Florence is a guided tour of Florence at sunset. If you are visiting Florence in Summer and want to avoid the sweltering heat, a tour at this hour will allow you to explore the center with more pleasant temperatures.
There are many advantages of going on a tour at this hour. Thanks to the warm, enchanting light, you can take beautiful pictures on your walk; what’s more, there will be no crowds, since the daytime tourists will have left by this time. A guided tour at sunset is an unforgettable experience.
A night at the museum in Florence
Did you know that you can visit some museums in Florence even at night?
Palazzo Vecchio and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo close at 7 pm and the Baptistery at 7.30 pm. These hours allow you to visit these museums in the late afternoon without the rush and the excessive crowds.
This year the Uffizi and the Academy are also open in the evenings. From March 26 to December 17, 2024 the Uffizi will stay open until 10 pm every Tuesday, with the last entrance at 8.30 pm.
From June 4 to September 26, 2024 the Academy is open Tuesdays until 10 pm, with the last entrance at 9.15 pm and Thursdays until 9 pm, with last entrance at 8.15 pm. Can you think of anything more magical than an evening spent with Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raffaello!
Florence at night: aperitivo with a view on a rooftop
If you want to spend a romantic evening sipping a drink and enjoying a beautiful view, I recommend having an aperitivo or a dinner on one of the Florence’s rooftops. One place to consider is the B-roof on the top floor of the Hotel Baglioni. Another option, although a bit less spectacular but still very charming and lovely is the Rodo Terrace in via dei Calzaiuoli.
Remember that at the most popular rooftop bars such as the Hotel Continental and View on Art, you will find much higher prices which will not always guarantee the best food and drinks. Unfortunately, many times you pay for the view in these places.
Get the best view for a night in Florence
The night in Florence is the best time for a walk towards the city’s most famous lookout point: Piazzale Michelangelo. It is definitely the best spot for watching the sun set over the city. Moreover, It is also a wonderful place where the city comes to life with street musicians and young people enjoying aperitifs with friends.
Piazzale Michelangelo is located just above the San Niccolo neighborhood, where you can stop in at one of the many restaurants and bars as you walk back down to the city center. I recommend Rifrullo in via San Niccolò, a venue with a fascinating open air terrace. It’s the perfect place to spend some hours on long summer nights!
2 perfect itineraries for a night in Florence + MAPS
Your first itinerary for a night walk around Florence starts in Piazza Duomo and it ends in Piazzale Michelangelo:
- Piazza Duomo with the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Via del Campanile – Via Santa Elisabetta – Piazza Santa Elisabetta: the medieval center of Florence
- Via dei Cerchi, piazza dei Cimatori
- Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi
- Piazzale degli Uffizi
- Ponte Vecchio
- Via dei Bardi, Lungarno Torrigiani, Piazza Demidoff
- Via San Niccolò, Piazza Poggi, and the ramp leading to Piazzale Michelangelo
Here’s the map of the first itinerary:
The second itinerary takes you through the Oltrarno neighborhood and the Piazza di Santo Spirito, one of the most lively neighborhoods at sunset:
- Piazza Santa Maria Novella
- Piazza Duomo with the Baptistery and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Via Calzaiuoli with the church of Orsanmichele
- Piazza della Signoria
- Lungarno Acciaiuoli
- Ponte Santa Trinita
- Via Maggio
- Piazza Santo Spirito
Here’s the map of the second itinerary:
What to do in Florence at night? 2 alternative ideas
Are you looking for some authentic things to do in Florence at night?
You might want to try a tour on the Arno River on board one of the “renaioli’s” antique boats. This experience allows you to see Florence from an unusual point of view, from the bottom up.
The main character on this tour is the Arno River, whose waters gave rise to the textile industry in the Middle ages. On this tour you will also learn about some of Florence’s most powerful Florentine families, such as the Capponi, Corsini, Torrigiani, whose palaces all line the Arno river.
If you wish to join in this wonderful experience, contact me to start organizing your tour of the Arno!
Another option for your night in Florence could be leaving the city center and head to Fiesole! This small town to the North of Florence enjoys a unique panoramic location and is even more fascinating and romantic at night. Once you reach Fiesole, you can enjoy the view over Florence from a spot right next to the Church of San Francesco, and before leaving the area I suggest having a lovely dinner in one of the restaurants in Piazza di Mino da Fiesole.
5 tips for enjoying Florence at night
- Aperitivo Hours: In Florence, the aperitivo tradition usually kicks off around 6:00 PM and lasts until about 9:00 PM.
- Reservations: For the most popular bars and lounges—especially on weekends—it’s wise to book ahead to secure your spot.
- Getting Around: The historic center is highly walkable. To reach nightlife venues outside the center, taking a taxi or private car service is recommended.
- What to Bring: Even during summer, evenings can be cool—especially along the Arno or in the surrounding hills—so bringing a light jacket is always a smart choice.
- Timing Your Night: Italian nightlife starts later than in many countries—dinner usually begins around 8–9 PM, and bars or clubs often come alive closer to 11 PM. Planning your evening accordingly ensures you experience the city at its liveliest.
Florence at night: recommendations
As in every city, here too, you have to watch yourself and your belongings after sunset. Especially in the squares where nightlife is most enjoyed, such as Piazza santo Spirito and Piazza Santa Croce, don’t let strangers distract you and never leave your belongings or phone unattended. Unfortunately, pickpockets never sleep.
Be especially vigilant in the area around the train station, where crime is most rampant. Also avoid walking alone, as you are much more likely to be approached by people with ill-intent.
Are you looking for a tour guide in Florence? Contact us to book a tour! We would be happy to organize your stay!
