While there may be plenty of bucket-worthy list things you can do in Florence during the daytime, the city comes alive under the Tuscan moon since Florence’s nightlife is simply magical. As the sun sets on the horizon, the twinkling lights fill the skyline, and one can witness the incredible charms of a buzzing nightlife; it’s truly an unmissable experience!
Even if one is not a night owl, one will turn a convert since the city packs in the usual drill of cafés, cool bars, and terraces to drink an apéritif, go for a truffle hunting tour, and so much more. Here are the top after-dark things to experience and enhance a trip to Florence in Italy the Florentine way, and no, it does not involve enjoying Duomo views from the hotel window, even if it’s a great room with a view.
10 Walk Around The Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
The very mention of Florence will conjure images of long walks over cobbled streets flanked by stores, including jewelry stores, and Ponte Vecchio stands closest to the image. Walking along here is among the best things to do in Florence at night since it’s especially beautiful in the evenings, as the crowds lessen and give a delightful experience to tourists.
Built in 1345, the bridge, better known as the old bridge, can be best viewed strolling along the bridge and enjoying the views around. Although the jewelry shops may close their shutters in the evening, watching the traditional wooden doors lining the bridge is a fantastic sight; it certainly makes Florence one of the most gorgeous cities to explore in Italy.
In the evening, the street is full of musicians, street performers, and storytellers who love entertaining the onlookers.
9 Enjoy A Sunset Wine Tasting & Walking Tour In Florence
Glasses of white wine
A wine-tasting walking tour is one of the ultimate things to do in Florence for young adults. As the sun sets on the horizon, the city comes alive, and tourists go on a walking tour sampling sparkling wines, including Chianti, paired with local delicacies.
The refreshing tour will round off at Duomo, where revelers will raise a toast to a good life and bite into a crusty crostini. Most wine tours include learning the culture, heritage, and nuances of wine-making and blending at boutique wineries.
The expert guide at the wine tours will share with the tourist the social and cultural significance of food in Florence and how it evolved from where it all began.
8 Take A Fascinating Food Tour In Florence
Vendor sells cheese at Mercato Centrale market in Florence, Italy.
Food tours are forever fascinating, and a nightly food tour around Florence helps congregate all passionate foodies in one phenomenal tour. The incredible Florence food tour is popular among food connoisseurs. The culinary tours to explore Italy’s food includes stops at tiny food stops and restaurants in Florentine neighborhoods. Savor cured meats and artisanal truffle cheese paired with local vinos.
Participate in an interactive Negroni-making demonstration while sipping the city’s celebrated cocktail. Food tours often take in small groups of eight to ten people, but they may also provide exclusive food tours on request.
The Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio district are one of the more popular areas offering food tours in Florence.
7 Go In Search Of The Best Gelato In Florence
A gelato shop in Florence
Tourists cannot complete their Florence food tours without going on night gelato tours. It is every bit as phenomenal as it sounds and is one of the top things to do in Florence for foodies. The tasty European treat is worth all the hype. Enjoying the stunning views of the city, with the cold dessert melting in one’s hand while trying to prevent every lick-worthy drop go waste, is a struggle most tourists love to experience.
Whether it is couples or families, everyone wants to go on a “tour de gelato.” Florence has the best chocolate artisans, gelato shops, and cannoli makers on every corner of the street! To explore a gelato laboratory and taste freshly churned-out treats is the stuff dessert dreams are made of.
Vivoli, established in 1929, is Florence’s oldest gelateria.
6 Visit The Palazzo Vecchio
Square of Signoria in Florence, Italy
The stately Palazzo Vecchio, or “Old Palace,” is a stunning sight, especially after sundown, and from April to September, it is open till 11 pm. The 14th-century-built town hall has an ornate interior with plush tapestries, including spectacular art pieces by Vasari, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci.
The historic building overlooks the iconic Piazza della Signoria, which has a copy of Michelangelo’s inimitable David. All in all, witnessing its grandeur is among the best things to do in Italy, not just Florence.
Apart from being a famous museum, the Palazzo Vecchio is also the seat of the City Council and the office of the Mayor of Florence.
5 Enjoy A Moonlight Stroll Around The Historic Center
A view of Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy, at sunset
Florence looks resplendent after the sun dips over the horizon. Add the walking tour around the historic center to the itinerary, as it offers an immersive atmosphere and a glimpse of the past. The vantage points of the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Santo Spirito, and Piazza Santa Croce are sublime sights to behold.
Give into the Renaissance charm of Florence’s old town, where visitors will spot iconic works of art, Brunelleschi and Giotto juxtaposing with gelato joints, cafés, and trattorias. The delightful street is full of markets, boutiques, and adorable cafés.
The Historic Center is enhanced with Renaissance and Florentine Gothic landmarks and is a UNESCO-protected Historic Center.
4 Dance The Night Away At Nightclubs & Bars In Florence
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Crowd of people at a disco party
Although Florence has a host of attractive aperitivo hangouts and pretty wine bars, it is most famous for its clubs among party hoppers. From edgy lounges like The Blob Club and clubs like Santa Croce, Florence caters to the eclectic taste of revelers.
Santa Croce, one of the most iconic areas, is the heart of the nightlife in Florence. Via de Benci, the road conjoining Arno riverside to Santa Croce square, forks into the adjacent cobbled streets full of restaurants, bars, and pubs where revelers gather in thousands to enjoy a night out.
Most dance clubs in Florence have a drink card system, and one has to pay for the drinks at the end.
3 Watch A Movie Under The Stars At Outdoor Movie Theaters In Florence
Open air cinema in Florence
Florence in the summer is a dream, and travelers hardly need excuses to venture out of their hotel rooms and explore the gorgeous city. One of the simple things, quintessentially a touristy thing to do, is catching up with a classic film under the stars. There are scores of open movie theaters to explore, including Apriti Cinema – Piazzale degli Uffizi, Cinema nel Chiostro al Museo Novecento, and more.
From June to August, the pretty courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery is transformed into one of Florence’s most beautiful outdoor theaters.
2 Watch The Sunset In Florence From San Miniato Al Monte
Sunset at San Miniato al Monte in Florence
There is no shortage of places in Florence where one can see magical sunsets, and watching it from the highest point of San Miniato al Monte is one of the most glorious experiences. One of the most picturesque Romanesque churches in Florence, San Miniato al Monte overlooks the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
One needs to climb more than a couple of steps to be there; nonetheless, the view from the top is a spectacular sight and is worth the climb. Remember to explore Abbey’s interior, which houses various historical artifacts.
San Miniato al closes at 7 pm in winter and during the sunset in summer.
1 Take A Walk Along The Arno River In The Evening
Ponte alla Carraia medieval Bridge landmark on the Arno river, Florence, Italy
Florence is unbelievably romantic at night. Among the many scenic spots in the Tuscan land, there is no denying the fact that the Arno River looks spectacular against the setting sun. The river runs through Florence and Pisa, dividing Florence into two units.
While there may be plenty of free things to do in Florence at night, strolling along the Arno River overlooking Ponte Vecchio and Pointe alle Grazie bridges takes the cake; it makes for a great photo-op moment.
The Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River is the oldest bridge in Florence and offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
