Florence by Night: a handy guidebook for exploring the city's nightlife

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but if you also have the opportunity to visit it at night you will be amazed. So on your trip do not hesitate to walk each and every day after sunset, stroll through its streets and squares such as Piazza del Duomo or Piazza della Repubblica and discover the magical corners that will impress you. I tell you what you have to see and do on your trip to this dazzling city from sunset.

And if you are looking for other plans in this magical city, do not hesitate to read what to see and do in Florence.

If you are wondering what plan to start your day in Florence at night, I will tell you that without a doubt you should start with an aperitif. In some of the bars in the city, from 19 - 19:30, they have a free buffet where, by paying the price of the drink (which can be from a beer to a cocktail or an alcohol-free drink), you can try the various dishes they have on display. There are appetizers that have more elaborate food and others more simple, such as salads and cold dishes and, obviously, the price is related. An ideal plan to immerse yourself in the life and customs of Florence and Italy in general. You can also take the opportunity to learn the best techniques of the exquisite Italian food with a cooking course.

One of the essential places to visit in the city of Florence after dark is the Piazza del Duomo. An enclave that will make you realize the splendor that came to have the capital of Tuscany and if you also have the opportunity to see it illuminated by moonlight, as well as by the lights that illuminate the various monuments: the Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni ... is a wonderful experience. In addition, the Loggia dei Lanzi is also illuminated, giving greater prominence to the various sculptures it houses. I recommend that you sit and contemplate the square in peace and quiet. You will live a magical moment.

But without a doubt, the most beautiful place in Florence after dark is the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval bridge, dating from the fourteenth century, hides a long and curious history. Throughout the whole time, it had a great commercial activity. Initially it was occupied by butchers and slaughterers until the end of the 16th century when they were expelled because of the smell they generated, and it was occupied by jewelers and goldsmiths who have remained until today.

In addition, in the Second World War the rest of the bridges of the city of Florence were destroyed except for the Ponte Vecchio. It is said that, by a direct order of Adolf Hitler, who met him on a trip in the late 30's and was pinned.

Well, besides being one of the symbols of the city, it is an essential place to visit at night, because its beauty is indescribable. Even more so after dark. I recommend you find a place to sit on the banks of the Arno or you can also see it from one of the nearby bridges as the Ponte alle Grazie.

One more way to relax and enjoy a magical evening in Florence is to attend an Italian opera concert with the best professional singers. The ideal place is the Church of San Monaca, which dates back to the 15th century and periodically hosts the most beautiful fragments of La Traviata, Madame Butterfly or the Barber of Seville.

The Place de la R épublique is another must-see after sunset. The Arc de Triomphe and the Column of Abundance illuminate the square and make it an ideal place to stroll. In addition, in the center of the square there is a merry-go-round that is a great attraction for the youngest members of the family. In this square are also located very elegant cafes and stores of leading brands.

After dinner, I recommend that you take the opportunity to walk along the banks of the Arno. It is a really wonderful walk where you can see the different buildings and monuments illuminated. To do this, you can start the tour next to the arcaded gallery of the Uffizi which is also a wonderful enclave of the city and pass by the Santa Trinita Bridge, the Ponte alle Grazie, the Ponte della Carrailla and the Ponte Vecchio.

On this walk take the opportunity to orient yourself and, throughout your trip, be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the most visited museum in Florence where you will have the opportunity to see some spectacular works such as 'Spring' and 'The Birth of Venus' by Botticelli, 'The Portrait of the Dukes of Urbino' by Piero della Francesca, 'Madonna and Child with two Angels' by Filippo Lippi, 'Madonna of the Goldfinch' by Raphael, 'Tondo Doni' by Michelangelo or 'Bacchus' by Caravaggio.

Another plan for Florence at night is to go up to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the view of Florence illuminated, an unforgettable postcard. From this strategic viewpoint you can see each and every one of the monuments with a special light, in addition to the dazzling Ponte Vecchio and the brightness of the Arno River. It is an incomparable sight that you should not miss. In this place there is a replica of Michelangelo's David in bronze.

Although, undoubtedly, on your trip to Florence you should not miss the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see 'David' by Michelangelo, as well as other works of the author as 'The Prisoners'. You can also see works of art by renowned artists such as Sandro Boticcelli, John of Bologna, Jacopo da Pontorno, Pacino di Buonaguida, Bernardo Daddi and Lorenzo Bartolini.

The Oltrarno area is one of the liveliest places in Florence after dark. In this part of the city many Florentines and visitors gather to enjoy the atmosphere, the nightlife, as well as the many locals in this neighborhood of the city. I recommend you to include in your evening plan to walk around this area, visit Piazza Santo Spiritu and explore the different locals, enjoy a wine and a beer while tasting a piadina or a focaccia. A great plan to end a perfect day.

Le Carceri is one of the best dining options in the city of Florence, and it is also a journey into the past. This restaurant is located on the remains of a former convent that, more recently, was a prison until the mid-1980s, and on your visit you will see details of the cells, as well as original frescoes from the eighteenth century. An ideal choice to taste the gastronomic specialties of Tuscany such as the tasty bistecca alla Fiorentina, the delicious wood-fired pizzas or the most typical pasta dishes.

The Casa del Vino is located in Via del Ariento, next to the Central Market, and is a typical and charming place where you can taste a wine and have an aperitif before continuing to enjoy the Florentine night. In addition, if the weather is nice you can stand on the terrace, but I recommend that you stay inside to contemplate all the life of the place, know its essence and the peculiar atmosphere.

Of course, in your walk through Florence after sunset, you can not miss an ice cream, and is that traveling to Italy and not having an Italian ice cream is something that can not be allowed. Cheer up and do not hesitate to go to Gelateria La Carraia.

You have two options: On the one hand, next to the Church of Santa Croce, in Via dei Benci, there is a gelateria, and there is also another one next to the Carraia Bridge, in Piazza Nazario Sauro. The Carraia is open every day of the week from 11 am to midnight. So don't hesitate to come after an aperitif or after dinner. You can choose from a wide menu of flavors.

To enjoy each and every one of the plans mentioned above, as well as the different monuments and sites of the city of Florence illuminated, it is important that you know from what time the sun sets and it gets dark. To do this, I recommend that before your visit, consult this information online.

However, in general the sunset in Florence takes place from 16:30 to 21 h. depending on the time of year. Thus, in January and February it takes place around 5 pm, in March around 6 pm, in April after 7:30 pm, in May after 8 pm and in June and July almost at 9 pm. Regarding the month of August, the time of sunset starts to decrease around 20:30 h., in September around 19:30 - 20 h., in October at 18: 30 - 19 h. and in November and December between 16:30 - 17: 30 h.

On your trip to Florence, do not hesitate to take a walk after sunset. You will get to know the capital of Tuscany from another equally wonderful and even more spectacular perspective. To do this, do not hesitate to take into account the following recommendations:

• Sunset takes place between 4:30 p.m. and 8 - 8:30 p.m. depending on the time of year.
• Dinner time is between 7:30 pm and 10: 30 pm. Regarding the time of the aperitif it is usually between 19 h.- 20 h. in the evening.
• The city of Florence has a lot of life. Enjoy each of the plans that may arise.
• Stroll through the most monumental Florence because seeing the different palaces, churches and squares illuminated is spectacular. The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, the banks of the Arno, the Piazzale de Michelangelo... are not to be missed in your tour.
• Of course, wrap up warm. Obviously, if it's winter you will not hesitate to wear the right clothes. But in summer, no matter how hot it has been during the day, I recommend that you wear a jacket, cardigan or similar garment, as it is common for temperatures to drop after dark.