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, during your trip, don't hesitate to take a stroll every day after sunset, explore its streets and squares such as Piazza del Duomo or Piazza della Repubblica, and discover the magical corners that will impress you. Let me tell you what you have to see and do on your trip to this dazzling city after dark.

And if you're looking for other things to do in this magical city, don't hesitate to read what to see and do in Florence.

If you're wondering how to start your night out in Florence, I'd say you should definitely start with an aperitif. From 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., some of the city's bars offer an all-you-can-eat buffet where, for the price of a drink (which can be anything from a beer to a cocktail or a non-alcoholic beverage), you can sample the various dishes on display. Some aperitifs feature more elaborate food, while others are simpler, such as salads and cold dishes, and, of course, the price varies accordingly. This is an ideal way 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 exquisite Italian cuisine with a cooking class.

One of the must-see places to visit in the city of Florence after dark is Piazza del Duomo. This enclave will make you realize the splendor that the capital of Tuscany once had, and if you also have the opportunity to see it illuminated by the moonlight, as well as by the lights that illuminate the different monuments: the Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni... it is a wonderful experience. The Loggia dei Lanzi is also illuminated, highlighting the various sculptures it houses. I recommend sitting down and contemplating the square in peace. You will experience a magical moment.

But without a doubt, the most beautiful place in Florence after dark is the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval bridge, dating back to the 14th century, has a long and curious history. Throughout history, it has been a hub of commercial activity. Initially, it was occupied by butchers and slaughterers until the end of the 16th century, when they were expelled due to the smell they generated. It was then occupied by jewelers and goldsmiths, who have remained there to this day.

Furthermore, during World War II, all the other bridges in the city of Florence were destroyed except for the Ponte Vecchio. It is said that this was due to a direct order from Adolf Hitler, who saw it on a trip in the late 1930s and fell in love with it.

Well, in addition to being one of the symbols of the city, it is a must-see at night, as its beauty is indescribable. Even more so after dark. I recommend finding a place to sit on the banks of the Arno River, or you can also view it from one of the nearby bridges, such as the Ponte alle Grazie.

Another 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 15th-century Church of San Monaca, which regularly hosts the most beautiful excerpts from La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, and The Barber of Seville.

Piazza della Repubblica is another must-see spot after dark. The Arc de Triomphe and the Column of Abundance illuminate the square and make it an ideal place for a stroll. In addition, in the center of the square there is a merry-go-round that is a big attraction for the little ones. This square is also home to very elegant cafes and top brand stores.

After dinner, I recommend taking a stroll along the banks of the Arno. It's a truly wonderful walk where you can see the different buildings and monuments illuminated. To do so, you can start your walk next to the porticoed Uffizi Gallery, which is also a wonderful spot in the city, and pass by the Santa Trinita Bridge, the Ponte alle Grazie, the Ponte della Carrailla, and the Ponte Vecchio.

Take advantage of this walk to get your bearings and, during 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 Botticelli's 'La Primavera' and 'The Birth of Venus', Piero della Francesca's 'Portrait of the Dukes of Urbino', Filippo Lippi's 'Madonna and Child with Two Angels', Raphael's 'Madonna of the Goldfinch', Michelangelo's 'Tondo Doni' and Caravaggio's 'Bacchus'.

Another plan for Florence at night is to go up to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the views of Florence lit up, an unforgettable postcard image. From this strategic viewpoint, you can see each and every one of the monuments bathed in a special light, as well as the dazzling Ponte Vecchio and the glittering Arno River. It is an unparalleled sight that you should not miss. There is a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David here.

Although, without a doubt, on your trip to Florence you must not miss the Accademia Gallery, where you can see Michelangelo's 'David', as well as other works by the artist such as 'The Prisoners'. You can also see works of art by renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni di 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. Many Florentines and visitors gather here to enjoy the atmosphere, nightlife, and numerous bars and restaurants in this neighborhood. I recommend that you include a stroll through this area in your evening plans, visit Piazza Santo Spiritu and explore the different bars and restaurants, enjoy a glass of wine or a beer while sampling a piadina or focaccia. A perfect way to end a perfect day.

Le Carceri is one of the best places to dine in Florence and also offers a journey back in time. This restaurant is located on the remains of an old convent that, more recently, was a prison until the mid-1980s, and during your visit you can see details of the cells, as well as original 18th-century frescoes. An ideal choice for sampling Tuscan culinary specialties such as the tasty bistecca alla Fiorentina, delicious wood-fired pizzas, or the most typical pasta dishes.

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

Of course, on your stroll through Florence after sunset, you can't miss out on ice cream, because traveling to Italy and not having Italian ice cream is something you can't allow yourself to do. Go ahead and don't hesitate to visit Gelateria La Carraia.

You have two options: on one hand, next to the Church of Santa Croce, on Via dei Benci, there is an ice cream shop, and there is also another one next to the Carraia Bridge, in Piazza Nazario Sauro. La Carraia is open every day of the week from 11 a.m. to midnight, so don't hesitate to visit after an aperitif or after dinner. You can choose from a wide range of flavors.

To enjoy each and every one of the plans mentioned, as well as the different monuments and landmarks of the illuminated city of Florence, it is important to know what time the sun sets and night falls. To do this, I recommend that you check this information online before your visit.

However, in general, sunset in Florence takes place between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the time of year. In January and February, it takes place around 5 p.m., in March around 6 p.m., in April after 7:30 p.m., in May after 8 p.m., and in June and July around 9 p.m. In August, sunset begins to get later, around 8:30 p.m., in September around 7:30-8 p.m., in October at 6:30-7 p.m., and in November and December between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

On your trip to Florence, don't hesitate to take a walk after sunset. You'll get to know the capital of Tuscany from another equally wonderful and even more spectacular perspective. To do so, be sure to keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Sunset takes place between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00-8:30 p.m., depending on the time of year.
• Dinner time is between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. As for aperitif time, it is usually between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• The city of Florence is very lively. Enjoy every opportunity that arises.
• Stroll through the most monumental parts of Florence, because seeing the different palaces, churches, and squares lit up is spectacular. The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, the banks of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo... these are all must-sees on your tour.
• Of course, wrap up warm. Obviously, in winter you won't hesitate to wear the right clothes. But in summer, no matter how hot it has been during the day, I recommend that you take a jacket, cardigan or similar garment with you, as temperatures usually drop after dark.