Going out in Florence doesn’t have to mean actually going anywhere. In summer, a popular way of spending time is to stroll through the historic streets, stopping off for an ice-cream or a drink at a bar along the way. Although Florence has a reputation for catering to the middle-aged and affluent, like every university town, there are pockets of activity in the city. For up to the minute information on what’s on, call in at the tourist office in Via Cavour, or keep a look out for advertising posters around the city, or pick up a monthly magazine such as Firenze Spettacolo.

Bars

Universale

www.universalefirenze.it/

Housed in the shell of an old cinema just outside the city wall, Universale is a great place just to drink or listen to music, chill out, watch a show or have dinner. Its modern by design and has been carefully designed so nothing overly intrudes.
Via Pisana 77/r.

Dolce Vita

Classy bar with a large veranda and cosy inner rooms.Located on the Piazza del Carmine in front of the church, there’s cocktail service all day and small exhibitions and mini-concerts in the little rooms inside. Sit back and chat over classic aperitifs while being serenaded by jazz or classical musicians. Great for cocktails and the apperitivo (Italian equivalent of tapas) including pastas, risottos, and hot and cold meats.
Piazza del Carmine, 6r (00 39 055 284595).

Kikuya

A fun local Italian student crowd place with a pub atmosphere. It can get crowded on certain nights. But Kikuya's worth a look in for its powerful and generous cocktails. Pop in for the very Happy Hour (7pm-10pm) and get your evening going without damaging your wallet.
Via Benci 43R (00 39 055 234 4879). Open 7.30pm-2am

Jazz Club Piano Bar

A friendly jazz club, enjoyable if a little smokey. There's live Jazz (Friday & Saturday) and a free jammin' sessionon Tuesdays. The drinks are good, the clientele mixed. Not really a trendy spot, but very relaxing and laid-back.
Via Nuova de’ Caccini 3 (00 39 055 247 9700). Open Tueday to Saturday 10am until midnight. Closed Sundays & Mondays.

Capocaccia

Located right by the river, with great views, this is a local hangout for the beautiful people and designer clad Italians where on-street posing is the name of the game. Everyone wears designer shades and the whole scene looks like something out of La Dolce Vita.
Lungarno Corsini 12-14, (00 39 055 210 751).

Slowly

Another see-and-be-seen Florentine hot spot. They do basic classic cocktails and tasty aperitifs, but it’s the Tuscan-style snacks and oysters with champagne that should draw your attention. The bar itself is American style and there are two open plan sections to base yourself in the cool interior. A classy place. Try to get a table upstairs.
Via Porta Rossa 63 (00 39 055 264 5354).

Clubs

Central Park

A summer club where a with- it crowd move and groove to live music. An interesting venue - 1/2 outside and 1/2 indoors. A good variety of music with over 5 dancefloors, each different. A little way out of the city (about a 20-30 min walk) or take a taxi (quite pricey late at night). A popular club but drinks are pricey.
Parco delle Cascine (00 39 055 333 505). Friday & Saturday 9pm until 3am.

Cafes

Café Rivoire

Overlooking the replica statue of Michelangelo’s David in the square, the café has been serving great hot chocolate, and superb cocktails and aperitifs since 1872. On Piazza delle Signoria.