The Best Nightclubs in Florence

Florence is best known for its incredible selection of medieval and Renaissance art, with beautifully decorated churches and some of Italy’s most renowned museums and galleries. But it’s also a great place to go out, with animated dance clubs hosting live acts, international DJs and themed nights.

Minutes from Florence Airport, Tenax is a now-legendary nightclub that has been throwing high-energy dance parties and organising live-music events since the early 1980s. Constantly evolving, it is one of the most popular places to go out in Florence, and over the years has hosted major names such as Radiohead, Ben Harper and Daft Punk. With its stylish crowd and late-night discos, Tenax is the perfect place to meet new people and escape the tourist-heavy city centre. Dance the night away listening to local DJs and sipping fresh cocktails, or head upstairs to the VIP area for bottle service and a bit of privacy, at an additional cost.

Inside Florence’s historic city centre, Rex Café is a lively lounge that doubles as an after-hours nightclub. Named after an Italian-made luxury ocean liner from the 1930s, there is a sleek nautical theme to the interiors, with sail-shaped lamps lining the walls and a mosaic framing the bar with wave-like patterns in shades of blue. Stop in for an aperitif or settle into a soft vintage armchair for the night. An exciting events schedule offers entertainment seven nights a week, from live jazz on Tuesdays to vinyl-only DJ sets on Thursdays.

Directly across from Piazzale Michelangelo, Flo Lounge is a chic nightclub with a modern outdoor setting and impressive city views. Sip a Negroni under the stars listening to the hottest DJ mixes, from RnB and hip-hop to downtempo house styles. Arrive early Wednesday to Sunday (from 8–11pm) for aperitivo rinforzato: translated as “reinforced aperitif”, this decadent buffet features a selection of classic Italian cuisine. Pro Tip: Be sure to dress the part, as a style code is enforced at the door – no sportswear or flip flops.

Across the street from Palazzo Vecchio in central Florence, The Blob nightclub is an alternative hangout with a somewhat eccentric atmosphere. The discreet, two-storey lounge is a quirky space with art covering the walls and a small, intimate dance floor. Advertised mostly by word-of-mouth, the weekend parties here offer a wide variety of music from classic rock to RnB and old school hip-hop that keeps the party going until the early morning. For something a bit different, join the open-mic on Wednesday evenings or sip wine while listening to live jazz on Monday nights. Open seasonally from October to April, this must-visit spot is the ideal location to cure the winter blues.

In the heart of Florence just steps from the world-famous Duomo, Space Electronic has been a hub for wild nightlife since it first opened its doors back in February 1969. Previously an art commune and a centre of hippy culture in Florence, this legendary venue is now the hottest nightclub in the city centre, hosting both international and local DJ sets four nights a week. Grab a cocktail and party on one of two massive dance floors, or enjoy the vibe from the exclusive VIP lounge. This Florence mainstay is open past 4am most evenings.

Just a few blocks from the Piazza Della Repubblica in the city centre, YAB is a stylish nightclub that caters to a young, upscale clientele. Inside, crisp white sofas, neon-blue lighting and two sleek bars frame a large illuminated dance floor. The VIP lounge, Privée, offers a speakeasy-style area downstairs on the weekends at an additional cost. Dinner with live entertainment can be reserved from 9–11pm from Thursday to Saturday for around €25 (£21), but be sure to stay for the party afterward. Best known for its hip-hop and chart-topping music nights, this opulent club is the place to be if you’re looking for a lavish night out in the historic part of town.

Located a few streets from the Duomo in Florence’s city centre, Full Up is an unpretentious disco offering a wide variety of music styles in a sleek setting. Open until 4am Thursday to Saturday, join the lively late-night crowd and groove to throwback favourites alongside contemporary hits. When it comes time to recharge, grab a cocktail and recline in one of the many stylish lounge areas. On Friday evenings, the venue hosts a popular LGBTQ night complete with drag queens and a special DJ set featuring chart-toppers from icons like Madonna and Britney Spears. Entrance is €10 (£8.60) and includes two drinks of your choice.