Florence’s nightlife is as diverse as its community. From neon-lit, bass-pumping nightclubs to open mic poetry readings, and wine and jazz nights, there’s something for everyone. For music lovers, however, there are a few more options. The city of artists isn’t limited to painters and sculptors. Musicians make up a large part of the artist community and they love to put on a show. You can find almost any genre on almost any night of the week. You may even wander into a good cocktail bar while you’re at it.
Jazz Club
This place has been around for years and is still as popular as ever. In a city like Florence, where new places and trends come and go like the wind, that’s a pretty big deal. Although it’s small, it is authentic and always full of great music. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that you need a membership card the first time you go, which costs around €6, but your first drink is included. Closed on Mondays, otherwise open from 11PM to 3/4AM.
The Goose Bistro
This hidden gem is an English-speaking pub just a block from the Piazza del Duomo. It’s the perfect place to a grab quick lunch or a relaxed drink after a long afternoon exploring the city. The drinks are cheap and the food is tasty, especially the burgers. They have an acoustic set once or twice a week that draws a smaller crowd, since their location is somewhat hidden – but all for the better if you’re looking for some place casual with cozy vibes. You can find the Scottish owner there almost every night, slinging drinks, running food, and making sure everyone is having a good time.
Angie’s Pub
Nestled in the Santa Croce neighborhood, this place has been around for what seems like forever, with a dive bar feel and attracting artsy types. Their central location, cheap drinks and live music make it a staple choice when looking for something to do. Open from 11AM to 2AM Monday to Saturday, and Sundays from 11AM to midnight.
If a fun, upbeat night sounds more your style, check out NoF Club, a small but feelgood music venue that makes up for in energy what it lacks in space. It gets crowded as the night goes on, so get there early – plus, happy hour ends at 10:30 PM, so there’s some extra incentive. Closed on Sundays, but open from Monday to Saturday, 6:30PM to 2/3AM.
Glue
Just outside the city center, Glue always has a good band playing. For your first visit there’s a membership fee of €10 before you can enter, and the venue is purely music-focused, full of locals and one of the more authentic music venues for small bands in town. Across the street is the Nelson Mandela Forum, where big bands, events, conventions, and shows are held.
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La Murate Caffè Letterario
Bar, Cafe, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Pub Grub, Fast Food
This place has a restaurant, bookstore café, bar and a courtyard all in one area, and is one of the best cafés in Florence. The buildings that surround it are newly renovated apartments, but have an interesting history of being an old prison. An oasis hidden in the heart of the crowded center, La Murate has a great ambiance, with its outdoor stage and hanging projection screens for live music performances, poetry readings, and sports events. Enjoy a summer evening here and catch a quirky local band and a good drink. Open from 9 to 1AM every day.
Tasso Hostel
Other than being a quaint hostel in the Oltrarno area, Tasso is one of the quirkiest bars and concert venues in Florence. It has gained a name for itself and has become highly popular, with open mic nights, band bookings, and their young hostel guests filling the bar.
Virgin Rock Pub
Although small, this rock-themed pub almost always has the sound of live music flowing from its interior. Central, but not on a touristy street, this place has tons of locals, and that classic rock’n’roll, grunge feel. They have a small patio outside in the summer and quality beer on tap. Open 2PM to 3AM every day.
Superfox
This tiny café bar always has local, English-speaking singers performing any given night of the week. Café by day, bar by night, it’s a popular hangout spot for local expats and students. If you like the singer-songwriter vibe in an intimate space, Superfox is for you. Open from 11 to 1AM every day, and until 2AM on the weekends.
La Cité is a quirky bookstore with a coffee shop vibe. They have a live music show almost nightly, and it fills up quickly, especially on the weekends – so be sure to head over early and grab a spot. The crowds are calm however, talking philosophy over wine or having intimate conversations over cappuccinos, so this place is ideal for writers, thinkers and couples. Open Monday to Saturday from 2PM to 2AM and Sundays from 3PM to 12AM.
La Ménagère
Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Bistro, Italian
This underground jazz lounge, housed in a renovated basement, is part café and restaurant, part flower shop, part cocktail bar and music space. It’s an odd but trendy mix, and has something going on almost every night of the week. Open every day from 7 to 2AM.
The Speakeasy
This nostalgic venue is decorated exactly as its name would suggest. It’s off the beaten tourist track somewhat, in the San Niccolo neighborhood, and is a low-key establishment that always hosts great musicians and local bands. Grab one of their famous artisanal beers, kick back and enjoy.
