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 have the opportunity to visit it at night you will be amazed. So on your trip, don't hesitate to take a 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'll tell you what you have to see and do on your trip to this dazzling city after sunset.

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

If you are wondering what to start your day in Florence by night, I would say that you should definitely start with an aperitif. In one of the city's bars, from 19 - 19:30, they have a free buffet where, for the price of a drink (which can be anything from a beer to a cocktail or an alcohol-free drink), you can try the various dishes on display. There are appetizers that have more elaborate food and others that are simpler, 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 exquisite Italian food with a cooking course.

One of the essential places to visit in the city of Florence after nightfall is the Piazza del Duomo. An enclave that will make you realise the splendour that the capital of Tuscany once had, and if you also have the opportunity to see it illuminated by moonlight, as well as by the lights that illuminate the different monuments: the Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni... it is a marvellous experience. In addition, the Loggia dei Lanzi is also illuminated, giving greater prominence to the different sculptures it houses. I recommend that you sit and contemplate the square in peace and quiet. 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, which dates back to the 14th century, hides a long and curious history. Throughout its history, it has been busy with 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 jewellers and goldsmiths who have remained here to the present day.

In addition, in World War II all the other bridges in the city of Florence were destroyed except for the Ponte Vecchio. It is said to have been ordered directly by Adolf Hitler, who met it on a trip in the late 1930s and was captivated by it.

Well, as well as being one of the symbols of the city, it is an essential place to visit at night, as 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 such 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 venue is the 15th century Church of San Monaca, which regularly hosts the most beautiful excerpts from La Traviata, Madame Butterfly or the Barber of Seville.

The Place de la R épublique is another must-see after dark. The Arc de Triomphe and the Column of Abundance light up the square and make it an ideal place to stroll around. There is also a merry-go-round in the centre of the square which is a great attraction for the youngest members of the family. The square is also home to elegant cafés and top brand shops.

After dinner, I recommend that you take the opportunity to stroll along the banks of the Arno. It is a really wonderful walk where you will be able to see the different buildings and monuments illuminated. To do so, you can start the walk next to the arcaded Uffizi Gallery, which is also a wonderful part 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 get your bearings 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 Botticelli's 'Primavera' and 'The Birth of Venus', 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 by night is to go up to the Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the view of Florence illuminated, an unforgettable postcard. From this strategic vantage point you will be able to see each and every one of the monuments in a special light, as well as the dazzling Ponte Vecchio and the sparkle 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, without a doubt, on your trip to Florence you should not miss the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo's 'David', as well as other works by the author such 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 bars and restaurants in this area of the city. I recommend that you include in your evening plan a stroll around this area, visit Piazza Santo Spiritu and explore the different bars, enjoy a glass of wine and a beer while tasting a piadina or a focaccia. A great way to end a perfect day.

Le Carceri is one of the best places to dine 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 which, more recently, was a prison until the mid-1980s, and on your visit you will see details of the cells as well as original 18th century frescoes. An ideal choice for sampling Tuscan gastronomic specialities such as 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 a wine and have an aperitif before continuing to enjoy the Florentine nightlife. In addition, if the weather is nice you can sit on the terrace, but I recommend you stay inside so that you can contemplate all the life of the place, get to know its essence and the peculiar atmosphere.

Of course, on your walk through Florence after sunset, you can't miss a gelato, because travelling to Italy and not having an Italian gelato is something you can't afford. Go for it and don't 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 range of flavours.

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 so, I recommend that you consult this information online before your visit.

Generally speaking, however, sunset in Florence takes place from 4.30 pm to 9 pm, depending on the time of year. In January and February it is around 17:00, in March around 18:00, in April after 19:30, in May after 8:00 and in June and July almost 21:00. In August the sunset time starts to fall around 20:30 h., in September around 19:30 - 20 h., in October around 18:30 - 19 h. and in November and December between 16:30 - 17: 30 h.

On your trip to Florence, don't hesitate to go for a walk after sunset. You will get to know the capital of Tuscany from another equally marvellous and even more spectacular perspective. To do so, don't hesitate to take into account the following recommendations:

• Sunset is between 4.30 p.m. and 8.00 - 8.30 p.m. depending on the time of year.
• Dinner time is between 19:30 and 22:30. The aperitif time is usually between 19:00 h. and 20:00 h. in the evening. - 8 p.m. in the evening.
• The city of Florence is full 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 on your tour.
• Of course, wrap up warm. Obviously, if it's 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, as it is common for temperatures to drop after nightfall.