Though Florence is hardly a metropolis, there is no shortage of things to do in the evenings. In fact, there is something for all tastes in the city centre, where practically every street corner has a pub or cafe, club or disco.

Each neighbourhood has its own particular nightlife scene, which you can enjoy exploring: Santo Spirito, San Niccolò and the Oltrarno, Santa Croce…

The Florentines like eating out late as well, at a restaurant or pizzeria, and then moving on to catch some music or to dance. It is not hard to work out whether you are going into a bar or club popular with students, the over-30s or the fashion-conscious.

Besides the music, style and clientele, the prices can vary greatly as well, as can the way things are organized: free admission, obligatory purchase of a drink, table service, club membership, etc.

Theatre, cinema, festivals, concerts – keep a lookout for posters listing what’s on when you are visiting the city, or better still, check the APT’s website for upcoming events when planning your trip. And remember that the nightlife options proliferate in the warm summer months.

Museums and galleries not infrequently extend their opening hours until late in the evening, and open-air shows and cinema are laid on so people can enjoy the cool of the evening. Piazzas, parks, gardens and various hidden corners of the city are transformed into big or small venues for events (often free) that really can satisfy everyone’s tastes.

If you are looking for the big discos or dance halls, then you will need to move out from the city centre.

And that is not the only reason for exploring the province. Every municipality in the Florence area is proud to present at least one event, festival or concert, offering further opportunities for a rather different and special night out.