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Although Florence is quite a small city, it is inundated with visitors, ex-pats and students; this is great news if want to have an evening of raucous fun, or if you prefer to follow more cultural pursuits. Visitors and Florentines alike are impressed by the wealth of entertainment that they find on offer here.

Cinemas

Going to the cinema or the “movies” has become an increasingly popular pastime since the mid-nineties, and the number of cinemas has increased to meet the needs of the people in Florence, many of the city's multiplexes have been renovated and reopened. This change in the amount of cinemas that exist has created a climate of “non-stop cinematography”, and fewer cinemas close down during the obligatory Ferie (the Italian summer holidays), which generally last from July until early September. Florentine cinemas are very varied; there are modern one-screen halls, massive multiplexes and small independent cinemas. The Cecchi Gori Group owns the most cinemas in the city and the majority show general releases and (dubbed) American blockbusters, although the Atelier group makes sure that Art house theatre is kept alive. Atelier have 6 cinemas that show good quality independent films and directors and actors will often attend ‘previews' and answer audience' questions. On Wednesdays, prices are reduced and many Florentines will take a trip to the pictures then, and also in December. However, one of the best times to go to the cinema is during the summer; between the months of June and September, you can watch a new release or one of the previous winter's "smashes" in the open air, as you sit beneath the stars. Some of the “normal” theatres will remain open; many of these have air-conditioning, which is a great way to avoid the humidity of a Florentine summer and above all the mosquitoes! Some of the cinemas in the Centro Storico e.g. Goldoni and Odeon cinehall, show original language films weekly.

Theatres

Although there are many more cinemas, compared with the amount of theatres, it is unfair to say that Florence favours the "Big Screen" to the stage. The Florentine theatrical tradition has always been noteworthy, for example, the famous Maggio Musicale Fiorentino attracts many well-known people. The range of productions is very varied too, there are upbeat comedies by Neil Simon at Teatro della Pergola, or more provocative, thought provoking dramas such as A Streetcar Named Desire at Teatro Manzoni. If Shakespeare is more your thing, then the Metastasio Theatre will meet your highbrow needs!

Nightlife

In Florence (and everywhere else) most people want to go out and stay out until late at the weekend; this city has a large number of bars and discos, which people can enjoy any day of the week. For a quiet evening, drinking and chatting late into the night, why not try Il Caffè in Piazza Pitti, or Hemingway close to Chiesa del Carmine. At il Genius you can relax with friends and play board/card games. Zoe, Dolce Vita and Porfirio Rubirosa are a little more crowded and lively, while Caffè Caracol has a Latina vibe. If you are more of a wine lover, then try Pitti Gola or Cantina. Maybe you fancy a pint? Both the William Pub and the Chequers Pub are British in style, (perhaps to meet the needs of the many ex-pats who make their home here!) They sell an infinite number of beers, and snacks accompanied by good music and are populated by Florentine beer lovers and foreigners alike.

Clubs & Discos

Lots of tourists like to check out the clubs and discos when they are on holiday. Florence offers a great variety of nightspots, it is possible to choose from mainstream discos such as Meccanò, (where you might meet a V.I.P or two), and the fabulous Andromeda, or more specialist rock bars such as Tenax (popular with many young Italians) and Flog. There are many nightclubs (especially during the summer) with theme nights, where people can dance, listen to music and chat. These include Pongo, which is close to Teatro Verdi and il Lidò on the banks of the Arno, which attracts at least half of the city. Le Vie di Fuga is housed in the ex prisons of Murate, and il Sottosopra disco is between Santo Spirito and il Carmine. The H202 is a very forward thinking club, music here includes rare funk, Afro beat and Brazilian; they even have an ‘Art Space' where the latest exhibitions can be seen. Finally, there is Soul Cities near to the fortress.

A City to Suit All Tastes

As you can see, Florence has much to attract the cultivated wine drinker, the ‘cinephile' or the perpetual party boy/girl. Enjoy yourself!!







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Auditorium Flog


Historic part of the Florentine music scene
Via Michele Mercati, 24b
Florence 50139
Italy
+39 55 49 0437
Flog is now a historic part of the Florentine live music scene. It has been around for ten years and continues to be a favourite with rock fans and anyone who loves good live music. Groups from the alternative Italian and foreign circuits play here, offering visitors a chance to get to know the best underground music of the continent. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Auditorium Flog offers live music and a DJ session until late. Entrance fees vary according to the program.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Auditorium Flog photo by Alice
Photo: Alice
 

 
Cafè Caracol


A taste of Mexico
Via dei Ginori, 10r
Florence 50121
Italy
+39 55 21 1427
http://www.cafecaracol.com/
The only restaurant in the city to offer live music and theme nights. Also offered is great Latin American and Mexican cuisine, including excellent offerings of Nachos, Fajitas and Chimichangas and delicious brunch on Sunday. The colorful ambiance starts at the entrance; a bright yellow and sky blue arched double entrance with rich wooden doors welcomes you to even more festivity inside. The combination bar/restaurant offers half-price cocktails and beers during happy hour daily from 5:30p-7p

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Centro Storico


Florence
Italy
The historic city centre is most representative of Florence. The layout of the district follows a road system created by the Romans (known as the 'cardo' and 'decumano' system). In the centro storico, you will see the enormous, imposing structure of the Duomo, with its Brunelleschian cupola, a beautiful dome that adds splendour to the city skyline. The city has also preserved its medieval network of streets, lined with regular, geometric Renaissance palaces such as Palazzo Strozzi and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, which once belonged to Florence's powerful, oligarchic families. Florence is divided into five districts and the centre is divided into four sections (San Giovanni, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and Santo Spirito Oltrarno).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Centro Storico photo by Stefano Panaro
Photo: Stefano Panaro
 

 
Dolce Vita


Smart set favourite
Piazza del Carmine, 6r
Florence 50125
Italy
+39 55 28 4595
http://www.dolcevitaflorence.com/
Packed in the evenings, this happening bar and adjoining restaurant is where the beautiful people come to see and be seen. Catch the latest art trends by checking out its small monthly picture and photo exhibitions. Live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30p-9:30p. Drinks and buffet daily from 7:30p-9:30p.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Hemingway


Home to chocolate-lovers
Piazza Piattellina, 9r
Florence 50124
Italy
+39 055 24 4781
There are only the best chocolates here, such as the work of Andrea Slitti, world champion of artistic chocolate-making. The menu is made up of the best typical dishes of different traditions of cuisine. Oysters, soups, fish carpaccio, and plates of charcuterie and cheeses. The desserts are remarkable: after the chocolates, the Orient Express and coffee-flavored desserts stand out. Many of the baked goods (namely cakes, cheesecakes, muffins, cookies) come from the American bakery in town - Mr Jimmy's - and do not arise to the same standard as the other items actually prepared at Hemingway. Decorated with bamboo and wood in pastel colors, the atmosphere is modern and very comfortable.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hemingway photo by Eszter Hargittai
Photo: Eszter Hargittai
Hemingway photo by Winnie So
Photo: Winnie So
Hemingway photo by Eszter Hargittai
Photo: Eszter Hargittai
 

 
Meccanò


House music, hip-hop and mainstream
Viale degli Olmi - Parco delle Cascine
Florence 50100
Italy
+39 55 33 1371
This is the most famous club in the city, perhaps in the whole of Italy, and has a selection of house music, hip-hop and mainstream music played by DJs from all over the country. Especially popular are the 80s/90s dance nights on Saturdays. There are always two dance floors, including one that can cater for private parties. During the summer the club opens up into the large surrounding garden.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Meccanò photo by Andrea Vignolini
Photo: Andrea Vignolini
 

 
Santa Maria del Carmine


Renaissance church and chapel
Piazza del Carmine, 14
Florence 50124
Italy
+39 55 21 2331
This 2nd-century church is found in the Oltrarno. It was completely destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 18th Century by Ruggieri and then Mannaioni. The Brancacci Chapel is the most precious part remaining from the fire. It was frescoed by Masolino and Masaccio beginning in 1424 and was finished by Filippino Lippi after 1480. Inside, two particular scenes frescoed by Masaccio stand out: "The payment of tribute" and the Purge from Paradise. These constitute an example imitated throughout the renaissance, especially in the ways in which naked bodies were studied at close quarters, both in their proportions and in their volumes. The chapel has a separate entrance where a charge is applicable. Admission: EUR 4.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by nieos
Photo: nieos
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by colin houston
Photo: colin houston
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by Paul Villafuerte
Photo: Paul Villafuerte
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by Peter Ferne
Photo: Peter Ferne
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by Jing Su
Photo: Jing Su
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by Josée
Photo: Josée
Santa Maria del Carmine photo by Koen Vandendriessche
Photo: Koen Vandendriessche
 

 
Tenax


Famous and popular Florentine bar
Via Pratese, 47
Florence 50145
Italy
+39 55 30 8160
This is without a doubt Florence's most famous club, both for the quality of its shows and for its atmosphere. All the most important Italian musical artists have passed through these doors, as well as many foreign names. DJs change every evening, offering both trendy and more classic sounds. Saturday night's Nobody's Perfect set with DJ Alex Neri has made this a definite must for all House fans. The futuristic Tube Privé, built with recycled materials, should also not be missed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
William Pub


Fabulous range of beers
Via Mangiabechi, 9r
Florence 50121
Italy
+39 55 246 9800
This pub's impressive range of British and Irish beers beats other city bars hands down. Excellent hamburgers, fish & chips and pizzas available to accompany your beer. Cozy surroundings of plain brick walls decorated with objects from across the Channel and friendly, cheerful bar staff. Happy hour kicks off at opening time. Sit inside at a booth or at the bar, or (weather permitting) sit outside at one of the many tables and benches.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Florence - Art & Entertainment"
Florence
Florence - Historical Background
Florence - Neighborhood Guide
Florence - Where to Stay
Florence - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
Bologna (94 miles)
Genoa (176 miles)
Verona (193 miles)
Venice (220 miles)
Milan (241 miles)
Rome (242 miles)
Nice (294 miles)
Turin (298 miles)
Cannes (312 miles)
Trieste (313 miles)

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