Last Updated on September 9, 2025 by Tori Pines
Florence by day is all about Renaissance art, bustling piazzas, and panoramic views. But when the sun sets and the city starts to glow under golden lights, Florence transforms into something entirely more romantic and absolutely magical. Whether you’re strolling past the Duomo under moonlight, savoring Tuscan wine over dinner, or catching sunset views over the Arno River, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Florence at night.
If you’re wondering how to spend your evenings in this historic city, you’re in the right place. This guide features my favorite nighttime activities from our two-week Italy itinerary, along with my best tips that we learned along the way to help you make the most of your Florence nights.
Florence isn’t just beautiful, it’s breathtaking after dark. The crowds thin out, the city lights up, and everything feels a little slower, softer, and more cinematic. Florence at night is your chance to see the city’s famous landmarks without the rush, dine like the locals, and uncover the charm that most day-trippers miss entirely.
Things to Do in Florence at Night
1. Start with Aperitivo at Golden View
Florence knows how to do happy hour. And in Italy, it’s called aperitivo. A pre-dinner drink paired with small bites that helps open your appetite. In Florence, aperitivo is practically an art form.
One of my favorite spots for this is Golden View, located right along the Arno River near the Ponte Vecchio. As the sun sets, the whole city glows and this is the perfect place to enjoy it.
What to order: An Aperol Spritz or Negroni (which originated in Florence!), paired with olives, cheese, and breadsticks.
Tori Tip: Try to grab a riverside table around sunset and watch the lights reflect on the water. Get there early for the best chance at a good table.
2. Climb the Duomo to Watch the Sunset
Easily my favorite thing to do in the city, can be the perfect thing to do in Florence at night. Book a time slot in advance to climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for breathtaking views at sunset! It’s the best reason to come here at all! It’s a little bit of a workout, but you can go at your own pace and most people shouldn’t have trouble conquering it!
Tickets to the dome usually include access to other parts of the complex. You can pop your head into the main area of the church if you wish. Just be sure to check closing times, you might have to see these areas before climbing the dome.
The square surrounding the Duomo is stunning in the daylight, but at night, it’s absolutely surreal. The crowds are gone, the square is quiet, and the detailed facade glows softly under the city lights.
It’s the perfect time to appreciate its beauty in peace, take photos without tons of people in the background, or just sit on a bench and soak it all in.
Tori Tip: Reserving timed tickets online in advance is crucial! Since this is a church, you must have your shoulders and knees covered to enter. Plan accordingly when you get dressed this morning!
3. Eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina at Parione
Dinner in Florence isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. If you want to eat like the locals do, head to Parione, my favorite restaurant in the heart of the city. If you’re coming here, you must try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak grilled to perfection. It’s the number one dish that this city is known for, and something that every visitor should experience. This classic dish is served with roasted potatoes and beans, and you must add a bottle of house red for the ultimate dinner.
Tori Tip: Make reservations in advance. We had one of the best meals of our trip here, house wine, mozzarella appetizers, and that perfect Florentine steak. I’m still dreaming about it.
4. Learn How to Make Pasta at a Cooking Class
Super high on my list of favorite things to do in Florence at night is to attend a cooking class! This can be done anywhere in Italy, but it’s no secret that Tuscany (Florence included) has the best food in the country. In my opinion at least…
We took the pasta and tiramisu cooking class with Florencetown and it was the most amazing experience, we loved every second of it. That one is during the day, but they offer an evening pasta and gelato class that would be just as amazing. And what’s crazy is the meal we made and ate was the best pasta we had in all of Italy. I swear, it was just that good.
There are plenty of other night time cooking classes to choose from, like this pasta and tiramisu class that looks delicious!
5. Take a Moonlit Walk Along the Arno River
After dinner, walk it off along the Arno. Florence’s main river winds through the city and offers some of the most romantic nighttime views in all of Italy.
Start at the Ponte Vecchio, where jewelers keep their shops lit up late, then head east or west along the river. The glow of the streetlights on the water, the sound of soft conversations from riverside bars, and the fresh breeze make this walk the perfect nightcap.
Tori Tip: Bring a gelato (more on that soon!) and just enjoy getting lost in the magic.
6. Or, Take a Sunset Cruise along the Arno River
Another jaw dropping way to see the city at sunset is from a boat on the Arno River! This sunset boat tour includes a one-hour cruise where they serve wine, appetizers and music as you watch the busy city passing by.
Along the way, the tour guide provides interesting information and history about the city that elevates the experience and allows you to appreciate everything you see that much more!
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7. Find the Best Food in the City with a Street Food Tour
One of my favorite ways to spend an evening in Florence is by joining a street food tour! As the city starts to glow, you can wander through lively piazzas and tucked-away alleyways with a local guide who knows exactly where to find the best bites. You might snack on crispy coccoli (fried dough balls with prosciutto), sip Chianti straight from the source, or end the night with a creamy gelato from a family-run shop.
The tours are not just about the food, they’re about stories, traditions, and feeling like you’re part of Florence’s evening rhythm. It’s a delicious, social way to see the city after dark, and one of the best things to do in Florence at night!
Tori Tip: Book this tour for your first night in the city, that way you can have a better idea of what to eat and where to go for the rest of your stay in Florence.
8. Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for the Sunset
Easily the most famous way to enjoy the sunset in Florence is from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s an iconic view of the city. Watch as the city turns golden, the Duomo glows in the fading light, and the surrounding Tuscan hills stretch off into the distance.
At the top you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view of Florence as the sun sinks behind the Duomo and Arno River. Just be sure to stick around a while, after you might think the sun has gone down is often when the prettiest colors come out across the sky. We learned this the hard way and left too early. By the time we made it back to the river the sky was absolutely glowing! Learn from our mistake!
How to get there: You can walk (uphill) or take a taxi. We chose to walk but it is definitely not for the faint of heart. I recommend grabbing a taxi to get up there and then walking back down.
Tori Tip: Bring a bottle of wine, a blanket, and enjoy the show. It’s very popular, so arrive a little early if you want a good spot.
9. Eat Pizza at Gustapizza
For a more casual (and totally delicious) dinner option, head to Gustapizza. It’s a local favorite that has earned a cult following, and for good reason. They serve hot, wood-fired pizzas with chewy crusts and fresh toppings. The line to get a table might be long, but it moves fast.
Tori Tip: Skip the wait for a table and take your pizza to-go. Head back to your hotel or to a piazza bench and eat under the stars.
10. Grab Gelato from La Strega Nocciola or Perché No
You didn’t think I’d leave out gelato, did you? One of my favorite things to do in Florence at night is grab a scoop (or three) and wander the streets. There’s just something magical about strolling with gelato under the glow of the Duomo.
Best gelato stops:
- La Strega Nocciola – Known for creamy, authentic flavors.
- Perché No – One of the oldest gelaterias in Florence, and one of the best.
- La Carraia – Just across the river, super close to Parione or Gustapizza, a perfect after dinner treat.
Tori Tip: Skip the places with neon-colored gelato piled high. You want creamy textures, natural colors, and metal lids (that means it’s made in small batches and temperature controlled!).
11. Explore Florence on a Walking Tour
Night is a great time to see Florence’s landmarks without the daytime crowds. If you’re interested in a casual (and free!) option, fire up your Rick Steves Audio App and follow one of his walking tours through the Heart of Florence.
Stops include:
- Piazza della Signoria
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Duomo (lit up beautifully at night)
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Hidden alleyways and historic spots
Tori Tip: Bring headphones, a portable battery, and comfortable shoes. Florence is flat and walkable—perfect for a DIY evening tour!
Alternatively, there are tons of great guided walking tours if you’d rather have a local walk you around the city. If you are super into history, then I recommend this option instead!
12. Or, See the City from the Back of a Golf Cart
If you want to see Florence sparkle without wearing out your feet, hop on an evening golf cart tour! These small, open-air carts zip you through the city’s narrow streets and past its most famous landmarks, all beautifully lit at night. You’ll glide by the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio while your guide shares fun stories and history along the way. It’s breezy, relaxing, and perfect if you want to cover a lot of ground without the crowds. Plus, you’ll get to see Florence from a fresh perspective, one that feels both magical and effortless!
When I tell you everyone raves about these golf cart tours, I mean it! All of my friends who have taken golf cart tours in Italy say they are some of the absolute BEST things you can do in the cities. I highly recommend them! You can also take a golf cart tour during the day if you prefer.
13. Attend a Late-Night Cultural Event or Concert
Florence is full of art and culture, not just in museums, but in its music and performances too. Depending on when you visit, there are often evening concerts, opera performances, or live music at historic venues around the city. This classical music concert is offered 2-4 times a week, so there’s likely a show during the time you are visiting.
Where to look:
- Teatro della Pergola (for opera and classical music)
- St. Mark’s Anglican Church (often hosts evening concerts)
- Piazza performances in the summer
14. Shop the Late-Night Markets or Window-Browse
While many shops close by early evening, some boutiques near the Ponte Vecchio and in Piazza della Repubblica stay open later in spring and summer.
What to browse: Handmade leather goods, scarves, ceramics, and jewelry.
Tori Tip: If you’re visiting during a festival or weekend, keep an eye out for artisan night markets and pop-ups throughout the city center.
15. Visit the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)
If you’re still out and about earlier in the evening, make time to visit the Scuola del Cuoio, Florence’s famous leather school. Here, you can see artisans at work crafting handbags, belts, and journals, many of which are available for purchase.
Why go at night: While it’s usually a daytime activity, some nights during the high season they stay open later for demos and events.
Tori Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, watching the leatherworkers do their craft is super interesting, and makes a great cultural stop.
Final Tori Tips for Florence at Night
- Wear comfy shoes: Florence is meant to be walked, even at night.
- Bring a wrap or jacket: It can get cool, especially near the river or in spring/fall.
- Don’t overplan: Florence is at its best when you allow for a little wandering.
- Use taxis wisely: Uber doesn’t work like in the U.S.—use the FreeNow app or find taxi stands if you need a ride home after dark.
- Embrace the slow pace: Take your time, enjoy your meal, sip your wine, and watch the city unfold around you.
There’s something about Florence at night that just feels different. It’s quieter, more intimate, and filled with hidden beauty you might miss during the day. Whether you’re enjoying aperitivo on the Arno, watching sunset from a hillside, or walking hand-in-hand through the piazzas, every night in Florence has the potential to be unforgettable.
So lace up those shoes, grab your shawl, and let the city lead the way.
Buona notte, Firenze.
Read more posts about Florence next!
- Perfect 1-Day Florence Itinerary: How to Spend One Day in Florence, Italy
- Sundays in Florence, Italy
- A Day Trip from Florence to San Gimignano: How to Get There & Things To Do
- Towns Near Florence You MUST Visit
- 8 Best Things to Do in Positano at Night + Places to Eat!
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