Young summertime

The summer moon loves to watch over the young people who flock to Florence in summertime and there are dozens of places where they get together after dark.

Start with Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, close to many of the university schools and filled with students: a mosaic of bicycles and a microcosm of the under-30 world – filling the benches, lounging on the steps in front of the church and enjoying finger foods.

Opposite the market in nearby Piazza Ghiberti – where the fruit and vegetable market stalls the daytime bustle – the evenings come to life with the fourth edition of Las Palmas – featuring different entertainment on stage through to 12 September – from videos to film festivals, from rock – or jazz or pop concerts to cabaret evenings and lots and lots of food.

After a day of fashion shopping and maybe a visit to one of the city’s many museum you definitely need a break. Opposite Palazzo Strozzi, where incredible exhibitions are held (the new Strozzina, dedicated to the contemporary scene is hosting the exhibition As Soon as Possible, ten international artists addressing the theme of high speed society – until 18 July) is Collebereto, where the traditional happy hour takes on a touch of glamour. The buffet table literally abounds with good things to eat. And people watching is the added plus… with fashion as the byword.

Do you just want to relax near the cathedral? Try the Biblioteca delle Oblate, a jewel in the heart of the city –the former convent on Via dell’Oriuolo is a cultural and multimedia center that combines old and new. The inspiration for both the very design oriented interior and the services offered comes from the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. The Caffè delle Oblate also offers events and dinners – reservations required.

At this point we are close to Piazza Santa Croce with its jewel of Gothic architecture – one of the oldest and biggest Franciscan basilicas. The square is a vital part of Florentine history and filled with hidden treasures: today it is still used for public events and historic pageants such as the Calcio in Costume. The narrow Borgo Santa Croce is home to  Australiano the pub that offers experimental music on Friday nights.

Other side of town, other place… Parco delle Cascine, with Tamburello, that features cultural events and festivals but mainly dj sets and drinks, live performances, videos and parties, lots of people and lively, sparkling atmosphere (no admission charge).

Santo Spirito is yet another key place in Florence’s nightlife – the “boho-chic” neighborhood takes up a good part of the Oltrarno district that is one of the most fascinating areas in town. The piazza with the same name is the heart of Santo Spirito, and home to one of the city’s main basilicas, a small market and sidewalk restaurants – great for people watching. The piazza and Borgo San Frediano where Florentine craftsmen still work during the day, offer lots of little spots to pass midsummer evenings. The Pop Cafè is a longtime favorite: the small, totally white cocktail bar features music and photography exhibitions.

Back to San Niccolò the least “touristy” part of Florence where the old-time atmosphere is as real as ever. Between majestic Medieval and Renaissance palazzos – such as the home of the of the Museo Bardini (Piazza de’ Mozzi) with its important collection of Renaissance sculptures – there is a seemingly endless row of food stores, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants and historic spots such as Negroni and Zoe… and as you keep on walking you will come to a great club: Montecarla. In what looks like a private home you’ll find two stories of rugs, tiger prints and  deliberately kitsch décor where people dance to just about every kind of music there is.

The new season is ready and waiting to be enjoyed!

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