Florence in summer has an atmosphere which is quite different from any other season
With the closure of the schools and the summer holidays upon us, the city slowly empties, especially the historic center, which is always hectic from the tourist bustle. The traffic in the streets decreases dramatically (and let me say that this is a significant plus). During the daytime it seems to be a semi-deserted city. In fact, the sultry heat tends to transform the Florentines into a sort of "vampire," who come out only early in the morning and/or in the evening after sunset.
And for those who absolutely can not avoid going out during the day, they have a tendency to move from place to place based on a final destination with air conditioning. The only plus is that they don't have to fight the crowds wherever they go.
In the evening, everybody's goal is to go out and get some "fresh" air... although it isn't always so fresh as the heat of the day lingers on. Most of these places start opening in mid-May, once the weather starts getting nicer and don't close down until the end of September or early October, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy them.
Being in Florence in the middle of the summer has it's upside; for example, it's a good opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. For those visiting as a tourist, it is not as "prepackaged" and, for those of us who live here, it is a bit of an adventure, changing our normal "routine."
Summer outdoor spaces are one of the novelties of the city in the warm season. These spaces are ideal for spending a pleasant evening with friends without leaving Florence. Several new places have opened (and are still opening) throughout the city over the last years, some have moved spot, each with their own personality offering good food and an entertainment program.
Below we have listed some of the top open spaces to check out this summer 2026 and which we recommend if you want to feel you spent the evening out “like a local”.
In the historical center
It's worth going, if even just to linger in the Piazzetta dei Tre Re, which has been enhanced by the project Serre Torrigiani in Piazzetta (open from 10 am to 12am). The square is located between Via de' Calzaiuoli and Via Calimala and a tiny green oasis, an "urban garden" for a quick stopover, from breakfast to the aperitif.
Be cure to check out their calendar of cultural events with events featuring prose, theater, music and art.
Just outside the main boulevard that encircles the "old part of town," at the Lake of the Swans in front of the Fortezza da Basso, is the Off Bar. You can stop at the kiosk for a drink, a pizza or Thai street food (new entry for this 2019) in the evening, while the entertainment ranges from DJ set to live music to movies under the stars ... and more!
In the Murate complex in the Santa Croce district, you will find the Le Murate's Caffè Letterario summer edition as it moves tables and a small stage into the courtyard outdoors. There are many cultural offerings, from book presentations and readings to poliitcal debates in the early evening that give way to musical concerts at night, usually starting at 8.30pm. The first part is in Italian, but music is international, so check out the concerts for the week on their Facebook page to decide when is the best time to go. The cafè is open all day from 9am to 1am on weekdays, from 3pm to 2am on Saturdays and Sundays and offers a restaurant, pizzeria, bar and lounge/cocktail bar.
In the area called "Ponte Rosso," accessible by bus number 13, you find the Horticultural Garden. In the summer it hosts the "Love Orticoltura", which is open every day from 9am to midnight. The coffee shop serves quick meals (pasta dishes, salads, panini and brrunch on Sundays) and has a happy hour in the evening. They often organize live music in the evenings, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays there are also events for children and families.
Another place in the area around the Fortezza is Villa Vittoria, a very chic place to the side of the SMN train station, open from Wednesday through Saturday, from 7pm. They offer pizza by Romualdo Rizzuti, and a certain dress code is required, even if not super elegant. Live music, DJ sets and special lighting make an evening spent there quite special, most evenings opening with a cultural event such as book presentations and talks before sunset. In the Firenze Fiera space, where you can also host private events.
Along the Arno River
The Arno river is ideal for summer outdoor living... but currently the area just outside the large boulevards of the city, from Lungarno Pecori Giraldi all the way down Lungarno del Tempio and Lungarno Colombo, that host gardens and large open spaces perfect for outdoor living, are surrounded by construction works for the new tram line that will head to Bagno a Ripoli. So all the various places that invited one to hang in this area were gone in summer 2025 and continue to not be present for summer 2026.
The only ones that are accessible are further away from the center, either towards the park of Albereta or in the other direction to the Cascine. They require dedication as they are further away from the center and is definitely where locals head to. Molo Firenze moved last summer to the start of the Albereta park, right in front of the tennis courts, and is open every day from 5pm. Specialize in street food (in the past, there has been lampredotto panini, tapas, pizza, octopus from the island of Elba and gelato), live music and cocktails and artisan beers.
Further into the park you will find Anconella Garden where you will also find street food, art events and live entertainment. Entrance through Via Villamagna 39/D.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Right before you get to the Piazzale, you'll find Flò Firenze, who is rebranding itself as a Botanical Terrace in summer 2026. Flò is a dance/night club and is a great meeting place for friends, the perfect spot for the view and enjoy various events starting from around 4pm, while the evenings, in addition to an aperitif buffet and after dinner snacks, are dedicated to dancing to a wide selection of sounds, ranging from Latin to hip hop music (lots of room to dance).
Elegant attire is required (not black tie but, nice) and you can be turned down if you don't meet "the look" they are searching for. Entrance is free. Opens at 4pm on Sundays, but usually sunset is the ideal time to get there and stays open until late, usually around 4am.
A bit further away from the center...
Outside of the center, there are two other summer spaces which are accessible with normal urban bus lines (ATAF buses).
At the Artemio Franchi stadium, inside the public garden there is a place called Light, with kiosks for drinks, appetizers, snacks and few options for a dinner (hamburger and pizza), without being too pretentious. It opens from 5:30 pm to 1 am.
Right next to the Cartiere Carrara Hall in the south part of Florence you can find the hot spot called AtolloFirenze, a space for aperitif, dinner with express meals mixed with events, and especially music. Take bus line 14, which will practically drop you off right in front of the entrance. While, if you like barbecue, go ahead to the Festa del Mugello, right next door in the same area around the Cartiere Carrara Hall.
For those who are looking for some place which is more exclusive, perhaps a romantic dinner or with a spectacular view of the city, I suggest you take a look at our suggestions on roof top terraces with views of Florence.
Check other events from the program of the "Estate Fiorentina" (Florentine Summer).
Last update: May 15, 2026 - ongoing updates as we see what else opens up for summer 2026 so keep checking back and check external links for full schedules.
