Santa Croce
The cafe arm of Florentine superstar chef Fabio Picci (run by his son Giulio, no less), this charming old-world cafe behind Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a…
Must-see nightlife in Tuscany
Southern Tuscany
One of the few bars in Porto Ercole open year-round, Baretto has a lovely terrace overlooking the marina. In summer, tables here are the most sought after…
Northwestern Tuscany
Lounge with hip locals at Lettera 22, a refreshingly stylish and up-to-the-minute literary cafe between the beach and the train station with free wi-fi,…
Santa Croce
For late-night dancing in Santa Croce, hit this swish nightclub with sleek black facade and three dance floors playing a mixed bag of sounds: latino,…
Central Coast & Elba
Those in the know remain staunchly loyal to shabby-chic Zanzi Bar, drawn by vintage decor, designer nourishment and DJ sets after dark. It's in a former…
Southern Tuscany
Tables in the atmospheric logge (loggia) overlooking Piazza Garibaldi are prime people-watching positions, making this cafe the most popular in town…
Northwestern Tuscany
Quench your thirst at the end of the day with a craft beer at Prato's highly regarded birrificio artigianale (artisan brewery), headed up by female brewer…
Santa Croce
This small and edgy Santa Croce club lures an international crowd with its music theme nights – loads of 1960s, hip-hop, alternative rock; all sounds in…
Pisa
This old-fashioned cake shop has been tempting Pisans into sugar-induced wickedness since 1898. It's an equally lovely spot for a cocktail – any time…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
Pull up a stool on the street and chat with a regular over a glass of vino della casa (house wine) at this old-fashioned fiaschetteria (wine seller), a…
San Gimignano
The town's best coffee is on offer at this cafe next to Porta San Matteo, served at tables on the piazzetta or in the modern interior. Other offerings…
Siena
Located in Siena's student quarter, this bar stages live-music acts in a vaulted interior with a mezzanine area. Artisan beer is the tipple of choice…
Siena
Arguably the best coffee on the Campo; drink it standing at the bar or suffer the financial consequences. Service on the terrace, which is a popular…
Southern Tuscany
Old vinyl records may dangle from the ceiling, but the music at this beatnik cafe-bar is bang up to date. DJs spin Italian pop towards the end of the week…
Livorno
On the ground floor of the fascist-era Multisala Grande building on the city's central piazza, the Dolly Bar offers good coffee and a terrace that's a…
Siena
Squeeze into this tiny, heart-of-the-action space to enjoy some of Siena's best coffee. In summer, the coffee granita with a dollop of cream is a…
Southern Tuscany
Gloria Dini makes the best coffee in town, which is why her Bar Torrefazione (Bar and Roastery) is always busy. The fact that it's the cheapest cup in…
Santa Croce
Duck behind Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio to find this busy dive bar, packed most nights with a mix of Florentine and foreign students downing shots and…
Santa Croce
A variety of sounds energises the crowd at this popular Florentine nightclub, in the biz since 1958, where 20-somethings dance until dawn.
Santa Maria Novella
Florence's long-time outpost of Venice’s historical Caffè Florian has morphed into a chic and glitzy cocktail bar–pizza restaurant hybrid. Friendly…
Santa Croce
Cent-conscious students love this American-styled bar for its apericena – a copious early-evening buffet of appetisers, bruschette, salads, pasta dishes,…
Oltrarno
The focus of this modern enoteca, small interior packed jaw to jowl with tables, is organic wine. Locally sourced products ensure a delightful early…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
The swishest cafe on the cathedral square, historic Scudieri has a prized terrace overlooking the baptistery. It has been around since 1939 and serves…
Pistoia
This old-world cafe and pasticceria (pastry shop), with genteel waiting staff dressed in black ties and suits, is a lovely spot to drink coffee and eat…
Boboli & San Miniato al Monte
Of course it's touristy given its prime location near Ponte Vecchio, but it's worth a pit stop nonetheless – preferably at aperitivo hour from 6.30pm to…
Northwestern Tuscany
A good deal of the waterfront area as it appears today was built in the 1920s and '30s. Several of the buildings, such as Puccini's favourite, Gran Caffè…
Santa Croce
Be it rain, hail or shine, this bar and grill entices with dark wood furnishings, comfy leaf-green armchairs and a spacious summer terrace, on the huge…
Antica Pasticceria Fronte della Rocca
Northwestern Tuscany
This historic cake shop and chocolate-maker has been the hub of local life since 1885. Its atmospheric pavement terrace was clearly designed with 'go slow…
Santa Croce
In a city with a low-key gay scene, this small bar delivers with friendly staff, decent drinks and a faintly trashy vibe. Don't expect it to fill up until…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
Born as a brewery overlooking the city’s fish market in 1846, this Florentine institution lured the literary set a century ago. Today it pulls a whole…
Santa Croce
Look out for flyers for DJs, live music and various hip happenings at this design bar, footsteps from Piazza Santa Croce. Its aperiviti buffet spread,…
Siena
Boasting a million-dollar view over the Campo, this osteria (casual tavern) serves cocktails, beer and wine by the glass, as well as pricey panini (€10 to…
Fiesole
On the main square in Fiesole, this atmospheric Irish pub is a popular local hangout for tip-top beers, excellent burgers and other quality pub grub.
Livorno
Locals have been enjoying the well-made coffee at this friendly cafe behind the duomo (cathedral) since 1945. In summer, the tables in the arcade are…
Cortona
This cafe on Cortona's pedestrian main street serves drinks, coffee, tea and snacks (bruschette €5-8). It also hosts occasional jazz performances.
Boboli & San Miniato al Monte
This cosy wine bar at the crossroads of San Niccolò is a popular stop for tourists after climbing the stairs to iconic lookout Piazzale Michelangelo. Take…
