Dive out of the sun and into the dolce vita on Florence’s rooftops. We checked out some of the most happening spots to survey the city from on high, as well as this year’s Arno-side entertainment as the city’s movida takes to the river day and night.
Empireo – Hotel Plaza Lucchesi
A shoe-in (make it a glitzy wedge) for the sexiest rooftop bar in Florence with all-round views ranging from the emerald-green dome of the Synagogue, the National Central Library towers and the crowds up at piazzale Michelangelo. Wait for sunset while being transfixed by Enrico Cascella’s impeccably prepared cocktails and, on Sunday evenings, an intriguing Food Box aperi-dinner from top Tuscan restaurants Essenziale (June 4, 11, 18 + 25) and La Tenda Rossa (June 22 + July 13).
Reservations required. Call 055 26236 or email lucchesi@toflorence.it
Three-Sixty – Grand Hotel Minerva
Up close and personal with the façade of the Santa Maria Novella basilica, the rooftop bar at Grand Hotel Minerva lifts you above the buzz of the piazza while never losing touch with the city’s summer sultriness. Plus there’s that pool (only open to hotel guests). A favourite with The Florentine editors—our offices can be glimpsed in the distance. Open every evening from 7pm for drinks (starting at 15 euro) with special Minerva Giò jazz on Thursdays (18 euro).
Reservations required. To book, call 055 27230 or email info@grandhotelminerva.com
La Terrazza – La Rinascente
Yes, it’s a department store, but the tiny terrace is a triumph, an antidote to shopping therapy and the packed piazza della Repubblica reduced to ants below. Grab a beer or fluorescent Spritz and drink in the Florentine rooftops at every height and in every direction. Open
until 9pm Monday to Saturday, 8.30pm on Sundays.
Just turn up. For more information, call 055 219113.
Aperitivo hotspots for 2017
Molo 5 (lungarno Colombo 9-11)
Touted as the space of the summer, dig into Japanese from Koto Ramen, organic pizza from Simbiosi, Il Polpaio’s freshest of fish and Nigro’s lampredotto, with drinks by Florentine fixture Rex. Live music and DJ sets all summer.
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Easy Living (piazza Poggi)
On Florence’s urban beach, yoga at sunset and cultural events, seafood linguine and really delicious pizza by top pizzaiolo Domenico Felice of Pizzeria Undici Leoni, Easy Living is just that.
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Serre Torrigiani in Piazzetta (piazza dei Tre Re)
No longer a secret, this city centre clearing wedged between piazza della Repubblica, Orsanmichele and via dei Calzaiuoli is a vibrant hangout. It’s also reasonable:
7 euro for a cocktail, 3 euro for a glass of wine. Snacks start at 7 euro.
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Johnny Bruschetta at Al Bar (parco dell’Albereta)
The bruschetta brand in Florence, Arezzo and Massa takes up its summer space by the Arno, offering 12 types of toasts, platters, salads and carpaccios. Opening June 15, 2017.
