10 Best Things to do After Dinner in Florence

The Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Florence skyline. Set high above the city, you can enjoy jaw-dropping views no matter what time of day you visit. After dark, illuminations add an extra layer of magic to the experience.

Compared to some of the city's other historic wonders, the piazza is a relative newcomer, having been designed and built in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of a large-scale restructuring of the city walls. As well as dozens of stalls and vendors, the picturesque square features a tribute to the work of Michelangelo, including a bronze replica of his masterful David statue.

The Duomo at night is an unmissable sight when visiting Florence. The gothic building is the jewel in Florence's architectural crown – which is an impressive achievement considering the volume of worthy contenders populating the city. Its full title is Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, but to the locals, it's lovingly referred to as il Duomo.

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the cathedral's construction began in 1296 and was structurally completed by 1436, with the iconic dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. Viewing the impressive landmark by day is, of course, a wonder in itself, but seeing the magnificent building illuminated against the night sky is nothing short of unforgettable.

Mayday Club is a stylish cocktail lounge with an off-beat atmosphere. The interior is decorated with vintage photographs, posters, and all manner of antique curios. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ultra-hip venue doubles up as an exhibition space, offering local artists an opportunity to showcase their work to an eclectic clientele.

Mayday Club’s tempting cocktail list changes seasonally, with local ingredients utilised to create some seriously artisanal beverages. The well-crafted drinks combined with the imaginative interior make Mayday Club a wonderfully enjoyable after-dinner experience in Florence.

Teatro Della Pergola is a historic opera house in central Florence. While the building’s exterior may seem unspectacular, step inside to be transported back through time – expect ceiling frescos, lavish decor and red velvet seats of the auditorium echoing a bygone era. Indeed, the 1656-built venue is steeped in history, having been the first place in Italy where Mozart's great operas were performed.

Events taking place here include classical music recitals, ballets, plays, and annual opera performances, with the latter only taking place during the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival. Tickets can be booked online or purchased in Teatro Della Pergola's lobby.

San Frediano is a colourful neighbourhood south of the Arno River. Far from the sightseeing crowds, this local quarter is a great place to experience the essence of modern Florence. Exploring the many delights dotted around its narrow streets is a great way to walk off a hearty Florentine meal.

The area combines picturesque architecture with boutique shops and contemporary bars and restaurants. Revitalised by a relatively young community, San Frediano has even garnered the unofficial title of “coolest neighbourhood in the world.” With its unique blend of hip nightspots, pristine piazzas and age-old churches, it's easy to see why.

An Arno riverside walk is a great way to get up close and personal with one of Florence’s most scenic sites. The River Arno runs right through the city, and it's possible to navigate your way along famous landmarks with a stroll along its banks.

At night, glistening city lights reflect across the wide waterway, with the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and Basilica di Santa Croce among some of the many sights to take in along the way. Walking along the quieter Oltrarno is highly recommended, too, with the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and Basilica Santo Spirito accessible from here.

Cinema Odeon Firenze is a delightful 1920s cinema that's managed to retain its vintage charm while, more or less, keeping up with the times. The attractive auditorium features a domed ceiling, decorated balconies, and retro seating – an intriguing contrast from the ultra-modern cineplex constructions that have, in many cases, gone on to replace their older counterparts.

The cinema shows a wide range of films, from modern blockbusters to art-house classics, with English language versions often available. Though old, the seats are comfortable, and the quality of both the picture and sound is entirely up-to-date. Those who like a tipple with their movie will be glad to know that alcohol is served here, too – in actual glasses, no less.

The Arts Inn is a cosy cocktail bar and art gallery renowned for its exquisite drinks and boho charm. Small but perfectly formed, the venue is uniquely inviting thanks to its quirky artworks, mismatched furnishings, and its friendly bar staff.

Carefully chosen music sets the scene while the bartender takes time to prepare his recommended drinks, meticulously crafting high-quality concoctions from his expansive cocktail list. Finding a seat can be a problem here, thanks, in equal measure, to its compact size and massive popularity. If you're lucky enough to grab a table, it's an after-dinner Florentine experience not to be missed.

Virgin Rock Pub is a snug drinking hole in Florence with a distinct musical theme. All subgenres of rock music are the order of the day here, with the venue regularly hosting live music on its compact stage. The rock concept extends into the décor, too, with all kinds of musical paraphernalia adorning the walls.

The staff are famed for their warm hospitality. The drinks menu includes unfussy beers alongside colourful cocktails and spirits. A simple food menu is available for anyone in need of a post-dinner snack. Bands in rotation do their best to raise the roof as they jam out guitar-heavy tunes until late.

Le Murate is a cafe, bar and mixed-use outdoor space set in a former jailhouse. The super-hip venue is a popular haunt among Florence's writers, artists and musicians, with its laidback atmosphere providing a haven for the local creative community.

Aside from serving light bites and tasty beverages, the literary cafe regularly hosts cultural events, including film screenings, readings, live music and debates. Le Murate includes plenty of al fresco seating in the courtyard, with upcycled tables and chairs often filling up during the summer months.