Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
out of town near Florence airport. Take bus 29 or 30 from Stazione di Santa Maria
Novella.
Entertainment
Hanging out on warm summer nights on cafe and bar terraces aside, Florence enjoys a vi-
brant entertainment scene thanks in part to its substantial foreign-student population. The
city has highly regarded theatres, a bounty of festivals and - from around midnight once
aperitivi
and dinner is done - a fairly low-key but varied dance scene.
GO TO JAIL!
Florence's old city jail (1883-1985) and 15th-century nunnery behind the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
is one of Florence's most exciting and interesting cultural spaces. Arranged around an interior court-
yard, the historic red-brick complex is, in itself, compelling: there's absolutely no mistaking the thick
sturdy doors leading to the old prison cells, many of which now open onto a bookshop, wine bar, art
Madonna della Neve 3; meals €30; lunch & dinner) is a restaurant with a lovely terrace overlook-
ing the ensemble, and other spaces within the arts centre host wine tastings, exhibitions, performances,
screenings and a gaggle of other hot dates in Florence's increasingly happening arts diary.
72;
www.lemurate.it
;
Piazza delle Murate Firenze; 9-1am), an artsy cafe-cum-bar-cum hangout in
the heart of the complex where Florence's literati meet to talk, create and perform over coffee, drinks
and light meals. Intended as a melting pot for writers, the literary cafe hosts everything from readings
and interviews with authors - Florentine, Italian and international - to film screenings, debates, live
music and art exhibitions. Its funky interior embraces a series of retro rooms with vintage chairs and
table tops built from recycled window frames. In summer everything spills outside in the wonderful
brick courtyard. Check upcoming events online.
Live Music
Most venues are outside town and closed in July and/or August.
La Cité
MAP
LIVE MUSIC
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.lacitelibreria.info
;
Borgo San Frediano 20r; 3pm-1am Mon-Thu, 5pm-2am Fri & Sat; )
By
day this cafe-bookshop is a hip cappuccino stop with an eclectic choice of vintage seating
to flop down on and surf. From 10pm the intimate bookshelf-lined space morphs into a vi-
