Hi, my name is Megan and I love to party. If you’re reading this, you probably do too. I lived in Florence for several years as both a student and working professional during my twenties, and I did a lot of…let’s call it, nightlife research during that time.
Whether you’re traveling to Florence for a weekend getaway with your friends, are spending an extending period of time in the city (lucky you), or are studying abroad, I’ve created a list of the most popular places to dance in Florence, Italy, so that you can soak up the nightlife in the Renaissance city.
Nightlife note: this is a list of clubs, first and foremost, but I will also be doing a bar roundup. Stay tuned for that so you can schedule your pregame spots or plan for those fun but more chill nights out that don’t entail waking up without a voice the next day.
For voiceless Saturdays and Sundays, read on..
Red Garter
This very American-esque establishment has been a hotspot for decades. Yes, it’s a beer and burger joint, but at night it turns into a wild, dance bar. It’s more bar than discoteca, but it’s free to get in (sometimes there’s a line so be prepared for that) and there are alllllways people dancing.
It’s rowdiest on the weekends of course, but things start kicking off around Wednesday. The back room is a karaoke bar and the front is where the boogie-ing happens. This is also a good spot to start the night before going to a club later.
Space Club
This is one of the bigger discotecas in the center of Florence, and a hot spot for study abroad students. The venue is cool, but be prepared for a very young crowd here. If you’re under 22, this will probably be your jam. It’s two levels, but the bottom floor is more of a chill lounge area, while the upstairs is a massive room with a bar, dj, and a cinematic balcony circling the dance floor.
When you walk in, they used to give you a ticket that the bartenders would punch each time you bought a drink. You’d have to keep the ticket and pay the balance at the end of the night, and if you lost it, you had to pay around 50 euro or so. I snuck out once when this happened to me, but it wasn’t easy, so be prepared in case this is still how it works.
Yab
Another big club in the center of Florence, Yab is located behind the Odeon Theatre just off Piazza della Repubblica. There are VIP sections here and they play a mix of reggaeton, throwbacks and rap…from what I remember. This is a classic club and fun dancing spot that I used to love when I studied abroad.
Flo
This club is special because of its location. Situated right behind Piazzale Michelangelo, Flo overlooks the city down below and is a funky, outdoor discoteca open in the summer. You’re probably going to have to wait in a line here too, unless you have some sort of VIP hookup. The venue is really cool, but they only play electronic and techno here, which is not my personal favorite. If you’re into that, this is your spot. Drinks are pricey here – you’re paying for the view – so be ready for that.
Read also: Where to Eat in Florence, Italy
Blanco
Another summer spot, Blanco is a big outdoor club in a tent-like situation in Firenze Sud. You’ll have to take a cab to get here if you’re staying in the center, unless you’re cool with walking for an hour plus (yes, I’ve done this) or taking a city bike (it’s better not to, trust me). This is a fun warm weather club with a cool vibe. I believe this is a younger crowd too, but it depends on the night. On Saturdays there are a lot more young Italians (like 18 and 19 year olds) because they don’t have school on Sundays. On Saturdays, they do have so school so Fridays see a generally older crowd. Weird no?
Tenax
Located outside the city center, this club attracts more locals and a slightly older demographic. They have dj sets, concerts, and nights with different types of music so you can find the vibe you’re looking for, whether it’s reggaeton, techno, or rap. It’s a big place with an epic dance floor and a cool upper floor to look down on the action or grab a drink in a backroom.
Otel
This is the only club on the list that I actually haven’t been to! And guess what? It’s supposedly really fun. Otel opens in the winter when Blanco closes down (they’re linked) and it’s located further outside the city center as well. The venue is a required cab ride away and as a rule of thumb, the further away from the center you go, the more locals you encounter. This is a hot dance spot for a proper night out and from what I understand, they have different nights with different genres of music.
Babylon
Imagine a frat party in a college basement, but put it in Florence and add in some spicy reggaeton tracks. That’s Babylon. I hate to admit it, but I absolutely love this place. Is it trashy? Yes. Are the floors sticky? Oh yeah. Is it fun? Definitely. Will you leave looking better than you did when you walked in? Absolutely not. This small but spicy venue has three different rooms – one with rap, one with reggaeton, and an upstairs dance floor with a mix. Expect disco lights, basement vibes, and negative wiggle room.
Read also: The 6 Best Cafes for Studying/Working in Florence, Italy
XO
This club located right around the corner from Lion’s Fountain, an American bar and study abroad pre-game hot spot, has changed a lot over the years. It used to be called Bamboo and was renovated during covid, so the inside has changed a bit. This is also a good option for dancing if you still want to stay in the center, but I’d say the party here is hit or miss. The interior is actually pretty big, but like most spots in the center (except for Space) it has pretty low ceilings which somehow, even after tequila or beer, bugs me.
21 Club
Also located in the heart of Florence, this club is right off of Piazza della Reppublica and when I used to go, ahem awhile ago, it was more of an alternative crowd. I believe there used to be different events and nights for music here too, but techno/electronic are the dominant soundtracks. This spot also has minor “basement vibes” with several rooms and an major underground feel to it.
Rex
UGH. I love this place so much. It’s only open in the colder months and closes in summertime, but this indoor cocktail bar is a hotspot for dancing without going to a full on club. If you’re looking to meet more locals and have a good time dancing in a more elevated setting, this is the spot for you. It’s only popping on the weekends and maybe on Thursdays, unless you happen upon a one-off wild Wednesday. But the venue is cool, the decor is dope, and the atmosphere is everything. Also, I used to have a mad crush on one of the bartenders here who would dance shirtless on the bar. He’s a doctor now lol.
NoF
The lowest key bar on the list, NoF is a live music venue in the Oltrarno side of Florence across from my all time favorite cafe, La Cité. Come here to here some live tunes (sometimes in English, sometimes Italian), have some beer or cocktails, and dance (step touching, clapping, mild hip shaking) along to the local singer’s tunes. This is not a club per say, but a live music bar. People do dance here though and it can get rowdy on occasion. If you’re looking to step touch, sing a little, and mingle with a wide range of ages, this is a good spot for you.
