Beyond the many traditional trattorias and aperitivo bars on offer, where does one go to hear live music? Not only does the city offer an array of intimate venues, but many also provide local talent and a well-made drink. Discover some of the bars with bands in Florence below.
NOF GALLERY
A bespoke music venue in the heart of the Oltrarno area. A nondescript side door takes you to a back-room bar where beer and cocktails are served. Bands perform from an AstroTurf stage in the shop-front window overlooking Borgo San Frediano. There is a second bar beneath wrought iron fixtures and leafy plant life. The venue hosts live music six nights a week, starting at 10 pm and offering free entry (Borgo San Frediano 17r; nofclub.it).
A CITÉ
Alternatively, pop across the road to LA CITÉ, a French-inspired library space. By day, students huddle over laptops and textbooks, sipping hot tea. At night, La Cité turns into a hip bar serving affordable wine, with live music on the ground floor. Watch folk-inspired quintets over a cocktail (or hot drink), then settle into a cozy seat for a late-night book read. Not sure whether to study or go out? At La Cité, you can do both, and entry is free (borgo San Frediano 20r; lacitelibreria.info).
BE BOP
A legendary basement bar hosting live blues and rock music just a skip from the Duomo. Since 1981, acts ranging from rock to pop, indie to tribute bands have graced the stage in this cozy vaulted room. Drinks are served from a small bar in the centre; the surrounding walls are lined with old band posters. Bands play from Tuesday to Sunday, with songwriters encouraged to play original material as part of the Zero Cover night. Doors open from 8 pm; some events have a ticket price (via dei Servi 76r; facebook.com/bebop.firenze).
LE MURATE
A former prison in Sant′Ambrogio, the fifteenth-century LE MURATE was originally a monastery. Now tastefully restored into multiple spaces, it also features an art bar and music venue. Bands or DJs perform from 9:30 p.m. most nights (some evenings host films or workshops instead). The bar offers daily aperitifs for those who wish to eat and drink before the music starts. Check out the bathrooms in converted cells (piazza delle Murate; lemurate.it).
TAMERÒ
With distressed graffiti walls, DJs and live music, TAMERÒ is a new pasta joint in Piazza Santo Spirito. From Afrobeat to electro and jazz, music starts from 11 pm every Thursday to Saturday from a small stage at the back of the venue. A converted Oltrarno bottega, the bar serves drinks from 6.30 pm, with its in-house handmade pasta tastings. In the afternoons, Tamerò hosts launch events supporting local book releases and artists (piazza Santo Spirito 11r; closed Monday; tamero.it).
TASSO HOSTEL
A newly opened budget hotel that hosts music from an old theatre stage that doubles as the hotel bar. The theatre was part of a school run by local nuns, which has been tastefully restored. Sit amidst vintage plush leather sofas, patterned rugs, and 50s-inspired metallic lamps and watch performances from Thursday to Sunday evenings. From swing bands to body percussion acts, the line-up is eclectic and always surprising (via Villani 15; tassohostelflorence.com).
CAFFE DEGLI ARTIGIANI
A quaint artisan café and fixture in Piazza della Passera. Upon entering, walk past the tiny café bar counter to discover a hidden dining room serving lunches and dinners. Upstairs, jazz and blues groups play every Friday, while guests are table-served local wine and delicious cheese boards from 10 pm (via dello Sprone 16r; free entry; firenze-oltrarno.net/caffeartigiani).
VIPER THEATRE
For something a little larger, VIPER THEATRE showcases local and international acts that travel especially to Florence to perform at this modern music venue. Established as a centre for music, comedy, and other live arts, this industrial warehouse-style space can handle audiences of up to 1,400. West of the city centre, it is perfect for those seeking something more mosh pit than intimate (via Pistoiese 319, at Lombardia Le Piagge; viperclub.eu).
FLOG
FLOG (Foundation Workers Officine Galileo) was established in 1945 after World War II as a space for sport and entertainment. It still accommodates both, including live music in the auditorium; many Italian acts play original music. Situated north of the historic centre of Florence, it is worth the journey for those who want an Italian music experience with a fully authentic local crowd (via Michele Mercati 24; flog.it).
This article first appeared in The Florentine and was updated in October 2024.