42 Fantastic Things to Do in New York City at Night

Gazing at a million lights shining from the top of the city. Wandering the dark streets learning the spooky history of NYC. Drinking a cocktail under neon lights in a basement speakeasy.  New York City at night is a magical adventure, where the hustle and bustle never stops even when the sun goes down.

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Gazing at a million lights shining from the top of the city. Wandering the dark streets learning the spooky history of NYC. Drinking a cocktail under neon lights in a basement speakeasy.  New York City at night is a magical adventure, where the hustle and bustle never stops even when the sun goes down.

Frank Sinatra once sang “​​I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps” and of course, he could only be talking about one place – New York, New York! At night the city comes alive with bright lights, bumping clubs, museums (open late, of course), live shows, excellent restaurants and so much more!

In a place like New York City, where the subway never closes, people are out and about all hours of the night and there is always something to do. You can go hard dancing all night, or just enjoy a lovely slice of NYC pizza. Welcome to New York City at night!

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Hey, want a printable version of our self-guided Lower Manhattan walking tour? It’s formatted and shortened to fit onto one easy to print page: directions on the front, map on the back. Super handy! Get your FREE New York walking tour printable map by entering your email below:

new york city skyline at night
Taking in New York at Night from the Top of the Rock!

New York City at Night FAQs

If you’re visiting NYC and wandering around at night you may have some questions… Like is New York City at night safe? Should I really take the subway after midnight? Does everyone turn into vampires and zombies in the city after the clock strikes twelve? (No one has ever asked that…). Here are some answers to your questions below!

Is it Safe to Walk around New York City at Night?

The short answer is — yes! Most of New York City at night is safe to walk around, and since the city never sleeps (nor do its residents), you’ll most likely find yourself surrounded by plenty of people at night. The city in general is extremely well-lit, so as long as you stick to the main thoroughfares you shouldn’t find yourself down any dark alleys.

At nighttime, you’ll probably find most activities are in midtown, which is a popular nightlife spot and one of the safer areas for you to explore. Like anywhere else, stay aware of your surroundings and your possessions. There is always a chance of something bad happening anywhere so always stay vigilant.

Can I Take the Subway at Night?

New Yorkers tend to avoid the subway after midnight, since fewer people ride it and it can be a little more sketchy (as well as the trains running more infrequently after 10pm and the routes being slighty changed).

If you are unable to take a ride share late at night (which I would recommend), try to ride in a subway car with other people (who are not acting erratically) and try not to put yourself in a situation where you are alone and vulnerable. Once again, be wary and remember there is safety in numbers.

If you are new to taking the Subway, check out this NYC Subway Guide for a very complete guide.

When’s the Best Time to Visit New York City at Night?

New York is best experienced in warmer weather, so I recommend going in April-June, or September-November. 

NYC in July-August is a hot, sticky, asphalt jungle mess, with sweltering subway trains making it feel like you’re on the express train to hell. While it’s not so hot at night, during the day it will be much warmer, and it’s also high tourist season (locals who can flee the city) which means that everything is more expensive. Basically, you’ll pay more to be miserable!

New York City in Winter is also a great time to visit if you don’t mind the cold and potential snow, and you’ll see way fewer crowds after the holiday season. But of course, a lot of the outdoor activities won’t be as enjoyable, and of course more of it will be “at night” since the sun goes down so early!

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time square at night new york city
Love it or hate it: Times Square at night is very NYC!

Things to do in New York City at Night

Here are some of the best things to do in New York City at Night, from the best restaurants and bars, museums that are open late, shows, city views and more!

See A Broadway Show

One of the most classic New York City at Night activities is visiting the Great White Way, also known as Broadway. Broadway is the name for the 41 theaters in the area that have 500 seats or more. That is the real definition of Broadway, not just the theatres that are actually on the street!

Here you’re going to see the largest, most spectacular shows on Earth, and even if flashy musicals aren’t your thing, they usually have regular plays with some of the best actors in the country gracing the floorboards. 

Below are some of the best shows on Broadway right now, and remember you can view all the shows on the Broadway website:

  • Kimberly Akimbo – This show won the Tony Award Winner for Best Musical 2023, and tells the story of a 16-year-old girl with a rare disease that makes her have the body of an old woman. This show isn’t a flashy spectacle like some others but it is witty, funny, and relatable – perfectly expressing the human experience.
  • Wicked – Since it opened in 2003, Wicked has remained one of the most well-attended shows on Broadway (and soon to be a movie!), and for good reason. It has spectacle, humor, drama, and explores the story of the Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s point of view!
  • Sweeny Todd – Sondheim has created some of the best American musicals, and the darkly macabre and humourous Sweeny Todd turns the cutesy Broadway musical on its head. Never has the story of one man’s murderous, revenge rampage been so beautifully operatic.

See A Non-Broadway Show

New York City is more than just Broadway shows, even if they are fantastic! There are plenty of unique theatrical experiences in NYC just waiting for you to discover them. 

  • See a live TV Taping – Have you ever wanted to be in a live studio audience? Well, NYC has you covered! You can see your favorite shows live like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and so many more. Saturday Night Live is the only show that truly tapes at night (many of the “night shows” are taped at 5pm), so it’s your best bet if you want the “nightlife” experience. Check out this excellent guide to score tickets for your favorite shows.
  • Lips Drag Queen Show Palace Restaurant & Bar – If you’re looking for a New York at nighttime activity with a bit more glitz and glamour, Lips is the place to be! Here you can see one of NYC’s premier drag shows with gorgeous divas singing, dancing, and putting on an unforgettable show. You can just get drinks from the bar (two-drink minimum) or enjoy a 3-course meal! This is one dinner and a show that will be a drag, in a good way!
  • Slipper Room – For even more titillating action, check out the Slipper Room in Lower Manhattan. Here you can find some of the best burlesque, featuring comedy, sideshow, magic, strip tease, circus, and more! The performances are light-hearted and fun, and the staff will make you feel welcome. It’s like stepping back into the days of vaudeville and getting to see a bunch of unique talents!
  • Shakespeare in the Park – One of the best free things you can do is check out Shakespeare in the Park in the Summer! Put on by The Public Theater, these shows play in Central Park (but not in 2024 as the theatre is being renovated) and feature traditional versions and colorful adaptations of the Bard’s work. These professional productions make Shaekspeare’s work accessible and understandable even if you weren’t a theatre kid *ahem*
  • See a Yankees Game – While not a show per se, baseball is kind of a show! You know, there are players, a stage, costumes (er…). Anyway, even if you’re not a huge sports fan going to a big arena game is electric. Fans cheering, home runs, hot dogs, beer – you know, the important parts! 

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a drink from the woo woo in new york city
The Wednesday from The Woo Woo!

Get A Fancy Drink

Nighttime and cocktails go hand-in-hand, so why not find your new favorite haunt. There is even a speakeasy tour if you want to find three “secret” spots and learn this history of NYC prohibition!

  • Ophelia Lounge – Drinks with a view? This stunning sky lounge is in a 1928 Art Deco building that has sweeping views of the Hudson River, and is a great place to take in the city from above on a chilly night (like the Pepsi Cola sign!). Under the twinkling star lights hanging from the ceiling sip on the Purple Tuxedo, with gin, absinthe, plum bitters, and more which makes it purple, sweet and refreshing as well as the Beekman classic palo santo martini, a gin martini with a smokey twist.
  • Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – At this bar, red leather chairs and gilded mirrors line the bar, stained glass windows are illuminated on the walls alongside portraits of Oscar Wilde, and they have plenty of handcrafted cocktails on the menu, many named for Old Hollywood celebrities. Try the Humphrey Bogart with Yellowstone Bourbon, House Smoked Syrup, Angostura & Orange Bitters.This drink is “cedar smoked” and came fully on fire!
  • Dante – Dante opened in 1915 is a registered historic landmark where famous faces like Al Pacino, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, and Bob Dylan have stopped in for a drink or two. You’ll feel very Parisian sitting at the bar surrounded by mint green and white accents, soft lighting and music floating in the background. The bar is famous for Martinis and aperitivo, and from 3 to 5 pm you can enjoy discount martinis during “martini hour”. Try the With A Twist martini with hints of grapefruit, lemon, and lime, and if martinis aren’t your thing, try the Negroni Bianco garnished with little white flowers. 
  • Rudy’s Bar & Grill – This hole in the wall in Hell’s Kitchen is easily findable by the statue of a big pig in a red jacket waving out front. Inside you’ll find cheap beer and drinks, and free hot dogs with any purchase! I love this place because it’s a true dive – dark, unpretentious, and inexpensive, something NYC sometimes fails to provide. The music and good and the vibes are right. Be aware Rudy’s is cash only!
  • HiLot – This vision in pink in Alphabet City is home to fancy cocktails, with rose gold mirrors, green lamps, and heavy velvet curtains lining the interior. It’s like stepping into a mod, elegant spaceship with gorgeous glassware to match. The drinks are fancy as the interior, like the fuschia Lavender Haze with Bombay London Dry Gin, Hibiscus, Cinnamon, Butterfly Pea Flower, Lemon and Co2. You can make a reservation, but they usually keep tables for walk-ins.
  • The Woo Woo – The Woo Woo is an 80s-themed speakeasy bar (yes you read that right) decked out in neon in the basement of a building in Times Square. The ambiance here is top-notch, and you are required to enter through a secret doorway (which is very well-themed – but I won’t spoil it!). They have lots of fun drinks here (I got the Wednesday) and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap after a Broadway show! 
beef dish from thai diner in new york city
The Kaeng Kieow Waan from Thai Diner.

Eat A Delicious Meal

You can’t go wrong eating an amazing meal you can only get in NYC, and these are some of our favorite places in the city:

  • Thai Diner – Thai Diner is like if you mixed a Thai restaurant with a Tiki Bar, with whimsical decorations to match. The dishes epitomize Thai with a twist, like the decadent Kaeng Kieow Waan with curry braised beef short ribs with eggplant, shallots, and basil. They also have fun combination drinks, like the Thai-rish coffee, with Jameson whiskey, espresso, and condensed milk whipped cream. 
  • Left Bank – Left Bank features simple farm-to-table food that leans into American/Italian fare. The best part is that from 5-7pm Monday-Friday and 4-6pm Saturday & Sunday you can order from their happy hour menu, which includes pasta and a glass of wine, a burger and beer, and two appetizers at a fixed price. For your app, try the the shaved brussel salad or the half dozen East Coast oysters and and for your entree the capricci cacio e pepe (with your choice of wine, of course). Their parmesan fries are also on the happy hour menu, which makes a great additional app if you want something truly decadent.
  • Capizzi– This pizzeria was born out of the owner working in his own father’s pizzeria as a child, so this is some ancestral pizza action. The restaurant is intimate and decorated in a cozy, Italian way, with a wood-burning pizza oven which is the sign you’ll be getting some incredible pizza. Start with their Arancini Spinaci which are spinach, garlic & cheese rice balls, that are crispy and so decadent. For your pizza order, I highly recommend the Hot Honey pepperoni pizza if they currently have it on the menu (it seems to rotate), if not the Loaded Pizza with provolone, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, roasted peppers & whole roasted garlic should do the trick.

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brooklyn museum performance at night-Blog Photo-2
The Brooklyn Museum at Night has performances and plenty of art to explore! (Photo Credit)

Enjoy a Night at the Museum

I get it, you’re a brainiac who wants to not only explore the museums during the day but at night too! Here are some of the museums that are regularly open late so you can get your exploration on once the sun goes down. 

  • Fotografiska New York: The Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture –  This museum is for all you photography lovers! Come explore the art of the image in this gorgeous museum, which has new shows constantly rotating through. Be sure to check out the speakeasy-style Chapel Bar for a drink before you head out as well. Fotografiska is open until 9pm every night.
  • Museum of Sex – The Museum of Sex is hot, real hot, and explores sex and sexuality from the middle of the century through today! Be sure to check out the Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival for an interactive, neon wonderland that explores the link between sex and the history of carnivals. Stop by the Carnal Carnival Bar to grab a drink to sip while you explore! The museum is open til 10pm most nights, and some nights 12am!
  • New York Historical Society Museum & Library – Open until 8pm on Fridays, you can explore 400 years of NY history alongside Tiffany lamps, Picasso works, films, and so much more! It’s easy to spend a fancy Friday night here!
  • Whitney Museum of American Art – This museum is not only open until 10pm on Fridays, but free between 5-10pm! Here you’ll see premier contemporary American art, with over 20,000 works in the permanent collection, including pieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many more. You have quite the evening set out for you see as much as you can! Just be sure you reserve advance tickets.
  • Brooklyn Museum – The first Saturday of each month the Brooklyn Museum is open until 11pm, and it’s free (just make sure you make a reservation in advance)! This special night includes performances/films and/or activities, making it a truly engaging evening. Explore the museum and have a blast into the night!

Dance the Night Away

Wanna go to the clerb? Well,  NYC’s got you covered for that! So many places to dance, whether you wanna see live DJs, go salsa dancing, or just bop to some Jazz. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Swing 46 Jazz & Supper Club – This club is located on historic Restaurant Row in New York City’s Times Square neighborhood and is based on the swinging supper clubs of the 1940s. While you can reserve a table for dinner, no reservation is necessary to show up Tuesday-Sunday for a free dance lesson between 8:30-9pm (there is a cover however). They will teach you the basics of classic dances such as the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Shag, Waltz, Foxtrot, Charleston, and more! So grab a drink and get dancing!
  • House of Yes – This colorful club in Bushwick, Brooklyn is home to high-intensity music, performances by acrobats over the dancefloor, and enough energy to keep you going all night. The point of HoY is to participate, which you can do by wearing your craziest club outfit and going along for the ride! Check out their calendar for different themed nights and performances.
  • Retroclubnyc – If you’re an elder Millenial like me you may be craving tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s specializing in disco and freestyle music. Well, hey, here’s a place! Retroclubnyc is less snooty than other clubs and towns and is musically curated for those who want to dance but maybe also have a bedtime.
new york city at night central park
The melding of nature and city in Central Park! (Photo Credit)

Take a Stroll Through the Park

New York is the city that never sleeps, remember? Luckily, if you want to go on a nighttime park stroll you can! That being said, you don’t want to go too late and open yourself up to anything bad happening. Stick to well-lit areas, use the buddy system, and have an idea of where you’re going!

  • Central Park – Central Park at nighttime has the allure of your natural surroundings – trees, ponds, sprawling lawns – with the added bonus of skyscrapers glowing right beyond them. It definitely feels like the convergence of natural and manmade, and has the true NYC magic. Some of the best places to stick to at night at the Mall & Literary Walk, the Reservoir, and the Ramble. While Central Park is open until 1am, I’d say 10pm is probably the best cut-off time for you to be wandering the park.
  • The High Line – This historic elevated rail line has been transformed into a park in the sky, allowing you to walk past native plants and trees, sit on benches, admire huge murals, sculptures, and performance art, and see NYC shining at nighttime from an entirely different point of view. The High Line is 1.45 miles long and makes for a great stroll for about an hour. The Highline is open until 10pm between April 1- November 30.
  • Little Island – Little Island is hard to miss, it looks like little white floating clouds on the Hudson River with a lush, green park on top! It’s beautifully manicured with flowers and grasses, filled with art installations, and has beautiful overviews of the river and city perfect for nighttime shots. It also happens to be right off the High Line! Click here to check the hours, but should be open until 11pm or 12am depending on when you visit.

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Do Late Night Shopping (& Eating) at a Night Market

Night markets are electric – people coming together to shop, eat, and listen to music underneath the lights of the city! Luckily NYC has several to choose from!

  • Chelsea Market – This 1.2 million sq feet building is one of the most bustling, exciting, and delicious indoor markets in the world (also close to the High Line), and a fabulous place to grab a bite since it is open until 10pm every night (though some stores close early, check the website). Make sure you get to Los Tacos No. 1, a quick-service restaurant that has a limited menu that is all fantastic, like the Adobada pork tacos with pineapple on top is the best taco I’ve ever had in my life (you can find Los Tacos No. 1 all over NYC as well). 
  • Uptown Market – On the second Thursday between April and October from 4-10pm you will find the Uptown Market in Harlem, which tous 80+ vendors, food, local musical talent, and celebrates the unique cultural flavors of Harlem! 
  • Brooklyn Market – The last Monday of the month between April and October from 4-10pm the Brooklyn Market takes place at Industry City, a hip industrial complex that houses plenty of it’s own shops and eateries. But during the Brooklyn Market you get an additional 60 vendors and music in their beautiful outdoor space overlooking the water beyond!cultural flavors of Harlemunique cultural flavors of Harlem unique cultural flavors of Harle

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown at night is an explosion of color, with red lanterns hanging above, great places to eat, and shopping! While it’s quieter than during the day, it’s very atmospheric to walk around and take in all the culture and history. 

  • Take a stroll down Doyers Street – Once known as Bloody Angle due to the Chinese gang violence on the street in the early 1900s, Doyers Street today is the colorful, mural-covered heart of Chinatown. Here you can take in the ambiance, including gazing at the pegasus made entirely of noodles soaring over adjoining Pell Street. This is a great place to start your Chinatown adventure, and then roam Mulberry, Mott, Elizabeth, and Pell Streets.
  • Nom Wah Tea Parlor – Also located on Doyers Street is Nom Wah Tea Parlor which opened in the 1920s and is the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown. This incredible dumpling and dim sum joint cannot be missed. Get the pan-fried pork dumplings, chicken soup dumplings, sticky rice with Chinese sausage, and steamed lotus buns. Be aware this place is cash-only (but very affordable), with small dishes perfect for sharing. You may also need to wait outside for a table, but the line generally moves quickly!
  • Rooftop93 – Above the Wyndham Garden Chinatown Hotel is Rooftop93, a sophisticated rooftop bar and indoor lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you some of the most stunning views of Manhattan. This is a great place to end your Chinatown exploration and take in the city lights, or start here and watch the gorgeous colors of the sunset over the city. The drinks here are classic, from margaritas to Aperol Spritz to martinis, so take in Chinatown from above!

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brooklyn bridge at night-Blog Photo-2
The Brooklyn Bridge at night is just as iconic as during the day!

Bop Around Brooklyn at Night

Brooklyn may not be Manhattan, but it’s right there – and it’s cool! Brooklyn is a great place to check out at night, with plenty of great views, fun activities, and drinking options! 

  • Brooklyn Bridge – The Brooklyn Bridge is magical, if not more magical, at night. Fewer crowds, city lights, cool air blowing across the East River – it’s the total NYC experience. After 9pm there are fewer crowds, but still enough people and lighting to be safe. Stroll across the ⅓ mile bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn or do an out-and-back from Brooklyn for unforgettable Manhattan views!
  • The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club – I know what you’re thinking: isn’t shuffleboard for retirees in Florida? Well, yes, but if you’re in Brooklyn it’s cool, okay! The ambiance here is Florida flamingo chic and you can rent shuffleboard courts with your friends, while jamming to loud music and getting great beer and cocktails from the bar. Haven’t played? They’ll give you a quick rundown (it’s easy!) and in no time you’ll be shuffling!
  • Randolph Beer – For more views of Manhattan, check out Randolph Beer’s Rooftop patio. Randolph Beer is known for its super fun game room (downstairs) and is only one of 5 places in the country with Belgian feather bowling, but the real star is the view of Manhattan, the bridges, and the beer! They have over 20 beers on tap including such delightful flavors as the Orange You Lovely IPA and the Left On Red Wheat Beer. If beer isn’t your thing, they also have some excellent cocktails like the smokey yet refreshing  EL Pepino Fresco with mezcal, St. Germain, lime, cucumber, and Peychaud’s.
  • House of Wax Bar – This has to be one of the oddest places to get a drink – a bar… full of waxwork sculptures? Here you can find life-size and realistic displays of anatomy, anthropology, and even death masks of famous folks with some truly horrific sights – we’re talking wax depictions of syphilis, lungs overtaken with tuberculosis, and even realistic birth scenes. This collection was last seen in 1922 in Berlin, where it was packed away for good – until it was purchased in 2016 and put on display in this rendition of an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. So grab a drink, check out the wax oddities, and stay for a movie if you like!
  • Nowadays – This is the perfect outdoor summer spot, where you can dance the night away in a garden! They also do cinema nights so you can take a movie under the twinkling lights of the garden. They serve food (Mexican cuisine) and have some great mixed drinks. Really, this place is somewhat out of a fairytale!
washington square arch nyc
The Washington Square Arch is one of the fascinating (and spooky) stops on the Greenwich Village Ghost Tour!

Take a New York City Night Tour

New York City at night can be even more exciting with a guide, highlighting the sites and the stories of the city. 

  • Greenwich Ghost Tour – A fabulous way to learn about the spooks and stories of the city is on this 2-hour Greenwich Ghost Tour. This tour is not a collection of silly and unverified ghost stories, but rather a collection of true tales in NYC’s history you’ll hear while visiting the sites where they took place. You’ll go past where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory stood, where one of the deadliest industrial fires in the country where 146 garment workers died, an eerie hanging tree, and stroll through Washington Square Park and more. Our guide Luke had a lot of energy and great storytelling skills – this is not a tour to miss. Also, stop by Bleecker Street Pizza after the tour for an excellent slice of NY pizza!
  • Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise – On this 2-hour cruise, you can take in the sparkling lights of the city from the water! You’ll see landmarks like One World Trade Center’s Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and many more. Besides the stunning views (which are worth the cruise alone), it is the most comprehensive and fun way to learn about the city from one of the fabulous commentators – you’ll learn things like how Manhattan means “land of many hills” in the Lenape language, how Wall Street used to have a literal wall built by the Dutch to keep the English out, and that Brooklyn is almost the size of Chicago. You can also get beer, wine, and cocktails as you learn about the city. This is a must-do activity!
  • New York Catacombs by Candlelight – This has to be one of the strangest tours you can take in New York City at night… exploring catacombs, under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral?? On this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the Basilica in-depth, pun intended, as you dive into the only Catholic catacombs in NYC and even get to wander around the graveyard. While this tour is spooky in essence, it’s not a ghost tour per se so expect to learn a bit more about the history of the church, Catholicism, and spirituality rather than just the ooky spooky bits.

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new york city skyline fromt he top of the rock
Seeing the NYC skyline at night will truly take your breath away!

See The City from the Top of the Rock

Seeing New York City at night from above is like nothing else, especially if you get to experience the sunset followed by the lights twinkling on illuminating the city. The scope of the city is hard to take in from below! While there are several observation decks, Top of the Rock takes the cake for the best views and atmosphere.

From the Top of the Rock, you’ll be able to see some iconic spots in NYC including the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, and Central Park. It’s located right in Midtown and has expansive, 360-degree views from 850ft over Manhattan. It may not be the highest platform in the city, but it has a less expensive admission ticket, fewer crowds, a great location and gorgeous Art Deco architecture.

If you can, try to arrive a little bit before sunset (also keep in mind it takes about 20-30 minutes to actually get up on the deck). This way you can see the city during golden hour and then watch the city light up all around you. There is something so special about seeing millions of twinkling city lights that feels so NYC.

One of the biggest selling points is that there is an outdoor deck, meaning you’ll get stunning pictures and really get to see the city with your own eyes (some observation decks don’t have outdoor space!). There are also several more stairs up to higher platforms than the level you enter from the elevator, so don’t forget to explore those too! Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour on the observation deck. 

Where to stay in New York City at Night

  •  citizenM Time Square – Located near Time Square, The citizenM has everything you need – three outdoor terraces, a rooftop bar, and hot & cold breakfast buffet! Not to mention the hotel itself is super cozy and modern rooms where you can control all aspects of the room with an iPad. You’ll be super close to the action of Manhattan and the subway, so this is the perfect place to base yourself!
  • Pod Times Square – These “pod” rooms may be on the smaller side, but they are inexpensive and don’t leave out the comfort of staying in a hotel! The hotel itself is stylish and cool with its own bar, and they even have double bunk rooms, which is a great option if traveling with a friend. It’s a few blocks away from Times Square, so super convenient!
  • The Standard, High Line – Now if you truly want to stay right on top of the High Line park with some truly gorgeous views of the Hudson River, check out the Standard. This hotel exudes luxury without the price tag of full-blown luxury, with white and wooden accents, and each room features floor-to-ceiling windows and a city or river view. Also, check out the adjoining biergarten under the High Line.

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About The Author: Richie Goff is a Louisville, Kentucky native with a great love of the outdoors. When he is not growing flowers for fun, he is the Editor-in-Chief of Practical Wanderlust and Let’s Go Louisville. He has been a friend of Lia’s since high school, and they have taken plenty of their own disaster-prone adventures together!


What are your thoughts on these things to do in New York City at night? Let us know below!

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Gazing at a million lights shining from the top of the city. Wandering the dark streets learning the spooky history of NYC. Drinking a cocktail under neon lights in a basement speakeasy.  New York City at night is a magical adventure, where the hustle and bustle never stops even when the sun goes down.

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Here are our favorite travel tips & resources for saving money and planning travel logistics! For more tips, check out our travel tips resource page or our guide to planning a trip.

  • Booking Flights: To score flight deals, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on only on a budget airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
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  • Travel Credit Card: We book all of our trips on our favorite travel credit card. Not only do we earn cash back that we can spend on more travel, but the card offers fantastic travel perks like travel insurance, trip delay and cancellation coverage, lost baggage reimbursement, and rental car coverage, which helps protect us on our travels. Learn more here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended medications and vaccines for international trips. We always recommend getting every vaccine recommended by the CDC! You can get them at your primary care doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Tours: We love booking guided tours, especially food tours and walking tours, to get a local’s perspective and a history lesson while sight-seeing! We book our tours using Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to figure out how to get from place to place, and book local transportation online using Bookaway wherever we can. When we book a rental car, we use DiscoverCars to compare rental companies and find the best deal.
  • Luggage Storage: Whenever we’re checking out early or taking advantage of a long layover, we use LuggageHero to safely store our luggage while we’re running around. Use the code PRACTICALW for 2 hours of free luggage storage on us.
  • VPN Service: A VPN keeps your digital information (like website login details, bank info, etc) safe, even when you’re connected to an unsecured network while traveling. Plus, it lets you use Netflix & other streaming sites abroad! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO when you sign up!
  • What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we bring on every trip. We also have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and many more. Take a look at all of our packing guides!

The Perfect Florence Italy 3-Day Itinerary

Terracotta rooftops shimmering in the Tuscan sun, the Arno river flowing calmly beneath centuries-old bridges and the sound of footsteps on cobbled streets. The same cobblestones artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo once walked on, but now worn in time. Welcome to what's in store on this Florence Italy 3-Day itinerary!

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Terracotta rooftops shimmering in the Tuscan sun, the Arno river flowing calmly beneath centuries-old bridges and the sound of footsteps on cobbled streets. The same cobblestones artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo once walked on, but now worn in time. The lovely smell of freshly baked pastries and the rich aroma of espresso fills the warm Mediterranean air. Welcome to what’s in store on this Florence Italy 3-Day itinerary!

Italy is one of those countries that boasts a lot of world-famous cities (so many, I feel bad for other countries). How about a world-famous city in a world-famous province? Florence, in Tuscany, ticks all the boxes! This city was once home to many of the great Renaissance artists of Italy and today, centuries later, you can still feel their presence and influence everywhere you go.

Luckily we have our good friend David who’s visited Florence, fallen in love, and written a fantastic Florence Italy 3-Day Itinerary!

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view of florence italy_
The gorgeous terra cotta roofs of Florence. (Photo Credit)

Florence Italy 3-day Itinerary FAQs

If you’ve never been to Florence – or Firenze as it’s called in Italian – you probably have some questions! Here is some basic info you’ll need for your Florence itinerary:

What is the best time to visit Florence? 

Spring and autumn are probably the best time for most people. Especially for first-time visitors Temperatures are very pleasant, between 60 and 70 Fahrenheit, while the city is not packed with other tourists. It will be busy, but nothing like the crowds you’ll experience in summer. 

If you can’t handle crowds, or you love your photos to have as many strangers in as possible, then winter is perfect for you. Temperatures in winter range between 30s and 50s Fahrenheit.

But don’t cancel your plans for summer yet! I prefer to visit Florence in summer! Yes, it’s busy and there are queues to get in the attractions and sites, but it’s hot and sunny. It creates the quintessential hazy skies and slightly dimmed light I love so much about Italy, which is great if you’re into photography. The nights are warm too, ideal for a late-night, romantic stroll through the city.

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and a great place to shop local vendors!
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and a great place to shop local vendors! (Photo Credit)

How Do I get to Florence?

Florence is really well-connected. It has its own airport with flights to and from major destinations in Europe. Florence also has great railway connections with Pisa, Perugia, Bologna, Milan, Rome and Genoa. 

If you fly in from the US or Canada, you will most likely fly to Rome, Milan or Bologna, then take a train to Florence.

How do I get around Florence?

Getting around Florence is a piece of tiramisu. You can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes. (In a straight line that is! There is so much to see, that this is a challenge). Either way, you really don’t need to use public transport, unless you can’t walk longer distances. In that case, there are bus and tram services, as well as taxis. 

Bus routes C1, C2, C3 and C4 take you around the city of Florence. Lines 12 and 13 go up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo. There are three tram routes, but they don’t go through the city center. Take them if you want to get out of the city (but really, Florence is not a place you would want to leave). Buy your tram or bus tickets at newsagents and tobacco kiosks (it’s random, I know), or get a public transport pass from them if you’re going to use the buses and trams a lot. This pass is called Agile 10 and is good for ten 90-minute journeys.

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View walking across the Ponte Vecchio
View walking across the Ponte Vecchio (Photo Credit)

Florence Italy 3-day Itinerary

Florence is not an enormous city, but there is plenty to see and do for a first-visit weekend getaway. This city will call you back for more though (I know it worked its magic on me!). But first things first: time to explore Florence with this essential three-day itinerary for first-time visitors!

  • Note: We have assigned days of the week to this itinerary to be a weekend itinerary. This itinerary can of course work for weekdays as well, just make sure you check that businesses are open on the days you plan on visiting.

Florence Italy 3-day Itinerary: Friday Arrival

Once you’ve made your way from the airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, make your way to the hotel, freshen up and get back out as soon as you can. Don’t do too much today, but definitely take in this new destination. A walk through the city is just perfect for some gentle sightseeing and getting your bearings. 

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

You must be hungry by now. It’s probably quite late for dinner, but Italians love to dine late and take their time. Join them! (When in Rome… oh, never mind.)

Trattoria Mario is a very typical Italian restaurant. Eating here is like being in someone’s house, where your Italian uncle (Mario) has prepared a delicious meal. How fresh is the food? Well the menu changes every day. But according to them “you will always find the Fiorentina Steak, our super Ragù and the Ribollita“! This spot is a great introduction to Florentine cuisine!

statue of david in florence italy_
The one, the only, David! (Photo Credit)

Saturday, Day 1: Artistic Delights

Today you’ll get to see art. A lot of art! In my case, it was probably more art in a day than I’ve ever seen in my life, but that’s a story for later. The entire city of Florence is like a museum. There’s history and art everywhere. It’s a bit like Rome, but much more concentrated.

Meet David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

Start early to see a celebrity here. The moment you step into the Galleria dell’Accademia there is a buzz. The atmosphere is electric. People are here to see David, not me David the author, but the slightly more famous David! I’m talking about Michelangelo’s statue “David” of course. 

Tourists flock around the statue for a quick photo, while art lovers gaze at every detail of this stunning statue. You can see people are excited, but play it cool because it’s still a museum. There’s no doubt about it, David is the star of this gallery. Time to leave then? Absolutely not! There is a lot more to see at Galleria dell’Academia.

You should explore the rest of the gallery. It’s full of Michelangelo’s lesser-known works and unfinished sculptures. It makes you wonder why he hadn’t managed to finish them. Or how long they have been standing in his workshop, exactly the way you can see them today. It’s like a treasure chest full of Renaissance art, including works by Sandro Botticelli and Andrea del Sarto!

Galleria dell’Academia gets busy, as it is so popular. Get skip-the-line tickets here (unless you’re someone who finds immense satisfaction in queueing for some reason).

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From the tower of the Duomo Di Fiernze you can see the sweeping city from up high!
From the tower of the Duomo di Firenze, you can see the sweeping city from up high! (Photo Credit)

Climb the Duomo di Firenze

I’m a bit weird with cathedrals. Once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, right? I feel bad for having this thought because every cathedral is an awe-inspiring structure that took so much effort and time to build. Still, they are all a bit the same. Ssh, don’t tell anyone!

The Cathedral of Florence is different (woohoo!). It’s one of the few cathedrals that really stands out to me. It’s the one I easily remember as well. (Brain! Give me a picture of the cathedral of Florence! Ah yes, the one with the big dome of course!)  

The first thing you’ll notice is the enormous central dome. The next thing is the size of the entire structure. When Florence Cathedral was built in 1436, it was the largest church in the world. And even now we have modern building techniques, the dome still remains the biggest structure ever built from bricks. Impressive!

What makes the cathedral stand out from others – for me at least – is the facade. It’s not just one color. The beautiful white marble contrasts with the dark green windows and edges, which makes it look different to any cathedral I’ve ever seen.

Back to that enormous dome…you can climb it! You should climb it! I have to admit, the way to the top is not easy. The staircases are steep and very narrow at times. Give it a miss if you’re not fit or claustrophobic (or if you’re scared of heights, of course). Once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to see the whole city of Florence and its surroundings. An unforgettable view!

Buy skip-the-line tickets for Duomo di Firenze before you go, unless you love waiting in line (yeah, me neither).

sandwiches from I' Girone De' Ghiotti in florence italy
These ain’t your mom’s sandwiches from I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti! (Photo Credit The Foodie Kate)

Lunch at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

Apostrophes in weird places, I know, but the actual restaurant is great! You’re in Florence, so have a sandwich for lunch! A sandwich you say? Hell yes! Think sandwich, but made with freshly baked focaccia bread, fresh cold meats, the best tomatoes and vegetables. Amazing!

The people who work at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti are super friendly and will find and make you your new favorite sandwich in no time! It’s a takeaway restaurant, although they put some chairs outside sometimes, so you can eat your sandwich. Expect queues, but also expect the best sandwiches you can get in Florence!

fountain of neptune at Piazza della Signoria florence italy
Fountain of Neptune at Piazza della Signoria. (Photo Credit)

Experience Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is not just a square you stroll across and call it a day. There is so much to see and do here, that you can easily spend a few hours here. Some of the things you have to see in the piazza are:

  • Visit Palazzo Vecchio – You can’t miss this building. It’s huge! It was built in 1299 and modified throughout the centuries. Nowadays it’s the town hall and you can visit it to admire all the art that covers the walls and ceilings. I would recommend a guided tour, so you can learn more about its secrets. This old palace is full of secret passages, built by the influential Medici family to escape their enemies.
  • Admire the statues – Basically, Piazza della Signoria is an open-air sculpture gallery. There’s a replica of Michelangelo’s David, “Perseus with the head of Medusa” by Cellini and “Hercules and Cacus” by Baccio Bandinelli (which was actually commissioned to Michelangelo, but the large block didn’t make it to Florence in time).
  • Peep into Loggia dei Lanzi – On the corner of the square, you can see a big shelter. This was originally used to lodge the German pikemen of Grand Duke Cosimo I. Now it is a shelter for sculptures such as “The Marzocco Lion” and “Hercules and Nessus”.
  • Fountain of Neptune – You won’t be surprised that even the fountain on Piazza della Signoria is adorned with beautiful sculptures of mythological gods and creatures. The fountain was designed by Baccio Bandinelli, but made by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1574. It took 14 years to make.
  • Get Hot Chocolate from a Cafe – People-watching is best done from a terrace of one of the cafes on the square. Enjoy a pastry and a cup of coffee, while you watch the world go by. My favorite is Caffè Rivoire, which is famous for its hot chocolate. Italian hot chocolate is rich and smooth and this one is perfection. Do you only drink hot chocolate in winter? Well, you shouldn’t!
Birth of Venus, The Uffizi Gallery, Florence 2019
Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” is actually very similar to what my own birth looked like! (Photo Credit)

Get your dose of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi is one of the most famous galleries in the world and a must-see when you’re in Florence. At the beginning of this post I mentioned you will see more art than you’ll ever see in your life and I meant the Uffizi. Storytime!

The first time I visited the Uffizi was with a travel partner (ok, it was my mom). I flew her in for a weekend in Florence. I wanted to show her the Uffizi because I knew she loves paintings. We spent most of the day there though it was 90 Fahrenheit outside and probably not much cooler inside the Uffizi. At some point, all the paintings started to look the same to me, but that’s what you do for your mom right? 

Just when I couldn’t take it anymore we finally left. As we enjoyed a well-deserved coffee on Piazza della Signoria she said, “Sorry, I couldn’t take it any longer. I love a good painting, but that was way too much. I didn’t know you were THAT into art!” You. Didn’t. Know. Whaaat? We still laugh about that now.

So yes, please visit the Uffizi, but make sure you don’t spend all day there. Unless you’re really into art of course (like my mom!). Get your head around this: the Uffizi has more than 100 rooms with over 2,200 paintings. You need a plan! Here’s a plan!

Must-sees in the Uffizi:

  • “Primavera” by Sandro Botticelli
  • “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli
  • “Madonna of the Goldfinch” by Raphael
  • “Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci
  • “Madonna with the Long Neck” by Parmigianino
  • “Venus of Urbino” by Titian
  • “Doni Tondo” by Michelangelo
  • “Medusa” by Caravaggio
  • “Laocoön and His Sons” by Baccio Bandinelli

If you want to see the best artworks, while learning more about the paintings, I recommend booking this guided tour of the Uffizi on GetYourGuide.

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Ponte Vecchio At sunset.  In Florence, Italy.
Ponte Vecchio at sunset. (Photo Credit)

Walk across Ponte Vecchio at sunset

Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the only medieval bridge in Florence that wasn’t destroyed in World War II. When it was time for the Nazis to retreat from Florence, they blew up all the bridges across the river. All except Ponte Vecchio, because Hitler liked the look of this elegant bridge. This is also where he made the Pact of Steel with Mussolini, so he saved the bridge.

Of course, Ponte Vecchio has been through a lot more before that. After all, it was built in 1345, so it really is an Old Bridge! Back in its glory days, there were houses, shops and taverns alongside the bridge, bustling with vendors. Later on, it was mainly tanners and butchers that worked here. When the Medici family took over Florence in the 16th century, this changed.

They had to cross the bridge to get from town to their home – Palazzo Pitti – and couldn’t stand all the mess and smells of the butchered meat. The Grand Duke ordered that the tanners and butchers were moved from the bridge, to be replaced by jewelers and goldsmiths. Still today, the bridge is adorned with gold shops.

If you time it right, try to arrive at Ponte Vecchio at the end of the day, when the light gets softer. Photographers call this ‘golden hour’. This is when I think the bridge is at its most beautiful: on a sunny day, about an hour before the sun goes down. Then walk across it.

When you see the bridge from a distance, look for the small windows at the top level. This is where the Medici family built a secret passage, so they could escape and look out for their enemies. This enclosed passage is called the Vasari Corridor and it has recently re-opened for tours. It covers almost three-quarter miles, from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti.

  • Pro-tip: If you want to have a great view of the entire bridge across the Arno River, head to Ponte Santa Trinita, which is the next bridge west of Ponte Vecchio. You can see Ponte Vecchio in all its glory from here. 
gnocchi from La Buchetta in florence italy
Gnocchi Angeli e Demoni from La Buchetta. (Photo Credit zestandsimmer)

Dinner at La Buchetta

La Buchetta is an old-school Italian bistro with a matching menu. Expect to find classic pasta dishes, risotto, ravioli and steak dishes. I had gnocchi here that was so delicious, not to mention they edible flowers they garnish the dishes with! Try the Tiramisu for dessert. You won’t be disappointed! 

I’m setting the bar high here, because I had one of the best meals in Italy here. There I said it! Don’t miss out!

Drink from Mad souls and spirits in florence italy
Fancy drink from Mad Souls and Spirits. (Photo Credit)

Have a night out

Florence is perhaps not the right city if you want to go clubbing until early in the morning, but an evening walk and the numerous bars make up for it. You’re in Italy – no, even better, you’re in Tuscany – so a glass of good wine is never far away! Or cocktails of course. You have to try a Negroni when you’re in the city it was invented in. 

Three of the best bars in Florence:

  • Mad Souls and Spirits – I can recommend this bar for its quirky, crafted cocktails. No fancy, mainstream drinks here, but just really great cocktails. They have their own version of a Negroni called the Negroni Di Provincia (De)nuclearizzata.
  • Diorama – Italy is not all about wine. It has a rich craft beer culture, and they all seem to be sold in this fantastic little bar.
  • Enoteca Alessi – This bar looks like a wine cellar. The place is stacked floor to ceiling with wine bottles. Lovely place to sit down and have a glass!

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Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. (Photo Credit)

Florence Italy 3-day Itinerary: Sunday, Day 2 – Cultural and Historic Wonders

Spend today exploring more of the iconic, historic buildings of Florence. Dive deeper into Florentine cuisine and discover one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods. 

Visit Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Start your morning visiting Pitti Palace, one of Florence’s iconic buildings. This palace started out as Luca Pitti’s residence. He was a merchant – who was remarkably good at it – who decided to have his house built here. He died before it was finished. The dynasties that lived here after, the Medici, the Hapsburg-Lorraine and the Savoy, finished and extended the building to the enormous palace it is now.

It now houses a few museums. On the ground floor is the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, also known as the Silver Museum. This is where the Medici’s silverware, jewelry and porcelain collection is displayed. The Palatine Gallery is on the first floor, which showcases a collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th Century. Go all the way to the top for the Gallery of Modern Art. Throughout the building, you’ll see original furnishings, so it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to live here.

Behind Palazzo Pitti are the Boboli Gardens. Go for a stroll (or a hike!) on these beautifully landscaped grounds. Imagine living here and having all this lavish space to yourself. The 111 acres are enough to spend hours exploring every corner of these royal gardens. Just a Pitti you don’t have more time (I’ll see myself out).

Make the most of your morning visiting Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens by booking a guided tour.

Lunch at Mangiafuoco Bracerie

It’s difficult to order any food in Italy and be disappointed. Italian cuisine is all about fairly simple meals with few, but high-quality fresh ingredients. Tuscan cuisine is a very authentic cuisine, where popular dishes that were originally cooked at home made their way into the restaurants. Mangiafuoco Bracerie is an authentic restaurant where you can try local specialties.

For lunch, you should try one of the following typical Florentine meals:

  • Pappa al Pomodoro: a rustic tomato soup, made with Tuscan ribbed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and basil. The soup is thickened with stale bread. More of a tomato porridge than soup, this is a delicious and perfect option for lunch.
  • Ribollita: another hearty soup (again, more like a stew), made with vegetables, beans and bread. It’s often made the day before it’s served, to give it a rich flavor. 
  • Sandwiches: a sandwich you say? Hell yes! Think sandwich, but made with freshly baked focaccia bread, fresh cold meats, the best tomatoes and vegetables. Amazing!
San Lorenzo market in florence italy_-Blog Photo-2
Colorful Carnival masks at the San Lorenzo Market. (Photo Credit)

Shop local at the San Lorenzo market

I love local markets. Seeing products and food for sale, gives you a very good idea of the city’s local culture. The San Lorenzo Market is so good that it must be on your list of sights to see. 

San Lorenzo consists of two different markets. There is an indoor market, called Mercato Centrale, and an outdoor market in the surrounding streets. Mercato Centrale is where you want to go for everything food, whether it’s ingredients or freshly prepared ready-to-eat goodness. Dessert anyone?

The outdoor market has pretty much everything for sale. It’s a must if you want to bring some souvenirs back home. Whether it’s a Florence fridge magnet, or a stylish Italian leather bag to rock on a night out back home, you’ll find it here. 

Anyway, start your San Lorenzo adventure outside. It’s so nice to be outside, strolling past the stalls. It’s a welcome change from all the museums and palaces of Florence. The museums are beautiful, but you can easily spend hours inside. And there are a lot of them in Florence. I get it!

You can easily spend the whole afternoon exploring the outdoor market, so enjoy the sun, the fresh air and the atmosphere at the market. The only challenge this afternoon is not spending all your money on the first few vendors you see. It pays to compare prices farther down the streets!

Slowly work your way to the Mercato Centrale, where you can see fruit and vegetable vendors at work, as well as butchers and ice cream makers. You won’t go hungry here!

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One of the stalls of Mercato Centrale - you can expect lots of fresh food!
One of the stalls of Mercato Centrale – you can expect lots of fresh food! (Photo Credit)

Enjoy an aperitivo at Mercato Centrale

Feeling hungry? Remember, Italians eat late, but they manage to do so because of the aperitivo, which are basically small, bite-sized portions of dishes. This is normally served between 5.30-8.30 The Mercato Centrale has a food court, which is perfect for creating your own aperitivo. 

Order a glass of wine and choose one of the small aperitivo items to go with it for €10, or order it all separately. Can’t choose? Don’t worry, you can always order more food. Or have the same wine and food again, of course.

One to try is bruschetta with lampredotto, a popular Florentine delicacy is the fourth stomach of a cow, slowly cooked in a vegetable broth. It’s then chopped-up and put on a bit of bread with salsa verde on top. If you can stomach it (pun intended), this is as typical Florentine as it gets. It’s absolutely delicious and tender! (But then I’m the kind of person who eats then thinks.)

Leave a bit of room for dinner, which is just about…now.

A street in Florence with the Duomo di Firenze in the background
A street in Florence with the Duomo Di Firenze in the background (Photo Credit)

Go for a stroll through the city

Yes, it is about time for dinner, but it can wait. Italians eat late, remember? Maybe let your food down before you – well – are going to have more delicious food. This is the perfect time of day to go for a stroll, without really going somewhere. This is a favorite Italian activity, to just go for a walk after a meal.

The sun has just set. As Florence slowly gets darker, the city becomes even more atmospheric. The cobblestone streets light up under the yellow streetlights. Just walk and explore the streets, or walk across Ponte Vecchio to see how different it looks when it’s dark. Or see how beautifully the Cathedral is lit up at night. It’s almost impossible, but Florence looks even better in the evening!

Dinner at Angel

Angel Roofbar & Dining is located on the roof terrace of Hotel Calimala. The rooftop has three levels, with a restaurant, two bars (they make a mean Negroni!) and a patio with breath-taking 360º views. I mean it, this must be one of the best views of Florence. From here, you’re looking over the rooftops of the city, with that majestic dome of the cathedral sticking out as if it was right next to you. 

Even if you’ve eaten a bit too much at the Central Market aperitivo, try to order at least a light dinner. The food here is brilliant, with a small but delicious choice of cold and hot Southern Mediterranean dishes!

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Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo looking out across the Arno river at the Florence Town Hall (Palazzo Vecchio) on the left and the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo di Firenze) on the right.
Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo looking out across the Arno River. (Photo Credit)

Florence Italy 3-day Itinerary: Monday, Day 3 – Oltrarno and departure

Ok, you’re leaving today, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have time to visit Oltrarno. This is only the coolest neighborhood in Florence! Think similar old buildings, but with greenery, parks and art mixed in. 

It’s full of artisan boutique shops, trendy places to eat, art galleries and nature everywhere. It’s a short walk from the city center. Explore freely, as there is enough to discover. Oltrarno runs between the Santo Spirito Basilisk and San Frediano and it’s easy to walk the whole neighborhood.

One place you can’t miss is Piazzale Michelangelo. This square/viewpoint is the perfect place to just sit on the steps with a coffee, and enjoy a great view of the city, with the sun on your face.

If you have time for lunch, I can recommend All’Antico Vinaio, a legendary Florentine sandwich shop! Here you can have beef, salami, prosciutto, and so much more between foccacia that is fresh, crispy and soft. There may be a line – but it’s worth it.

Enjoy this great Florentine staple while you take in la dolce vita of your last afternoon in Firenze!

Where to Stay in Florence

On a trip to Florence, you should really stay in the city center. It gives you a much more authentic experience because you’re right in the middle of all the places of interest. Florence has a certain vibe. It’s a brilliant blend of art, history, culture and timeless beauty. You can experience this best by leaving your hotel and walking right into it.

The best places to stay in Florence:

  • Oro Nero Florence – This property offers small but stylish suites with a bedroom, a kitchenette and a seating area. There was a bottle of wine waiting in the room for us (a very welcome welcome!)
  • Palazzo Testa – Excellent bed & breakfast in a villa. The rooms are super modern and really comfortable. It’s right in the city center too!
  • Hotel David – This is a no-nonsense yet stylish hotel that feels very homely. The staff are superstars and will happily help you with any questions about your trip.

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3-DAY FLORENCE ITINERARY SUMMARY

Friday Arrival:

  • Dinner at Trattoria Mario | Address: Via Rosina 2r, angolo Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123, Firenze

Saturday, Day 1:

Sunday, Day 2: 

Monday, Day 3 & Departure:

  • Visit the cool neighborhood of Oltrarno | Address: Between Santo Spirito and San Frediano
  • Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio | Address: Via de’ Neri 65R, 50122, Firenze

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About Our Contributor: David Breeker loves visiting Italy. The mix of art, history, food and vibe makes Florence one of his favorite cities that he keeps coming back to. 


Psst: Planning a trip to Italy & Europe? Here are some other helpful posts:

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Here are our favorite travel tips & resources for saving money and planning travel logistics! For more tips, check out our travel tips resource page or our guide to planning a trip.

  • Booking Flights: To score flight deals, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on only on a budget airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
  • Accommodations: We usually stay in budget-friendly vacation rentals, boutique hotels or private rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to book hotels (we love their flexible cancellation policy) and Hostelworld to book hostels (low deposit, easy change/cancellation, and excellent reviews). For vacation rentals, we prefer to book using VRBO because they’ve got lower fees and better support than Airbnb, and we’re not fans of Airbnb’s unethical track record. You can also book vacation rentals on Expedia and Hotels.com. We also use TrustedHousesitters as both hosts (for our home and our fur-child) and travelers!
  • Travel Insurance: We always, always, ALWAYS buy travel insurance for international trips, and we STRONGLY suggest it – visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find out why. We recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing for international travel insurance. SafetyWing is one of the few policies that covers Covid-19, and they have excellent monthly policies that are perfect for Digital Nomads and long term travelers!
  • Travel Credit Card: We book all of our trips on our favorite travel credit card. Not only do we earn cash back that we can spend on more travel, but the card offers fantastic travel perks like travel insurance, trip delay and cancellation coverage, lost baggage reimbursement, and rental car coverage, which helps protect us on our travels. Learn more here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended medications and vaccines for international trips. We always recommend getting every vaccine recommended by the CDC! You can get them at your primary care doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Tours: We love booking guided tours, especially food tours and walking tours, to get a local’s perspective and a history lesson while sight-seeing! We book our tours using Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to figure out how to get from place to place, and book local transportation online using Bookaway wherever we can. When we book a rental car, we use DiscoverCars to compare rental companies and find the best deal.
  • Luggage Storage: Whenever we’re checking out early or taking advantage of a long layover, we use LuggageHero to safely store our luggage while we’re running around. Use the code PRACTICALW for 2 hours of free luggage storage on us.
  • VPN Service: A VPN keeps your digital information (like website login details, bank info, etc) safe, even when you’re connected to an unsecured network while traveling. Plus, it lets you use Netflix & other streaming sites abroad! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO when you sign up!
  • What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we bring on every trip. We also have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and many more. Take a look at all of our packing guides!