Much of the nightlife in summer takes place in satellite villages, particularly along the coast. Unless specifically stated, hours can be irregular; check before heading to one of the hot spots, especially those out of town.
In Syracuse itself, you can visit La Nottola, Via Gargallo 61 (tel. 0931-60009), on a small street near Via Maestanza. This stylish jazz club/piano bar/disco attracts a well-dressed younger crowd.
Doctor Sam, Piazza San Rocco 4 (tel. 0931-483598), is the premier counterculture bar of Syracuse, with a hip, youthful, and high-energy clientele that tends to be interested in tattoos, motorcycles, piercings, Rastafarian music, rock 'n' roll, and -- under the right circumstances -- romance. Open April to September, nightly 7pm to 4am. Closed Wednesdays from October to March.
Vecchio Pub, Via della Vergini 9 (tel. 0931-464692), is where expats and local students gather at this British-style watering hole. It calls itself the "old pub," but it opened only in 1979, which does seem like a long time ago, come to think of it. In fair weather, head for the courtyard in the rear, where there are outdoor tables and servings of substantial but hardly exciting food. Most visitors come here to drink, and many customers have a lot more than one. Open daily 5pm to 2am. Syracuse has a number of other worthy bars and cafes, including Bar Bonomo, Corso Gelone 48 (tel. 0931-67845), which is more of a bar/bakery. Its gelato is some of the best in town. The spacious Bar del Ponte, Piazza Pancali (tel. 0931-64312), is near Syracuse's most famous fountain and serves all kinds of drinks, snacks, and excellent gelato. Tables overflow onto the square in fair weather. Also in the vicinity of the fountain is the fashionable bar Lungo la Notte, Lungomare Alfeo 22 (tel. 0931-64200), open only at night. The panoramic setting overlooking the harbor attracts a young clientele.
On The Outskirts
The region's best disco is La Piscina, Viale Scala Greca (tel. 0931-753633). It contains a walled garden, a pool that at night seems mostly ornamental, and a crowd that's older than you'll find at the student hangouts closer to the town center. Take bus no. 5, 6, 8, 25, or 26.
