Florence has excellent, mostly free listings publications. At the tourist offices, pick up the free monthly Informacittà (www.informacitta.net), which is strong on theater, concerts, and other arts events, as well as one-off markets. Younger and hipper Zero (www.zero.eu/firenze), available free from trendy cafe-bars and shops, is hot on the latest eating, drinking, and edgy nightlife. Firenze Spettacolo, a 2€  Italian-language monthly sold at newsstands, is the most detailed and up-to-date listing of nightlife, arts, and entertainment. English-language magazine “The Florentine” publishes weekly events and listings at www.theflr.net/weekly.

If you just want to wander and see what grabs you, you will find plenty of tourist-oriented action in bars close to the city’s main squares. For something a little livelier—with a more local focus—visit Borgo San Frediano, Piazza Santo Spirito, or the northern end of Via de’ Macci, near where it meets Via Pietrapiana. Via de’ Benci is usually buzzing around aperitivo time and is popular with an expat crowd. Via de’ Renai and the bars of San Niccolò around the Porta San Miniato are often lively too, with a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.