La Cite Bar / Café / Live Music Venue / Lounge

Oltrarno, Florence –

One of Florence’s most unique nightspots, La Cite is a library bar and jazz lounge with an artsy atmosphere that draws an intellectual clientele of young hipsters and creative types.

Patrons gather on sofas or sit around the rustic wooden bar, which is reminiscent of a Tuscan wine cellar, to talk politics over cocktails or a glass of regional red wine, while the evening’s drummer provides a cool background beat.

Although the focus at La Cite is clearly on conversation – and patrons are always ready to share their views with anyone who will listen – the bar also offers plenty of other diversions to keep more taciturn types occupied.

Besides the live music, La Cite is particularly known for its considerable stacks of alternative books. Spread over two floors, the library features various living-room seating arrangements nestled between the shelves, perfect for relaxing with a book or just nodding to the music.