Volume

I often go to Volume. Bartenders do fantastic cocktails, there is always some new band playing and it's always something nice to listen to, to chill out or just to get your adrenaline in a nice positive way up, up in the sky. The place used to be a workshop and you can tell by looking at the walls. They still keep the artistic side of it by having a different exhibition pretty often too. See you around!

As a student abroad, I found I could only handle Florence's most popular night life destinations for so long. Sure, it's nice to go somewhere guaranteed to be overflowing with Americans...a few times. However, if you're looking to avoid those tourist traps with overpriced drinks and meet some genuine Italians (rather than those simply looking to hit on American women), then Volume is definitely the place to be. The first time my friends and I stumbled upon this gem of a bar, I was not quite sure as to whether I was still in 21st century Florence or had been transported back to the 40's. The surplus of Italians sporting their finest vintage clothing paired with the live music of decades past was almost too much to handle (in the best way possible of course). Not to mention the antiquated library feel of the bar interior itself. Needless to say this became one of our staple nighttime hot spots. "But should I visit Volume during the daylight hours after a great night of partying?" You might be asking yourself. Well, the answer to your query is "yes...yes you should". This versatile little cafe/bar is located in Santo Spirito, a must for any serious Florentine traveler. Stop by every other Sunday for the outdoor market where you can find everything from great smelling soaps to beautiful handmade jewelry and even some of that rad vintage gear you noticed everyone wearing last night. No money to spend? That's fine too. Show up wearing your more conservative attire and spend some quality time in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito right next door. This classic church hails from the Renaissance and contains a number of painstakingly rendered pieces from the same era. You can even see an early crucifix carved by Michelangelo and gifted to the friars of the church. Following your various exploits around the piazza, head back to Volume for another round of eclectic music and tasty cafe-style lunch before heading home to prepare for another night out. Anything on the menu, and even off, is fair game. The bartender is known for his innovative paninos (such as mango and swordfish), though you'll have to ask nicely. If you're looking for a location off the beaten tourist path, Volume is nothing if not a breath of fresh air. With its fun alternative music, vintage atmosphere and prime location, this multi-functional Florentine bar is a place to visit morning, noon and night.