After Dinner spots

If you are looking for a lively atmosphere after dinner, head over to the tree lined Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the prettiest piazzas with its bars, restaurants and cafés attracting a cheerful crowd.

Open till late, Volume recently took over a wood sculptor's workshop which is reflected in the café's stylish decor with the sculptor's tools and iconic works – a revival of the old workshop's spirit. The wood sculptures, which started out as forms for hats and evolved into creative works in their own right, mingle with large, black and white photographs of the old studio. Enjoy a drink in one of the comfy mismatched leather chairs or spill out into the piazza to enjoy the cool night air.

For an unforgettable view of the river and the Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi, try the Open Bar for an after dinner treat. Excellent cocktails are served in this chic, almost water level bar. Try a Martini with a porous pebble soaked in vermouth for an original take on a classic cocktail. After dinner you can gaze at the beautifully lit Ponte Vecchio as you listen to live jazz at a candle lit table, right across the water from the Uffizi Gallery, ideal for a romantic end to the evening.

Just across the river is the sophisticated Fusion bar with deep white sofas on the terrace and chic minimalist style inside. Stools provide ring side seats to observe the art of bar tending and a neat row of tables lines the wall for those who prefer an intimate cocktail. Exhibitions of photography and contemporary art are held here throughout the year and can be admired in the bar and the cool airy space of the library.