The story

Florence's beautiful people dress up in their designer clothes to adorn Capocaccia (Lungarno Corsini 12-14) for preprandial posing and delicious aperitivos. Perched atop the Otel Ristotheatre, Terrazza Martini (Viale Generale Dalla Chiesa) is another early-evening hotspot.

Florence may not have a thriving cocktail scene, but one famous family addressing the sparsity of martinis is the Ferragamos. Their Gallery Hotel Art by the Ponte Vecchio is quiet, sleek and stylish -- perfect for a discreet drink. Or head to its sister hotel, the Continentale, and sip a cocktail from the roof terrace while the sun sets.

Laid-back local hipsters hang out at Bar Kitsch, a step away from the center next to Piazza Beccaria. Bar-of-the-moment Mojo is easy to spot: the crowds spill out onto the street outside. The Otel Ristotheatre (Viale Generale Dalla Chiesa) draws the cabaret crowd -- show up early for dinner and the dancing girls, then watch as the venue magically transforms into a club. Read full article »