The negroni was created in Florence 100 years ago, and aperitivo culture took off. Today, in both classy rooftop spots and local haunts, aperitivo hour is in full swing by 7pm, as locals enjoy a drink and a snack before dinner. With Negroni Week coming up in celebration of the zesty Italian Campari-based cocktail this June, Time Out has teamed up with the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card to bring you some travel inspiration.
We’ve already rounded up our selection of the best places in London to enjoy a negroni, but if you’re thinking of somewhere further away, here are the ideal spots to enjoy the authentic aperitivo hour in Florence. We’ll also reveal how everyday spending can help you collect Avios to get you there sooner.
This Florentine aperitivo institution in the riverside San Niccolò neighbourhood boasts beautiful garden seating. It’s a laidback restaurant that often tops the ‘best aperitivo’ lists for its mix of Italian and international food and classic drinks. It also makes for a great pre-dinner pitstop after hiking to the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo.
Via di S. Niccolò, 55r, 50125. Aperitivo hour 7pm-10pm daily.
The drinks here range from classic negronis to prosecco-topped spritzes, booze-free numbers and fine Italian wines. But one of the best reasons to come to Sesto on Arno is its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the Tuscan hills beyond. It makes your drink just that little bit sweeter.
Sixth floor, Westin Excelsior, Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123. Aperitivo hour 7pm-9pm daily.
From late May to September, the rooftop bar at the Grand Hotel Minerva is a prime sunset spot for Floretine locals and visitors alike. Sip prosecco or a negroni while overlooking the church of Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. Bliss!
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16, 50123. Aperitivo hour 7pm-9pm in summer.
Photo: Andrea Getuli
If the idea of sipping negronis in Florence sounds appealing, then your everyday spend could help get you there sooner, thanks to the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card.
Whether you’re paying for your morning flat white or Friday night drinks, you can collect Avios to use for reward flights to hundreds of destinations. What’s more, the 2-for‑1 Companion Voucher can get you and a friend there for the same number of Avios as one flight.² You simply pay the taxes, fees and carrier charges – for Florence those are £35 per person for a return trip, flying economy. If that has piqued your interest, did you know:
You collect Avios every time you spend.
• Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 you spend with the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, or 3 Avios for every £1 you spend direct with BA.¹
You can share the experience with your favourite travel buddy.
• When you spend £10,000 or more each year, you’ll receive a 2-for-1 Companion Voucher.²
You get a 25,000 Avios Welcome Bonus.
• When you spend £3,000 or more in the first three months.³
For more information and to apply for the card, click here.
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE
Representative 76.0% APR variable.
Annual fee: based on £195. Credit limit: assumed credit limit of £1,200. Purchase rate: 22.9% variable for purchases.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Applicants must be 18 years or older. Approval subject to status. Terms and exclusions apply to earning and redeeming Avios (1), Companion Voucher (2) and welcome bonus (3). Flights subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply. Visit ba.com/amex to find out more.
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
