See Also
- My preferred places to stay in Florence
- My Favorite Unique Hotels in Florence
- My Favorite Romantic Accommodations in Florence
- My Favorite Places of accommodation in Florence
The Best Bars in Florence
1. MAD – Souls and Spirits • San Frediano
+39 055 627 1621
Renowned for crafting imaginative libations and cultivating a relaxed ambiance, MAD boasts expert mixologists and an eclectic drinks menu that evolves regularly. Guests may sample innovative cocktails like “Un Rabbino Mi Disse” blending gin, prosecco, apple cider vinegar and berries or “Mezzo&Mezzo Nardini” merging bittersweet orange and rhubarb. One of Florence`s premier locales for locals and expats alike, space is limited on weekends when patrons overflow beyond sidewalk tables into the paths. Early evenings from 6-7:30 during the week feature more elbow room at the bar while sampling seasonally inspired potations.
2. Manifattura • Santa Maria Novella
+39 055 239 6367
Manifattura`s goal is reviving authentic Italian cocktail culture in Florence`s otherwise tourist-oriented bar scene. Only spirits and mixers entirely made in Italy are served here, with an immense selection of aperitifs, vermouths, and bitters, particularly amaro. The upscale vintage `50s atmosphere creates an unpretentious yet refined ambiance where affordable cocktails and wines under €10 can be enjoyed. Small plate options are also available in the evenings and an incredible Sunday lunch featuring traditional Italian dishes such as pasta e fagioli, lardellato, and pasta with thistle in goat`s milk.
3. Il Santino • Santo Spirito
+39 055 230 2820
Considered the premier wine establishment in the city, Il Santino offers an impressive selection of wines paired with fresh cured Italian meats, marinated vegetables, and cheeses imported from throughout Europe and the continent (along with marmalades perfectly complementing each variety). All wines served contain a complimentary appetizer, typically bruschetta featuring pate. This venue is incredibly popular for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles during aperitivo hour, though the high-quality cuisine ranging from Tuscan-style soup to steak tartare could constitute a full meal in itself. Occupying a cozy indoor space with limited seating at the bar and four tables, the property also provides al fresco dining when weather permits.
4. Rasputin • Santo Spirito
+39 055 280399
Romantic craft cocktails are expertly prepared in this speakeasy-style hideaway beneath the streets of Santo Spirito. Paying homage to antique Russian pariors through its refined interior design, the establishment serves an elegant repertoire of historic, Italian, and signature libations. Access requires locating the discreet entrance and using an intercom for admission. Reservations made via Facebook are advised but not compulsory.
5. Sabor Cubano • San Lorenzo
+39 331 773 1536
Charming cocktail lounge paying tribute to 1940s Cuban culture with periodic live jazz. Libations highlight rum expertly mixed with fresh herbs and pressed juices. Decor transports visitors to yesteryear complemented by retro apparel also available for purchase.
6. La Divina Enoteca • San Lorenzo
+39 055 292723
Run enthusiastically by two award-winning oenologists, this intimate wine emporium stocks over 500 labels. The collection spotlights local boutique brands including diverse Chiantis, spumanti, Super Tuscans and grappas, together with unique imported wines from Europe and worldwide. It offers an exceptional setting for aperitivo hour, when guests may sample unusual wines served alongside artisanal meats, cheeses, bruschetta and paninis. As a wine shop rather than nightlife venue, it maintains earlier operating hours from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for patrons` benefit.
7. Archea Brewery • Santo Spirito
+39 328 425 0315
Among the limited beer hall options in Florence stands one that offers an exemplary selection on tap including four or five brewed in-house and additional taps pour craft beers from microbreweries across Italy and Europe. Tasting flights showcase four flagship brews – a pilsner, bock, golden ale, and India Pale Ale – through generous portions. Though evenings find locals and visitors alike frequenting the popular watering hole, the ambiance generally retains a relaxed tone ideal for casual socializing over pints.
8. Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina • Santo Spirito
+39 055 212704
Sample handpicked Tuscan and other Italian wines from small producers across from the spectacular Palazzo Pitti.
9. Le Volpi e l’Uva • Santo Spirito
+39 055 239 8132
Feel encouraged to provide your inquiries or remarks below; I’d be pleased to hear from you! With that, I wish you a magnificent time during your Northern Lights expedition in Iceland!
10. Bitter Bar • Sant’Ambrosio
+39 340 549 9258
An alluring nightspot behind an unassuming entrance invites mixology enthusiasts on a tipple tour reminiscent of prohibition past. Motifs of jazz and vintage secrecy greet newcomers seeking innovatively crafted libations born from experimentation in elixirs both signature and traditional. A creative cast of additives – from smoke-accented mint to delicacies of the seas and orchards – combines with techniques like open flame and bubbling to craft one-of-a-kind potables, while educational sessions unveil techniques for personal practice.
11. La Terrazza • City Center
+39 055 2726 5987
Luxurious rooftop bar perched on the Hotel Continentale. Costly, but the panoramic perspectives over the Ponte Vecchio are magnificent.
12. Gosh* • Santo Spirito
+39 055 046 9048
This energetic cocktail lounge exhibits a lively blend of `70s Miami Beach style combined with `20s Art Deco design flourishes. Many cocktails on the menu are retro classics prepared with precision, some bearing novel adaptations, with additional unique libations. They showcase an extensive gin selection and offer an excellent Moscow mule menu. Notable drinks are the “Oh My Hermano!” featuring smoky mezcal married with Campari, lime, and agave, and the Grande Gatsby uniting vodka, fragrant lavender syrup and peppery notes. Complimentary appetizers are provided nightly from 6-8 PM, consisting of cheeses and cured meats.
13. Love Craft • San Frediano
+39 055 269 2968
Cool whisky bar with H.P. Lovecraft-themed signature beverages and a serious whiskey collection beginning at €5 a glass.
14. Antico Caffè Del Moro (aka Art Bar Firenze) • Santa Maria Novella
+39 055 287661
This locale offers an excellent selection of fruit-focused libations. Their beverages are crafted using freshly sourced ingredients and generously adorned with toppings such as candied ginger, mint leaves, and herbs, transforming each drink into an artistic snack in its own right. While the bar itself lacks noteworthy design, the reasonably priced cocktails around €6 are of high quality and made in a fun, lively, casual environment.
15. FUK • Santa Croce
+39 327 993 4047
More than merely a quirky name, the wordplay moniker “Florence Unpopular Kafé” (FUK) represents an establishment serving skillfully crafted cocktails, an excellent appetizer selection, and extremely welcoming bartenders. Though their menu covers an ample scope, they specialize in conjuring beverages off the posted listings. Guests illustrate flavors that appeal to them and say “surprise me” to receive distinctive, custom-blended drinks containing amazing fixings like passionfruit, fresh greenery, and house-produced tinctures dispensed from antique perfume bottles to produce distinct aromas. Weeknights tend to be relaxed whereas weekends grow rowdier.
16. Angie’s Pub • Santa Croce
+30 055 003 0025
Friendly, decently priced central bar. Folks arrive for the laidback atmosphere, suitable beer assortment, and the DJs (on ends of the week).
17. Art. 17 Birreria • Sant’Ambrogio
+39 055 234 6694
Artisanal brewery in a busy corner of Sant’Ambrogio. Draws fans of craft-brewed beers with a wide range from Tuscany and beyond. Also hosts live music on weekends.
18. PanicAle Firenze • San Lorenzo
+39 339 300 5262
Hipster bar by the Mercato Centrale where friendly staff delight fans of craft beers and imaginative cocktails.
