Top 10 Best Bars in Florence

Last updated: October 2026

Florence is a city where a drink is as much about the setting as the glass, and the best bars range from candlelit speakeasies to wine counters that spill onto the street. If you are looking for the best bars in Florence, start with the Oltrarno for wine and cocktails, then add a rooftop for the view. The city is also closely tied to the Negroni, which is widely reported to have been invented here in 1919.

This guide covers ten bars across the historic centre and the Oltrarno, with a practical box for each. Further down you will find the drinks to try, how aperitivo works, evening routes for one, two or three nights, where to stay, getting around and budget guidance. For planning a trip, the Feel Florence official tourism site is a good starting point. If you are also planning where to eat, read our guide to the best places to eat in Florence to pair with your evening drinks.

Bar details change quickly, so check opening days and hours before you go. Where something could not be confirmed, this guide says so.

Quick answer: What are the best bars in Florence? For cocktails, try Manifattura for Italian spirits, Mad Souls and Spirits for Negroni variations, Locale Firenze for a palazzo setting and Rasputin for a hidden speakeasy. For wine, go to Le Volpi e l’Uva, Il Santino, Fuori Porta and Pitti Gola e Cantina. For views, finish at SE·STO on Arno or Caffè La Terrazza.

Quick comparison: best bars in Florence

1. Manifattura

Manifattura is the bar to try if you want a cocktail menu built entirely from Italian ingredients. It is in Piazza San Pancrazio in the centre, and guides describe it as an all-Italian-spirits cocktail bar, using only Italian spirits, liqueurs and mixers. Some call it one of the first bars of its kind.

The idea is simple and clever. Instead of reaching for imported gin or vodka, the bartenders work with Italian producers, from bitter liqueurs to amari and vermouths. The result is a menu that tastes of the country, and it is a good way to learn how many styles Italy has beyond Aperol and Campari. Menus change often, so check what is current.

The room is in a handsome square, and the mood is relaxed rather than formal. It suits a first drink of the evening, because the cocktails are well balanced and the staff are happy to explain the ingredients. If you are unsure, tell the bartender what you usually like and ask for something Italian in that style.

Pair a drink with a small plate if the bar offers one, or move on afterwards for dinner nearby. Because Piazza San Pancrazio is close to the main shopping streets, it is easy to reach after a day of sightseeing.

Sources vary on prices, so treat any figure online as a guide only.

• How to get there: On foot from the Duomo or Piazza della Repubblica, a short walk through the centre.
• How long to spend: One hour for a drink or two.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before the dinner rush.
• Tip: Ask for an Italian-spirit twist on a drink you already love.

2. Mad Souls and Spirits

Mad Souls and Spirits is the Oltrarno cocktail bar for people who care about what is in the glass. It stands in Borgo San Frediano on the south bank of the Arno, away from the busiest tourist streets. Guides describe it as having serious drinks and an irreverent atmosphere, with award-winning bartenders working in a no-frills space.

The Negroni variations are a highlight, which makes sense in a city that claims the drink as its own. The classic is equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, but here you can taste twists made with different bitters, vermouths and spirits. If you are new to Negronis, ask for a classic first and then try a variation, so you can compare.

The bar is informal. You will not find dress codes or velvet ropes, and the focus is on the drinks and the conversation. It attracts a mix of locals, bartenders and travellers who have heard about it by word of mouth. Expect it to be busy on weekend evenings.

Because it is in San Frediano, the area has plenty of other places for dinner, and the walk back across the river at night is part of the pleasure. This is a good place to end the evening or to start a longer Oltrarno route that includes wine bars.

Check opening days before you go, as smaller bars in the Oltrarno often close on one weekday.

• How to get there: On foot from the Ponte Vecchio or Santo Spirito, through the Oltrarno streets.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Evening, after the first aperitivo crowd has thinned.
• Tip: Start with a classic Negroni, then ask for a variation.

3. Rasputin

Rasputin is a hidden speakeasy, and finding it is half the fun. Guides describe it as Florence’s first speakeasy, behind an unmarked door in the Oltrarno, with a candlelit room and a menu of 1920s classics such as the Sazerac, the Manhattan and the Vesper.

The idea is to feel like you have stepped back to the Prohibition era, with low light, quiet music and bartenders who take their time. It suits a smaller group or a date rather than a big party, because the space is intimate and conversations carry.

Because it is hidden, there is no sign on the street and the location on map apps may not be exact. Most guides place it on Borgo Tegolaio, in the Santo Spirito part of the Oltrarno, so check the bar’s own channels before you go. Reservations are usually needed, so confirm that it is open on the night you plan to visit.

The drinks lean towards stirred, spirit-forward cocktails rather than fruity ones. If you are not sure what to order, ask the bartender to choose something based on your taste. They are used to guiding first-timers.

Come in the later part of the evening, when the room has a better atmosphere, and plan to stay for one or two drinks rather than a full night. It works as a quiet finale after dinner.

Treat this entry as one to check before you go, as hours and the entry system may change.

• How to get there: On foot to Borgo Tegolaio in the Oltrarno; confirm the exact entrance before you set out.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Later in the evening, once the room has filled.
• Tip: Check whether you need to book, and ask the bartender to choose for you.

4. Locale Firenze

Locale Firenze is the bar for a cocktail in a historic palace. It is on Via delle Seggiole, near Santa Croce in the historic centre, and guides place it in Palazzo delle Seggiole. Reviewers consistently praise the skilled bartending and the elegant setting, which makes it a good choice for a special evening.

The drinks are well made and often creative, and the surroundings add a sense of occasion. It is the sort of bar where you dress a little smarter and take your time, rather than the quick stand-up counters of an aperitivo bar. It suits couples and small groups who want a quieter, more polished night out.

Because the bar sits in a historic building, the atmosphere changes with the time of day. Early evening is calmer and more relaxed, while later in the night the room becomes livelier. If you want to see the architecture properly, go earlier.

A listing in one comparison table puts it at a higher price tier than most other bars here, so budget accordingly and check the current menu. As with any popular spot, a booking can help, particularly at weekends.

Sources give limited detail about the current menu, so treat this entry as an outline and ask staff for recommendations on arrival. If you enjoy classic cocktails, order one and see how the bartenders handle it. That is usually the best test of a bar.

Because it is in the centre, you can combine it with a walk to the river or dinner in a nearby restaurant, and it is easy to reach after a day of sightseeing.

• How to get there: On foot from the Duomo or Piazza Santa Croce, to Via delle Seggiole; confirm the address before you go.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening for a calm room, later for more atmosphere.
• Tip: Book ahead at weekends and ask the bartender for a house recommendation.

5. Le Volpi e l’Uva

Le Volpi e l’Uva is the wine bar for people who want to taste something unfamiliar. It is in the Oltrarno, in Piazza dei Rossi near the Ponte Vecchio, and guides describe a wine list focused on small, often organic producers, many of whom you will not find in a supermarket.

Visitors often say that one glass becomes several, because the staff are enthusiastic about explaining what is in each bottle. The wines are served with cheeses, cured meats and small plates, which makes it easy to turn a tasting into a light meal. If you are not sure what to choose, tell the staff what you usually drink and ask for something similar but different.

The bar has a terrace and a small interior, and both get busy during aperitivo time, particularly on Saturday evenings. If you want a seat, arrive early. Standing at the counter is also common and a good way to chat with staff.

A listing gives opening hours of midday to evening from Monday to Saturday, with Sunday closed, but hours may have changed, so check before you travel. Because it is close to the river, it makes a good first stop in a route that continues towards Santo Spirito and San Niccolò.

This is a place to slow down. Order a flight or a couple of glasses by the glass and take time to taste. The staff are used to explaining wines to visitors, and the setting is relaxed.

• How to get there: On foot across the Ponte Vecchio and a few minutes into the Oltrarno.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon for aperitivo, or early evening.
• Tip: Ask the staff to suggest a wine from a small producer.

6. Il Santino

Il Santino is a tiny wine and snack bar in Santo Spirito that locals like for its simplicity. It is near the Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the liveliest squares in the Oltrarno, and one 2026 guide lists it as a classic local wine spot with glasses at modest prices.

The room is small, so expect to stand or squeeze into a corner. That is part of its charm. The food is simple, with cured meats, cheeses and small bites meant to go with the wine, and the staff keep the pace relaxed even when it is busy.

Because the bar is so small, it works best as one stop in an evening rather than the whole night. Order a glass and a plate, enjoy it and then wander the square, where other bars and restaurants are close by.

Santo Spirito is a good area for an evening wander. The square fills with people in the early evening, and the streets around it have a lived-in feel that many visitors prefer to the busier centre. Il Santino fits that mood well.

If you are travelling in a group, arrive early or accept that you may have to stand. The bar does not suit large parties, but it is excellent for two or three people who want a quiet glass and a bite.

As with any small bar, check hours before you go, and consider it alongside nearby wine bars such as Le Volpi e l’Uva for a short wine route.

• How to get there: On foot from the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita, through the Oltrarno.
• How long to spend: About an hour.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before the square gets busy.
• Tip: Order a plate of cheese and cured meats to go with your wine.

7. Fuori Porta

Fuori Porta is the wine bar to choose if you want a long list by the glass at a fair price. It is in San Niccolò, on the edge of the Oltrarno, close to the old city gate that gives the bar its name. A 2026 guide lists it among the best wine bars in the city.

The bar has a relaxed, local feel, and its strength is the sheer number of wines available by the glass. That lets you try several styles, from Tuscan reds to lighter whites, without committing to a full bottle. It is a good place to learn what you like.

Food is simple and designed to go with the wine, such as cheese, cured meats and small hot dishes. Ask the staff for a suggestion if you are unsure, because they are used to guiding visitors through the list.

San Niccolò is one of the nicer areas to walk through at dusk, with quieter streets than the centre and a pleasant route uphill towards Piazzale Michelangelo. A drink at Fuori Porta can be part of a walk that ends with the view over the city.

Because it is popular with locals and visitors alike, it can fill up in the evening. Arrive earlier if you want to sit, and expect a lively atmosphere once the aperitivo hour begins.

Check current hours before you go, and treat any prices online as a guide only.

• How to get there: On foot from the Ponte Vecchio, or from the Ponte alle Grazie, along the river and into San Niccolò.
• How long to spend: One hour.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before heading up to the viewpoint.
• Tip: Try two or three different wines by the glass rather than ordering a bottle.

8. Pitti Gola e Cantina

Pitti Gola e Cantina is the elegant option, a wine bar with a view of the Pitti Palace. It is on Piazza de’ Pitti in the Oltrarno, and guides describe it as an enoteca with a strong focus on food and wine pairings, as well as tastings at lunch and dinner.

The setting is the draw. Sitting outside with the palace as a backdrop is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an early evening in Florence. The wine list covers Tuscan and Italian producers, and the staff can guide you through pairings with cheese, meat and local dishes.

It is more of a sit-down place than some of the counters on this list, and it suits couples or small groups who want to relax. A tasting menu or a flight lets you try several wines in one sitting. If you are not sure what to order, ask for a recommendation to match your food.

Because it is in a prominent square, it is more touristy than the smaller bars around Santo Spirito, but the quality is generally praised. It works well for a late afternoon drink after visiting the Pitti Palace or the Boboli Gardens.

One source lists it as open daily, with hours that vary by day. As always, check before you go, particularly in the quieter winter months.

Combine it with a walk to Santo Spirito for a second drink, or head back towards the river for dinner.

• How to get there: On foot from the Ponte Vecchio, a few minutes along Via Guicciardini.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon or early evening, when the light on the square is best.
• Tip: Ask for a wine and food pairing rather than choosing separately.

9. SE·STO on Arno

SE·STO on Arno is the rooftop bar for a river view and a classic cocktail. It sits on the top floor of the Excelsior hotel (long known as the Westin Excelsior) at Piazza Ognissanti, close to the Arno.

Reviewers praise the views over the river and the rooftops of Florence, and the bar is a good place for a simple classic cocktail. It is not a place for a quick cheap drink, but for a special evening or a celebration it is hard to beat, particularly at sunset.

The atmosphere is polished, and the crowd is a mix of hotel guests and visitors. Dress a little smarter than for the casual wine bars, and expect higher prices. Booking a table is wise, especially in the warmer months.

Because it is a hotel rooftop, opening seasons can vary. Some terraces close in winter or when the weather is poor, so check whether the bar is open on the dates you plan to visit.

If you want a lower-cost view, Caffè La Terrazza, the next entry, is a good alternative. But for a classic cocktail with the river below, SE·STO is the more atmospheric choice.

Go at sunset if you can, and stay for one drink. The setting is the main attraction, and a single well-made cocktail is enough.

• How to get there: On foot along the Lungarno from the centre to Piazza Ognissanti.
• How long to spend: About an hour.
• Best time to go: Sunset, with a table booked ahead.
• Tip: Check that the rooftop is open for the season before you go.

10. Caffè La Terrazza

Caffè La Terrazza is the easiest rooftop in Florence, with a direct view of the Duomo and its bell tower. It is on the top floor of the La Rinascente department store at Piazza della Repubblica 1, and its large windows frame Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower.

You do not need to book a table at a hotel or dress up. It works as a coffee stop, a light lunch or an aperitivo, and the view is the same whether you order a cappuccino or a spritz. For visitors on a budget, it is one of the best ways to see the skyline from above.

The terrace is popular, so expect a wait at busy times. Late afternoon is a good moment, when the light is softer and the crowds from lunchtime have thinned. A drink here pairs well with a morning of shopping or sightseeing in the centre.

Because it is inside a La Rinascente department store, opening hours follow the store, so check before you go. In poor weather the indoor seats still have the view, which makes it a reliable option.

It is not a cocktail bar in the strict sense, so do not expect the craft drinks of Manifattura or Mad Souls. Treat it as a scenic pause rather than a destination for serious drinking.

Pair it with a walk through the nearby squares, then head to the Oltrarno for the evening. The contrast between this tourist-friendly spot and the local wine bars makes for a well-rounded day.

• How to get there: On foot to Piazza della Repubblica, then up to the top floor of La Rinascente.
• How long to spend: Forty-five minutes.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon, for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Tip: Check the store’s opening hours before you go.

Drinks to try in Florence

• Negroni: Equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, widely said to have been created in Florence in 1919.
• Spritz: A light aperitivo made with sparkling wine and a bitter liqueur.
• Chianti: The red wine of the surrounding region, available by the glass at most wine bars.
• Vin Santo: A sweet Tuscan dessert wine, often served with almond biscuits.
• Amaro: Italian bitter liqueurs, often sipped after dinner.
• Vermouth: Fortified wine, used in cocktails or served on its own with ice.

How aperitivo and ordering work

Aperitivo is the early evening ritual of a drink with snacks, and in Florence it often starts around the end of the working day. Some bars include small bites with your drink, while others charge separately, so check the menu. Wine bars usually serve by the glass, and you can order cheese and cured meats to share.

At a counter, you often pay when you order. At a table, the bill usually comes at the end. Service may be added to some bills, so look at the receipt, and rounding up is common if you are happy. Drinking in the street is common near some squares, but local rules can change, so follow signs and ask staff.

Suggested routes for 1, 2 or 3 nights out

• One night: Start with wine at Le Volpi e l’Uva, walk to Il Santino in Santo Spirito, then finish with a cocktail at Mad Souls and Spirits.
• Two nights: On the second night, begin at Manifattura, have dinner nearby and end with the hidden speakeasy at Rasputin or a palazzo cocktail at Locale Firenze.
• Three nights: Add a sunset drink at SE·STO on Arno, an early wine at Pitti Gola e Cantina and a walk through San Niccolò with a glass at Fuori Porta.

Where to stay in Florence

• Oltrarno: Best for wine bars and a local feel, with quieter streets at night.
• Centro: Close to the Duomo and cocktail bars, with plenty of restaurants but more crowds.
• Santo Spirito and San Niccolò: Lively squares and easy walks between bars.

Getting around

Florence is compact and best explored on foot, and nearly every bar here is within a short walk of the Arno. Late at night, taxis are available, but the historic centre has limited traffic, so walking is often quicker. If you arrive by train, Santa Maria Novella station is a short walk from the centre, and you can check routes on the Trenitalia website.

Budget guidance

• Cheap eats and drinks: A glass of wine and a snack at a counter bar such as Il Santino or Fuori Porta.
• Mid-range: A cocktail at Manifattura or Mad Souls and Spirits, or a tasting at Le Volpi e l’Uva.
• Special occasion: A rooftop cocktail at SE·STO on Arno or a palazzo evening at Locale Firenze.

Keep Exploring Italy’s Evening Scene

If you enjoy a drink with a view, see our guide to the best rooftop bars in Rome for a similar mix of terraces and skyline sunsets. For classic cocktail bars elsewhere in Italy, try our guide to the best bars in Rome. Heading out for the day? Our day trips from Bologna show how easy it is to add a second Italian city by train.

Featured image: Photo by PROPOLI87, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons