A Local’s Guide to Bars in Florence 2026: Aperitivo, Cocktails, Dives, and More
Florence is famous for Renaissance art, historic piazzas, and Tuscan food, but the bar scene is can also be great if you know where to go. If you’re looking for the best bars in Florence, this guide breaks down exactly where to go. Including the top aperitivo spots, cocktail lounges, pubs, and dive bars for every kind of night out.
Whether you’re studying abroad, solo traveling, or in Italy for the first time, knowing where to go makes a huge difference… and saves you from ending up somewhere overpriced and underwhelming. After living in Florence for two years, I’ve tried everything from chic wine bars to late night dives.
This guide covers the best places to drink in Florence. It’s broken down by vibe, time of day, and what kind of night you want to have.
Daytime Drinking & Aperitivo in Florence
Florence does aperitivo right; good drinks, small bites, and the perfect golden-hour atmosphere. These spots are ideal for early evening drinks, relaxed afternoons, or casual catch-ups with friends.
Birria Art 17
Location: Sant’ambrogio (Borgo la Croce, 64R)
Vibe: artsy, less traditional
Birria Art 17 is one of my favorite spots for a casual drink during the day or an easy aperitivo. The atmosphere is artistic and laid-back, with craft beers, cocktails, and small plates that go perfectly with a slow afternoon. It’s tucked just far enough from the crowds to feel local, but still central enough to stop by before dinner.
Dondino
Location: Santa Croce (Piazza di Santa Croce, 6/red)
Vibe: classic italian feel, good people watching, historic interior
I really considered gatekeeping this one. Dondino is hands-down my number 1 spot for a quick drink in Florence. They have “big spritz” which is exactly what it sounds like and gets the job done. They also have good panini options for lunch and the outdoor seating in Piazza Santa Croce makes for perfect people-watching. On days off I’d often take my kindle and sit at an outdoor table for hours.
Enoteca Bevovino
Location: Oltrarno, near Piazzale Michelangelo (Via di S. Niccolò, 59/r)
Vibe: upbeat, Oltrarno, casual
Part wine bar, part trattoria, Enoteca Bevovino is one of my favorite spots on early evenings. It’s chill, small, and full of locals. If you’re a wine lover, this is the place to taste something new without the usual tourist markups. Pro tip: get a drink here before heading up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset!
Bulli & Balene
Location: Oltrarno, between Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito (Via dello Sprone, 14/r)
Vibe: Oltrarno,lively, fun
Located in the heart of the Oltrarno, Bulli & Balene is a colorful, retro-style aperitivo bar known for its signature spritz menu and creative cocktails (that are cheap!). Come here before dinner, sit outside, and try a fun spritz flavor.
Volume
Location: Santo Spirito (Piazza Santo Spirito, 5/red)
Vibe: Oltrarno, creative, casual
Volume is a Florence favorite for good reason. It’s a café-bar that turns into a lively aperitivo and evening spot as the day goes on. Expect vintage furniture, great cocktails, and local artists or musicians setting the vibe. It’s especially fun around sunset when Santo Spirito starts to wake up.
Cocktail Bars in Florence
Later in the day Florence is full of hidden cocktail bars, lounges, and nightlife that keep things interesting without feeling overrun by tourists.
Rex Café
Location: Between Sant’ambrogio and the Duomo (Via Fiesolana, 25r)
Vibe: eclectic, unique, cool
Rex is a Florence classic. It’s colorful, funky, and always buzzing with locals and visitors alike. The cocktails are great, the energy is upbeat, and the décor is full of eclectic details. Rex is a great spot to start your night with friends or to grab one last drink before heading home.
Bitter Bar
Location: Near Sant’ambrogio (Via di Mezzo, 28/30r)
Vibe: vintage, cozy, intimate
Hidden behind a discreet entrance, Bitter Bar is one of Florence’s best speakeasies. It’s known for perfectly balanced cocktails and a vintage, candlelit vibe. If you love mixology and want something a little elevated, this is the place. Pro tip: just ring the bell!
Spirituum Cocktail Bar
Location: Oltrarno (Via Sant’Agostino, 14)
Vibe: artistic, elevated, unique
Spirituum is one of the newer cocktail bars in Florence, but it’s quickly made a name for itself. The space is small and elegant, and the drinks are beautifully crafted with attention to detail. It’s ideal for a quieter night out or pre-dinner drinks with friends.
Pubs in Florence
Florence also has a great pub scene! perfect for casual nights out, live sports, or catching up with friends over a pint. These bars have a more relaxed energy, ideal for after long travel days.
JJ Cathedral (Duomo Irish Pub)
Location: Duomo (Piazza di San Giovanni, 4r)
Vibe: younger crowd, Duomo views
Cathedral Irish Pub sits just a few steps from the Duomo, if you’re lucky you can snag the balcony table with a perfect view. It’s lively without being wild, and it’s a great spot to grab a pint and chat with fellow travelers. They often show football matches and have solid pub food too.
Fiddler’s Elbow
Location: Santa Maria Novella (P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 7R)
Vibe: classic, welcoming, chill
Fiddler’s Elbow is one of Florence’s oldest Irish pubs and a favorite among expats. It’s cozy and great for anyone craving a taste of home. You’ll find Guinness on tap, live sports, and plenty of friendly conversation.
Bonus: Lucky Hill Pub (FIesole)
Location: Fiesole main Piazza (Piazza Mino da Fiesole, 40)
Lucky Hill is a small pub in Fiesole (a 30 minute bus from the center) with a great craft beer list and an even better view of Florence. The bartenders are welcoming and the atmosphere feels like a hidden neighborhood favorite, great for groups or solo travelers looking to meet people.
Dive Bars in Florence
There aren’t many things I love more than a good dive bar. In Florence, the focus is always on wine windows and cocktail bars, so I had to do some hunting to find these spots. After a good bit of trial and error, these 4 held up as the best dive bars in Florence!
One Eyed Jack
Location: Oltrarno, right on the river (Piazza Nazario Sauro, 2R)
Vibe: subtle pirate theme, rock music, edgy
One Eyed Jack is a dive bar with cheap drinks, good music, and no pretense. It’s always full of travelers and locals, especially later at night. Come here for a casual, easy-going night out. Pro tip: They have take away drinks, so you can catch the sunset on the Arno (10 steps away) before heading back inside for a fun night.
Beer Spot Craft Pub
Location: Near Lions Fountain (Via Sant’Egidio, 5/ 7R)
Vibe: Hangout spot, great selection, board games
A tiny bar with a huge craft beer selection. I loved going here to hang out before dinner or just to play some board games with friends. The staff is nice and knowledgeable, so even if you’re not a beer person you’ll definitely find something you love.
The Hidden Pub
Location: Oltarno (Piazza del Carmine, 11/B)
Vibe: casual, lively, local
Off the beaten path in Oltrarno (the other side of the river), this one is missed by most tourists. They have fun decor, entertaining staff, and a large selection. It to fills up with locals later into the night, so go before 8 if you want to snag a chair. My favorite spot is the little courtyard tucked in the back!
The Box
Location: Near Lions’s Fountain (Borgo Pinti, 5/red)
Vibe: pre-game, walk-up, younger crowd
The Box is a unique spot in Florence that’s loved by locals. The bar itself is absolutely tiny, but the drinks are the cheapest you’ll find anywhere. Usually people go in to order from the bartender, then stand outside. The street quickly fills with people chatting and drinking before going to a club for the night.
Bonus: Wine windows and other fun spots!
Piazzale Michelangelo: The best place to watch the sunset in Florence. Take a bottle of wine, some snacks, and grab a spot on the steps to watch the sun go down over the city.
Cantina de Pucci Wine Window: The best wine window in Florence. Centrally located, inexpensive, not too crowded
Biblioteca della oblate: Cheapest place to drink with a view in Florence. Hidden on the roof of the library is a cafe with a perfect view of the Duomo! During the day they serve coffee and lunch, then later in the day switch to spritz and drinks, the perfect cheap pregame.
Everywhere: Don’t forget that open containers are allowed in Italy! Some of my favorite nights were spent with friends and a bottle of wine just people watching around the city. Find a seat on the Arno, in a Piazza, or just follow the noise to find street performers and fun crowds.
Final Thoughts
Florence may be known for wine, but the city’s bar scene is full of surprises. From laid-back aperitivo spots to creative cocktail lounges and classic pubs, there’s something for every kind of night out.
Each one of these bars has its own personality and charm. Whether you’re sipping a spritz in Santo Spirito, going for a nightcap at Rex, or grabbing a pint at Fiddler’s, you’ll find that Florence’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself.
