Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
Coming to Florence on a budget and looking for the best wallet-friendly places to enjoy an aperitivo without breaking the bank?
I can help! I have been living in Florence since 2012 and after drinking my way through the city as both a first time traveler, student, and newlywed… I have seen and sipped it all!
In this comprehensive guide to enjoying aperitivo on a budget in Florence, I will share with you:
- my top 10 bars and cafes to sit down for an aperitivo on a budget
- each place’s specialties
- what you can expect in terms of prices
- if food is sold at the bar or cafe
It’s easy to spend a ton of money in Florence for a single cocktail but it doesn’t have to be that way!
For more on drinking in Florence read
Where To Taste Wines In Florence – 8 Enotecas You Can’t Miss In Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence – A Local’s Picks
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
Where to Drink Wine in Florence
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Map Of Where to Enjoy Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Enjoy Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence Quick Guide
| Name | Address (Neighborhood) | Best For | Food Service |
| Sabor Cubano | Via Sant’Antonino, 64R (San Lorenzo) | Margaritas or rum drinks | No |
| Amblé | Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A (Historic District) | Spritz | Yes |
| PanicAle Firenze | Via Panicale, 7/red (San Lorenzo) | Craft beer | No |
| The Lion’s Fountain | Borgo degli Albizi, 34r | Beer & watching sports | No – You can bring your own! |
| Angie’s Pub | Via dei Neri, 35/r (Historic District) | Beer and pub food | Pub food |
| Volume | Piazza Santo Spirito, 3 | Families | Snacks served (other small plates can be ordered) |
| Cafe degli Artigiani | Via dello Sprone, 16r | Hanging out all evening | Yes |
| La Casa del Vino | Via dell’Ariento, 16r | Wine lovers | Cheese and charcuterie boards |
| Bulli E Balene | Via dello Sprone, 14/r | Cicchetti with a twist | Yes |
| Dorsoduro 3821 | Via S. Gallo, 41/R | Traditional cicchetti | Yes |
| Enoteca alla Sosta dei Papi | Borgo la Croce, 81r | Off the beaten track / Trying local wines | Traditional Tuscan appetizers |
Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian
Sabor Cubano
Via Sant’Antonino, 64R
Best For: Margaritas or rum-based drinks
Sabor Cubano is a small cuban bar located just outside the Central Market in Florence serving up a fun selection of mojitos, piña coladas & margaritas. It’s THE place you want to be for rum and tequila drinks in Florence.
Their drinks are dirt cheap, from only €5! You won’t be disappointed by the bank for your buck at Sabor Cubano.
Nice To Know: Sabor Cubano often has live music on the weekends!
Amblé
Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A
Best For: Large Spritz menu
Amblé is the place to go if you are on the market for a Spritz on a budget. Choose from over 15 different Spritz variations, all for €7. If you are looking for something a little more stiff, check out their cocktail menu.
The vintage decor and small outdoor seating can’t be beat in this small piazzetta tucked away just off Ponte Vecchio for an aperitivo in Florence on a dime. Salute!
PanicAle Firenze
Via Panicale, 7/red
Best For: Craft beer
PanicAle Firenze is my top pick if you are looking for some craft beer in Florence. They do have cocktails too but this is not their niche.
I particularly suggest popping in here if you are early for your train at the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence as it’s just around the corner.
The Lion’s Fountain
Borgo degli Albizi, 34r
Best For: Beer & watching sports
The Lion’s Fountain is a popular Irish pub perfect for watching sporting events on TV and throwing back a couple of beers with your friends.
What sets The Lion’s Fountain apart is that they allow you to bring food from outside and eat alongside your beer. Duly take note because this is not common in Florence!
Angie’s Pub
Via dei Neri, 35/r
Best For: Beer and pub food
Angie’s Pub is a great pub right in the bustling Via dei Neri in the Historic District serving up good old bar food and beer on tap.
Come here for a no-frills pub experience in Florence at a fair price. After dinner you can recognize it by the flood of people right outside the door on the street with beer in hand.
Café Volume
Piazza Santo Spirito, 3
Best For: Families / Aperitivo with kids
Despite how popular and busy the Piazza Santo Spirito is, the prices at Café Volume remain affordable without sacrificing quality. Come here and grab a table outside on the terrace (if you can manage) and order one of their many cocktails, wine by the glass or beers accompanied by a big tray of nibbles including schiacciata (focaccia), potato chips, olives, veggies and dips.
An aperitivo won’t set you back for more than €10 but you can get away with spending as little as €6.
Good To Know: This is one of the few places I bring my kids to have an aperitivo in Florence because they can play freely in the traffic-free piazza while I sit back and relax.
Cafe degli Artigiani
Via dello Sprone, 16r
Best For: Hanging out all evening
Cafe degli Artigiani is located in Piazza della Passera Oltrarno, nestled between some of the best gelato in Florence, best coffee, schiacciata, vegetarian food, and classic Tuscan restaurants in the city.
Start here with a glass of wine, a Negroni, or a mocktail and spend your whole evening in this cute square full of food choices. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t have to worry about following a map and getting around a new city!
La Casa del Vino
Via dell’Ariento, 16r
Best For: Wine lovers
La Casa del Vino is my top pick for having an aperitivo in Florence if you are looking for a rustic vibe with classic Italian wines. Choose from Tuscan cured meats, Italian cheese platters and charcuterie boards to pair with a wide selection of Italian wines.
Cheap yet authentic, this is a local’s hang out for sure!
Bulli e Balene
Via dello Sprone, 14/r
Best For: Cicchetti with a twist
Bulli e Balene is my top pick for a taste of Venice while in Florence. Tucked away just on the side of Piazza della Passera, this cicchetti bar serves up exceptionally budget friendly Spritz and ombra for around €4.50.
Pair your drink with some of the only cicchetti in the city such as crostini, open faced sandwiches and meatballs.
Dorsoduro 3821
Via S.Gallo, 41/R
Best For: Traditional cicchetti
Dorsoduro 3821 is Florence’s first cicchetti bar in Florence opened by a Florentine-Venetian couple dedicated to the flavors and drinking culture of Venice.
Here you will find classic cicchetti paired with a wide selection of Venetian drink specials and an excellent wine cellar, all in an affordable price range.
Although a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth the walk for an evening full of great company, locals and authentic food.
Learn More: Before eating cicchetti, you might be interested in What Are Cicchetti?
Enoteca alla Sosta dei Papi
Borgo la Croce, 81r
Best For: Off the beaten track / Trying local wines
Enoteca alla Sosta dei Papi is one of those old school wine bars or enoteche in Florence best for sampling local Tuscan wines on a dime. Drink wine by the glass or choose to buy it sfuso, meaning priced by the liter from barrels.
Pair your wine with traditional Tuscan street foods and other nibbles such as coccoli, prosciutto e stracchino or bruschetta in the summer.
And don’t miss some of the best schiacciata in Florence at SchiacciataMatta just across the street.
Tip: The house wine is going to be the most affordable wine for sale (both by the glass and to bring home).
I hope this helps you find a great place for aperitivo in Florence that fits your budget! Cin cin!
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
Best Gelato In Florence
Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items and Gifts in Florence
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food
