Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
Whether you’re in Florence for just a couple of days or lucky enough to stay for a whole semester you should spend at least one night out on the town but where to start?
I have been living in Florence since 2012 first as a student and now as a permanent resident, giving me expert insight on the coolest bars in Florence for both aperitivo and after dinner drinks.
No matter what you like, your budget, location or style, I have the bar for you. In this article, I will share what I think are the coolest bars in Florence for both aperitivo and post-dinner drinks.
If you have time to plan your evening, read through to learn what each bar is best for, what they serve and why it’s cool. If not, just reference my quick guide to understand what is best for you based on your needs, desires, and location.
For more on drinking in Florence read
8 Enotecas You Can’t Miss In Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Enjoy Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Apericena in Florence – A Local’s Favorite Places
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Map of Coolest Bars In Florence For Aperitivo & After Dinner Drinks
Coolest Bars In Florence For Aperitivo & Post Dinner Drinks Quick Guide
| Name of Bar in Florence | Address (Neighborhood) | Closing hour | Best For |
| Amblé | Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A (Historic District) | Tuesday – Sunday 12:00 am | Spritz |
| Café Volume | Piazza Santo Spirito, 3 | 2:00 am 7 days a week | Classic Italian aperitivo / Best square for nightlife |
| Il Santino | Via Santo Spirito, 60/R | 11:00 pm 7 days a week | Wine lovers |
| Mad Soul & Spirits | Borgo S. Frediano, 36/38r | 2:00 am 7 days a week | Cocktails |
| Bitter Bar | Via di Mezzo, 28/30r (Sant’Ambrogio) | 12:00 am Monday – Saturday | Tailor-made cocktails |
| Locale | Via delle Seggiole, 12r | 2:00 am 7 days a week | Lounge bar vibe & Seasonal cocktails |
| Love Craft | Borgo S. Frediano, 24/R | 2:00 am 7 days a week | Whisky lovers |
| Manifattura | Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1 | 2:00 am Tuesday – Sunday | ‘Made In Italy’ spirits |
| Ditta Artigianale | Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, Via dello Sprone, 5/R, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1r, Via Giosuè Carducci, 2/4r, and Lungarno Soderini, 7R | Hours vary depending on location | Gin lovers |
| Babae | Via Santo Spirito, 21R (Santo Spirito) | Closes 2:00 am (Friday-Saturday)Closes 12:00 am (Tuesday-Thursday) | Innovative food items with drinks |
Amblé
Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A
Amblé is a small cafe tucked just behind the Ponte Vecchio on a quiet street in Florence with a really cool menu. Not only do they have over 15 different varieties of Spritz but they make innovative cocktails using fresh ingredients that are sourced locally.
I like Amblé best for aperitivo as it’s more lively and fun. You can come for a post-dinner drink but it does close on the earlier side at midnight.
Fit In: Learn How to Toast in Italian!
Café Volume
Piazza Santo Spirito, 3
Café Volume is where you want to be for the best and most authentic nightlife in Florence. Piazza Santo Spirito is the place where aperitivo, great restaurants and post-dinner nightlife starts. You could really spend the whole evening in this square hopping from one place to the next and not get bored.
For aperitivo, choose from classic Italian and international favorites at affordable prices. With your drink you will be served a tray of salty snacks such as strips of schiacciata (focaccia), olives, veggie sticks and dips.
After dinner, the cafe picks up again serving cocktails, Spritz and other digestivi (served in plastic cups after midnight). Enjoy your drink either at the bar inside or on the outdoor terrace or take your drink into the square to mingle with the crowds.
Il Santino
Via Santo Spirito, 60/R
Il Santino is one of Florence’s coolest wine bars open from lunch hour through 11 pm serving up an excellent wine selection paired with carefully crafted small plates such as crostini, small first courses and second courses.
The downside? It’s tiny with a small bar and only a couple of tables. If it’s full, opt to get your glass of wine and have it in the street – you won’t be the only one! Crowds pour out of this hole in the wall all evening.
Good To Know: One of Florence’s best restaurants, Il Santo Bevitore is located right next door to Santino, making it the perfect segue.
Mad Souls & Spirits
Borgo S. Frediano, 36/38r
Mad Souls & Spirits cocktail bar prizes itself on serving every kind of cocktail under the sun except a Spritz. How refreshing!
Their regular menu is fun and innovative but don’t miss their weekly specials as well, all served with small plates of aperitivo snacks like tramezzini, veggie sticks and olives.
Nice To Know: Mad Souls & Spirits also holds mixology classes and events for people interested in taking a bit of cocktail culture home with them. Ask at the bar for upcoming events, demos, and classes.
Bitter Bar
Via di Mezzo, 28/30r
Bitter Bar, located close to the Sant’Ambrogio Market, is a hip cocktail bar specializing in tailor made cocktails with a 1920s vintage vibe.
You can order classic cocktails with a twist but the bartender, Cristian Guitti, is known for his tailor made cocktails. Tell him what you like from their long list of liquors and he will whip up a one of a kind drink for you.
Locale
Via delle Seggiole, 12r
Locale is best known for the lounge vibe with excellent cocktails with a seasonal cocktail list on rotation. Each season the bar comes out with a new cocktail menu based on a new combination of seasonal, local ingredients. Innovative and fun, this is one of the cooler approaches to cocktails on the Florentine drinking scene.
And if you don’t drink alcohol, no problem! They also have interesting analcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages as well (order an Italian mocktail).
Good To Know: Locale is also a restaurant and serves small bites to order with cocktails, should you fancy a little something special before dinner.
Love Craft
Borgo S. Frediano, 24/R
Love Craft is Florence’s first whisky only bar in the city dedicated to serving over 300 different labels.
Even if you don’t like whisky, I bet they can make a drink for you here and convert you. Cool and fun, this bar always has a fun crowd and helps to get your night started on the right foot!
Manifattura
Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1
Manifattura is Florence’s best spot to be for drinking ‘Made in Italy” spirits, liquor and cocktails. Located right downtown close to Palazzo Strozzi in the Historic District, this 1950’s style cocktail bar is best for ordering cool drinks and Italian classic cocktails without breaking the bank.
Considering how fancy it feels and looks, you can’t go wrong with the price, quality and experience at Manifattura!
Ditta Artigianale
Scattered throughout city center with locations in Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, Via dello Sprone, 5/R, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1r, Via Giosuè Carducci, 2/4r, and Lungarno Soderini, 7R
La Ditta Artigianale is one of Florence’s favorite spots for coffee, brunch, studying and working, and a local hangout but also for cocktails, in particular gin-based cocktails.
Originally opened as one of the best coffee shops in Florence, this cafe has taken off and now has five locations scattered throughout Florence.
Ditta Artigianale is best for people who can’t agree. Someone can get a non-alcoholic beverage, another a cocktail and yet another can stick to coffee or tea. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Babae
Via Santo Spirito, 21R
Babae is one of the bars that embodies the Oltarno way of living, casual, slow and easy going. This bar and cafe is open all day and late into the evenings on weekends serving anything from breakfast to brunch to aperitivo, dinner and post-dinner drinks,
Come to Babae for a fun and different approach to small nibbles with your drinks (nachos, anyone?). They also have several more wholesome dishes such as veggie plates and salads.
They have ample seating indoors but as the night goes on, most people like to hang out on the street or in the entrance area with their drink.
Drinking In Italy: You may want to brush up on The Legal Drinking Age In Italy – Advice From A Local.
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
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Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
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Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
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