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Florence is the city where the Negroni was invented—reportedly in 1919 at Caffè Casoni when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano with gin instead of soda water. A century later, the city’s bar scene runs from secret speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors to historic 18th-century cafés serving the same drinks they did to Florentine aristocrats. This complete guide to the best bars in Florence covers the speakeasies, cocktail dens, traditional cafés, neighborhood spots, and live-music venues across the historic center, Oltrarno, and beyond—with prices, atmospheres, and what to order at each.
Florence’s cocktail scene is small, serious and mostly hidden behind unmarked doors. It sits between the earlier aperitivo hour and the later clubs and dance floors, and several of the best rooms double as live music venues once the sets start.
On 31 December most of these either close or switch to a ticketed door with a minimum spend. Our New Year’s Eve in Florence guide explains which ones are worth ringing ahead for, and why a rooftop terrace beats a central club.
Every June the city licenses temporary bars along the Arno embankments, and that is where Florentines under forty spend the summer. Our guide to Florence summer events covers the riverside chioschi, the Cascine and the rooftop alternative.
The 12 Essential Florence Bars
| Bar | Type | Neighborhood | Cocktail Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasputin | Speakeasy | Oltrarno | €14-18 | Hidden cocktail experience |
| Locale Firenze | Cocktail bar | Centro | €16-22 | Renaissance palazzo setting |
| Manifattura | Italian cocktails | Centro | €14-18 | All-Italian spirits |
| La Ménagère | Concept bar | Centro | €12-16 | Innovation and dining |
| Caffè Gilli | Historic café | Piazza Repubblica | €10-15 | The classic Negroni |
| Caffè Procacci | Historic café | Via Tornabuoni | €8-12 | Truffle panini + Prosecco |
| Mad Souls & Spirits | Cocktail den | Oltrarno | €10-14 | Inventive small-batch |
| Move On | Live music bar | Centro | €8-12 | Live music nightly |
| Caffè Rivoire | Historic café | Piazza Signoria | €10-15 | Hot chocolate + view |
| Le Murate | Cultural bar | Sant’Ambrogio | €8-12 | Hip atmosphere, courtyard |
| Volume | Brunch & bar | Oltrarno | €10-14 | Day-to-night cafe |
| Astor Caffè | Aperitivo | Piazza Duomo | €10-15 | Aperitivo with Duomo view |
1. Rasputin (The Original Florence Speakeasy)
Florence’s first speakeasy and one of just three secret bars in Italy, Rasputin sits behind an unmarked door at Borgo Tegolaio 21r in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. There’s no sign, no menu in the window, no Google Maps marker visible from the street. You walk past unless you know what to look for. Inside is a 1920s-style speakeasy: low lighting, jazz, dark wood, leather banquettes, and a roster of professional bartenders who know what they’re doing.
What to drink: Classic 1920s cocktails done well—Sazerac, Manhattan, Vesper. Modern interpretations available. Cocktails €14-18.
What to know: Reservations strongly recommended (call +39 055 280 399). Walk-ins accepted if there’s space. Dress code is upscale-bohemian. Open daily 19:00-2:00.
2. Locale Firenze
Located inside Palazzo delle Seggiole, one of the most important Renaissance residences in the city, Locale features spectacular cocktail creations by mixologist Matteo di Ienno. The setting is the original 16th-century palace courtyard with frescoed ceilings and stone columns. The atmosphere is theatrical—you’re drinking in an actual Renaissance space, not a stylized recreation.
What to drink: Innovative seasonal cocktails inspired by Florentine ingredients. The “Stella” cocktail (with bergamot and lavender) and the “Cosimo” (gin, tomato water, and basil) are signatures. €16-22.
What to know: Reservations highly recommended; +39 055 906 7188. Open 18:00-2:00. Dress smart casual.
3. Manifattura
The realm of mixologist Fabiano Fabiani, Manifattura focuses exclusively on Italian spirits—every bottle behind the bar comes from somewhere in Italy. The cocktails are inventive yet classical, often using regional vermouths, amari, and grappas you won’t see at international bars. The atmosphere is contemporary minimalist; the focus is the drinks.
What to drink: Their take on the Negroni Sbagliato (made with Italian sparkling wine instead of gin) is renowned. Italian Boulevardier with Tuscan whisky surprising. €14-18.
What to know: Walk-in friendly. Open 18:00-2:00. Address: Piazza San Pancrazio 1.
4. La Ménagère
Originally an early-1900s housewares shop, today La Ménagère is a concept-restaurant-bar-flower-shop that operates day to night. The bar program is innovative and constantly evolving; the experimental phase, as the staff describes, never ends. Seasonal cocktails change with the kitchen menu. The atmosphere is funky-eclectic with multiple rooms—dining area, bar, flower shop, and a hidden jazz room downstairs that hosts live music several nights a week.
What to drink: Constantly changing cocktail list with herbal and floral notes. Cocktails €12-16. Excellent gin and tonic selections.
What to know: Open daily 7:00-2:00 (different sections at different times). Live music in the jazz room Wednesday-Saturday from 21:30. Address: Via de’ Ginori 8r.
5. Caffè Gilli (Historic Café Since 1733)
One of Florence’s oldest cafés (founded 1733), Gilli sits on the corner of Piazza della Repubblica with marble-topped tables, gilt mirrors, and white-jacketed waiters. The bar is famous for its Negroni, considered by many the best in Florence—made by long-time bartender Luca Picchi using carefully sourced Italian vermouth and gin. The cocktail program is conservative and excellent rather than experimental.
What to drink: The Gilli Negroni (€12 at the bar, €18 at the table). Classic Italian aperitivi. Excellent espresso and pastries during the day.
What to know: Open daily 7:30-1:00. Walk-in friendly. Standing at the bar is significantly cheaper than tables. Address: Via Roma 1r (on Piazza della Repubblica).
6. Caffè Procacci (Truffles + Prosecco Since 1885)
On Florence’s most luxurious shopping street Via Tornabuoni, Procacci has been making the same thing since 1885: tiny soft white bread rolls (panini tartufati) filled with truffle butter, served with a glass of Prosecco. The combination is iconic Florence and surprisingly affordable. It’s not a cocktail bar—it’s a moment of Florentine tradition you should experience.
What to drink: Antinori Prosecco from the affiliated wine family (€8-12). Italian aperitivi.
What to eat: 6-8 small panini tartufati for €18-€25. Excellent value for the experience.
What to know: Open Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00. Standing-only at peak times. Address: Via Tornabuoni 64r.
7. Mad Souls & Spirits
In Oltrarno’s San Frediano district, Mad Souls is a small intimate cocktail bar run by a husband-wife duo who know exactly what they’re doing. The space holds maybe 20 people; the cocktail list is short but inventive, often featuring small-batch Italian spirits and house infusions. The vibe is creative-bohemian rather than upscale.
What to drink: Constantly changing menu of inventive cocktails using house-made syrups, bitters, and infusions. €10-14.
What to know: Open Tue-Sat 18:30-1:00; closed Sun and Mon. Address: Borgo San Frediano 36r. Reservations recommended; walk-in possible early evening.
8. Move On (Live Music Nightly)
A reliable casual bar near the Duomo with live music every night—jazz, blues, rock, sometimes acoustic Italian songwriters. Move On has a more laid-back atmosphere than the cocktail-focused venues, with affordable drinks, a regular crowd of locals and expats, and music that’s actually live (not just background DJ).
What to drink: Beers from €5-8, cocktails €8-12, wines by the glass €5-9.
What to know: Open daily 17:00-2:00. Music typically starts 21:30. Free entry. Address: Via dei Lavatoi 1r.
9. Caffè Rivoire (1872)
On Piazza della Signoria, Caffè Rivoire was founded in 1872 by Enrico Rivoire, a Swiss chocolate maker. The café still specializes in chocolate—their hot chocolate, Italian chocolates, and chocolate-based liqueurs are excellent. The location overlooking the piazza is unmatched. Like Gilli, prices are higher at tables than at the bar; standing at the bar with a Negroni overlooking Palazzo Vecchio is a perfect 30 minutes.
What to drink: The Rivoire signature hot chocolate (cold or warm, €6-10). Cocktails at the bar €10-15. Italian aperitivi.
What to know: Open daily 7:30-22:00. Address: Piazza della Signoria 5R.
10. Le Murate Caffè Letterario
In a converted 19th-century prison (yes, really) east of Santa Croce in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, Le Murate is a cultural-creative space combining café, bar, restaurant, bookshop, and event venue. The courtyard is the highlight—a large outdoor space with tables, often featuring live music or DJ sets in summer. The atmosphere is hip and local; you’ll see Florentine young professionals and creatives more than tourists.
What to drink: Cocktails €8-12. Aperitivo with substantial food included €10-12 (excellent value). Italian craft beers.
What to know: Open daily 17:00-2:00. Address: Piazza delle Murate.
11. Volume Café (Day-to-Night Oltrarno)
In Piazza Santo Spirito, Volume operates as café/bar from morning brunch through late-night cocktails. The space is a converted hat-maker’s workshop with original wooden cabinets and tools displayed; the atmosphere is artsy-bohemian. The location on Piazza Santo Spirito makes it ideal for evening aperitivo when the piazza fills with the Florentine evening crowd.
What to drink: Aperitivo plates with drink €10-14. Cocktails €10-14. Excellent wine list.
What to know: Open daily 8:00-2:00. Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 5r.
12. Astor Caffè
On Piazza del Duomo, Astor offers aperitivo with a direct view of the Cathedral and Bell Tower. It’s a more practical option than the rooftop bars—you sit at street level but with an unbeatable view. Drinks are reasonably priced for the location, and the aperitivo (5:30-7:30) includes substantial food (mini-pizzas, salads, antipasti) with the price of the drink.
What to drink: Spritz €8-12, cocktails €10-15.
What to know: Open daily 8:00-1:00. Aperitivo with food 17:30-19:30.
The Florentine Negroni: Order It Right
The Negroni is Florence’s gift to global cocktail culture. The traditional recipe is one ounce each of gin, sweet vermouth (red), and Campari, stirred with ice and served in an old-fashioned glass with an orange peel garnish. Variations include:
- Negroni Sbagliato (“mistaken Negroni”) — gin replaced with Italian sparkling wine. Lighter and brunch-appropriate.
- Boulevardier — gin replaced with American whiskey or bourbon. More autumnal.
- Old Pal — gin replaced with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth replaced with dry vermouth.
- White Negroni — modern variation with gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze.
For the original recipe at its source, Caffè Casoni’s location is now Caffè Giacosa (Via Tornabuoni 83r), which still serves the cocktail at its original birthplace. Caffè Gilli’s Negroni is widely considered the best traditional version in the city.
What to Drink Beyond Cocktails
Spritz Aperol or Campari: The casual Italian aperitivo. €5-8 at most bars. Excellent introduction to Italian aperitivo culture.
Wine by the glass: Most Florence bars offer Tuscan wines by the glass: Chianti Classico €6-10, Vernaccia €7-12, Brunello €15-25. The Wine Bars cluster (separate guide) covers wine-focused venues in detail.
Italian craft beers: The Florentine craft beer scene has grown remarkably in the last decade. Birrificio del Forte, Soralamà, and Ducato are quality Italian breweries you’ll find at quality-focused bars.
Amaro: Italian bitter herbal liqueur, traditionally served as digestif after dinner. Try Amaro Montenegro, Amaro del Capo, or the Florentine specialty Amaro Lucano.
Grappa: Italian distilled grape pomace—earthy and strong. Better grappas are smooth and floral; cheaper ones are challenging. Best in winter.
Florence Bar Etiquette
- Stand at the bar: Most Italian bars charge significantly less for drinks consumed standing at the bar than for table service. This isn’t pretentiousness—it’s how Italians drink. Standing at Caffè Gilli with a €12 Negroni is a different (and equally Italian) experience to sitting at a table with an €18 Negroni.
- Aperitivo (5:30-8:00 PM): Order a drink and you usually get free snacks (mini pizzas, olives, antipasti). Quality varies dramatically; the best aperitivo bars have substantial food included with the drink price.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Tipping is not expected but rounding up by €0.50-€2 is appreciated for table service.
- Reservations: Recommended at speakeasies (Rasputin, Locale) and high-volume venues on weekends. Walk-in works at most casual bars.
- Dress code: Smart casual is Florence’s default. Beach attire (flip-flops, swimwear) will be turned away at upscale venues.
- Smoking: Banned indoors since 2005. Most outdoor terraces allow smoking; check before lighting up.
- Last call: Florence’s bars close 1:00-2:00 most nights, later on weekends. The 4:00 closing time of larger Italian cities doesn’t apply here.
Suggested Florence Bar Crawl
5:30 PM — Aperitivo: Caffè Procacci on Via Tornabuoni for truffle panini and Prosecco. About 30 minutes.
6:30 PM — Sunset cocktail: A rooftop bar (see our rooftop bars guide). About 60-90 minutes.
8:30 PM — Dinner: Anywhere from a trattoria to fine dining. About 2 hours.
10:30 PM — Speakeasy: Rasputin in Oltrarno for inventive cocktails. About 60 minutes.
11:30 PM — Live music: Move On for jazz/rock or La Ménagère’s jazz room. About 60 minutes.
12:30 AM — Final drink: Le Murate’s courtyard or Mad Souls in Oltrarno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Negroni invented in Florence?
The Negroni was reportedly invented around 1919 at Caffè Casoni when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender Forsco Scarselli to strengthen his Americano with gin instead of soda. Caffè Casoni’s original location is now Caffè Giacosa on Via Tornabuoni 83r, which still serves the cocktail.
What is the best speakeasy in Florence?
Rasputin in Oltrarno is widely considered the best—Florence’s first speakeasy and one of just three secret bars in Italy. Hidden behind an unmarked door at Borgo Tegolaio 21r, it serves classic 1920s cocktails in an intimate setting. Reservations recommended.
What time do bars open in Florence?
Most cocktail bars open 18:00 (6:00 PM) and close 1:00-2:00 AM. Historic cafés like Gilli and Rivoire are open from morning. Speakeasies typically open 19:00. Aperitivo culture peaks 17:30-19:30. Italians dine late (9:00-10:00 PM) and bars get busy from 22:00 onward.
How much does a cocktail cost in Florence?
Casual bars €8-12, mid-tier cocktail bars €12-18, speakeasies and luxury hotel bars €18-25. Standing at the bar is significantly cheaper than table service at most cafés. Aperitivo packages (drink + food) typically run €10-14 at quality venues.
Do Florence bars require reservations?
Speakeasies (Rasputin, Locale Firenze) strongly recommend reservations. Most other bars are walk-in friendly except Saturday nights when popular venues fill up. For dinner-and-cocktails combinations or special-occasion visits, reservations are smart.
Where can I hear live music in Florence?
Move On (jazz/rock nightly), La Ménagère’s downstairs jazz room (Wed-Sat), Le Murate’s courtyard (summer), Jazz Club Firenze (Via Nuova de’ Caccini). For more options see our forthcoming live music guide.
Is Florence safe for late-night bars?
Yes, very safe. Florence has minimal late-night violent crime even in the central nightlife areas. Standard urban precautions apply (watch your bag, don’t display large amounts of cash). Solo female travelers can safely enjoy Florence’s bar scene.
What is aperitivo?
Aperitivo is the Italian pre-dinner ritual of drinks (typically Spritz, Negroni, Prosecco, or Campari soda) accompanied by free or included snacks. Better aperitivo bars include substantial food (mini pizzas, salads, antipasti); the price typically runs €8-14. Florentine aperitivo time is 17:30-20:00.
Can I drink wine at all of these bars?
Yes. Even cocktail-focused bars in Florence offer good wine lists, typically with Tuscan emphasis (Chianti, Brunello, Vernaccia). For wine-focused venues see our wine bars guide.
