17 Best Bars in Florence, Italy

Come here for creative panini, such as sgrombri e carciofini sott'olio (mackerel and marinated baby artichokes), and an ever-changing list of significant wines by the glass. They also have a well-stocked collection of bottles to go.

A hop, skip, and a jump from Orsanmichele in the centro storico is I Fratellini, in existence since 1875. It sells wines by the glass and has a lengthy list of panini, including pecorino with sun-dried tomatoes and spicy wild-boar salami with goat cheese.

This swanky, American-style bar is attached to the Hotel l'Orologio. It's a good spot for a well-executed cocktail with tasty snacks; when it's warm, you can sit outside and gaze at the beautiful facade of Santa Maria Novella.

Though it has only four tables and four small stools at an equally small bar, Il Santino is blessed with a big wine list and superior cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies to match.

Le Volpi e l'Uva, which translates as "the foxes and the grape" and is based on one of Aesop's fables, off Piazza Santa Felicita, is an oenophile's dream: they pour wines by the glass and serve equally impressive cheeses and bite-size sandwiches to accompany.

Come here when it's summer for outdoor seating with a view of an 11th-century church (Sant'Ambrogio) directly across the street; the crowd gathers until past 2 am. Come here at any time of the year for perfectly mixed drinks and a lively atmosphere filled with (mostly) locals.

In the heart of the centro storico is Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, where serious wines may be had as well as tasty baked treats in the morning and light lunches.

Hard Rock packs in young Florentines and travelers eager to sample the music hall chain's take on classic American grub.

Enjoy live music in this small basement club.

Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, and take advantage of the great list of wines by the glass. At aperitivo time, €15 will buy you a truly tasty cocktail and give you access to a buffet so hearty that you won't need dinner afterward. There's also a dinner menu after 9:30 pm if you prefer to order à la carte or arrive after the buffet ends.

Florence may be known as an epicenter of Renaissance art, but for something different, join locals at this former convent and prison that is now a contemporary art gallery, café, and event space. Works by artists from across the globe are showcased here—where former prison cells are often used as exhibit space—and there's an emphasis on multimedia installations. There's live music on many nights, and the kitchen and bar offer classic cocktails, aperitivo-fare, and full meals until late.

An all-ages crowd converges on Borgo San Frediano each weekend for live bands and creative cocktails. During the week, NOF is a relaxing lounge for a post-dinner nightcap and music set; there's also a small plates and aperitif menu, served until 10 pm.

Here you'll find a great selection of cheeses and cured meats, wines by the glass, food products to take home (like powdered porcini mushrooms), daily specials, as well as some tasty food served in situ.

At Pitti Gola you can order tasty tidbits to accompany your choices from the extensive and impressive wine list. The outdoor seats have a view of Palazzo Pitti.

A trendy, artsy clientele frequents this bar at aperitivo time. By 10 pm, the place is packed with mostly young folks sipping cocktails.

A perfect stop for a marvelous panino or sweet while raving about the majesty of Michelangelo's David is just down the street from the Accademia. Do be aware that sitting at a table is more expensive at most cafés, and this place is particularly notorious in trying to get you to sit down.

Just down the street from the Accademia, Oliandolo is a perfect place to have a light lunch.