Funi1898

In the heart of the famous resort of Montecatini Terme, where the modern rhythm of life meets the charm of old Italy, lies a unique establishment—Funi1898. This is not just a cocktail bar or a cafe, but an atmospheric space closely tied to the city's history. The venue takes its name from 1898—the opening date of the famous funicular, at the foot of which it is located.

The establishment harmoniously combines the industrial aesthetics of the past with a modern approach to the art of mixology. Funi1898 serves as a kind of bridge between the lower resort town and the historic settlement of Montecatini Alto, offering guests a place to relax surrounded by the region's iconic landmarks.

The atmosphere here is elegant yet relaxed, making the bar the perfect spot for an aperitif after a walk. Its unique location and signature menu have turned it into one of the most notable points on Tuscany's gastronomic map.

When planning your evening at Funi1898, we recommend checking the current contact information in advance. This will help you confirm availability or book a table for a special occasion in the heart of the Montecatini Terme resort.

Having the latest details will make your visit to Italy as comfortable as possible and help you avoid any surprises regarding the venue's schedule.

A visit to Funi1898 is, above all, a fascinating immersion into the world of signature cocktails. Each creation by the local bartenders is inspired by real stories and travels, turning a simple drink order into a tasting of experiences. You should definitely try the famous "Beach 1898"—a cocktail recognized as the best at Tuscany Cocktail Week 2020 and inspired by the flavors of exotic Thailand.

Beyond the gastronomic delights, you can simply enjoy the atmosphere and the views of picturesque Tuscany. The bar is ideal for taking a break before heading up on the historic funicular or relaxing after returning from the upper part of town. In this place, where great 19th-century composers once drew inspiration, time seems to slow down, allowing guests to savor the true taste of the Italian dolce vita.

Finding Funi1898 is easy: the bar is located at Via Armando Diaz, 22, right by the lower station of the famous funicular. This is one of the main arteries of Montecatini Terme, making the venue within walking distance for most tourists staying in the center.

If you are in the area of the famous thermal complexes, such as Terme Park, the walk to the bar will take only about 5–10 minutes. The location is also easily accessible by taxi from anywhere in the resort; simply tell the driver the name of the historic funicular—a landmark known to every local.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the technical progress of the late 19th century. The building that houses Funi1898 today originally served as a warehouse for the funicular station, which opened in 1898. The great composer Giuseppe Verdi himself attended the opening ceremony of this lift, which today is one of the oldest operating funiculars in Europe.

The journey toward the modern venue format began in 1985, when the warehouse was first transformed into an "American bar." A new chapter in its history opened on June 17, 2016, when Francesca Gentile breathed new life into the space. She named the project after the year the funicular was built, emphasizing its deep connection to the heritage of Montecatini Terme.

Today, Funi1898 is not just a commercial project, but a soulful family business. Interestingly, the funicular itself, located right behind the wall, is currently being considered by the UNESCO Commission as a World Heritage site, which gives the cocktail bar the status of a truly historic location in the heart of Italy.

To fully soak up the atmosphere of Funi1898 and enjoy one of the signature cocktails without rushing, it is worth setting aside about 1–2 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to appreciate the interior, explore the creative menu, and spend a pleasant evening in good company to the sound of relaxing music.

If you plan to combine your bar visit with a trip to Montecatini Alto, we recommend adding about 40 minutes more. The ride on the historic funicular itself takes about 15 minutes one way, but you should also account for the wait time for the carriages to depart.

Funi1898 is geared toward evening relaxation and opens its doors daily, except for Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday, as well as on Sundays, you can visit from 18:00 to 01:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, opening hours are extended until 02:00, making the bar an excellent place to end a busy day in Montecatini Terme.

Please note that the bar is closed on Mondays. Before your visit, we recommend checking the current schedule, as it may change slightly depending on the tourist season.

The surroundings of Funi1898 are literally steeped in history and resort splendor. Just a few steps away is Terme Park, where you can take a peaceful stroll among century-old trees. Very close by is the lower station of the funicular, which will comfortably take you to the picturesque village of Montecatini Alto with its ancient walls and cozy squares.

A walk through the city center will allow you to see iconic sites such as the Clock Tower or the famous Maona Cave. Such proximity allows you to create the perfect day-long itinerary, ending it with an exquisite aperitif in the atmosphere of an old warehouse turned trendy bar.