Are these the most expensive coffees or hot chocolates in Venice? It’s certainly the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. And I’ve tried a lot. This is by far the most expensive coffee or hot chocolate I’ve ever had too. So was it worth visiting Caffe Florian? Yes.
Cioccolata Casanova – Hot chocolate, mint cream and chocolate shavings, €13.50
Frozen Florian – Cold coffee cream with whipped cream, €13.50
It’s not just the luxurious hot chocolate and coffee that makes visiting Caffè Florian worth it, it’s the experience too.
Established in 1720, Caffè Florian is the oldest operating cafe in Europe. It was also one of the first to welcome women whilst famous visitors include Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust and even Casanova (which explains why our hot chocolate is named after him.
We hadn’t planned on visiting Caffè Florian. We were wandering under the arches at Piazza San Marco killing times before our flight back when we noticed the luxurious facade. From the outside, Caffè Florian looks like a cafe from the past.
We didn’t actually read the menu before going in. It was only when we sat down at the table we realised just how expensive everything in there was. The afternoon tea is €35 (we should have maybe bought this in hindsight…).
As soon as you step through the doors, you notice the beautiful tiled floor. A waiter in smart white shirt and black waistcoat and trousers greets and shows you to your table. You’re surrounded by elegant mirrors, stuccos and frescos. We’re clearly not dressed correctly for this, but the staff are all very friendly.
Caffe Florian is a once in a lifetime experience, so I recommend visiting if you have extra spending money!
History of Caffe Florian
Caffè Florian is the oldest still-operating café in Italy, founded in 1720 by Floriano Francesconi under the name Alla Venezia Trionfante (“Triumphant Venice”). Located beneath the Procuratie Nuove in St. Mark’s Square, it quickly became known simply as “Florian’s” and has remained a symbol of Venetian elegance and cultural life for over 300 years.
It was the first café in Venice to admit women, attracting figures like Casanova, Byron, and Proust. During the 1848 revolution, wounded patriots were treated inside its halls, and in the 19th century, it became a hub for artists and intellectuals. The lavish interiors — restored in 1858 — include themed rooms like the Chinese Room, Senate Hall, and Hall of Illustrious Men. Today, Caffè Florian is not just a coffeehouse but a living museum of Venetian history, offering fine drinks, live music, and a front-row seat to the drama of St. Mark’s Square.
10 Interesting Facts About Caffe Florian
- Opened in 1720, it’s one of the oldest cafés in the world.
- It was the first café in Venice to admit women, defying social norms.
- The Senate Hall hosted revolutionaries during the 1848 uprising.
- Casanova famously courted lovers here.
- The café inspired the Venice Biennale, first conceived in its Senate Hall.
- The Chinese and Oriental Rooms feature 19th-century frescoes of exotic scenes.
- Mozart, Dickens, Byron, and Warhol were all patrons.
- The Florian coffee — espresso, cream, and chocolate — is a house specialty.
- The café has hosted dueling orchestras in St. Mark’s Square since the 20th century.
- It remains a venue for contemporary art exhibitions during the Biennale.
Things to See and Do at Caffe Florian
- Sip Coffee in Historic Halls
Choose from themed rooms like the Chinese Room or Hall of Illustrious Men, each adorned with frescoes, velvet seating, and gilded mirrors. - Enjoy Live Music on the Terrace
Relax outdoors with classical and jazz performances echoing across St. Mark’s Square. A music surcharge applies but adds to the ambiance. - Try the Signature Florian Coffee
Indulge in a rich blend of espresso, whipped cream, and chocolate — a decadent Venetian treat. - Order Afternoon Tea or Aperitivo
Sample elegant pastries, macarons, or a Bellini while soaking in the café’s timeless charm. - Admire the Art and Architecture
Marvel at Murano glass chandeliers, allegorical frescoes, and ornate stucco work throughout the café. - Browse the Gift Shop
Pick up branded porcelain, gourmet treats, and books on Venetian history and art. - Attend Biennale Installations
During the Venice Biennale, Florian hosts site-specific art exhibitions in its historic rooms. - Take Photos of the Interiors
Capture the opulence of 18th-century design — every corner is photogenic. - Watch the Piazza Come Alive
From your table, observe the rhythms of Venice: tourists, pigeons, and orchestras in motion. - Visit Nearby Landmarks
Pair your visit with St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, or a gondola ride from the nearby canal.
Practical Information For Visiting Caffe Florian
- Location: Piazza San Marco 57, 30124 Venice, Italy
- Opening times: Daily, 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Entry: No cover charge; drinks from €7–12; music surcharge ~€6 per person
- Reservations: Not required for casual visits; private room bookings available
- Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; indoor seating via steps
- Dogs: Assistance dogs only
- Food: Full menu including breakfast, lunch, tea, and cocktails
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Campanile, Grand Canal
- Official website: Caffè Florian
