Caffè Florian

"How many times in your life will you be in Venice? Probably not that many, unless you decide to move here and become a gondolier. That’s all to say you should make time to visit Caffè Florian, which opened in 1720 making it the oldest cafe in Italy. It’s always crowded and expensive, but it’s worth it to sit outside during the summer with a view of the Basilica San Marco, sip on a spritz, and listen to a live orchestra playing “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “As Time Goes By.” On a cold winter morning, find a spot on a velvet banquet in one of the glided mirrored rooms and linger over a cappuccino or hot chocolate." - Gillian McGuire

"Rome’s Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza di Spagna are prominent locations, as is Caffè Florian in Venice, where Marge sports a chic leopard coat and pillbox hat. Opened in 1720, it is the oldest café in Europe. Built by Italian architects Giuseppe Ponga and Cesare Rota, the famed coffee house features work by 19th-century artists, red velvet banquettes, gold-leaf walls, and marble furnishings."

"Caffè Florian for Evening Venetian Magic During the day, the Piazza San Marco in Venice is an overwhelming flurry of activity, but once the sun sets, you'd be surprised at just how much a sense of ease and languor settles in. Life simply slows down as the crowds depart. Stop by Caffè Florian for a memorable evening. Opened in 1720, this is Italy 's oldest cafe, and features ornate frescoed and gilded salons, as well as an outdoor seating area for great people-watching. Sip a drink and enjoy Caffè Florian's live orchestra and singers as you sit under the beautiful night sky, with an illuminated St. Mark's Basilica in the background. Looking around at my family, I could see total contentment reflected on each of their faces—the most magical and relaxing night of my trip. While not inexpensive, this evening was worth every Euro to me—a night that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life."

"Caffè Florian for Evening Venetian Magic During the day, the Piazza San Marco in Venice is an overwhelming flurry of activity, but once the sun sets, you'd be surprised at just how much a sense of ease and languor settles in. Life simply slows down as the crowds depart. Stop by Caffè Florian for a memorable evening. Opened in 1720, this is Italy 's oldest cafe, and features ornate frescoed and gilded salons, as well as an outdoor seating area for great people-watching. Sip a drink and enjoy Caffè Florian's live orchestra and singers as you sit under the beautiful night sky, with an illuminated St. Mark's Basilica in the background. Looking around at my family, I could see total contentment reflected on each of their faces—the most magical and relaxing night of my trip. While not inexpensive, this evening was worth every Euro to me—a night that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life."

"Caffè Florian for Evening Venetian Magic During the day, the Piazza San Marco in Venice is an overwhelming flurry of activity, but once the sun sets, you'd be surprised at just how much a sense of ease and languor settles in. Life simply slows down as the crowds depart. Stop by Caffè Florian for a memorable evening. Opened in 1720, this is Italy 's oldest cafe, and features ornate frescoed and gilded salons, as well as an outdoor seating area for great people-watching. Sip a drink and enjoy Caffè Florian's live orchestra and singers as you sit under the beautiful night sky, with an illuminated St. Mark's Basilica in the background. Looking around at my family, I could see total contentment reflected on each of their faces—the most magical and relaxing night of my trip. While not inexpensive, this evening was worth every Euro to me—a night that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life."