If one wants to indulge in the fun what is the best way to go about it without breaking the bank? Or perhaps you have to break the bank, and who cares.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
We are in the break the bank and who cares category. We love to sit at an outdoor cafe, drink wine and beer, watch the pigeons, watch the people, and enjoy the music. We can sit there for hours with no problem!!!!
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Dancing on the square at night is one of the more magical experiences (and free I might add) you'll have anywhere in Europe.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
One fun thing to do that's free is to take the walk from the clock tower in St. Mark's square to the Rialto bridge. It's probably one of the best browsing routes for world-famous brand name stores in Europe. Many, many international fashion names are along this walk. Again, the browsing is free. Of course, if you go in these shops and buy, buy, buy, you definitely will break the bank.
Posted by
OP
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
68 posts
So you just choose a cafe/restaurant sit down and have a drink (at whatever the cost) and they don't mind you sitting there lingering? If it was in Australia after about half hour and perhaps one drink they would probably hand you the bill.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
This is Europe, a table is typically yours for as long as you want it once you sit down. This is especially true because bars typically charge about double the price for sitting than standing at the bar.
Posted by
Lawton, OK, USA
64 posts
Carol,
We are also of the splurge, you only live once, persuasion. I thought the price charged for drinks at St. Marks, was very reasonable. All that ambience and the live music. I love Europe because waiting tables is an honorable profession. In many places it is men only and this is how they support families. Nice change from college kids. Sit, linger, people watch and enjoy. I will never forget wading in the square at 10:00 PM with my girlfriends as it flooded from high tide. The pictures bring back the memory in full force. It was free and something I will never get to do again!
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
Go for it Carol, I think it's a little indulgence you need to do. One of my fondest memories is sitting in the square at Cafe Florian having a glass of wine just after sunset listening to the 4 piece band. Be warned though you will not only pay for your drink but you also pay for the entertainment, so don't be surprised when you see the bill.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
We laugh about the cost of our 10 Euro EACH cup of expresso in St. Marks Square... but it was also one of our most memorable experiences! We ALWAYS smile when that picture comes up on our screensaver! Worth the cost - JUST DO IT - and have a wonderful time!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
In 1996 I bought a 6oz.bottle of coke and listened to the musicians for hours.I took the bottle home and it is my favorite rose vase.The coke was $10.00. My best purchase ever.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN, USA
143 posts
A coffee or cold drink is expensive at one of the cafes in front of St. Marks, just remember you're really paying for the orchestra and the incredible view not just beverage. Nurse the drink as long as you like, I thought it was money well spent. We pay not too much less for a soda in a paper cup at any movie theatre or sporting event here is the US and don't think twice about it.