Cafe Florian Venice

At the risk of sounding philosophical, it's something you need to do only if it's something you want to do. We've been to Venice twice and have never had any desire to go to Cafe Florian. But if it's something you want to do, you should go for it. How expensive it will be depends on what you order when you're there.

I frankly don't remember how expensive the coffee was when we were there last. However, sitting in front of the Florian in St. Mark's square at night listening to the "orchestra" is priceless. You simply have a coffee, wine, etc. and can sit for as long as you like.
The inside is lovely, but my preference is outside at night. Much better than a gondola ride!!

Sounds like a plan. Thanks!

I agree. Do you need to visit Florian's and spend that money, probably not. But, would you love the experience - most likely. On our first visit to Venice, we went to Florian's on a rainy night. Pretty much spur of the moment. The other cafes had closed for the night, but Florian's was still going strong. We sat outside, had a proseco and an espresso and listened to the music. It was pretty memorable. I think it is something you would like to do at least once.

Two years ago we sat at Cafe Florian for coffees and the cost was not so over priced. it was my girlfriend's first time in Venice and I thought it was worth the experience. Whether or not you do stop at Florian is up to you, but if you do not it could be something you would tell yourself you should have done. Keep in mind that everything in Venice is more expensive.

Buon viaggio,

RB

A couple years ago while in Venice, I went inside to the bar in the back and had a pro secco and it was reasonable back there. They also had a wonderful restroom-always a pleasure to find in Italy. Next week I will be in Venice with my daughter and plan to spend the big bucks to sit outside, have a pro secco and listen to the music. Just figure it is a cover charge for music and atmosphere!
PS....I just love saying "next week I will be in Venice", thanks for giving me an excuse.

I think it's worth it, especially on a beautiful night. You can sit as long as you like with only one coffee or drink purchased for each person.

Thanks everyone. It sounds like something I need to do.

Oct 2008 (with the exchange rate about $1.48), we decided to splurge and do a light lunch with wine here. I think 4 glasses of wine, 2 sandwich platters, a split dessert and tip ran us about $100.

Insanely expensive for what it is (particularly, be aware that they charge you a separate music fee, per person- which was 6 euros each in April- on top of the prices of food and drink.) I thought it was worth it for an after-dinner drink and ice cream (split between me and my travel companion)- but you can enjoy the music by walking around the square for free. If you want somewhere to sit and can drag out a glass of wine for hours, this is the place to go :) I want to say we paid in the 30 euro range for just one glass of wine and a sundae. Pretty ridiculous, but a cool experience nonetheless. Walk by and take in the whole square, and if you feel like you want to sit down and enjoy it- well, when in Venice :)

Years ago I splurged on the Florian, my most expensive coffee and cake ever, and I still get a kick out of thinking that I actually did this ridiculous thing ... Yes, only in Venice.

1987: two coffes and three cokes -- umpteen thousand lira which amounted to about forty bucks.

Once was enough.

Our 7th trip to Venice found us arriving on our Anniversary, April 4, 2009. We decided to make our first stop at Cafe Florian.

We had English high tea while seated on the piazza with the orchestra playing. (Tea, various pastries, etc.) Cost was 58€.

Might never do it again, but glad we did it once.

We were there almost two years ago in November and had coffee inside. It was quite expensive but the interior was just exquisite--wish I had visited the restroom after hearing the above comment. It is something to do once just like the pricey Harry's Bar (The Bellini was the most expensive drink I have ever had) and the gondola ride. Venice=$$$$.

In 4 trips to Venice have not done Cafe Florian or Harry's Bar and don't really feel we have missed anything. We usually just stroll around the square in the evening but maybe will have to stop for wine or espresso next time in Venice. We did drinks on the campo in Siena once and those prices were quite high too.