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.