top of page
Search

Historic Coffee Bars in Italy — A Guide from The Way To Italy

  • TheWayToItaly
  • Aug 12
  • 3 min read

The Way To Italy invites you to slow down and savor centuries of Italian café culture. These historic coffee bars (established over 250 years ago) are more than places to sip; they’re living museums where art, conversation, and centuries of refinement mingle with every cup.


Perfect for the discerning traveler who values ambiance, comfort, and a thoughtfully paced itinerary, this guide reveals five enduring icons—each with a story as rich as its espresso. Read on to discover why these coffee houses deserve a place in your travel plans.


Site of the 1st Century Roman Amphitheater in Assisi, buildings are 13th century.
Interior of one of Caffè Florian's five salons


Venice — 1720

Two waiters in white jackets stand at the entrance of Café Florian, Venice. The rustic façade and elegant chairs set an inviting mood.
Caffè Florian, Venice. Photo Courtesy of Clay Banks via Unsplash.

Caffè Florian. The grand dame of Italian coffee houses, operating since 1720, invites you to breathe Venetian history with each drink. To sip and savor: Florian hot chocolate (a history in a cup) or the spiked Caffè Anniversario. Several elegant salons, intimate corners, and a timeless sense of occasion. The outdoor seating directly onto Piazza San Marco is fabulous when it's not crowded - opt for off season.


What to try: Florian hot chocolate - Cioccolata in tazza; Caffe Anniversario Tazza caffè e piattino Anniversario (your coffee served in a keepsake cup and saucer - the perfect souvenier.).


Address: Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venice



Padua — 1772

Elegant restaurant with tables draped in white cloths, floral centerpiece, and vintage chandelier. Large windows show an urban view. Cozy ambiance.
Caffe Pedrocchi Salon

Caffè Pedrocchi. A landmark of architectural grace and a “café without doors” in its heyday (open 24 hours). The Greek temple-inspired lines offer a serene backdrop for conversation or a private moment away from the crowds.


Address: Via VIII Febbraio, 15, 35122 Padua, Italy


Florence — 1733

Red and clear drinks with ice and lime in crystal glasses on a tray, marked "GiLLi." A spoon rests on the tray. Mood is refreshing.
 Il Negroni Centenario at Caffe Gilli in Florence from left: Negoni jelly, soda water, Negroni

Caffè Gilli. Florence’s oldest café, famed for its elegant interiors and a history of sugared indulgences that continue to charm visitors. Highlight: Negroni cocktails, traditionally Florentine and celebrated here. Ambiance: luxuriant rooms ideal for slow browsing or a quiet rendezvous.


What to try: Il Negroni Centenario, any number of seasonal Florentine pastries made fresh daily.


Address: Piazza della Repubblica



Rome — 1760

People dine outdoors at Antico Caffè Greco, Rome. Beige building, large umbrellas, and potted plants create a relaxed atmosphere.

Antico Caffè Greco. Near the Spanish Steps, Greco remains Rome’s elegant anchor for writers and artists. Refined, a touch opulent, and quietly dramatic—a perfect stop for a literary pause between gallery hopping. 


Address: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Rome, Italy



Turin — 1780

Cozy cafe interior with red velvet chairs and tables, ornate wooden staircase, chandelier, and soft lighting. Walls adorned with mirrors.
Caffe Fiorio in Turin

Caffè Fiorio. A cradle of intellectual discourse, once called by several names, and a magnet for Risorgimento leaders. It still radiates political and cultural gravity in its walls. A timeless European café culture ideal for a leisurely afternoon with a fine conversation.


Address: Via Po, 8, 10123 Turin, Italy



Italy’s historic coffee bars offer more than beverages; they’re living museums that pair culture with comfort. They invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and collect memories as refined as the drinks themselves.



Ready to plan a tailored luxury itinerary through Italy’s iconic cafés and beyond? The Way To Italy can design a well paced, age-appropriate travel plan with curated tastings, and exclusive experiences. Contact us to start crafting your personalized coffee-hopping journey across Italy.

Smiling person in a black suit and striped shirt crosses arms against a plain white background, conveying professionalism and confidence.

The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.


Comments

bottom of page