A simple coffee can become a bitter surprise for those who choose Venice as a vacation destination. The historic Caffè Florian, located in St. Mark’s Square and considered the oldest coffee in Italy, snakes 19 euros by a cappuccino, becoming one of the most media examples of the so-called “tourist trap”. The German newspaper Die Welt has analyzed the costs and concluded that a breakfast break can become a real test to the visitors’ wallet.
Founded for over 300 years, Caffè Florian combines the tradition with the unique environment of Venetian Square. For many tourists, sitting on the terrace of this coffee is an almost mandatory experience despite high prices. In addition to cappuccino at 19 euros, a simple apple pie can cost 18 euros. The value also includes a “music rate” as space regularly offers live music. Despite criticism, coffee is often crowded, a sign that it continues to be seen as a “must -see” place.
According to data cited by Die Welt, cappuccino prices in restaurants increased an average of 18% this year, according to the Numbeo database. However, in terms of national average, Italy remains one of the most accessible countries in the Mediterranean to drink this drink: 1.69 euros per cup, against 3.45 euros in Greece, 3.21 euros in France, 2.18 euros in Croatia and only 1.44 euros in Bosnia.
The German newspaper also underlines the Italian cultural particularity: cappuccino is traditionally consumed to breakfast and rarely requested after 11h00 or 12h00. Who asks for the afternoon to immediately report to be tourist. It is precisely this visitor profile that ends up withstanding the highest prices in iconic places like Venice.
Local authorities also have rigid rules to preserve urban space. In Venice, it is forbidden to prepare coffee with portable machines in public places, such as St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge. Some tourists who tried to do so ended up being fined 950 euros. Given this reality, Die Welt mocks: “It is cheaper to pay 19 euros for a cappuccino than risking a fine almost a thousand euros.”
