I think it's hard to say anything about Caffe Florian that hasn't been said before.
We visited on the evening of the 14th July, around 10pm.
The bulk of the tourists had moved on and we were pulled in by the romantic charm of the little orchestra playing against the background of the Piazza San Marco, lightening flashing from a storm at sea.
It was perfect - it was Venice.
Timeless caffe Florian with its white jacketed waiters, grandiose interiors and the strains of the violin make the oldest Caffe in the world a truly unique place.
Sure it's expensive and cliche- but how often are we in Venice anyway?
Take the love of your life, order a drink, close your eyes and remember the moment.
I think it's worth it.

Florian is where coffee was first drunk in Europe imported by Venetian traders from Turkey

A gelato icecream costs €15 or more these days and although it is delightfully romantic to sit in the sun and listen to their little orchestra playing, this is a steep priced tourist joint on San Marco square.

You are paying for the locale not the food

Pleased we did it but determined never to spend some €60 for three icecream a ever again - excepting we did the same just around the corner in Venice yesterday.... Slow learners ...

It's hard to justify the $34 for two cappuccinos outside the cafe, but the live classical music was very nice and the views out onto the plaza were excellent. Cappuccinos themselves were small but tasted good. $6 cover charge per person plus $9.50 drinks so be prepared!

Totally worth a drink or two, or a dessert to sit smack-dab in the center of Piazza San Marco, listening to an orchestra and watching the going-ons of the square. I've never tried sitting inside BUT I just adore the beautiful old-fashioned decor in there. Oldest cafe in Venice, and totally worth the cost considering what you get from a visit here.

Sitting and enjoying a bottle of wine while enjoying music in St. Mark's Square. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening in Venice.