Caffè Florian

In 1720, when Venice was still a proud republic, Floriano Francesconi opened a little coffeehouse beneath the arcades of Piazza San Marco. He called it Alla Venezia Trionfante, but the Venetians preferred to name it after its owner. More than 300 years later, they still come to Florian for their coffee. And what extraordinary company they have kept.

Casanova frequented the café, particularly fond of its unusual policy of welcoming women. Goethe, Lord Byron, Dickens and Proust followed, while Venetian aristocrats, artists and merchants exchanged gossip, ideas and political secrets over steaming cups. When revolution swept through Venice in 1848, Florian's rooms sheltered the wounded. Decades later, conversations among artists here helped inspire the Venice Biennale. Quite a history for a place devoted to the pleasures of sitting down. Florian Venezia 1720

Today, the crimson velvet banquettes, gilded mirrors and richly painted ceilings preserve the splendour of an 1858 redesign. Order Florian's wonderfully thick Venetian hot chocolate, served in surroundings that make a little extravagance feel entirely appropriate. Outside, an orchestra plays on warmer days, while Carnival brings masked figures and elaborate costumes that seem perfectly at home among the old salons. Florian Venezia 1720

Yes, Florian is expensive, and you will be sharing it with plenty of visitors. But find yourself a table inside, look around and imagine the conversations these rooms have witnessed. Some places deserve their reputation. Florian has had three centuries to earn its own.