The woman was visiting Caffè Florian in the famous Piazza San Marco with another person. They ordered two Aperol Spritz cocktails, a croissant and some toast.
When the bill arrived, the total was €72.
The food and drinks were already expensive by ordinary standards. The toast cost €15, the tomato and mozzarella croissant €16, while the two Aperol Spritz cocktails came to €34.
But it was a separate €15 “music supplement” that caught the tourist off guard.
The fee covered the live performance by a three-member band playing at the historic cafe.
Speaking to Italian media, the tourist said she knew she was going to pay more than usual because of the cafe’s famous location in one of Venice’s busiest tourist spots.
What surprised her was seeing the music fee added separately to the bill.
Caffè Florian, however, said customers are informed about the charge before ordering. Notices placed on tables tell diners that live music comes with an additional fee.
Founded in 1720, Caffè Florian is one of Venice’s oldest and best-known cafes. Over the centuries, it has welcomed writers, artists and other well-known visitors.
Its prime location in Piazza San Marco is part of what makes a visit there special but also helps explain why a simple drink, a bite to eat and even the music can come with a premium price. The episode has once again raised questions about the extra costs tourists can encounter when eating and drinking in some of Europe’s
