TimetableCafés, tearooms and gourmet shops (pastry shops and bakeries with tasting rooms) are generally open from early morning until late afternoon (Italians love a little pastry with espresso around 5-6pm!). Ice cream shops open a little later, around midday, and close around midnight in summer. Bar opening times vary: in the city, they often open from midday and close between 11pm and 3am.
Budget & TipsAn espresso will cost you €1 on average, €1.50 for a cappuccino. In many cafés, you first go to the cashier where you are given yourscontrino. You can then give it to the barman and drink at the counter. In more touristy places, coffee costs €1 at the counter, but will be more expensive if you are seated on a terrace. A glass of wine costs around €5. If there are several of you - or if you're highly motivated - it's a good idea to order a bottle directly. Beer is quite expensive in Italy, especially craft beers, which are very popular at the moment. Cocktails cost between €5 and €8 on average.
Age restrictionsIn Italy, the legal drinking age is 18.
What's very localGulp down an espresso at the bar in the morning before heading off to work. Avoid cappuccino after 11 a.m. (if you don't want to be labelled a tourist). At passeggiata time in the late afternoon, stroll around with ice cream in hand. Meet up with friends in the early evening for anaperitivo.