Among the sacred and untouchable rituals of Italians, morning coffee probably ranks first. Enjoying a good cup at the bar before entering the office is in fact a real lifeline: a habit that helps us wake up, preparing us to face the long workday ahead.
The problem is that what should be an innocent sin of gluttony is turning into a veritable luxury. Drinking an expensive coffee, moreover, seriously risks ruining this pleasant morning routine, but the prices of the coveted beverage are now skyrocketing, to the point that many have wondered which Italian cities hold the record for the most expensive coffee, so that they will be psychologically prepared when they enter one of their cafés.
Since we know our way around coffee, we can confidently answer this question, revealing not only where you can find the most expensive coffee in Italy, but also an excellent alternative to avoid dipping into your savings. Coffee, after all, should be a sacrosanct right and, as such, everyone should drink at least one cup a day without the fear of bleeding themselves dry financially.
A goal that, at least on the face of it, is easier said than done, at least judging by the exorbitant costs proposed in the most well-known capitals. So, without further ado, let’s find out together which are the Italian cities where coffee costs the most.
The most expensive coffee: the top 5 most expensive Italian cities
Drinking coffee at the bar is certainly not an obligation. Many people, in fact, prefer to consume this drink in the quiet intimacy of their own home, at a considerable saving. The most passionate connoisseurs of the black nectar, however, reply that home coffee will never be up to the level of espresso at the bar: a statement that is only partly true, because if you want to drink good coffee, you should do it with the right machine.
In fact, making coffee with a good machine can really make a difference, showing you that it is possible to make a respectable espresso without having to go to the bar every day. This is all the truer if you have the ‘misfortune’ to live in one of the following Italian cities, which have managed to claim a position in the top 5 places that serve the most expensive coffee:
- Venice;
- Bolzano;
- Bologna;
- Turin;
- Florence.
The criteria we have adopted in compiling this ranking is based on the 1 euro threshold. 1 euro is, in fact, the basic price of a cup of coffee at the bar counter: many cities in Italy (mainly located in the south) offer it at a lower cost, while those in the top 5 all exceed this threshold.
The exceptions are Genoa and Milan: while the former sells coffee for exactly 1 euro, the latter goes down only slightly, offering it on average for 0.99 euro per cup. But the cities that deserve a separate look are undoubtedly those in the top 5, ‘deserving’ of the title of most expensive coffee in Italy. Let’s see why.
Venice: the most expensive coffee costs over 11 euros
The beautiful city of Venice, besides offering picturesque sights and romantic gondola rides, is also known for its not-so-cheap prices: a characteristic that is also reflected in the coffee. In the Lagoon, in fact, the value of a cup is calculated according to where you decide to consume it.
If you settle for a quick coffee at the counter, then you should get by with a couple of euros or even less, but if you want to enjoy your coffee comfortably seated at a table, then the price will rise to 5 euros. Dulcis in fundo, if you like to dream big and drink your coffee while admiring the marvellous St Mark’s Basilica, pay close attention!
In the renowned Gran Caffè Lavena, in fact, such a treat will cost you a whopping 11.50 euro. Of course, the price also includes an orchestra in the background, but explain that to those who don’t know that and sit down at the table to enjoy a simple cup of coffee…
Bolzano: the second most expensive coffee in Italy
Right after Venice, Bolzano deservedly takes its place. Famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, the well-known capital of Trentino Alto Adige is no joke when it comes to drinking coffee. Again, however, a lot depends on where you intend to drink it.
A simple cup consumed at the counter will cost you around 1.19 euro. For a full service at the table, on the other hand, the price rises to 1.70 euro, and up to 3 euro in the case of particularly renowned establishments such as the Sheraton.
Bologna: average coffee is expensive but be careful where you get it!
Drinking a cup of coffee in the bustling capital of Emilia is not always considered a luxury, as it all depends on where you get it. Of course, Bologna is still the third city in our top 5, which is why its coffee is certainly not cheap.
A cup of coffee consumed at the counter might cost 1.11 euro, but this is only an average estimate. According to reviews by some tourists, in fact, there are places that serve cups of coffee at the exorbitant cost of 1.30 euro. True or false, if you happen to be in Bologna and feel like having a quick cup of coffee, pay attention to the bars you enter.
Turin: the most expensive coffee can be found in the city centre
Turin is undoubtedly one of the largest and most varied cities in northern Italy. The differences between the centre and the suburbs are in fact considerable, also and above all with regard to prices.
This dissociation becomes more evident than ever when it comes to drinking a good cup of coffee at the café: while in the cafés located in the suburbs you could easily get by with 1 euro per cup, in those in the centre the price rises dramatically to between 1.30 and 1.50 euro.
Florence: an expensive coffee but with some exceptions
Florence is in the last position of our top 5. The renowned Tuscan capital is famous for the Uffizi Museum and its unforgettable architectural masterpieces. A city that has given birth to some of the world’s most famous artists, Florence is an intriguing place full of surprises, especially when it comes to coffee.
While the average cost of a cup consumed at the counter is around 1.09 euro, there are some bars and cafés where you can still enjoy a good coffee for less than 1 euro. And no, we are not talking about sleazy suburban establishments, but rather about atmospheric cafés located centrally, or at least in particularly charming areas of the city.
A few names? Pitta M’Ingolli, located in Piazza Santo Spirito; Caffè Letterario del Conventino, between Piazza Tasso and Porta Romana; and Caffè Il Giobertino, located in Via Gioberti, a famous shopping area.
Conclusion: discover our alternative to expensive coffee
As we have already stated, we who are coffee connoisseurs are firmly convinced that enjoying this beverage should not be a luxury to indulge in from time to time, but a sacrosanct daily habit. What is certain is that, with the prices we have indicated, the desire to drink a coffee may pass as quickly as it has arisen.
So, what is the solution? Depriving yourself of the pleasure of a good coffee by starting the day without its precious contribution? Not at all! The secret lies in getting the right coffee machine and having it at home. The perfect coffee machine will allow you to prepare this drink impeccably, achieving the same result as at the bar, while remaining in your own kitchen at home.
This is why you should never settle for just any coffee machine, but demand one that fully meets your needs. And to do this, you just have to find out which coffee machine is right for you!
