Antico Caffè Greco

Location: Antico Caffè Greco, Rome, Italy 

Photography by: Elena Vran 

There are so many places to visit in Rome but a trip to Antico Caffè Greco must be on the list. Come with me to explore a slice of history as I spend an afternoon in the famous Antico Caffè Greco for coffee, dessert, art, and a bit of a walk back in time.

History

Built in AD 1760, Antico Caffè Greco is the oldest cafe in all of Italy. From the very beginning, it has been a symbol of Luxury and Art and remains so until today.

The red velvet, oil paintings, and mirrors everywhere really make it a visual stunning treat, almost like having coffee right inside the exhibit of a museum.

Location, Location, Location

Via Condotti is one of Rome’s most expensive and posh streets lined with luxury boutiques. This stylish street is also home to Antico Caffè Greco.

The street leads up to the Spanish Steps and for this reason, you will see tourists everywhere. But don’t be fooled, Antico Caffè Greco is still a favorite for many locals.

Artists and Influences

If these walls could talk, they would share all the dirty secrets of some of the most famous artists, writers, composers, politicians, poets, and public figures in history. It is amazing to think how these walls may have influenced so many artists.

The cafe is located in an area once known to be a heavy expat neighborhood — Stendhal, Goethe, Bertel Thorvaldsen, Mariano Fortuny, Byron, Franz Liszt, John Keats, Henrik Ibsen, Hans Christian Andersen, Felix Mendelssohn, Morrissey, Wagner, Levi, Maria Zambrano and yes, even Casanova all came to drink coffee here. Many of them were regulars too.

Today, Antico Caffè Greco remains a both a popular spot as well as a haven for writers, politicians, artists, and many other influencers in Rome. Plenty of influences and fashionistas also come to capture photos in this Instagram and #hashtag popular hotspot.

After enjoying my coffee and dessert, I really wanted to take in the moment and be inspired by all of the great men and women that have come here before me. So I opened a book and let the inspiration seep in! I wrote some future blog post topics too, so stay tuned.

Coffee and Pastries — YES please!!!

There is something here for everyone –the coffee lover and your friend with the killer sweet tooth will not be dissapointed. They are equally famous for their cappuccino and cornetto. Try their famous Cafe Macchiato, espresso with a shot of Milk, Cafe Latte, Zuppa Inglese- Tiramisu.

Tips

Being in a high end neighborhood does not come at a cheap price, so expect to pay a bit more for coffee served by waiters in bowties in a luxury setting. However, if you stand at the banco for your coffee and cornetto, you can walk out spending only €3-3.50 for breakfast.

Antico Caffe Greco

Via dei Condotti, 86
Rome, Italy (Centro Storico)

Open 9 am – 9 pm everyday