Antico Caffè Greco

Open since 1760, this is the oldest bar in Rome and the second oldest in Italy. Walking inside feels like entering a living museum. You will find red velvet chairs, marble tables, and over 300 works of art lining the walls. The vibe is opulent, historic, and formal. Famous past patrons include Casanova, Goethe, Byron, and Keats. The waiters wear formal tails and provide old-school service. While the prices for sitting down are high, it is worth it for the chance to soak in the atmosphere of centuries of European intellectual life. It remains a meeting place for writers, artists, and politicians. Drinking your espresso at the bar is the traditional, and much cheaper, way to experience it.