Every Venetian, just like everywhere else in Italy, stops in a bar early in the morning to drink a cappuccino, caffè or a caffè macchiato. The coffee one drinks standing at the counter of a bar, remember that when you come here, and you would like to do it the Venetian way.

Drinking coffee in Venice follows strict, unwritten Italian "golden rules." First, order at the bar and drink standing up; this is the local "caffè" ritual and costs significantly less (usually €1.20–€1.50) than sitting at a table, where a service fee (coperto) applies. Second, no milk after noon; Italians believe milk interferes with digestion, so cappuccinos and lattes are strictly breakfast items. If you need a caffeine hit in the afternoon, order "un caffè" (an espresso) or "un macchiato" (espresso with a tiny splash of milk). Third, never order coffee "to-go"; it is considered a social "mortal sin" to walk around with a paper cup. Instead, take three minutes to enjoy your shot at the counter, chat briefly with the barista, and then continue your day. In Venice specifically, look for historic cafes like Caffè Florian, but be prepared for high "table prices" in the Piazza San Marco.