A Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum: Terrazza Caffarelli

You need to check out this great coffee shop at the Capitoline Museum, Terrazza Caffarelli, when you are at the amazing museum and need a little pick-me-up!

Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum Terrazza Caffarelli - cup

It never ceases to amaze me how often Italians can include coffee in their daily lives, and in particular at the many amazing historical sites around Rome. Typically, like at Palatine Hill and the Aurelian Wall museum the coffee is limited to a vending machine, which can meet your needs if you are in a pinch, but sometimes there is a coffee shop as good as any bar in Rome, but incredibly convenient.

What Is The Iconic Café In Rome?

There is a wide variety of cafés in Rome that people might consider iconic. One of my favorites is the Antico Caffè Greco, which opened in 1760 on Via dei Condotti and is the oldest bar in Rome and the second oldest in Italy. For me, however, the Coffee Capitol, which is on the Terrazza Caffarelli and is connected to the Capitoline Museums. The views from this terrazza are amazing and it is a perfect place to stop for an espresso during a long day of enjoying the beautiful art in the museums.

Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum Terrazza Caffarelli - pastry

What Are Coffee Shops Called In Italy?

Most commonly, a coffee shop in Italy is called a Bar, but don’t confuse that with a bar or pub in the US. You can get a cocktail at a bar in Italy, but more likely you would stop at a bar for a quick espresso and/or cornetto at the counter and be on your way. Coffee shops in Italy can also be called Caffè, like Antico Caffè Greco, which is the oldest coffee shop in Rome and definitely a great place to stop near the Spanish Steps.

Can I Get Coffee At The Capitoline Museum?

Yes, you can and I think you really should make an effort to find this coffee shop. You reach the coffee bar from within the museums by following the signs for the Caffeteria. It is technically outside the museum, so be sure to have your ticket available when you want to return to the museum. You can also reach the coffee bar from the outside of the museum by climbing the stairs to Campidoglio, and following Via delle Tre Pile, towards Piazzale Caffarelli. There is a somewhat non-descript door on the left, across from the park that will lead you up a flight of stairs to the coffee shop.

Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum Terrazza Caffarelli - Machine

How Much Is A Cup Of Espresso At The Coffee Capitol?

Coffee in Rome is quite affordable, with an espresso at the bar setting you back €1.50, and a cornetto also costing €1.50. You might find these slightly cheaper, but considering the location, I was actually surprised how reasonable the cost was. Also, these are the prices for drinking at the counter, so if you want to sit at one of the few tables, you can expect to pay a bit more for the comfort.

What Is The Oldest Coffee Shop In Rome?

Even at more than 100 years old, Sciascia Caffé is a child compared to the historical Antico Caffè Greco, which opened in 1760 on Via dei Condotti. It is the oldest bar in Rome and the second oldest in Italy and also the subject of a future post by me. I have been there one time, and I’m due for a refill.

Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum Terrazza Caffarelli - Art

What Coffee Shop In Rome Has The Best Views?

While I haven’t yet visited all the coffee shops in Rome, I can’t imagine the views are better than from the Terrazza Caffarelli. Early morning and sunsets both are beautiful with a unique view of the Rome skyline. You can probably find some rooftop bars with equally amazing views, but I am unaware of any coffee shop with such a cool view.

Do I Have To Buy A Ticket To Get Coffee At The Capitoline Museum?

The Capitoline Museums are amazon my favorites in Rome and shouldn’t be missed, but if you only want an espresso and a pastry, you do not have to buy a ticket to the museum. Follow the signs to the Caffeteria, and you should be able to have a refreshing experience and then go experience the museums.

Coffee Shop At The Capitoline Museum Terrazza Caffarelli - Pannini

What Was My Experience At The Terrazza Caffarelli?

I had two experiences trying to grab a quick coffee. My first experience was unsuccessful because the bar and the adjoining dinner space was preparing for an event, so we were unable to get an espresso. That is also when I learned that I needed to hold on to my museum tickets, because I wasn’t allowed to re-enter the museum after having set my ticket down somewhere and losing it.

My second attempt was much more successful. I entered through the side door, climbed the stairs and after a quick battle with some children on a field trip, I got a delicious espresso and cornetto while walking around enjoying the amazing views. I Strongly recommend stopping by when you need some energy or are feeling peckish.

How Do I Reach The Terrazza Caffarelli?

You just need to climb the stairs to Campidoglio or the Capitoline Museums and you are almost there. Follow this map below between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM and you can enjoy the espresso and amazing views.

More Coffee Bar Experiences

If enjoyed this article about a great coffee shop at the Capitoline Museum: Terrazza Caffarelli,  you may also be interested in learning more about other Italian coffee bars and delicious opportunities to experience them, check out some of our other posts:

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