Hotels near Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I)

Officially Piazza Umberto I but universally called the Piazzetta, this small square is the social heart of Capri town. It measures roughly 30 by 20 metres and is bordered by four bars whose tables occupy most of the flagstones between about 10:00 and 01:00. The 17th-century clock tower on the south side was originally the bell tower of a cathedral that was demolished in 1595, and the low arch on the west side opens onto Via Le Botteghe and the shopping streets.

A coffee at the tables will cost about 6 to 8 EUR (roughly triple the counter price), which is the fee for a front-row seat on what Norman Douglas called "the smallest and best drawing room in Europe". From here Via Vittorio Emanuele leads south to the luxury shops and Gardens of Augustus, while Via Longano climbs east towards Villa Jovis.

Pro Tip: Order at the counter (al banco) if you just want a quick espresso - the price drops to about 2 EUR and no one minds you standing and looking out at the square.