Starbucks - Bologna — Restaurant in Bologna

So, let's say, for argument's sake, that you are a tourist in what could be one of the most over-touristified cities in Italy, and you have a quench for a snack. Let's also say that, for antohet argunent sake, you dont go to Zanarini, nor to Caffe' Terzi, nor to Gamberini because you do not fancy good, real, Italian pastries and cappuccinos made by maestros with a special, unique coffe blend. No, let's say you go to Starbucks instead—to pay more and to experience the comforting, sterile embrace of the familiar.

You navigate narrow, ancient cobblestone streets, passing centuries-old pasticcerie where the scent of freshly baked cornetti and rich espresso hangs in the air, and you make a beeline for the green siren's call. You join a queue not of curious locals, but of fellow travelers, all seeking a taste of home in the heart of an art capital. You order a venti Pumpkin Spice Latte (because it's October, and the algorithm demands it) and a slice of that ubiquitous lemon loaf, all for the modest price of a three-course lunch at a trattoria just around the corner.

And as you sip your syrup-infused coffee, surrounded by the same minimalist decor you could find in Seattle, Shanghai, or Dubai, you achieve a peculiar kind of travel nirvana: the complete suspension of place. You have successfully traveled thousands of miles to have the exact same experience you could have had at home, all while the unparalleled, authentic joy of Italian dolce vita sits patiently waiting, just outside the double-paned glass. A dolce vita that, because of overtourism and people like you, no longer exhist and now you are stuck with us in this overgentrified ghetto....

Terrible Wi-Fi experience. It is extremely difficult for foreigners to connect, especially for those who don’t already have an internet connection. The system requires online verification before you can even get online. After I somehow managed to pass that step, I found out it only allows one device per code.

To complete the verification, I used my phone—without knowing it would block any other device. They could at least write this information clearly in English somewhere.

I had purchased several items since I was there with my colleagues, but none of us could connect our laptops. Italy is famous for coffee, and I didn’t go there expecting the best coffee, just a quiet place to work for an hour. But it was really disappointing.

By the way, I’m fine with the two-hour time limit, as I would have happily ordered more if I needed more time. The real issue is the one-device restriction and the difficulty of connecting in the...

I have never left a Starbucks review, never saw the need as they differ all over the world, until I tried the one in Bologna. The staff went above and beyond to help me over a 4 day visit. Each day they were friendly and helpful, despite the language barrier. They remembered me each day, and even put little messages on my cup. But the best thing they did was to offer to open early so I could get my order on the last day before my next journey. This was so unusual, that it was even commented on by other customers! However this wasn’t needed in the end due to lack of taxis, etc due to recent strike action. We were at a loss how to get across town to the station - but yet again the staff stepped up! Carolina looked up the buses, explained where to pick up and get off, and generally made a bad day better. What an amazing place to...