Every Italian bar has two prices for the same espresso.
Banco or tavolo
Standing at the counter, an espresso is roughly one euro. Sit at a table and table service about doubles it.
Venice, since 1720
At Caffè Florian on Piazza San Marco, a seat out front carries a music charge while the orchestra plays. Inside at the bar, it disappears.
Sitting means staying
Standing is the default, so a table is a choice: a friend, a newspaper, an hour where everyone walking past can see you.
Sit down before you buy
Cross your legs, lean toward the cup. The waist should hold, the leg should fall from the knee, the bag never touches the floor.
Table trousers
Wide, high-waisted and belted, so nothing needs fixing when you stand up again.