If Ireland has iconic pubs, Vienna has its traditional coffee houses. Previously, we talked about free museums in Vienna now we are talking about the best cafés.
Real Viennese coffee house culture can't be replicated anywhere else except Vienna. It's about more than coffee – it's about an attitude towards life. Coffee houses and culture go hand in hand as they became a meeting place for intellectual discussion and creativity, welcoming artists and thinkers such as Sigmund Freud, James Joyce, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Leon Trotsky.
If you have the opportunity to visit Vienna as you should, take a sip in these legendary cafes, where history comes to life and you feel like the main character.
Café Hawelka
© WienTourismus/Julius Hirtzberger
Let's start with the classic, shall we? Café Hawelka is like a warm, coffee-scented hug from Vienna's past. Opened in 1939 by newlyweds Leopold and Josefine Hawelka, you will feel like stepping inside a time capsule. Sip on a Melange (Viennese coffee with milk) and savor a slice of their legendary Buchteln (sweet rolls with jam). During its ’60s and ’70s heyday, the stars of the Vienna art scene regularly met here, and celebs such as Hans Moser, Udo Jürgens, and Andy Wahorl dropped by.
Opening Times: Mo - Th, 09:00 - 00:00; Fr - Sa, 09:00 - 01:00; Su, 10:00 - 20:00
Address: Dorotheergasse 6,1010 Vienna
Café Central
Café Central © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper
Fancy meeting some literary ghosts while sipping your coffee? Café Central is where poets, philosophers, and revolutionaries like Freud and Trotsky used to hang out. It is no surprise that it considered one of the best cafés in Austrian capital. Try their famous Einspänner, a strong black coffee topped with a dollop of whipped cream, and pretend you're discussing the meaning of life with Sigmund himself. A little heads up that you'll need a little patience because there are often long lines of visitors outside of the Café willing to experience this one-of-a-kind institution.
Opening times: Mo - Sa, 08:00 - 22:00; On holidays - Su, 10:00 - 22:00
Address: Herrengasse/Strauchgasse, 1010 Vienna
Kleines Café
Kleines Café – © Österreich Werbung/Harald Eisenberger
Looking for a cozy hideaway? Kleines Café, or "Little Café," lives up to its name. Tucked away in a charming courtyard, this café exudes Bohemian vibes. Grab a book, order an Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and enjoy some quiet time in this quaint spot. Fun fact: it was featured in the film ‘Before Sunrise’.
Opening times: Everyday 10:00 - 2:00
Address: Franziskanerpl. 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
Café Schwarzenberg
Café Schwarzenberg, Einspänner © WienTourismus/Julius Hirtzberger
If you're a fan of Viennese elegance, Café Schwarzenberg will sweep you off your feet. Said to be the oldest café on the Ringstrasse, Schwarzenberg is one of the city’s most opulent coffee houses. Marble columns, chandeliers, and mouthwatering pastries – it's a true masterpiece. Try their Sachertorte, a world-famous chocolate cake, with a classic Wiener Melange or their beef goulash.
Opening times: Mo - Fr, 07:30 - 00:00; Sa - Su, 08:30 - 00:00
Address: Kärntner Ring 17 1010 Vienna
Prückel
Prückel-www.achimbieniek.com
Are you into retro aesthetics? Prückel has got your back. Located opposite the Museum of Applied Arts this café counts with more than 100 years under its belt. With its 1950s charm, it's like stepping onto a movie set. Order a slice of Linzer Torte and a G'spritzter (white wine spritzer) to complete the experience.
Opening times: Everyday, 8:30 - 22:00
Address: Stubenring 24 (Luegerplatz), 1010 Wien, Österreich
Demel
Demel © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud
If you're serious about your sweet tooth, Demel is a must-visit. It's been satisfying Vienna's sweet cravings since 1786! You can't go wrong with their decadent pastries and a cup of Wiener Kaffee (Viennese coffee). But if you are more drawn to savory dishes, try sthe sausages with mustard or schnitzel.
Opening times: Everyday, 10:00 – 19:00
Address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria
Café Sperl
Café Sperl © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud
Looking for a slice of authenticity? Café Sperl is a local favorite with its timeless charm as it has been present in Viennese coffee house culture since 1880. Sip on a creamy Cappuccino and pair it with a hearty Apfelstrudel. Feel like a true Viennese local as you soak up the lively atmosphere.
Opening times: Mo - Sa, 07:00 - 22:00; on holidays - Su, 10:00 - 20:00.
Closed on Sundays in July & August. Piano music Su 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria
Café Korb
Café Korb official Facebbok page
Café Korb, near St Stephen’s Cathedral, opened in 1904. You can tell that this is no ordinary café as Emperor Franz Joseph I the most prominent name on the opening night guest list. If your favourite meal of the day is breakfast, you are lucky, because they serve breakfast all day long!
Opening times: Mo - Sa, 08:00 - 00:00; closed on Sundays.
Adress: Brandstätte 7/9, 1010 Wien, Austria
Café Landtmann
Café Landtmann © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper
Café Landtmann is cosmopolitan, open and vibrant hub of hospitality. Considered to be the epitome of the period-style Viennese coffee house, this establishment offers a selection of coffee specialities, fresh cakes and pastries every day, and they also serve the most popular dishes in Vienna and indeed Austria. It's the perfect meeting point for art and sport; business and politics; students and teachers; businessmen and retirees; locals and travellers.
Opening times: Mon - Sun 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Adress: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien
Vollpension
Vollpension
Vollpension, which translates to 'full pension,' is an innovative café where every cake is crafted using traditional family recipes handed down by the granny’s cooks in the kitchen. This charming contemporary café strives to foster a sense of belonging among people of all age groups, creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of home. In addition to freshly baked cakes, you can also enjoy breakfast and light snacks. For those seeking heartier options, consider indulging in the eggnog found in the 'Grandma's drink cabinet classics' section of the menu.
There are two main location and a kiosk as well:
- Schleifmühlgasse 16, A–1040 Wien. Mo – So 08:00-22:00
- Johannesgasse 4A, A–1010 Wien. Mo-So 08:00-18:00
- Franz-Josefs-Kai 13, 1010 Wien. Mo-Sa 11:00-21:00
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Remember, folks, it's not just about the coffee; it's about the experience, the history, and the culture that each of these cafés brings to the table. These are only a few cafés, but they publicly recognized as the best cafés in Vienna. So, whether you're an Instagram enthusiast or a history buff, Vienna's cafés have something special for everyone.
