Finding the best coffee houses and cafes in Vienna can be a tricky task but doesn’t have to be.
With such a strong local coffee culture, it’s no wonder that there are literally dozens of them around the city, from more than 100-year-old establishments to modern, cute cafes.
For a little taste of what the Austrian city has to offer, check out this awesome bucket list.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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A Quick Introduction to Vienna’s Coffee House Culture
The “Viennese Coffee House Culture” is a part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, where the coffee house is described as a place “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.”
It is where you can order a single cup of coffee, and that would also buy you the privilege of spending as much time as you want in the coffee house, absorbing the atmosphere, enjoying the decor, chatting, and letting the hours pass you by.
Note that the local types of coffee have different names from what you’re probably used to.
For example, melange is considered similar to a cappuccino, while Einspänner is an espresso topped with lots of whipped cream. Menus in English usually add a short line explaining what the specific type of coffee contains.
You should also make sure you’re not missing out on traditional sweet treats, including apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pieces of pancake served with icing sugar and steamed fruits), Sachertorte, Gugelhupf (ring cake), and many others.
Coffee House Tours in Vienna
If you want to learn more about the local coffee culture, consider taking one of these themed walking tours:
- 2.5-hour Viennese coffee, cake, and chocolate tour
- 3-hour Viennese coffee-house tour
- 3.5-hour coffee, cake, and hidden gems tour
You can also check out these free tours of Vienna.
BEST COFFEE HOUSES IN VIENNA: TRADITIONAL & FAMOUS ESTABLISHMENTS
These next few places are cultural institutions and some of the best spots to have coffee with traditional cakes and desserts (though they also serve Austrian breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Demel
Regal Rococo-style decor, delicious coffee, a huge selection of Austrian cakes, and one of the most famous apple strudels in Vienna? Yes, please!
Founded in 1786, Demel quickly became the meeting point of the aristocrats of Vienna. In fact, even Emperor Franz Josef I and his wife, Elisabeth, were big fans and had Demel’s delicacies delivered to their doorstep.
Having an afternoon coffee and cake at Demel is a “bucket list” experience in Vienna that’s actually worth it in my opinion. If you get to sit near the window, you’ll also enjoy the views over Kohlmarkt Street.
Café Landtmann
Located on Vienna’s famous Ring Road, the sophisticated and elegant Cafe Landtmann is a well-known coffee house founded in 1873 by Franz Landtmann.
Although it’s a place where you can have an Austrian breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the coffee and desserts are the real reason to come here.
From all kinds of mouthwatering Austrian cakes to strudels to Kaiserschmarrn, choosing what to devour will feel like an impossible mission.
Cafe Central
Another coffee house that will make you feel like you’re in a Palace, the iconic Cafe Central dates back to 1876.
It was beloved by poets, writers, philosophers, and other intellectuals, and its historical and cultural importance make it one of the best Viennese coffee houses to try.
Along with your coffee, try the delicious Kaiserschmarrn, which is served with stewed plums (kind of like a jam, but with much less sugar, if any) that balance its sweetness perfectly.
Sacher Cafe
By James from Travel Collecting
The Sacher Café in the Sacher Hotel is perfectly located in central Vienna to enjoy the city’s coffeehouse culture. However, the main reason to go there is for a slice of original Sacher Torte.
This delicious chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and covered in chocolate ganache was invented in 1832 by apprentice chef Franz Sacher, so what better place to try it?!
Technically, he created the first Sacher Torte for Prince Wenzel von Metternich and took the perfected recipe to the Sacher Hotel several years later, but pesky details aside, this is officially the Original Sacher Torte.
A slice of delicious cake is served with a swirl of whipped cream and is best paired with a Viennese specialty coffee or a glass of spiked hot chocolate!
Inside the café, there are chandeliers and plush banquettes, but a table outside is best for people-watching.
Cafe Museum
By Jackie from Jou Jou Travels
Cafe Museum is a traditional Viennese cafe located in the first district of Vienna near Karlsplatz. It was opened in 1899 by Ludwig Frisch and became the meeting place for local artists.
It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee and cake, watching time pass by. The design is also carefully curated by Adolf Loos.
Be sure to try the mocha latte for an amazing treat. It is made with pure chocolate, making it one of the tastiest drinks ever.
Another drink the coffee house is known for is Wiener Melange, which is a mixture of espresso and hot frothy milk.
Cafe Schwarzenberg
By Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Café Schwarzenberg is a popular traditional coffee house located on the Ringstraße boulevard, only a short walk away from the city center.
While Vienna is a fantastic Christmas destination where you can feast on Christmas market food, you must top your experience by tasting some specialty Viennese coffee and pastries at Café Schwarzenberg.
If you are looking for something extra, order a slice of classic Sachertorte to go with your coffee. The sweetness of the cake and the bitterness of the coffee complement each other perfectly, and they will warm you up in a heartbeat.
Café Schwarzenberg is the oldest still-operating café on Ringstraße, and it still retains a traditional and elegant look inside and out. It was an important meeting place for the upper class in the 19th century, and today, the café still hosts cultural events, readings, and concerts.
Go there early if you are visiting for breakfast, as the café is usually full by 10 AM.
Cafe Hawelka
By Isabelle from Cultured Voyages
Step inside the door of this institution and immediately be transported back in time. Cafe Hawelka is a famous cafe in Vienna that has been under the same ownership for the last three generations since it was opened in 1939.
The interiors of this cozy cafe are warm and inviting, with little having changed since its opening.
Cafe Hawelka has long attracted an intellectual bunch, having hosted many writers and artists, including, among their ranks, Henry Miller and Andy Warhol. It is famed for its housemade sweet rolls – make sure to try one if you visit!
Cafe Sperl
By Faye & David from Delve Into Europe
Cafe Sperl is one of the most famous Viennese cafes, located close to the Naschmarkt and Museums Quartier on Gumpendorfer Strasse.
Founded in 1880, it became the haunt of a coterie of artists who, in 1897, established the Vienna Secession movement, which was closely inspired by and linked to contemporary Art Nouveau throughout Europe.
Scenes from several films have also been shot there, including A Dangerous Method and Before Sunrise.
Our reason for visiting was prosaic – we wanted a break from the nearby Vienna Christmas Markets for an hour, and Cafe Sperl was the ideal choice as it has a children’s play area, a rarity among cafes in the city. There are also three billiard tables next to the play area.
The coffee and cake at Cafe Sperl are excellent – they have a house specialty, the chocolate Sperltorte, which is rich and delicious. They also serve a variety of salads and vegetarian options, including dumplings and risotto.
Other Cafes in Vienna to Check Out
If you’re looking for a place to have breakfast, brunch, or even just coffee, here are some great non-historic options.
Cafe Ausnahmsweise
By Tanya from My Right Stock
If you are looking for vegan food in Vienna (and gluten-free options), Cafe Ausnahmsweise is an excellent choice.
The cafe has a cozy, laid-back vibe, and the owners, Julian and Raphael, are the perfect hosts and make the atmosphere really congenial.
Opened in the summer of 2018, the bakery-café offers all sorts of plant-based treats, including a whole range of patisserie goodies.
In addition, they have a weekly changing menu of savory dishes ranging from burgers and salads to curries.
Of course, it serves brilliant coffee with multiple plant-milk options. You can also order juices, smoothies, beer, and wine.
It’s often hard to find both vegan and gluten-free options, especially as a traveler, so make sure to visit Cafe Ausnahmsweise whenever you’re in Vienna!
Cafe Kunst Haus
I sure hope that both the Hundertwasserhaus and the Kunst Haus, two quirky buildings designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, are on your Vienna itinerary.
While the Hundertwasserhaus is a residential building and can only be seen on the outside, the Kunst Haus houses a museum dedicated to the artist and one of the cutest cafes in Vienna.
You can have brunch or lunch here, but even if you’re only coming to get a cup of coffee and some cake, the decor alone will win you over.
You can get your tickets to the Kunst Haus here (but you don’t have to enter the museum to access the cafe).
No Panic Coffee
Located in front of the beautiful Votivkirche (Votive Church), this little cafe is an ideal spot to start your morning. With its exquisite specialty coffee, it’ll surely become one of your favorite cozy cafes in the Austrian capital.
Café Palmenhaus
By Jürgen & Martina from PlacesofJuma
The Palmenhaus is a wonderfully pretty cafe in Vienna’s 1st district, ideal for tea, coffee, or drinks. It is located on the edge of the famous Burggarten right next to the Albertina museum, and the history of the building even goes back to imperial times!
On the terrace, you can enjoy the sun and the fabulous view of Burggarten park. But it’s the inside of this former greenhouse that’s a highlight – you’ll love to drink your coffee here among all the exotic plants. Honestly, you won’t find a more unique place in Vienna!
Menus and reservations: Here.
Cafe in Der BURGGASSE24
Located near the adorable Spittelberg quarter, I stumbled upon Cafe in der Burggasse24 by accident, which turned out as an amazing discovery, perfect for a quick coffee and cake break or a light breakfast.
Weirdly, the cafe gets its cozy, hipster vibe from its non-cohesive furniture and unexpected decor items, and the vintage shop attached to it is a nice extra touch.
MELANGERIE CAFFETERIE & BISTRO
You gotta love a cafe that puts a big emphasis on the origins of its products, and that’s exactly what Melangerie does.
With delicious specialty coffee, pastries from a local bakery, and dishes made with organic produce from the local market, this all-day breakfast place is a total winner.
Karma Food
By Maria from A World of Destinations
Karma Food is a cool cafe in Vienna with good vibes and healthy food. The mission of the owners is to put Mother Earth first. They use organic and seasonal ingredients for their meals, and they use biodegradable packaging.
They aim to be as sustainable as possible while making customers happier by serving delicious meals that are mainly vegetarian or vegan. At Karma Food, you can get tasty curries, colorful bowls, homemade cakes, and amazing coffee.
They have several locations in Vienna, and one of them even offers an all-day breakfast. Make sure to make a reservation before you go, as it can get busy for breakfast and lunch.
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