Imperial Vienna is world-famous for its Viennese cuisine and Viennese coffee houses.
Visiting at least one of these 10 famous coffee houses in Vienna will make your visit to the capital of Austria unforgettable.
- FAMOUS COFFEE HOUSES IN VIENNA
- 1. Cafe Central – the most famous cafe in Vienna
- 2. Cafe Museum – the most popular Vienna cafe among artists
- 3. Cafe Landtman – a famous historical cafe in Vienna
- 4. Cafe Hawelka – the favorite Vienna cafe among bohemians
- 5. Palemnhaus
- 6. Cafe Sacher – a top cafe in Vienna
- 7. Cafe Gerstner – the most chic coffee house in Vienna
- 8. Cafe Frauenhuber – the oldest coffee house in Vienna
- 9. Cafe Schwanzerberg – the oldest Vienna coffee house on the famous Ringstrasse
- 10. Cafe of Art History Museum in Vienna – one of the most beautiful cafes in the world
- WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA
- MAP OF MOST FAMOUS VIENNA CAFES
- VIENNA DISCOUNTS AND TRANSPORTS
- BEST DAY TRIPS FROM VIENNA
FAMOUS COFFEE HOUSES IN VIENNA
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Vienna is one of the most beautiful European capitals.
The capital city of Austria gets especially beautiful at Christmastime when the city turns into a grandiose Christmas fairytale. Not unexpectedly, imperial Vienna is praised as one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe with one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
But to be in Vienna and not visit a famous Viennese café or a traditional Vienna restaurant to enjoy Viennese cuisine equals a serious sin.
While the Viennese coffee culture is an institution where coffee drinking is worshiped as an art, Viennese cuisine is the only cuisine in the world named after a city.
For centuries Vienna’s coffee houses have been playing an important role in the social life of Vienna. Viennese cafés are popularly known as Vienna’s public living rooms. Coffee shops in Vienna are the places where people sit for hours enjoying chats with friends and acquaintances, re-telling the latest news and gossip, reading newspapers, magazines, and literature, playing chess, billiards, and cards, or simply just people-watching.
During rich Viennese history, famous coffee houses in Vienna have been meeting points of Nobel prize winners, writers, critics, philosophers, composers, bohemians, artists, politicians, and businessmen for more or less serious discussions and debates.
European coffee culture started with the opening of the first coffee houses in Venice (Italy), Oxford (England), and Vienna (Austria) in the 1600s. But the bloom happened in the late 1800s when the Viennese-style coffee houses opened in Venice, Trieste, Verona (Italy), Prague (the Czech Republic), and Zagreb (Croatia).
Traditional Viennese coffee shops adorn sophisticated interiors with wooden floors, high ceilings, large windows, crystal chandeliers, marble tables, iconic bentwood Thonet chairs, and red velvet seats.
In 2011 UNESCO listed Viennese coffee culture as the Intangible Cultural Heritage.‘Viennese coffee houses are a place where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill’ – description of the Viennese coffee houses by UNESCO
For that reason, I visited the most famous Viennese cafes. And, here is my list of the 10 most famous Vienna coffee houses.
Best cafes in Vienna and most famous coffee shops in Vienna, Austria:
1. Cafe Central – the most famous cafe in Vienna
Café Central is one of Vienna’s most famous coffee houses, and arguably the most beautiful cafe in Vienna for its elegant and refined interior.
The café occupies premises of the former Vienna Stock Exchange adorned with monumental stone columns and a high vaulted ceiling. Large paintings on the walls and a piano in the center of the café create a sublime royal atmosphere. For all of this, Café Central in Vienna is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world.
Café Central is the most famous historical cafe in Vienna. Café Central welcomed many notable historical figures in the past such as Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Leon Trotsky, Josip Broz Tito, and Vladimir Lenin.
If you are a history buff, getting a Vienna-style coffee at Cafe Central is a must in Vienna.
On my visit to Vienna, I went to Cafe Central to have my traditional Viennese breakfast which included a hot drink (traditional Viennese Melange coffee in my case), croissant, roll, apricot jam, butter, and a soft-boiled egg.
Cafe Central Vienna address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna;
Cafe Central Vienna hours: Mon-Sat 7.30 am – 10 pm, Sun 10 am – 10 pm
2. Cafe Museum – the most popular Vienna cafe among artists
This famous Viennese coffee house has been a well-known meeting point for many prominent Viennese artists. Famous Viennese artists like Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, and Otto Wagner have been regular guests of Cafe Museum.
If you are an artsy person or an art historian, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the Vienna Cafe Museum.
At Café Museum in Vienna, Austrian coffee is served according to the Viennese coffee tradition: with a glass of cold tap water, a silver spoon, and sugar cubes wrapped in paper, all served on a silver tray.
Cafe Museum Vienna Address: Operngasse 7, 1010 Vienna;
Cafe Museum Vienna hours: Mon-Sat 8 am-midnight, Sun 10 am-midnight
3. Cafe Landtman – a famous historical cafe in Vienna
Café Landtman in Vienna is another famous Vienna coffee house that has been a popular gathering spot for many industrials, politicians, and artists in Vienna.
Gustav Mahler, Marlene Dietrich, and Romy Schneider were among many well-known guests who enjoyed its classy atmosphere.
Cafe Landmant is one of the most classy coffee houses in Vienna.
Cafe Landtmann Vienna: Dr. Karl Lueger Ring 4;
Cafe Landtmann Vienna hours: daily 7.30 am-midnight
4. Cafe Hawelka – the favorite Vienna cafe among bohemians
Café Hawelka is one of the best Vienna coffee houses.
This family-run coffee shop in Vienna has been the favorite meeting point for bohemians and artists because of the cozy atmosphere. Among many prominent guests of Vienna’s Cafe Hawelka were Peter Ustinov and Andy Warhol, to name a few.
Cafe Hawelka is the most bohemian coffee house in Vienna. You will enjoy this famous Viennese coffee shop the most if you have a bohemian personality.
In 1939 Leopold Hawelka opened the coffee bar and since then the Hawelka family has been running this famous cafe in Vienna. Leopold Hawelka, the owner stood at the entrance of his Vienna cafe to greet his guests every day, until 2012 when he died.
Cafe Hawelka Vienna address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Vienna;
Cafe Hawelka Vienna hours: Mon-Sat 8 am – 2 am, Sun 10 am – 2 am, Tue closed
5. Palemnhaus
If you are a seafood lover like me and looking for great value for money, put the Palmenhaus (Palm House) on your Vienna itinerary.
This popular Viennese restaurant bar offers a unique dining atmosphere among the palm trees in the elegant Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) building. Vienna Palmenhaus is an ancient greenhouse with high ceilings built as the Emperor’s glasshouse for tropical plants in 1822. Vienna Palm House has had its looks since 1901 when it was renewed. The Palmenhaus is one of the loveliest places to eat and have coffee in Vienna. I included this great dining place in my one-day Vienna itinerary. Read more: How To Spend One Day in Vienna.
The Palmenhaus in Vienna is located near Albertina Musuem and the State Opera. During sunny days the visitors sunbathe on its terrace that overlooks Burggarten, the park connected to Hofburg (the Imperial Palace in Vienna).
Traditional Viennese cuisine is based mainly on meat dishes, such as Wiener schnitzel (the famous fried veal coated in breadcrumbs dish from Vienna, and one of the most famous foods in the world), or Selchfleisch (smoked meat).
But as a pescatarian, I opted for something more international. After all, Vienna is a cosmopolitan city. I took a delicious grilled Norwegian cod fillet with coriander-tomato crust, chickpea ragout, and wild basmati rice. I had no regrets about my choice. It was nothing less than perfect.
Palmenhaus Vienna address: Burggarten 1, 1010 Vienna;
Palmenhaus Vienna hours: Mon – Fri 10 am – midnight, Sat 9 am-midnight, Sun 9 am – 11 pm
6. Cafe Sacher – a top cafe in Vienna
Finally, I ended my day with a traditional Viennese coffee and a piece of Vienna’s famous cake Sachertorte at the glamorous and iconic Sacher café in the worldwide known Hotel Sacher Vienna.
Café Sacher Wien is one of the most elegant Vienna coffee shops. And, undisputedly one of the best and most famous cafés in Vienna.
To add here, if you have a sweet tooth like me, please take note that Viennese cuisine is best known for Austrian cakes such as Apfelstrudel (a pastry filled with apples), Palanschinken (the Austrian pancakes with apricot jam), or already mentioned Sacher torte (a famous Austrian chocolate cake and most likely the most famous chocolate cake in the world).
Where can you get the best Sachertorte in Vienna? In Sacher cafe of Hotel Sacher in Vienna, of course.
Cafe Sacher Vienna: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, 1010 Vienna;
Cafe Sacher Vienna hours: daily 8 am-midnight
7. Cafe Gerstner – the most chic coffee house in Vienna
Cafe Gerstner is one of the most beautiful traditional coffee houses in Vienna.
Gerstner family opened it as a confectionery store in 1847. The Gerstner served as a confectioner to the Imperial Court of Habsburgs. Their delicious cakes and confectionery were famous throughout the monarchy.
Today, Cafe Gerstner is one of the most stylish Vienna coffee houses.
It spreads over three floors in the Palais Todesco across the Vienna Opera House in the heart of Vienna. A sweets and souvenir shop is on its ground floor, a bar on the first floor, and a restaurant on the second floor.
The Interior of Cafe Gerstner is a treat for the eyes, and its sweets and coffee are a treat for your palate. Do not miss out on this gorgeous coffee house in Vienna! It is one of my favorite cafes in Vienna!
Cafe Gerstner address: Kartnerstrasse 51
Gerstner cafe-bar hours (1st floor): Mon-sat 11.30 am – 10 pm; Sun. 8 am – 10 pm
Gerstner cafe-restaurant hours (2nd floor): Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8 pm; Sun: 11 am – 8 pm
8. Cafe Frauenhuber – the oldest coffee house in Vienna
Cafe Frauenhuber is the oldest Vienna cafe. Cafe Frauenhuber opened in 1824.
Cafe Frauenhuber is at the same address, in a building built in 1720, since its opening to this date.
Soon after its opening, Cafe Frauenhuber became popular among civil servants and military officers. It had a reputation as one of the quietest cafes in Vienna. Chess lovers prefer it for its quietness. It became their favorite place for playing chess in its elegant and peaceful atmosphere.
Today, the white vaulted ceilings with thick arches, red upholstery, wooden chairs, and glass chandeliers welcome you upon entering this historical Vienna cafe.
Present-day Cafe Frauenhuber is one of the most loved Vienna coffee houses by locals. This traditional Viennese cafe serves traditional Viennese dishes (like Wiener schnitzel and Austrian pork goulash), Viennese desserts (like Kaiserschmarn, Viennese crepes, Sacher cake, apple and plum strudel) along with coffee and other drinks.
Let me mention that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven played piano in a restaurant operating in the very same building at their time. You can read about it on the plaque of the building.
Cafe Frauenhuber is in peaceful Himmelpfortgasse 6, away from tram lines and heavy traffic roads, in the heart of Vienna.
Cafe Frauenhuber address: Himmelpfortgasse 6
Cafe Frauenhuber hours: Mon-Sat: 8 am – 10 pm; Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
9. Cafe Schwanzerberg – the oldest Vienna coffee house on the famous Ringstrasse
Cafe Schwanzerberg is another classic coffee house in Vienna.
It is the oldest Vienna cafe on the famous Ringstrasse. Cafe Schwarzenberg opened its doors to guests in the 1860s.
Interior of the present-day Cafe Schwarzenberg echoes the style of the 19th-century Vienna coffee houses. Its dark hardwood paneling, wooden-leather chairs, tiled ceiling, and glass chandeliers invite its visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the old world.
Cafe Schwarzenberg has a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area. The outdoor area is reserved for sunny days in Vienna, though.
Whether you are up for a Vienna-type of coffee (Wiener Melange, Franziskaner, or Kapuziner), espresso, or Americano, Cafe Schwanzerberg is a good choice.
Cafe Schwanzerberg address: Kartner Ring 17.
Cafe Schwanzerberg hours: Mon-Fri 7.30 am to midnight, Sat-Sun 8.30 am to midnight
10. Cafe of Art History Museum in Vienna – one of the most beautiful cafes in the world
The Kunsthistorisches Museum cafe is well-known as one of the most beautiful cafes in Vienna.
Its frescoed ceiling, geometric black-white tiled floor, marble columns, and royal-red seating make this cafe one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, not only in Vienna.
The cafe is in the Dome Hall in the middle of the Art History Museum in Vienna. Guests need to buy a ticket to the museum to enter the cafe.
Vienna’s Art History Museum is a top art history museum. It has an art collection with objects covering 5 thousand years – from ancient Egypt to the late 18th century, including the works of grandmasters like Raphael, Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens, Velasquez, and Rembrandt.
The Art History Museum is a must-see if you are an art lover, and its cafe is a must-visit if you are a Vienna coffee shop enthusiast. However, be prepared to wait in a line to get seated and hefty prices in the cafe.
Kunsthistorisches Museum cafe address: Maria-Theresien-Platz 1
Kunsthistorisches Museum cafe hours: Sun-Wed and Fri: 10 am 5.30 pm Thur: 10 am – 3 pm and 6 pm – 10 pm; Sat: 10 am – 8.30 pm
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA
Recommended Vienna accommodation – Vienna hotels, and Vienna hostels:
UPSCALE: The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux – this 5-star hotel is located on the historic Ring Boulevard, within walking distance to the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein concert hall. The hotel has a perfect location, luxuriously furnished rooms, and an attentive staff. It is a must-stay place in Vienna for luxury travelers!
MIDRANGE: Motel One Wien-Staatsoper – is a wonderful 3-star hotel next to Vienna Central Station and within 5 minutes from the city center by Vienna subway. It has an excellent location, modern rooms, and friendly staff. It is great value for money!
BUDGET: Vienna Boutique Hostel – is a lovely and quiet hostel in a good location, and with super clean rooms. It is 2.4 km from Vienna City Hall, 1.9 km from Kunsthistorisches Museum, and 3 km from Vienna Volksgarten. Vienna Boutique Hostel offers a fantastic stay in Vienna for budget travelers.
MAP OF MOST FAMOUS VIENNA CAFES
Click here to see the map of the best cafes in Vienna to see the exact location of these famous coffee houses in Vienna, Austria. You can download the map and find them easily when in Vienna. You can download the map offline from Google Maps.
VIENNA DISCOUNTS AND TRANSPORTS
Vienna City Card: Discounts & Public Transport (210 discounts at popular Vienna attractions)
CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte (get in about 15 minutes from Vienna airport to the city center)
Visiting cafes in Vienna Austria is a must. But don’t miss visiting other great sights in Vienna. Learn about the history of Vienna and experience the royal atmosphere of the old capital of the Habsburg monarchs, the capital of the Austria-Hungary Empire, and the seat of the Holy Roman Empire.
Tips for Top Experiences in Vienna Austria:
Book your Stay in Vienna:
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM VIENNA
Have you been to Vienna? Have you visited some of the best coffee shops in Vienna? If not, would you like to visit famous Viennese cafes? In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading this post about Vienna Austria cafes, and some interesting facts about the coffee houses’ history.
Do you know that Vienna is one of the best Christmas destinations in the World, and Austria is one of the best winter destinations in Europe?
If you spend only 2 days in Vienna at Christmastime, you will have a lifetime memory.
No matter when you visit charming, imperial Vienna; Vienna in autumn, Vienna in winter, Vienna in spring, or Vienna in summer will always welcome you with old-world cozy Viennese coffeehouses and restaurants.
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These places all look amazing. I’m such a sucker for a good coffee and love places like this. I sadly never got to Vienna when I travelled round Europe but hopefully one day I’ll go back and get to appreciate the coffee and cakes!
It’s amazing to think of the star power that hung out in some of those coffehouses in times past. Perhaps there are geniuses — future Freuds and Mahlers — enjoying lattes in them today!
I am not a coffee drinker but I would enjoy visiting all those places to see those gorgeous buildings!! And maybe have a slice of cake or two as well 🙂
Oh this brings back memories of spending afternoons in these cosy cafes and bistros with a strong coffee and Viennese treat. Such a lovely city.
Coffee and eating? You’re speaking my language! I’m actually planning a trip to Vienna later this year so this post will definitely come in handy. Thanks for the share!
Vienna is an angelic place. On top of that if you can indulge in Coffee and food in such lovely environs, the experience would be on a different level altogether. Nothing like nursing a cup of Coffee and spending a lazy day in this lovely city.
One of the best parts of Vienna is its culture of coffee houses, and it looks like you did a fair share. I love Sacher Torte so will have to check that out.
I didn’t realise there was such a coffee culture in Vienna! (I don’t drink tea/coffee which is probably why I missed it!) But all those little foodie treats look great!
Aaaahhh, Vienna ‘s cafes . . I can say I was not a sinner I was at Cafe Central (and at other cafes) and I still check the cakes pictures from time to time! Your post was “sold” as soon as I saw the “Sacher sweet treat” picture!
So I feel like a total idiot but I really had no idea that coffee and coffee houses were such a big deal in Vienna. But the picture make it look so elegant and refined and like a true cultural experience. Way better and much more personal than Starbucks. Lol.
If you like good coffee, it looks like Vienna is a must. The cafes look incredible. So quaint, but also prestigious at the same time. Not a bad combo – especially while enjoying a cup of java.
I remember when I was in Vienna, it was always great to spend the afternoon in a coffee shop or two. Even better when they had cake 🙂 Vienna is such a great place to visit.
This is great! I have always dreamed about a trip to Vienna, and one of the reasons is of course the famous cafes. Hopefully I get to experience that soon. I guess I will be drinking a lot of coffee there… ha ha.
This is basically the number one reason why I want to go to Vienna – to experience the cafe scene! It’s really quite something and seems like quite a culture there. I would spend all day going from cafe to cafe if I was there. Great guide!
This is a great collection for any coffee maniac (not me :P)
I would love to spend a few days in Vienna! I don’t drink coffee but would definitely enjoy hanging out in those cafes with some of those crossiants!
Perfect timing! I’m headed to Vienna April 4-6th so this will come in handy. I’ve already shared it with my girlfriends to pick out the perfect coffee house for us non-coffee drinkers. 😉 I would think Palmenhaus will be our first choice.
I remember going to Palmenhaus when I was in Vienna. I met a friend there actually and the food was so so good! One of the best breakfasts I had in Europe. Didn’t spend too much time in Vienna (didn’t really like it) but would love to go back with my boyfriend and experience it differently!
I can’t wait to try these!!!! We are planning to visit Austria soon, I badly want to go to Salzburg and Vienna. I haven’t done any research yet so thanks for the heads up on coffee!
I wanted to visit Austria esp Salzburg when I was in Europe but unfortunately I couldn’t! Being a coffee addict, I think I really missed Vienna!!! Viennese breakfast also looks yummm.
I’ve heard so many things about these coffee houses and the history behind them, and I hope to visit some when I go to Vienna. I’d love to visit Palmenhaus, it looks so beautiful and light with all the greenery.
These places all look amazing, especially the classical greenhouse type one (Palmenhaus). We’ve never been to Vienna, or even Austria but would love to check these out. Always up for a good cup of coffee; the newspaper holders look very fancy too!
Would like to taste these cakes and enjoy drinking coffee with beautiful building around.
Oh I love the cafe covered in greenery! Viennese is unparalleled around the world – so rich and yummy!
Vienna has a strong coffee-house culture, I’ve been to a few of them while was there earlier this year. Viennese coffee-houses were also featured in a book I was reading recently – “The geography of Genius”, and the author was stating that coffee-houses might be reason of having so many geniuses in Vienna (Freud, Einstein, Klimt…), he pointed out that coffee-house atmosphere was encouraging creative thinking and that they were home to so many discussions and debates among geniuses living in Vienna.
Wow! the last time I was in Vienna I only visited the Christmas market.But next time I will not bereave of a pilgrimage in these cafes. Especially the Cafe Museum because klimt and Kokoshka are my favorite artists
I am remembering my walk there. I didn’t have time enough to explore these wonderful cafes. We did the walking tour with icecream cones in hand.
Vianese coffee houses are the best. My absolute favourite one is the Café Sacher… Sacher Tochte is the best chocolate cake in the world! Am I guetting too excited?I think I need to go back to Vienna. Loved your post 🙂
I love your blog layout… it looks so similar to mine! heheh 🙂 Have been to Vienna years ago, but reading your post prompts me to return.
xx finja
While I must admit, I’m not much of a coffee lover, I think I would be attracted to the Viennese coffee houses purely on aesthetics alone. Certainly, some of the shots you captured are really beautiful and the atmosphere in them seems entirely unique. And, as a few commenters have stated before, it’s incredible the number of esteemed people who frequented these places. Great post
Coffee makes my day and Viennese coffee looks quite tempting. It is interesting to know they are named after the city and it is worshiped as an art. My all meetings be it professional or personal to start with a coffee. That chocolate cake too looks quite yummy.
These places all look great, especially the Palmenhaus. The history that these places have is fascinating and I love how they’ve kept their authentic look. I can’t function without coffee I might have to make a pilgrimage to Vienna…
I went to Vienna a few years ago for the Christmas markets – can’t believe I didn’t realise what a great cafe culture they have, especially when it involves cake! Will definitely have to return so that I can experience some of these elegant cafes and the sacher torte
Iam not a coffee drinker but your list of Viennese Coffee Houses is so tempting, Next time I am surely trying them 🙂
Great post 🙂 while I’m not a big coffee drinker my girlfriend and travel partner will be very happy to visit some of these places I’m sure. The buildings look amazing. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ok, I admit that Vienna and Coffee somehow never connected but after reading through your choices, I have discovered a new facet of this city. Now one more thing to look out for besides the heritage in Vienna
To be honest, I don’t know much about Vienna. But I’ve heard amazing things about the coffee! To be honest, I would visit solely to try the coffee haa
Sacher is a dream of mine!I really want to go.
I heard so much about the coffee and cake culture in Vienna and I’m envying everyone who could try it.
Bingo! these places are just amazing and quite cool.
I feel Coffee for me is a energy drink, it makes me feel fresh within a moment. Vienna seems to be a very pretty city but coffee and cake combination, never came in my mind.
seriously have to try this 😉
I’m a self-confessed coffeeholic and Vienna looks a place to indulge in coffee to me! These restaurants are too gorgeous and rich to be just coffee places. Loved all the buildings with their flamboyant architecture.
i’ve been there with my husband. It is such a lovely and calming place to drink coffee.
great post