Elevating coffee culture into an art form, the famous Vienna cafes are as much a visitor attraction as its museums and palaces. These are places where you can purchase a cup of coffee and spend many hours amongst a charming ambiance, an integral part of the social experience of the city. These coffee houses have played an important part in shaping Viennese culture. Over the years they have served as a base from which creatives and intellectuals could find and share their ideas.
So if you want to change the world, or maybe just share some original ideas, a leisurely visit to one of these Vienna cafes is just what you need. To help you out, we’ve highlighted five that have inspired the greatest writers and artists.
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COFFEE CULTURE IN THE VIENNA CAFES
Viennese Coffee Houses are described as a place ‘where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill’. It is expected here to take your time, even the whole day to relax and enjoy your beverage and, if you wish, food. As an absolute staple of the city’s culture, and one of the essential Vienna things to do, UNESCO has named the Vienna coffee house on its list of the National Agency for the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Although not the pioneer in coffee house culture, over the centuries Vienna has established a coffee house tradition like no other. The first coffee house was opened in the city in 1683. Pre-dating this, several were opened in Mecca from the 12th century, and Europe’s first coffee house opened in Venice in 1647.
The first Viennese coffee houses displayed characteristics that are still typical today. Traditional décor and an authentic ambiance. A cup of water is served with every coffee, and many offer card games and pool tables to be enjoyed while you sip. In 1808 Napoleon’s Continental Blockade of England led to a sharp increase in the price of coffee beans. This led to the coffee houses to diversify more closely into what we see in the Vienna cafes today.
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CAFÉ LANDTMANN
Café Landtmann is also famed as Freud’s favorite café in Vienna. It is said that here he found many of the subjects who played an important role in his research. In more recent years, the café has welcomed Marlene Dietrich, Hillary Clinton and Paul McCartney.
Sip a coffee here and you will be cloaked in tradition and style, feeling like you have stepped back in time. You can also expect to enjoy the most delicious array of pastries. It is said that the Kaisershmaren here is the best among Vienna cafes. This traditional lightly sweetened pancake takes its name from the Austrian emperor Franz Joesph I who was said to be very fond of the dessert.
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CAFÉ SPERL
The perfect historic spot to relax in, this is a real haunt for locals. Make sure you allow time for a game of billiards or two.
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CAFÉ KORB
The insides of Cafè Korb bring back 60’s nostalgia, with a characterful design and original vintage interior that is more Warhol than Wagner. This is attributable to its owner, Susanne Widl, who as lived many lives as actress, model and coffeehouse owner. A true one-of-a-kind personality. When you visit, be sure to take a look at the ‘art lounge’ in the basement.
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CAFÉ MOZART
Along with your coffee, you can choose from five different versions of hot chocolate – the perfect excuse to relax and stay even longer.
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CAFÉ FRAUENHUBER
A one-of-a-kind ambience and an extensive menu of traditional Viennese fare make this a great spot to visit. Enjoy the best schnitzel, beef goulash, and Haustorte for dessert.
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