Viennese Coffeehouse Guide: The Best Traditional Coffeehouses in Vienna

Vienna is world-renowned for its coffeehouse culture, a tradition that has flourished for centuries. While the city is now home to many trendy, modern cafés with artisan baristas, we’re focusing on the classic, old-world coffeehouses where stepping inside feels like being transported back to the Habsburg monarchy. Here, waiters known as “Ober” in elegant suits or tuxedos attend to guests, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills the air. These are the places where time slows down, and you can soak up the historic charm of Vienna.

A Glimpse into History

The first coffeehouse in Vienna opened in the late 17th century, not long after the 1683 Ottoman siege. Legend has it that the fleeing Ottoman army left behind bags of coffee beans, which an enterprising Polish merchant named Georg Franz Kolschitzky used to brew Vienna’s first cups of coffee. Thus, the Viennese coffeehouse tradition was born.

During the 19th century, these establishments became intellectual hubs, where writers, artists, musicians, and politicians gathered to debate ideas and share stories. The coffeehouse was more than just a place to drink coffee—it was a social institution. Writers like Stefan Zweig and Karl Kraus, philosophers like Ludwig Wittgenstein, and even figures like Sigmund Freud were regular patrons, contributing to Vienna’s status as a cultural and intellectual center of Europe.

In the coffeehouse, time seemed irrelevant. People would linger for hours, reading the daily newspapers or playing chess, all for the price of a single coffee. Today, this tradition continues, with most Viennese coffeehouses still offering a wide selection of newspapers, encouraging guests to stay as long as they please.

Anecdotes from Vienna’s Coffeehouse Life

• Café Central: Perhaps the most famous of Vienna’s coffeehouses, Café Central has seen a parade of intellectuals walk through its doors. One of the most amusing stories involves Leon Trotsky, who frequented the café before he became a leading figure in the Russian Revolution. It’s said that regular patrons jokingly referred to him as the “man with the goatee who is always playing chess,” without any idea of the historical role he would later play.
• Café Hawelka: This café has a bohemian charm and has long been associated with artists and writers. During the post-war years, it became a meeting point for the city’s avant-garde, including poet H.C. Artmann and painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Leopold Hawelka, the café’s original owner, continued to serve coffee well into his 90s, often greeting guests personally. The café is still run by his descendants today, maintaining the old-world charm.
• Café Landtmann: Politicians, theatergoers, and intellectuals have long chosen Café Landtmann as their preferred coffeehouse. In the 1930s, it was a frequent haunt of Sigmund Freud, who would come to ponder his groundbreaking psychological theories while enjoying his favorite cup of coffee.
• Café Sperl: Known for its classic billiard tables, Café Sperl has a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. One of the more curious stories surrounding the café involves the painter Egon Schiele, who allegedly left behind sketches as a form of payment when he was low on funds. Today, those sketches would be worth a small fortune.
• Café Schwarzenberg: One of the oldest coffeehouses on the Ringstraße, Café Schwarzenberg was one of the few to survive the economic hardships of World War II. It remained open during the Nazi era, providing a rare spot of normalcy amidst the turmoil.

Tradition Today

Although Vienna’s coffeehouses are steeped in history, they are not merely relics of the past. These establishments continue to serve as living museums of Viennese culture, where time-honored customs endure. Unlike modern coffee shops, where people might grab a quick coffee to go, traditional Viennese coffeehouses encourage you to linger. Whether it’s sipping on a Wiener Melange while reading the newspaper or enjoying a slice of Apfelstrudel while watching the world go by, these coffeehouses provide a sanctuary of quiet elegance.

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The Top Traditional Coffeehouses in Vienna

1. Café Central

• Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1876
• Features: One of the most famous coffeehouses in Vienna, known for its grandiose interior that harks back to the Viennese fin de siècle. Guests like Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Arthur Schnitzler once gathered here. The café’s vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers set a regal atmosphere. The pastry selection is a highlight.
• Recommendation: Wiener Melange and Sachertorte

2. Café Hawelka

• Address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1939
• Features: A cozy, intimate coffeehouse with a vintage atmosphere. The café was run by the Hawelka family for generations and became a hotspot for artists and intellectuals in the mid-20th century. Known for its famous Buchteln, the place still retains the bohemian spirit of its past.
• Recommendation: Hawelka’s legendary Buchteln

3. Café Eiles

• Address: Josefstädter Straße 2, 1080 Vienna
• Opened: 1840
• Features: Off the beaten tourist path, this café is a favorite among locals for its tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. With large windows, dark wooden furniture, and a classic Viennese interior, it’s the perfect place to spend hours reading or watching life go by.
• Recommendation: Kleiner Brauner and Apfelstrudel

4. Café Diglas Wollzeile

• Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1875
• Features: A charming café in the city center with a nostalgic, welcoming vibe. Diglas is known for its cakes and pastries, displayed in a beautiful glass case, and served with traditional Viennese warmth.
• Recommendation: Wiener Melange and Esterházy-Schnitte

5. Café Prückel

• Address: Stubenring 24, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1903
• Features: A gem with a 1950s interior design, Café Prückel is a gathering spot for artists, writers, and those who appreciate old-school charm. The large windows and ample natural light make it an inviting place to relax.
• Recommendation: Verlängerter and Topfenstrudel

6. Café Landtmann

• Address: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1873
• Features: An elegant coffeehouse frequented by politicians, artists, and thinkers. Café Landtmann’s luxurious interior and prime location near the Burgtheater and university make it a beloved institution.
• Recommendation: Wiener Melange and Apfelstrudel

7. Café Sperl

• Address: Gumpendorfer Straße 11, 1060 Vienna
• Opened: 1880
• Features: With its turn-of-the-century interior, Café Sperl exudes the elegance of old Vienna. Guests can not only enjoy a coffee but also play a game of billiards in a setting that feels straight out of a novel.
• Recommendation: Wiener Melange and Sperl-Torte

8. Café Schwarzenberg

• Address: Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Vienna
• Opened: 1861
• Features: The oldest coffeehouse on Vienna’s famous Ringstraße, Schwarzenberg offers a blend of grandeur and comfort. Its mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and plush seating create a luxurious ambiance. A favorite for locals and visitors alike.
• Recommendation: Einspänner and Gugelhupf

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These traditional Viennese coffeehouses offer not only exceptional coffee and desserts but also a unique opportunity to experience the history and soul of Vienna. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, stepping into one of these cafés is like stepping back in time, where you can enjoy the slow pace and timeless elegance of Viennese culture.