Best Coffee Houses in Vienna

We all know traditional Coffee houses in Vienna.  For those who are not familiar with the term it’s basically a café for enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends or accompanied by a newspaper in a relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by other treats (such as tea, drinks, cakes and small snacks). 

The Vienna coffeehouses are said to date back to the 17th century Ottoman wars, when Vienna was liberated from the second Turkish siege by an Polish-Habsburg army in 1683, the victorious allies captured numerous sacks with coffee beans they initially thought were camel food. A wise Polish army officer, understanding the actual value of these beans, is said to have asked his king Jan Sobieski for the coffee bags and thus was able to open up the first coffeehouse in Vienna - consequently establishing the long tradition of the Viennese Kaffeehaus.

So whenever I visit Vienna (and I visit it quite often) I take some time off my busy schedule, which mainly consists of shopping, to visit some of the Coffee houses. The result is a list of my favorite ones.

Café Demel

It is part of the famous chocolatier (K&K Hofzuckerbäcker) Demel in Vienna, home of some of the best confections of pastry in town. This house of great tradition was established in 1786 on the Michaelerplatz. However the Café is usually full and it can take up to an hour to actually get a seat, but the wait is definitely worth it. 

Café Sacher

Café Sacher Vienna Part of the world-renowned Hotel Sacher. In this Café it is all about tradition and elegance. They are also the owners of the Original Sacher-Torte (probably the world´s most famous chocolate cake).

Café Mozart

Café Mozart Vienna In this establishment located on the Albertina square behind the Vienna Opera house, the first coffeehouse was opened up in 1794, soon after the death of Mozart. It is the place to go after experiencing the Opera house or just taking a break from all the sightseeing. They have a large coffee selection as well. 

Café Central

This is the legendary literati café, which counted Arthur Schnitzler, Peter Altenberg and Adolf Loos among its regulars, has a charm of its own that transforms a visit into an experience. Viennese cuisine, homemade cakes and pastries. It even has its own piano music.

Café & Restaurant in the Kunsthistorisches Museum

The café and restaurant in the cupola hall is renowned for its excellent coffee and is a popular meeting point for Vienna visitors and residents alike.

So the next time you visit Vienna make sure to visit at least one of the famous, and delicious, Coffee houses.