Discover the true taste of Vienna at one of the city’s traditional coffeehouses

No holiday in Vienna would be complete without a visit to one of the capital city’s famous coffeehouses. These traditional cafés, many of which date back to the 19th century, are the perfect place to discover the true taste of Vienna. Highlights include many different coffee variations as well as pastries and cakes. Grab a newspaper, sit down and watch the world go by.

Traditional Viennese coffeehouses in the city centre

Viennese coffeehouses have an unmistakable style – marble tables, wooden chairs and cosy little corners where couples can hide away. The city’s oldest coffeehouse, Café Frauenhuber, opened its doors in 1824 and is still going strong almost 200 years later. As well as the décor, it is also the service that makes Vienna’s coffeehouses unique. Guests are addressed with the old-fashioned terms “Gnädige Frau” and “Gnädiger Herr” by the smartly dressed waiter, who is referred to as Herr Ober. When it comes to the coffee and cake itself, there are few places in the world that can compete with a real Viennese coffeehouse experience. Little wonder that famous Austrian composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven performed some their works in these locations.

Popular Viennese coffeehouses

A visit to a Viennese coffeehouse is a study in the fine art of doing nothing. You can get a newspaper from the rack or meet up with friends, but many come to simply watch the world go by as they savour fine Austrian cakes and pastries like the circular Guglhupf or the world-famous Sachertorte – accompanied, of course, by a cup of coffee. Here are some of the most traditional coffeehouses in the centre of Vienna:

• Café Central
  Located in the Palais Ferstel building, it offers live piano music and delicious pastries
• Café Sacher Wien
  Try a slice of the original Sachertorte at this coffeehouse opposite the operahouse
• Demel K. & K. Hofzuckerbäcker
  Famous for its rich pastries and intricate window displays
• Café Hofburg
  Majestic coffeehouse experience at the former imperial palace, the Hofburg
• Café Imperial
  Elegant setting with sweet treats such as the Imperial Gateaux
• Café Hawelka
  Cultural hotspot – don’t forget to try the local delicacy of “Buchteln”
• Café Mozart
  Open 24 hours a day – perfect for a late-night visit after a performance at the nearby operahouse (easy to reach from The Harmonie using tram line D)
• Café Landtmann
  Traditional and elegant coffeehouse on Vienna’s Ringstraße road (easy to reach from The Harmonie using tram line D)

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Vienna is synonymous with its coffeehouse culture. These traditional cafés are a place where you can swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a little peace and quiet. In 2011 Vienna’s coffeehouses were even added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Coffee, tea and more at The Harmonie in central Vienna

Those who don’t fancy going out can enjoy plenty of traditional Viennese flair with us at The Harmonie Vienna. After a morning out and about in the city, settle down in our lounge for a relaxing cup of tea or coffee with the obligatory sweet treat. Our afternoon buffet also includes a range of savoury snacks to choose from.