Inside Austria’s Coffeehouse Culture: A Taste of Tradition

What is that saying? Coffee makes the world go round, well, this is true for Austrian Coffee Culture. Just as Austrians love a cold glass of beer, they also value a good cup of coffee and a warm conversation among friends. After living in Austria for many years, here is what I have come to learn about coffee culture in Austria.

The Experience is Key

Despite still being a punctual and efficient society, the get-up-and-go fashion tends to slow when entering a cafe. Coffee is more than just a means of staying awake in Austria; it is an experience, from the roast of the bean to the foam on a cappuccino, to the small coffee cups used for display, or rather, the aroma.

One should never expect an invitation to a cafe to be met without deep conversations. Transitional Austrian cafes are meant to be enjoyed at great length, so don’t be afraid to grab a book and enjoy the modest build of a classic coffee house.

The Famous Cups of Coffee

Everywhere tends to have its own way to indulge in a good cup of coffee, for instance, the Café con Leche or the Turkish coffee heated in a cezve. Austria has their famous melange, which is similar to a cappuccino, but it uses mildly caramelized coffee beans to provide a sweeter taste. However, if you prefer a more centralized Viennese coffee, try the Einspänner, a black coffee topped with whipped cream, or for your more tedious days, the Fiaker, which adds a little rum to the mix.

A Simple Pair: Coffee and Dessert

Coffee is just one aspect of coffee culture. If it is your first time in Vienna, make sure to pair a cup of coffee with a traditional pastry. If you ask me, I would say the Apfelstrudel is the best, but you must try the Sachertorte. Do not go to Austria without expecting to indulge in some sweets.

3 Famous Viennese Coffee Houses

Café Central

Austria is huge for historical landmarks, and this cafe represents them nonetheless. Located in the first district, Café Central has been known to be a common place for historical figures such as Adolf Hitler and Alfred Adler. This cafe was also supported by patrons Sigmund Freud and Stalin.

Note that this cafe is always packed, so make sure to reserve a table well in advance or arrive early to try to avoid the lineups.

Café Sacher

Remember the pastry you must try, well, this is the birthplace of the Sachertorte. No need to guess where to purchase one of these cakes, start with the very best at Café Sacher.

Café Frauenhuber

Step into Vienna’s oldest running cafe, operating since 1824. This cafe is so old that some of the most famous classical composers once performed here. Imagine the past performances of Mozart and Beethoven.

Special Call Out

Das Cafe

Vienna is home to many university students. Take your textbooks and laptop to Das Cafe. Das Cafe is open late, it has affordable beverages, and it’s very near the University of Vienna. Bring some earbuds, grab a seat, and start studying for hours.

Rondell Café

The Rondell Café is also a very well-known cafe, but I want to ensure it gets a place in this article, as it comes with probably the best view of Vienna. If you enjoy nature, start your day with a walk up the mountain or take the bus to the top of the Cobenzl mountain. Check out the Leopoldsberg Castle that is nearby, or wander until you find some wine gardens to enjoy.

Want to Know About Austria?

After almost six years, I have more than enough advice and stories to share about Austria. If you’re new here (which you likely are because this is my first blog), join me on this journey. Subscribe to get any updates on new posts, or simply send me an email to say hi.