Vienna is often praised for its imperial palaces, Baroque architecture, and its role in shaping European music. But for many locals-and savvy travellers-true Viennese culture lives in the cafés. These aren’t just places to grab a coffee and go. They’re cultural institutions in their own right: spaces for reading, debating, sketching, daydreaming, and, of course, slowly enjoying a slice of cake. In a city filled with opera houses and museums, it might seem rebellious to put cake before culture-but once you step inside a traditional Viennese café, you’ll understand why it absolutely deserves top billing.
For travellers seeking charm beyond postcard views, a tour of Vienna’s coffee houses offers something more intimate. Picture marble-topped tables, coat stands, chandeliers, and a waiter in a waistcoat serving you an Einspänner (whipped cream-topped coffee) with all the poise of a maître d’. It’s a ritual, not a rush. This slower pace is what makes holidays to Vienna so appealing for those who want to sip rather than sprint their way through the city. Surprisingly, even all-inclusive holidays can be tailored to give you a generous dose of café-hopping and cake-sampling in between your sightseeing.
If you’re planning holidays to Vienna consider using the city’s famous cafés not just as pit stops-but as the destination. With curated deals available through companies like Travelodeal, it’s easier than ever to craft a break that includes both the cultural essentials, and the sweet, unexpected pleasures found between bites of Sachertorte.
The Story Behind the Steam
Café culture in Vienna is centuries old. These spaces once served as informal salons where writers, intellectuals, and artists gathered to exchange ideas. Sigmund Freud had a favourite. So did Trotsky. And even now, locals treat their regular café like an extension of their living room. Whether you’re writing postcards, sketching in a notebook, or simply watching the world go by, you’re part of a very old tradition-one that values thoughtfulness and reflection over speed and spectacle.
What to Order, and How to Linger
Every café has its signature cake. Café Central’s Apfelstrudel is legendary, while Demel is known for its exquisite Esterházy torte. The iconic Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, is served best with unsweetened whipped cream at Hotel Sacher. Pair your cake with a Melange (a Viennese cousin of the cappuccino), or try a Biedermeier if you fancy something spiked with liqueur. The unwritten rule? Order slowly, linger longer, and never feel rushed. In fact, once you’ve ordered, the table is yours for as long as you like.
A Café for Every Mood
The beauty of Vienna’s café culture is its variety. Want grandeur and drama? Try Café Central with its vaulted ceilings and literary history. Prefer quiet and authenticity? Slip into Café Sperl, where the chairs creak and locals read the paper without glancing at their phones. Need an artsy escape? Café Phil doubles as a bookshop and record store, perfect for introspective solo afternoons. Whether you’re people-watching or plotting your next novel, there’s a café that fits the mood.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
While famous cafés hold their charm, don’t be afraid to venture into neighbourhood spots in Josefstadt or the 7th District. These lesser-known haunts often serve better coffee, tastier cakes, and come without the queues. Locals favour cafés like Wortner or Café Jelinek-places with history in the wallpaper and regulars who treat the staff like family. These hidden gems are where the city’s soul really reveals itself.
Let Cake Set the Pace
In a city bursting with culture, it’s easy to over-plan. But Vienna is best savoured slowly-and sometimes the best way to feel the city’s pulse is through the soft clink of china cups and the hush of voices in a hushed, chandelier-lit room. Let the museums wait. Let the palaces stand proud in the distance. Today, take your seat, order a coffee, and remember: cake isn’t dessert in Vienna. It’s a destination.