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. read more