A look at history
The roots of Viennese coffee house culture go back a long way and are closely linked to historical events. The first coffee house was founded towards the end of the 17th century by the Armenian spy Deodato, who was commissioned by the Viennese court to prepare coffee. However, the tradition of reading newspapers in Viennese coffee houses only began with Kramer's coffee house on the Graben in 1720.
The coffee houses as the Viennese's "second living room"
Nowadays, Viennese coffee houses are more than just catering establishments - they are an integral part of social life and serve as a "second living room" for many locals. People meet here to chat, read, discuss and simply relax. The atmosphere in the coffee houses is characterised by cosiness, tradition and a touch of nostalgia.
Top 10 coffee houses in Vienna
- Café Central: A traditional coffee house in the centre of Vienna, known for its literary events and first-class service.
- Café Sperl: A cosy coffee house with a long history and a unique atmosphere.
- Café Hawelka: A legendary institution in Vienna, known for its coffee specialities and homemade pastries.
- Café Landtmann: A traditional coffee house near City Hall, famous for its classic Viennese coffee house atmosphere and culinary specialities.
- Café Demel: One of the best-known patisseries in Vienna, famous for its cakes and chocolates.
- Café Prückel: A coffee house with a charming retro ambience and traditional coffee house culture.
- Café Bräunerhof: Known for its traditional Viennese coffee house atmosphere and its long history as a meeting place for locals and tourists.
- Café Mozart: A coffee house with a typical Viennese atmosphere, especially recommended for its Mozarttorte and Wiener Melange.
- Café Museum: A popular meeting place for art and culture enthusiasts, known for its Art Nouveau-style furnishings.
- Café Frauenhuber: One of the oldest coffee houses in the city, known for its classic Austrian specialities and Viennese coffee house culture.
In these coffee houses, you can not only enjoy first-class coffee, but also experience the unique atmosphere and history of Viennese coffee house culture. From traditional pastries to literary events, they offer a varied programme for locals and tourists alike.
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Source: vienna.at, UNESCO
