If you are anything like me, you’d consider yourself to be quite the coffee connoisseur. No day starts without a cup of strong coffee in hand. But this deep affection for coffee beans goes a step further when you take this love affair abroad. That’s right, I was looking for the best coffee shops in Vienna. And much to your delight, it looks like I found it.
Buckle up coffee lovers because the best caffeine-induced story begins now …
For a while now I have felt this special need to write about one of the most amazing coffee experiences I`ve ever had on my trips. It was simply a “Glorious” occasion, and I will tell you exactly why this moment deserves an entire blog. All you have to know is that even on a subconscious level I was always going to be on a quest to find the best coffee shops in Vienna.
Alright, let’s dive in.
My quest for the best coffee shops in Vienna
It all began in Vienna, Austria, when I was delighted to go with my husband to the Schönbrunn Palace. This is the summer palace that belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy. This place may also deserve an entire written tip; however, I will mention it right here.
This palace is a one-day trip, with enough activities for everyone! From an art museum to a giant pine labyrinth where you can get both lost and found to the immaculate views that you are given at every single turn, visiting this palace is an absolute treat. You can visit this location by yourself, on a family trip or with your kids…you have enough for everyone`s taste.
It opens daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm, even on holidays!
I would recommend that since there`s a lot to see that`s worth it, make sure to buy a combined ticket called the “Classic Pass” (18 euros) that includes 4 attractions, even the entire tour inside the palace where you can get to see every room, furniture and use that Habsburg Monarchy gave to every spot. I even stood upright in the very same room where Mozart gave his first concert at the age of 6 years for the empress… It really was something to me!
After a perfect day in heavenly Schönbrunn (…yes, it feels like heaven), you just need to do one last thing before you leave, and THIS is my tip today:
Visit “The Gloriette” on the top of the hill!
This is a spot that the empress asked to be built for her to spend her afternoons, for whenever she wanted to get a away from the palace. When you arrive at The Gloriette, make sure to enter its coffee shop, sit back, relax and ask for a fine coffee or red tea in a glass, with the most glorious little cake called “The Sisi`s-Cupcake”. It is in honour to the Habsburg empress Elizabeth, well known as Sisi.
It is not only a cake I can assure you.
This cupcake was totally mouth-watering. When I saw the cake coming it looked really nice, but then…It was love at first bite.
I repeat, it is a heavenly Habsburg experience!
Taking this coffee, in this place, with a perfect view of dusk illuminating the palace`s perfectly symmetrical gardens and a view of Vienna on the background of my sight, was certainly the cherry on the top of my day … just like the Gloriette on the top of that memorable hill.
I hope you can get to experience this once in your life. Just for the cupcake or just for the feeling overall.
This was the best coffee time experience I`ve had so far!
The best coffee shops in Vienna – honourable mentions
Now, when it comes to deciphering the best coffee shops in Vienna it is definitely clear who my winner is. That being said, that doesn’t take away from the fact that there are a number of incredible local coffee shops in Vienna. Again, these are some of the best that I have ever been to. So, take notes, bookmark this page and make sure that you add them to your must-visit list when you are planning your trip to Vienna!
Café Sacher
Home to the original Sachertorte cake, having a slice of this renowned cake with a hot cup of coffee and their 19th century interiors is heaven on earth.
Café Museum
Often described as the perfect blend of traditional Viennese coffee house culture and literature, this is an absolute must-see!
Café Landtmann
This is where the whose-who go to see and be seen. This flagship coffee shop has an impressive coffee selection that will have you visiting this much-loved location often.
What to expect from the best coffee shops in Vienna
From the moment that you walk into any coffee shop in Vienna, you can be rest assured that you will instantly be hit with the familiar scent of roasting coffee beans. It is decadent and familiar and unashamedly one of the best aromas around. But the real treat happens when you sit down.
Now, fair warning most coffee shops in Vienna are filled with fellow coffee enthusiasts, so expect a bustling ambience while you get your caffeine in for the day. If you’re into people-watching and a good cuppa then you will definitely agree that the best coffee shops in Vienna tend to be the busiest.
You will also notice that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to speciality coffee options. From your straight filter coffee, to espresso, iced coffee and complex flavoured coffees, you have hit the jackpot here. Whether you are into more classic options or feeling a little more adventurous, Vienna’s got you sorted.
Better yet, you aren’t just expected to consume your coffee without a decadent pastry. If you thought that the coffee options were impressive, wait until you see the bakery section. As a general rule of thumb, it seems that most coffee houses in Vienna have some baked good to offer you with your cup of coffee – and I love it! From scrumptious cake options to puff pastry yummies and savoury baked goods, you are totally sorted.
Hospitality is the name of the game and it’s clear at every Vienna coffee shop that you stop by, which is why I am dubbing Vienna the official café central!
Check out some of our other posts on Vienna:
- Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
- Eating out in Vienna, Austria: Dishes You Will Never Have Heard of
- Top Street Food and Top Ice Cream Shops in Vienna, Austria
- How to Get Standing Room Tickets for the Vienna State Opera
- Camping in Vienna – From Vienna with Love
