Curator’s statement
After dozens of trips to Vienna and due to the city’s robust coffee culture, I can say with the utmost conviction that it is my favorite destination in the world to overcome jet lag. There are a few Starbucks locations scattered about, but the REAL Viennese cafés date back to the 1800s in many cases and are integral to the local culture. In addition to the affinity for caffeine, Vienna was the heartbeat of the Habsburg monarchy, capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries and has been a cultural and artistic epicenter for as long. The Austrian capital’s history and lifestyle make it one of the most enjoyable cities to visit in all of Europe.
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Things to do in Vienna
St. Stephan’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): The iconic cathedral at the heart of Vienna’s city center, just around the corner from Cafe Hawelka. Take in the beautiful city views from the top of the bell tower and don’t miss the fascinating (if not a little creepy) tours of the crypt below!
Naschmarkt: Vienna’s wonderful market, with stalls containing a myriad of foods and products for sale, as well as casual eateries, and close to Cafe Sperl for a mid-shopping respite.
MuseumsQuartier: Home to more than 10 different museums ranging from varying genres.
Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper): Don’t visit Vienna without taking a tour of its world-famous opera house! They offer tours regularly and have several each day in English. If you need to kill time waiting for your tour, stop in Cafe Sacher across the street!
Hofburg: Immense former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Tour the palace’s private apartments, visit the Imperial Crown jewels and wander through the beautiful gardens!
Prater: If you've had enough coffee and need to expend some energy, stop in the Prater amusement park. You can choose from the classic ferris wheel for a romantic view of Vienna, or plenty of rides for the more adventurous visitor! Be sure to wander all the way to the back and visit the Schweitzerhaus restaurant & Biergarten for a beverage or meal.
Schloss Schönbrunn: The Habsburgs’ immense palace on the outskirts of Vienna, formerly their “summer home.” Walk the grounds, gardens and zoo; hike up to the Gloriette; tour the palace; and sign up for the twice-monthly Apple Strudel baking class to get the official royal how-to!
Rathaus: The expansive park in front of this iconic government building is filled with food and drink stalls and hosts a free film festival during the summer months! In the winter, it transforms into an enchanting Christmas Market. Be sure to swing by Cafe Landtmann across the street while you're in the neighborhood!
Belvedere Museum: Wonderful museum housed in a Palace and home to an incredible collection of art, most notably by Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele.
Austrian National Library: Lesser known and visited, but one of the most stunning buildings in Vienna, with incredible ornamentation and ceiling Baroque frescoes.
Places to eat & drink in Vienna
Cafe Central: This 150-year old cafe is one of the most iconic in Vienna. The interior is stunning and has hosted countless historical figures of the Viennese intellectual scene.
Cafe Sperl: Built in 1880, Cafe Sperl is my personal favorite of all of Vienna’s traditional coffeehouses, just a short walk from the Naschmarkt, serves fantastic coffee and desserts with a relaxing vibe (with a rack of newspapers from around the world if you want to set your phone down for a few minutes).
Fenster Cafe: Hole in the wall cafe (quite literally, “window cafe”), with the usual Viennese coffee offerings but uniquely served in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone!
Cafe Sacher: On the ground floor of the Hotel Sacher, this home of the famous Sacher-torte is a must-visit. Stop in for formal cake and cappuccino service across the street from the Vienna Opera House. If you can’t get enough, you can express-mail a cake to friends or family from their gift shop!
Demel: Former Imperial bakery of the Habsburgs with a display case that looks like a museum exhibit!
Cafe Hawelka: First-rate cafe with a bit of a brooding atmosphere just down a side street a couple of blocks from St. Stephan’s cathedral in central Vienna.
Figlmüller: One of the most iconic restaurants in central Vienna and likely the most famous Schnitzel. There can be a wait, but it’s worth it!
Weingut Furgassl-Huber: If you have reached your limit on caffeinated beverages, visit the northern part of Vienna where there is a collection of wineries, most of which serve traditional Austrian food. This is one of my absolute favorites and has a beautiful outdoor garden and terraced seating area.
Würstel Stand zum Hohen Markt: Don’t visit Vienna without trying a käsekrainer (sausage stuffed with cheese) here! This sausage stand, patronized by Anthony Bourdain, is perfect if you've had so much caffeine that you are up late and need a bite!
Restaurant XXL Leopolder Alm: Traditional Austrian restaurant in the suburbs with the largest plate of Wienerschnitzel I’ve ever seen!!
Cafe Imperial: Traditional cafe on the ground floor of Hotel Imperial, right on the Ringstrasse. Fantastic coffee, impeccable service, and the hotel even has its own chocolate maker so the dessert offerings are spectacular!
Gerstner K. u K.: Imperial cafe and sweets provider sits across the street from the Vienna Opera, within sight of Cafe Sacher. First-rate pastries and desserts, and the interior of the building itself is worth a visit!
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Travel Advisor
Nathan Mitchell
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austria. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Rabia Malik’s guide, Immersing Yourself in Vienna, Austria.