The Viennese Kaffeehaus is a way of life recognised as UNESCO heritage. Sitting for hours with a Melange, a newspaper and a Sachertorte in an 1800s cafe is a timeless experience.
The Viennese Kaffeehaus: a tradition that is a heritage of humanity
The Viennese cafe is not a place to drink a quick espresso: it is a social institution where you come to read the newspapers (available for free), meet friends, work or simply pass the time without hurry.
Cafe Central (1876)
The Cafe Central, in a neo-Gothic palace in the historic centre, is one of the most beautiful in the world. Freud, Lenin (when he was in exile in Vienna), Trotsky and Stefan Zweig used to sit here. The Esterhazy cake and the Melange (coffee with frothed milk) are the must-haves.
Cafe Sacher: the original Sachertorte
The Cafe Sacher, in the hotel opposite the State Opera, serves the original Sachertorte: the chocolate cake with apricot jam covered in dark icing, invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher. The "Sachertorte war" (1954-1963) between Sacher and Demel to establish who had the original recipe is one of the most famous trials in Austrian gastronomic history.
Cafe Landtmann (1873)
Freud was a regular customer. Today it is the favourite cafe of politicians and actors from the nearby Burgtheater. The service is impeccable, the pastries excellent.