Vienna’s coffeehouse culture

The first coffeehouse opened in Vienna in 1685 and since then the Viennese coffeehouse culture has been a part of the very fabric of the city. Vienna’s coffeehouses are made to linger in; order a cup of coffee and some cake (most cafes have a specialty cake), peruse the newspapers, read a book or simply people-watch. If you want to do this in an opulent surrounding, head to Café Central with its vaulted ceiling, gorgeous chandeliers and marble columns, it’s got a royal air about it. If you want to indulge your sweet tooth, visit the legendary Café Sacher for its equally legendary Sacher Torte. One of my personal favourites is Café Sperl (also a local favourite)―I love the cosy booths and the convivial atmosphere. Another must-try coffeehouse is Café Griensteidl―head here for a typical Viennese lunch of goulash and semmel bread, washed down with a beer, and end with a delectable topfenstrudel. Also make your way to Vienna’s oldest (surviving) coffeehouse―Café Frauenhuber, where apparently both Mozart and Beethoven have performed. If you’re tired of drinking coffee, order a decadent cup of hot chocolate, even better if it’s spiked with rum and topped with whipped cream! And last, but not the least, visit Café Demel―while the coffeehouse is excellent, it’s their shop next door that’s really the star attraction. It’s like stepping into a dessert wonderland, with shelves piled high with chocolates, cookies, pastries, cakes and suchlike.