7 Things to Know about Drinking Coffee in Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Of the things to do in Vienna, visiting a traditional Viennese coffeehouse tends to be one of the most popular. Drinking coffee in Vienna is an experience on its own which is why so many tourists are keen to see what it’s like. It’s more than just coffee and cake in a cafe, it’s an institution, an ingrained part of the local culture.

Now, I haven’t put together a guide to Vienna’s best cafes, mainly because it would look an awful like this fantastic one. But beyond finding where to go, there are a few things you should know before wading into this whirlpool of melange and sachertorte. So instead of a cafe guide, I thought I would help you navigate some of the complexities of this beloved Viennese ritual. If you want to make the most of getting coffee in Vienna and come away happy and caffeinated, here’s some things you really ought to know.

With a long sense of tradition, a visit to a Vienna coffeehouse is likely to be a tad more formal than you’re used to. At first it might seem unsettling to see a waiter approach, dressed in a waistcoat and bow tie. Coupled with the grand decor inside many of these cafes, it would be understandable if you felt out-of-place in such a refined place. Marble columns, chandeliers and vaulted ceilings will do that, you know? The truth though, is that you’re perfectly welcome as you are to experience this cherished Viennese custom. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).