The Best Cafes for Meeting Friends and Eating out in Vienna, Austria

Would you like to hang out with friends at a nice place with friendly ambience and have a relaxed conversation without intrusive loud background music? Cafes are popular establishments for this. Passing some time in a cozy coffeehouse in a lazy fashion is part of the Viennese life style. You should definitely experience this during your stay in the city.

Café Central

Address: Address: 14 Herrengasse, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.cafecentral.wien/en/

Step into history at Café Central, one of Vienna’s most iconic coffee houses. Once frequented by figures like Trotsky and Freud, this opulent café boasts stunning vaulted ceilings and a grand atmosphere perfect for soaking in Viennese tradition. Tourists can enjoy classic pastries like Apfelstrudel or a rich slice of Sachertorte while listening to live piano music. It’s more than a café—it’s a time capsule of imperial elegance and intellectual heritage in the heart of the city.

Café Sacher

Address: Inside Hotel Sacher, Philharmoniker Straße 4, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.sacher.com/en/

Café Sacher is a must-visit for anyone eager to try the world-famous Original Sacher-Torte in its birthplace. Nestled within the luxurious Hotel Sacher, this elegant café delivers a refined Viennese experience with impeccable service, antique décor, and a sense of timeless charm. Whether you're sipping a Melange or indulging in decadent pastries, the ambiance transports you to a world of 19th-century sophistication just steps away from the Vienna State Opera.

Café Gerstner

Address: Kärntner Straße 51, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.gerstner-konditorei.at/en/index.html

Café Gerstner combines imperial flair with a modern twist, offering three beautiful floors of sweet indulgence across from the Vienna State Opera. The historic patisserie dates back to 1847 and is known for its lavish cakes, colorful macarons, and artisanal chocolates. Its elegant tea salon is perfect for a relaxed break after sightseeing, while the rooftop view adds a special touch. Don’t miss their artistic pastry displays—almost too beautiful to eat!

Café Prückel

Address: 24 Stubenring, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.prueckel.at/

Café Prückel offers a delightful step back into 1950s Vienna with its retro interior and classic charm. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and spacious seating, it's ideal for both quiet reflection and people-watching. Locals and tourists alike flock here for its house-made cakes, crispy apple strudel, and traditional Viennese coffee. Conveniently located on the Ringstrasse, it's a great stop after visiting nearby museums or strolling through the city center.

Café Ministerium

Address: Georg-Coch-Platz 4, 1010 Wien
Web: https://cafeministerium.at/

Café Ministerium offers a charming blend of traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture and elegant, old-world ambiance. Just steps from the Ringstrasse and major attractions like Stadtpark, this café is a perfect stop for tourists seeking a relaxed yet classic experience. Visitors can enjoy rich Austrian coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty local dishes in a beautifully preserved interior. With its welcoming atmosphere and central location, Café Ministerium is a must-visit spot to soak in Vienna’s historic charm.

Café Schwarzenberg

Address: 17 Kärntner Ring, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.cafe-schwarzenberg.at/en/

As the oldest surviving Ringstrasse café, Café Schwarzenberg radiates traditional Viennese elegance. Its polished wood, chandeliers, and mirrored walls evoke a bygone era of imperial grandeur. Popular with both tourists and locals, it’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely breakfast, hearty goulash, or a rich dessert with coffee. Located near Stadtpark and Musikverein, it's a perfect break during your city explorations or before an evening concert.

Kaffee Alt Wien

Address: 9 Bäckerstraße, 1010 Wien
Web: https://kaffeealtwien.at

Kaffee Alt Wien is a charmingly bohemian alternative to Vienna’s more polished coffee houses. With its dim lighting, cozy corners, and eclectic art-covered walls, it attracts writers, artists, and curious tourists alike. Founded in 1922, it retains a raw, authentic character and serves hearty fare alongside strong coffee and beer. It's a unique cultural experience where you can soak up the grittier, more intimate side of Viennese café life.

Cafe Sperl

Address: Gumpendorfer Straße 11, 1060 Wien
Web: https://www.cafesperl.at/en_home.html

Cafe Sperl is a quintessential Viennese café experience, known for its cozy yet elegant Belle Époque interior and old-world charm. With its billiard tables, antique furnishings, and quiet ambiance, it has served as a film set and a favorite haunt for artists and intellectuals. Located near the Naschmarkt and MuseumsQuartier, it’s a perfect escape for a long coffee break with a slice of cake or traditional Viennese breakfast.

Cafe Leopold Hawekla

Address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.hawelka.at

A legendary institution, Cafe Hawelka is steeped in post-war Viennese art and literary culture. Its dimly lit interior and well-worn charm have attracted generations of artists, writers, and curious travelers. Famous for its homemade Buchteln (jam-filled sweet rolls), this café offers a uniquely intimate and nostalgic atmosphere. Just steps from the Graben and Stephansplatz, it’s a cozy haven for those seeking a more authentic, slightly bohemian Viennese café experience.

Café Dommayer (Kurkonditorei OBERLAA)

Address: Dommayergasse 1, 1130 Wien
Web: https://www.oberlaa-wien.at

Café Dommayer is a refined, tranquil retreat in Vienna’s leafy Hietzing district, near Schönbrunn Palace. With a legacy linked to composer Johann Strauss Sr., this café combines music history with top-quality confectionery from Kurkonditorei Oberlaa. Visitors can enjoy elegant pastries, creamy coffee, and a serene garden terrace—ideal for escaping the city bustle. It's a favorite among locals and a perfect spot to unwind after a palace tour.

Café Mozart

Address: Albertinaplatz 2, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.cafe-mozart.at/en/cafe-mozart.html

Opposite the Albertina and near the Opera House, Café Mozart offers an unbeatable location paired with classic Viennese hospitality. This stylish café has welcomed guests since 1794 and is known for its crisp apple strudel, Mozart Torte, and hearty breakfast options. With its tasteful décor and lively outdoor terrace, it’s the perfect place to pause during a day of sightseeing, especially for those who appreciate both sweet treats and cultural landmarks.

Café Imperial

Address: Kärntner Ring 16, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.cafe-imperial.at/en/

Café Imperial exudes luxurious sophistication, located within the opulent Hotel Imperial. Renowned for its exquisite Imperial Torte — a rich, multi-layered chocolate creation — t’s a feast for the senses. The marble pillars, gold accents, and refined ambiance provide a royal setting to enjoy coffee and dessert like aristocracy once did. Just a short walk from the Musikverein, it's an ideal stop for lovers of both classical music and gourmet indulgence.