I’m a regular visitor to Vienna and when I’m there, I love visiting their iconic Vienna Cafes or coffee houses.  The cultural and historical significance of these places seeps through the walls and the chandeliers.  And the cakes are works of art! You can find classic Viennese cakes such as Sacher Torte, Esterhazy Torte, Kugelhupf and many more.  You can also find Viennese snacks and meals. Sit and soak up not only their beauty and elegance, but also contemplate those historical and artistic figures who visited before you.

Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, these cafes are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee—they are institutions of art, literature, and history. Here are seven iconic Viennese cafes that encapsulate the spirit of the Austrian capital, each with its unique charm and an illustrious list of past patrons. You’ll be able to find tours to take in these iconic Coffee Houses, as well as other parts of Vienna.

*This article may contain affiliate links through which, if a purchase is made, the writer may receive a commission.

1. Café Central

A beacon of intellectual and artistic activity, Café Central opened its doors in 1876 in the Palais Ferstel. Its opulent interiors, featuring high vaulted ceilings and marble columns, exude an old-world charm that remains timeless.

Famous patrons included Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Stefan Zweig, among others. Trotsky, during his years of exile, was said to have spent countless hours here, possibly plotting revolutionary ideas over coffee and pastries. Today, visitors come for the history and the house specialties like the rich Viennese melange or the decadent Sachertorte.

2. Café Sacher

Located adjacent to the iconic Hotel Sacher, Café Sacher is synonymous with the world-famous Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam. The café’s luxurious ambiance, with its plush red velvet seats and dark wood paneling, harks back to Vienna’s imperial era.

It has attracted figures such as John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, and Plácido Domingo. While the Sachertorte is the star attraction, visitors also savor the café’s rich selection of coffees and teas. The café is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in Vienna’s imperial elegance.

3. Café Landtmann

Founded in 1873, Café Landtmann is one of the city’s most distinguished coffeehouses. With its prime location near the Burgtheater and the Austrian Parliament, it has long been a favorite meeting spot for politicians, actors, and writers.

Among its notable patrons were Sigmund Freud, who reportedly enjoyed mulling over psychoanalytic theories here, and playwright Arthur Schnitzler. Today, Café Landtmann retains its classic style with refined service, offering everything from traditional Viennese coffee to a robust breakfast menu.

4. Café Demel

For those who love pastries, Café Demel is a pilgrimage site. Founded in 1786, Demel is as much a museum as it is a café, with its historic interior and displays of intricate confectionery. Its motto, “K.u.K Hofzuckerbäcker” (Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner), reflects its prestigious status as a supplier to the Habsburg monarchy.

Empress Sisi (Elisabeth of Austria) is said to have adored Demel’s candied violets, while Gustav Klimt, the renowned painter, was also a regular. Don’t miss the iconic strudel-making demonstration, showcasing the traditional techniques behind one of Austria’s most beloved desserts.

5. Café Hawelka

Famed Austrian writer Franz Kafka and postwar poets such as Hans Weigel were frequent visitors. Café Hawelka is particularly renowned for its Buchteln, sweet rolls filled with jam, served warm and fresh every evening.

For a more bohemian atmosphere, Café Hawelka stands out. Opened in 1939 by Leopold and Josefine Hawelka, the café quickly became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals after World War II. Its slightly worn interiors, dim lighting, and smoky atmosphere (in the days before smoking bans) gave it a distinctly avant-garde vibe.

6. Café Sperl

Founded: 1880
Famous Patrons: Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele

Café Sperl is one of Vienna’s most authentic and well-preserved coffeehouses. Its vintage wooden interiors, crystal chandeliers, and billiard tables make it a timeless space. Artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele were frequent visitors, and the café continues to attract creatives and romantics alike.

Don’t miss the classic Sperl Torte, a delightful hazelnut and chocolate creation, or simply enjoy a Wiener Melange while soaking in the relaxed, historic ambiance.

7. Café Frauenhuber

Founded: 1824
Famous Patrons: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven

Café Frauenhuber holds the distinction of being the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna still in operation. Its walls have witnessed musical greatness—both Mozart and Beethoven performed here. The café maintains a low-key charm, with dark wood interiors and an inviting, unpretentious vibe.

Enjoy a classic Einspänner (a strong black coffee topped with whipped cream) while imagining the melodies of Mozart echoing through the walls.

So whether you’re savoring a Sachertorte at Café Sacher, soaking in bohemian vibes at Café Hawelka, or stepping back in time at Café Sperl, you’re not just having coffee—you’re embracing Vienna’s extraordinary legacy, one sip at a time.