Café spaces in Vienna

As a result of Ottoman influences in the late 17^th century, coffee houses began springing up all over the city and establishing themselves in society as the meeting places of choice for great minds to exchange ideas. They became melting pots of culture and were especially beloved by the greats of literature (like Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig and Hugo von Hofmannsthal), although world-renowned architects (Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos), superstar artists (Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele) and fabled thinkers (Sigmund Freud and Leo Trotsky) also frequented these institutions.

Be prepared for a selection of coffee as long as your arm on the menu, because the Viennese take coffee seriously. Melange, Brauner, and a Franziskaner coffees are among the most popular with locals. Not sure which would suit your tastes? Ask the waiter for his recommendation. Your coffee will be served with a small glass of water and, if you’re lucky, a serving of Viennese Schmäh (dark, sarcastic wit), which the waiters are renowned for dishing out on occasion.