ViennaUP Café Spaces

Vienna’s coffee culture traces its roots back to the  17th century, when Ottoman influences introduced the city to its first coffee houses. Over time, these establishments became gathering spots for intellectuals - places where great minds met to debate, dream, and share ideas. They evolved into cultural melting pots, attracting some of history’s most remarkable figures. Writers like Arthur Schnitzler and Stefan Zweig; visionary architects such as Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos; celebrated artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele; and pioneering thinkers including Sigmund Freud and Leo Trotsky: all found inspiration and a sense of belonging within Vienna’s beloved Kaffeehäuser.

Navigating a Viennese coffee house menu is not for the faint of heart; here, coffee is a serious affair. Expect a dazzling array of options, all rooted in the classic “Mokka”, a strong, short black coffee. To sip like a local, order a Melange - not quite a cappuccino, though it comes close. Other time-honoured favourites include the Kleiner Schwarzer (a small black coffee), the Kleiner Brauner (the same with a touch of milk), and the indulgent Franziskaner, crowned with milk and whipped cream. Every cup arrives with a small glass of water and, if fortune smiles on you, a dose of genuine Viennese Schmäh - that signature blend of dry, witty charm the city’s waiters are famous for serving alongside your drink.