Café spaces in Vienna

In the late 17^th century, Ottoman influences in Vienna saw coffee houses popping up all over the city. Over the years, they established themselves in society as the meeting places of choice for great minds to philosophise and exchange ideas. They became melting pots of culture and in them the great names of the ages found a home away from home: the legends of literature (like Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig and Hugo von Hofmannsthal), world-renowned architects (Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos), celebrated artists (Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele) and illustrious thinkers (Sigmund Freud and Leo Trotsky) all frequented their instiutions of choice.

Viennese coffee house menus are not for beginners! Coffee is taken seriously here, so be prepared for a seemingly endless selection of coffee. To drink like a local, try a Melange, Brauner, or a Franziskaner coffee. If you can't decipher which choice would tickle your tastebuds, 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.