Café culture in Europe is much different than it is in America. While American cafés are all about quick-stop, disposable-cup lattes on the go, European cafés are a lot fancier. But there’s a good reason for this.
Historically, cafés in Europe—most notably, Vienna—boast a rich history of esteemed poets and great thinkers who often frequented them. To this day, the Austrian capital has retained some of its café glory, which is why they’re a major tourist attraction in Vienna. But which ones do you need to visit?
Café Central
Opened in 1876, this is literally the number one tourist attraction when it comes to cafés in Vienna. Its grandeur alone will make you feel like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant, and the Mélange is simply exquisite. The fact that Sigmund Freud himself hung out here a lot should add to its allure as well.
Café Hawelka
Not even close to as grand as Café Central, and that’s why it’s magical. Walking into Café Hawelka feels more like walking into a living room, and this is exactly the rustic ambiance that attracted the likes of Andy Warhol and other freethinker types of the ’60s and ’70s.
Café Sacher
The Sachertorte is the most famous dessert in Vienna, and Café Sacher is where it originated. This popular dark chocolate and apricot treat has since been replicated, but nothing compares to the original, which was originally invented for Prince Metternich himself.