Café Central

Cafe Central

The Vienna audio-guided tour stops you before Cafe Central, a true institution of the city. Set in a palace, this cafe is often cited among the most beautiful in the world, as much for its setting as for the intellectual history attached to it.

A famous literary cafe

Located at 14 Herrengasse, in the Palais Ferstel, Cafe Central was long a meeting place of Viennese intellectual life. At the turn of the 20th century, it was frequented by many figures of history and thought, writers and thinkers of all kinds, which made it one of the most history-laden cafes in Europe. Its interior of arcades and chandeliers adds to its fame.

What there is to see and taste

Under its arcades and chandeliers, Cafe Central continues the tradition of the Viennese coffee house, an art of living recognised as cultural heritage. There you enjoy a coffee with an apfelstrudel or other Austrian treats. The menu of coffee specialities is very extensive: rather than asking for a Viennese coffee, an expression with no equivalent locally, it is better to choose among the preparations offered.

Practical information

Cafe Central is at 14 Herrengasse, in the centre of Vienna. Very busy, it often has a queue at the entrance; hours vary by day and season. The establishment may have periods of closure for renovation: it is best to check before going.

Why is Cafe Central famous ?

Set in a palace, it was a key venue of Viennese intellectual life and is still cited among the most beautiful cafes in the world.

What can you taste there ?

You enjoy a coffee with an apfelstrudel or other treats, in the tradition of the Viennese coffee house.