Apart from its museums, Vienna's café culture is the most unique attraction for a visitor. Since the 19th century, locals have been socializing at these high-ceilinged establishments complete with suit-and-tie-wearing waiters, oversized windows, and neatly laid out newspapers. Journalists, artists, businesspeople – everyone has their go-tos. The coffee itself is usually pretty bad, but despite the recent advance of minimalist new-wave coffee shops, Viennese love for the classical café hasn’t abated.
Cafés are open throughout the day and also serve breakfast, Austrian classics (schnitzel, goulash, etc.), and pastries. Wifi is rarely available, but lingering is okay, even expected. Below, you’ll find a selection of my favorites, some with more tourists than others.