DK Travel : Vienna

Splendid edifices, magnificent palaces and imposing churches spanning the centuries all make Vienna a wonderful city to visit, oozing both charm and atmosphere. Although its imperial grandeur can still be felt, this city of music has more to offer than just its glorious past; contemporary architecture, a brimming cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife add to its appeal. No matter how many times you return, you will always discover something new.

Café Central

One of the city’s best-known cafés, the Central was the meeting place for Vienna’s intellectuals at the turn of the 19th century – the poet Peter Altenberg gathered a literary circle and he even had his mail delivered here. Leon Trotsky was also one of the regulars during his Vienna exile prior to World War I. Today the Central serves almost 1,000 cups of coffee a day in its elegant setting (see p94).
Café Central

Situated in the historic Palais Ferstel, this café was the meeting point for the city’s intellectuals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Live piano music daily (see p76).
Café Demel

The Demel is Vienna’s most refined retreat for cake-lovers. Opened in 1786, by the mid-19th century it had become a hotspot for the Viennese upper classes, even providing Empress Sisi with her favourite sweet, violet sorbet.
Café Diglas

Established in 1923, the Diglas has marble tables, wooden chairs and little window booths fitted with red velvet sofas. The newspaper rack and the cakes – slices are served with a small mountain of whipped cream – are obligatory (see p94).
Café Diglas

A very charming, small traditional café with stuccoed walls, Diglas sells mouth-watering cakes and you can even watch how apple strudel, Sachertorte and the like are made in the historic bakery.
Café Dommayer

A traditional café with red velvet upholstery, a wooden verandah and a pretty garden. Johann Strauss used to give concerts here.
Café Drechsler

Established in 1918, this typical Viennese coffeehouse is particularly popular with night owls and early birds as it opens in the early morning hours.
Café Frauenhuber

Mozart gave piano concerts in the music room of the café (see p94).
Café Frauenhuber

Not only one of the city’s oldest but also most beautiful cafés, with cosy red sofas and marble tables. A large variety of cakes and snacks are available.
Café Goldegg

A peaceful café and a retreat for reading the daily papers. There is a games room where you can play chess or cards.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70