Blick in das Café Gerstner. Goldene Kronleuchter an der Decke, Deckenvertäfelung, gepolsterte Stühle in rot und grün. Ein Sonnenstrahl scheint ins Bild. Besucher:innen sitzen an den Tischen und trinken Kaffee.

Photo: Stefanie Jost

Types of Viennese coffee: Discover the diversity of Viennese coffee culture

Vienna and coffee – they simply belong together.

But what exactly is the difference between a Melange, a Verlängerter, and an Einspänner? In this article, you will delve into the world of Viennese coffee varieties, learn what makes coffee house culture so special, and receive recommendations for coffee houses that you should definitely visit. Perfect for anyone who wants to not only see Vienna, but also taste it.

What is the typical Viennese coffee specialty?
Viennese coffee house culture: more than just drinking coffee
An overview of typical Viennese coffee types
How to enjoy coffee in Vienna – with style and a silver tray
Coffee house = cultural center

1. What is the typical Viennese coffee specialty?

A person pours milk from a black milk jug into a coffee cup. Bird's-eye view. The cup is standing on a solid wooden table. — Would you like a coffee?

The most famous coffee specialty in Vienna is the Wiener Melange – a mild coffee with hot milk and milk foam. Other typical Viennese coffee varieties include the Einspänner, the Kleine Braune, the Verlängerte, and the refreshing Mazagran. In every traditional coffee house in Vienna, your coffee will be served in style – on a silver tray, with a glass of tap water.

2. Viennese coffee house culture: More than just drinking coffee

Bird's-eye view of a plate with a slice of apple strudel and vanilla sauce. A silver spoon and fork are stacked on a white napkin. The golden patterned ceiling is reflected on the tabletop. — Apple strudel with vanilla sauce

A visit to a coffee house is simply a must in Vienna – whether you're having breakfast, reading the newspaper, or spending hours people-watching. Viennese coffee house culture is a place for meeting people, thinking, and enjoying art. Since the 17th century, people have been doing more than just drinking coffee here – they have discussed, written, and dreamed. In 2011, it was even recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

3. An overview of typical Viennese coffee types

A black coffee cup with golden Aida lettering stands on a silver tray. A water glass can be seen at the edge. — Overview of coffee types

Here you can find an overview of Vienna's most popular coffee specialties – with descriptions and fun facts:

Wiener Melange

A classic of Viennese coffee culture. It consists of black coffee and hot milk, topped with creamy milk foam. It is reminiscent of a cappuccino, but slightly milder. Perfect for those who like things cozy.

Kleiner Schwarzer / Großer Schwarzer

A single or double espresso. Strong, pure, classic.

Kleiner Brauner / Großer Brauner

A black coffee with a dash of milk or cream. Often served with milk in a separate jug so you can add as much as you like.

Verlängerter

An espresso diluted with hot water. Ideal for those who prefer a less intense flavor but don't want to compromise on aroma.

Einspänner

Strong black coffee served in a glass with a thick layer of whipped cream on top. This Viennese specialty keeps the coffee hot for a long time—it used to be popular with horse-drawn carriage drivers.

Franziskaner

The refined version of the melange: black coffee with hot milk and whipped cream instead of milk foam – particularly creamy.

Kapuziner

A small black coffee with a dash of cream – just enough to give it the color of a Capuchin monk's habit.

Mazagran

A cold, sweetened black coffee with ice cubes – sometimes with a dash of rum. A refreshing Viennese coffee specialty for hot summer days.

Kaffee verkehrt (Coffee upside down)

The name says it all: more milk than coffee. Particularly mild and ideal for beginners.

4. How to enjoy coffee in Vienna – with style and a silver tray

In Vienna, coffee is served in the traditional manner: on a small silver tray, with a glass of water and a small spoon. The glass of Viennese tap water is more than just an accompaniment—it shows consideration and invites you to stay as long as you wish.

5. Coffee houses in Vienna that you shouldn't miss

White coffee cup with golden Café Schwarzenberg lettering. The cup stands on a white saucer and silver-plated tray. — Café Schwarzenberg

With EasyCityPass Vienna, you can quickly reach the city's most beautiful coffee houses. Here are a few tips for authentic experiences:

Café Central

Historic atmosphere at Palais Ferstel. Trotsky, Freud, and Altenberg used to drink their “Kleiner Brauner” here.
Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna

Café Hawelka

Legendary artists' café with a smoky soul and history around every corner. With our EasyCityPass Vienna partner Wien mal anders, you can enjoy a coffee house tour including tastings at Café Hawelka. Get a 20% discount on this special Vienna experience. For more information about Wien mal anders and how to book the tour, click here.
Address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Vienna

Café Prückel

A real insider tip with 1950s interior design, a classic Viennese menu, and great coffee.
Address: Stubenring 24, 1010 Vienna

Café Landtmann

Throughout its long history, Café Landtmann has served as a meeting place for many of Austria's leading industrialists, politicians, thinkers, and artists, and was the favorite coffee house of Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, Peter Altenberg, Felix Salten, and Emmerich Kálmán.
Address: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Vienna

Café Schwarzenberg

Café Schwarzenberg opened in 1860, making it the oldest café on Ringstrasse still in existence today.
Address: Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Vienna

Café Gerstner

Café Gerstner offers delights on three floors with a shop, bar, and café-restaurant in the magnificent Palais Todesco near the Vienna State Opera. Tradition and enjoyment since 1847. Due to the popularity of its products, its good business relationships, and the recognition it received during the Vienna World's Fair, the company was elevated to the status of imperial and royal court confectioner by the emperor in 1873.
Address: Kärntner Str. 51, 1010 Vienna

You can easily reach all of them by public transport – and with EasyCityPass Vienna, you can travel through the city in a relaxed and inexpensive way.

6. Coffee house = cultural center

A view inside a traditional coffee house. Biedermeier chairs, small tables, and yellow floor lamps on the tables. Old-fashioned wallpaper on the walls. The sun shines into the café. — Coffee house

In Vienna, you can sit for hours without constantly having to order more. This is not rude—it is part of Viennese coffee house culture. This is where novels, ideas, and friendships are born. You are not just a guest—you are part of a small cultural universe with melange and marble tables.

Conclusion: Experience coffee like a true Viennes

Typical coffee varieties in Vienna are an expression of joie de vivre, precision, and enjoyment. Whether you opt for an Einspänner, a Melange, or a Verlängerter, you can taste Vienna in every cup.

Well, take a seat, enjoy your coffee, and discover Vienna from its most enjoyable side. With EasyCityPass Vienna, you will not only find the best coffee houses, but you will also have the perfect companion for your city trip in your pocket. Don't have a ticket for your visit to Vienna yet? Then you can easily buy your EasyCityPass Vienna here!

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