Photo: böhringer friedrich, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons
Café Schwarzenberg is on Kärntner Ring, by Schwarzenbergplatz. It describes itself as Vienna's oldest café on the Ringstrasse (the Ring). The Musikverein and the Konzerthaus are close by. International newspapers are available in the café, and in summer there is a Schanigarten (outdoor seating).
In 1861 the Hochleitner couple opened a café in Albrecht Zeppezauer's apartment palace. It has had its current name since 1902, under Josef Menschl; before that it was called Café Hochleitner and Café Sperrer, among other names. After World War II, Soviet officers used the premises, and a mirror with bullet holes has survived. In 1978 the café was due to be sold to a car dealership. Culture councilor Helmut Zilk prevented the sale, and the café reopened in 1980 after renovation. According to the Federal Monuments Office, the interwar interior with marble, a frosted-glass mosaic ceiling and hammered brass tables is one of the last examples of design influenced by Adolf Loos. Josef Hoffmann was among the regulars.
The coffee is Fairtrade organic Arabica from Honduras, and there is a large selection of teas. A Wiener Melange (Vienna's milky coffee, similar to a cappuccino) costs €6.90, a Salon Einspänner (black coffee topped with whipped cream) €7.20 and a kleiner Brauner (a small espresso served with cream) €4.50 (website, October 2026). According to the March 2026 menu, the house torte and the apple strudel cost €7.90 each.
The café is open Monday to Friday 07:30–23:30, and on weekends and public holidays 08:30–23:30. Breakfast is served until 12:00, hot food until 22:30. On Fridays and Saturdays there is live music from 18:30. On selected Sundays there is a jazz brunch 10:00–12:00 for €39.90 per person; the remaining dates in 2026 are November 8 and 22. You can reserve online or via the contact form.
Take tram D, 1, 2 or 71 to Schwarzenbergplatz.
Monday to Friday 07:30–23:30, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 08:30–23:30.
Yes, on Fridays and Saturdays from 18:30. On selected Sundays there is also a jazz brunch 10:00–12:00 for €39.90 per person, which you book in advance.
According to the café, it opened in 1861. It has been called Café Schwarzenberg since 1902.
No additional photos available.
Places nearby, sorted by distance from Café Schwarzenberg.
Lothringerstraße 20, 1030 Vienna
Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Vienna
Vienna, Austria
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Kärntner Str., Vienna
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