Entrance to the Cafe Hofburg, photo credit (c) likeitiz
On one of our walking tours around Vienna last summer, we chanced upon a cafe that our guide told us is still the classic Viennese Cafe, with all the trappings. Cafe Hofburg is located around the Hofburg Palace area. It was a warm day and we were eager for some refreshments.
The cafe seemed like an old fashioned place where tea was served with some pastry to the genteel crowd. photo credit (c) likeitiz
Upon entering the cafe, we could see how many things are still done the way they were from way back when. This establishment is really old-fashioned in many ways. There is the line-up of various newspapers, neatly displayed, with magazines stacked in as orderly a fashion as Captain Von Trapp would have wanted it. (Oops, wasn’t he from Salzburg in the story?) What? No e-readers or iPads to lend?
Newspaper and Magazine rack for cafe patrons to enjoy while sipping coffee, tea and having a pastry; photo credit (c) Likeitiz
The display case showcasing their sweet bests was enough to make all of our eyes to pop wide open and our mouths to water!
Display of pastries, breads, and pies at Cafe Hofburg, Vienna, Austria; photo credit (c) Likeitiz
And so, we just had to pause, sip some coffee or tea. Order a few of those pastries. My hubby and I opted for the apple strudel (apfelstrudel). Was it as good as it looked. You betcha!
Viennese coffee, tea, and apple strudel treat at Cafe Hofburg, Vienna, Austria photo credit (c) Likeitiz
Whenever we travel, we always go by “do as the Romans do.” It has its advantages in a lot of ways. First of all, it’s fun to try new things. More importantly, when we walk their streets, eat their food, travel with them in their trains or buses, speak a few phrases in their language, we get a sense of communing with them, that goes way beyond what a Fodors or a Michelin book can provide you. All these contribute to a different understanding of their culture and way of life. What’s more it might be the start of some friendships too.
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What a cup of coffee!!
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It was divine! That and the white moustache I wore while I was enjoying it.
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Bliss!
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The post and your photographs are SO GOOD! If I did that would mean I was in Vienna ! Sigh. So sensual!
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It was food porn all right!
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LOVE IT giggles : )
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I am hungry now! Looks amazing.
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I’ll go hit the pastry shop now.
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Mmmm those pastries look yum. I was in Vienna during winter (not sure what I was thinking) but it definitely made the coffees and the cafes that much more wonderful!
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I’m sure Vienna has a different beauty to offer in Winter. When we were there last summer, I think I drank three glasses of cold water before I could even look at my tea. Temperatures were in the high 90’s. Hey, thanks for dropping by!
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I can’t even imagine it that way! I need to plan the same trip but in a non-Winter season…
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Don’t go in the heat of their summer either. It’s hot. And humid. And buggy.
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You got me drooling over the desserts. A cafe full of taste bud adventures. Thanks. Have a blessed day.
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There are something special about those old, traditional cafes in Central Europe, isn’t there?! They are almost institutions of their own rights where life unfolds in all it’s spectacular and unspectacular ways. Sounds like you had a good time!
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Yes, we did. It reminded us of a time when people enjoyed their coffee/tea and pastry, conversed about anything, sealed friendships and connections, face to face. Not rushed. Not distracted.
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Which I believe still happens in these “institutions” in Central Europe…
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Yes, they were divine!
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Oh my….devine! It’s always a good idea to do as the Romans do…get the best of where you go! 🙂
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