From perfect patisserie to centuries-old hotels, Vienna revels in traditions. Find out where to soak this up with our guide to staying and eating in Vienna.

You don’t need to look far to find authentic cuisine in Vienna. Hearty, spice-filled Austrian goulash, lip-smacking apple strudels, and crispy schnitzels dialed up to 11 – the city is catnip for those with a taste for tantalizing local dishes. Beside sensational classical scores, amazing art galleries and beautiful baroque buildings, culinary life is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Vienna – so we’ve hunted down the best Vienna restaurants, cafes and under-the-radar spots for feasting.

Of course, no trip to this capital city is complete without a perfect base from which to explore every inch – make sure you’re resting up in the best Vienna hotels, whatever your style, with our round-up of impressive rooms.

Where to Eat in Vienna

For an Old-School Viennese Breakfast: Cafe Frauenhuber

There’s no place better to start your tour of the best Vienna coffee houses than at the oldest and most famous in the city; Cafe Frauenhuber. It’s where in-the-know locals stop for simple, old-fashioned Austrian cooking and treats. You can’t go wrong ordering a plum strudel, washed down with an expertly brewed coffee – all topped off with whipped cream, of course. The best Vienna cafes have historically been renowned meeting places for the city’s cultural heavyweights – Mozart himself was a frequent guest at Frauenhuber, and even performed his last public show here in 1791.

For Classic Austrian (with a slice of Hungarian): Ilona Stueberl

If you’re wondering where to eat in Vienna for a taste of something a little different, head for Ilona Stueberl, a traditional, homely restaurant that beautifully combines Austrian cuisine with Hungarian dishes. Situated just two minutes from Stephansplatz and all the city’s main attractions, Ilona Stueberl incorporates Hungarian style in its surroundings just as well as it does dishes into its menu, with soft background music serenading you as you peruse a menu offering a range of veal, pork, fish, beef and vegetarian dishes in eight different languages. One of the most fascinating aspects of the restaurant is the way the waiters at Ilona Stueberl double-up as amateur historians – they can tell you just as much about the cabbage rolls and jokai bean soup as they can the 1867 unification history of Austria and Hungary under Emperor Franz Josef. Sit back and prepare yourself to be entertained as you dine.

For Baked Delights Without Breaking the Bank: Cafe Mozart

Cafe Mozart is never without an enticing buzz, always filled with excitable locals and visitors alike, keen to sample the cafe’s exquisite range of perfectly prepared cakes, pastries and Viennese cuisine, fresh from the patisserie. Graham Greene’s 1947 movie, The Third Man, was filmed in this cosmopolitan coffee house, making it one of the best Vienna cafes to visit if you’re looking to check things off your film-location bucket-list. Staff will move mountains to provide a stunning service here – ask them for advice on everything from choosing the right cup of world-famous coffee to the surrounding attractions of the city.

For Gluten-Free Schnitzel: Zum Wohl

Crumbed dishes are usually off the menu for celiacs, but Vienna is surprisingly accommodating for diners avoiding gluten. Zum Wohl is one of the best places to eat in Vienna for entirely gluten-free – and even lactose-free – Austrian dishes. From the yellow lentil curry soup to the spinach dumplings, many of the dishes are also vegan. But, if you’re not avoiding meat and dairy, you can’t go wrong with ordering the paprika chicken with butter dumplings, pepper sauce, and lemon cream. Or, perhaps, a Wiener Schnitzel.

For Blow-Out Elegance: Steirereck

If you want to find the best restaurant in Vienna, seeking out those that have been blessed with Michelin stars is a good place to start. Steirereck is the poster child of high-quality dining in the capital, with a strong focus on top-tier local produce to create contemporary Austrian dishes. Beef is sourced directly from the surrounding alpine regions, and the mountain cheese comes in from the west of the country, giving everything an authentic, local feel. The herbs and fruits don’t travel far to reach your plate, either – expect amaranth and sorrel from the restaurant’s very own garden, as well as oranges sourced from Schönbrunn Palace.

Where to Stay in Vienna

For Boutique Brilliance: Hollmann Beletage

You can’t miss the bold tangerine and sleek granite entrance of Hollmann Beletage. The welcome here couldn’t be warmer – but you’re not just here for the Viennese hospitality. Marvel at the luxurious amenities in the bathrooms, the enormous breakfasts and even a sauna on site. If you’re looking to enjoy a more chilled out day, there’s also a pretty courtyard in which you can indulge in afternoon tea with a little spot of serenity.

For Kid-Friendly Relaxation: Landhaus Fuhrgassl-Huber

For families debating where to stay in Vienna with kids, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the family-friendly facilities offered by a wide range of hotels in the city. Many will advertise themselves as baby und kinderhotels (baby and child hotels) with play areas, toys, and even child-minding services. Landhaus Fuhrgassl-Huber is one of these – the vineyard-located country house sits just on the outskirts of the capital and is a wonderfully relaxing base for exploring Vienna. Expect leafy patios and Pinterest-perfect parlors designed by a former stage designer at the Vienna Opera house in this ideal hotel for families.

For Centuries-Old Luxury: Palais Coburg

The service is impeccable, the facilities are world-class, and the neoclassical guest rooms will take your breath away; Palais Coburg ticks all the boxes for being one of the very best hotels in Vienna, right down to the wine caves and private saunas. Steeped in a rich history that meanders back through more than 600 years, the former-palace-turned-five-star-hotel was designed in 1839 by architect Karl Schleps, and built by Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg. It doesn’t get grander than that.

For Mozart-Style Living: Pension Nossek

Reserve yourself a room in a truly historic wonder: Pension Nossek. This spot is located directly in the heart of the capital in a pedestrian area. On the outside, you’ll find old stucco details, while room interiors are splashed with chintzy floral prints. This charming, family-run pension (the Austrian name for accommodation that’s less formal than hotels) was once home to Mozart for several months in 1781. Now, this art-deco-style retreat is perfect if you’re searching where to stay in Vienna city center.

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