Nestled in the heart of Vienna’s historic part of the town, there is a must-visit spot for a cosy coffee break or full breakfast. On the last day of our weekend trip, we started our morning by visiting the city’s timeless and cultural heritage – Cafe Central. This cafe used to be a meeting place for the Viennese intellectuals and chess players. Their presence was so influential that the cafe was often referred to as “Chess school”.
Entering this establishment was definitely an adventure. The interior was beautiful. With its gilded chandeliers, enormous historical paintings and opulent furnishings, it reminded me of a chateau. Eating breakfast at a table where Trotsky, Freud or Altenberg might have once had their meal felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Me and Dominik ordered a traditional Viennese breakfast. I have to admit that even though the breakfast was tasty, it was definitely overpriced. However, we were well aware that you don’t pay for the food, but for the overall experience. The service was top notch and while we were enjoying our meal, we felt like we dined in a palace.
An hour later, we stepped onto the grounds of Vienna’s iconic Schönbrunn Palace. The palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical landmarks in Austria. It was originally built as a hunting lodge in the 17th century and later served as the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy. Now it hosts various events and performances throughout the year.
Unfortunately for us, we were not able to book our tickets on the spot, although we had the chance to visit its stunning gardens. Among other things, the baroque gardens feature fountains, sculptures and a maze. Neptune fountain adds a classical touch to the gardens as it depicts the Roman god Neptune and aquatic creatures. We spent our last hours in Austria getting lost in the palace’s labyrinth and admiring the architecture of the grandeur place.
