Café Central
Café Central (est. 1876) is Vienna's most storied coffeehouse, set inside the neo-Renaissance Palais Ferstel. Former regulars included Freud, Trotsky, and Schnitzler. ⚠️ The Herrengasse 14 location is closed for renovation until fall 2026; the pop-up DECENTRAL at Palais Harrach, Freyung 3 is open in its place.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Sat 08:00–22:00 Sun–Sun 10:00–22:00 Tue–Sat 07:30–21:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U3 Herrengasse (under 3-min walk); buses 1A and 2A stop directly on Herrengasse |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings (before noon) to avoid queues; avoid the 12:00–15:00 peak |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value6.0
- Freshness6.0
- Crowd level3.0
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility3.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an entrance fee for Café Central?
- No, there is no entrance fee — entry is free and you simply order from the menu. Expect to pay roughly €6–7 for a coffee or pastry and €20–26 for a main dish. Prices are on the higher end but reflect the historic setting.
- How do I get to Café Central by public transport?
- The closest U-Bahn stop is Herrengasse on the U3 line (orange), less than a 3-minute walk away. Buses 1A and 2A also stop directly on Herrengasse. Alternatively, Stephansplatz (U1/U3) is a short walk south along Herrengasse.
- What food and drink does Café Central serve?
- The menu spans breakfast through dinner with a focus on traditional Viennese cuisine: Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), goulash, and classic Austrian breakfasts. The in-house patisserie is famous for Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, and elaborate cakes. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
- Do I need a reservation at Café Central?
- Reservations were strongly recommended at the main Herrengasse location, especially on weekends and in summer, as queues could be long. The current pop-up DECENTRAL at Palais Harrach operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations needed. When the main café reopens, booking ahead via cafecentral.wien will again be advisable.
- What were Café Central's regular opening hours before the renovation?
- Before closing for renovation, Café Central was open Monday–Saturday 08:00–22:00 and Sunday & public holidays 10:00–22:00. Live piano music played daily from 17:00. Check cafecentral.wien for updates on the reopening.
- What is the history of the Palais Ferstel building?
- The Palais Ferstel was designed by architect Heinrich von Ferstel and opened in 1860 in the Venetian-Florentine Trecento style. It originally housed the Austro-Hungarian National Bank and the stock exchange. The Pach brothers opened Café Central in the space in 1876, and it became Vienna's premier literary coffeehouse.
- Who were the famous regulars at Café Central?
- The café was a legendary gathering place for Vienna's intellectuals. Regular guests included Sigmund Freud, Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig, Peter Altenberg, and Adolf Loos. Leon Trotsky was also a frequent visitor during his Vienna exile, and in January 1913 the café reportedly hosted Trotsky, Stalin, Hitler, and Tito simultaneously.
- Is Café Central open right now in 2026?
- The historic Herrengasse 14 location closed on March 16, 2026 for a comprehensive renovation and is expected to reopen in fall 2026. In the meantime, the team operates the pop-up DECENTRAL at Palais Harrach, Freyung 3, open Tuesday–Saturday 07:30–21:30, closed Sunday and Monday. No reservations are needed at DECENTRAL.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Zum Finsteren SternRestaurant0.28 km · 3 min walk
- Café HawelkaCafé0.38 km · 5 min walk
- VolksgartenPark0.38 km · 5 min walk
- Café Hawelka Nachfolger — Café EngländerCafé0.42 km · 5 min walk
- Café BräunerhofCafé0.42 km · 5 min walk
Where to stay near Café Central
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