Café Hawelka
Café Hawelka is Vienna's most storied traditional coffeehouse, open since 1939 on Dorotheergasse in the 1st district. Famous as a post-war haunt for artists and intellectuals, it still draws visitors with its unchanged décor, Wiener Melange, and legendary Buchteln (plum-jam yeast buns) served fresh each afternoon.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Wed 08:00–00:00 Thu–Sat 08:00–01:00 Sun–Sun 10:00–00:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U1/U3 Stephansplatz (approx. 3-minute walk) |
| Time needed | 45–90 minutes |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings for quiet; arrive just after 16:00 for fresh Buchteln (sell out fast) |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- What should I order at Café Hawelka?
- The signature order is a Wiener Melange (€4.80 as of late 2023) paired with Buchteln — warm yeast buns filled with plum jam made from Josefine Hawelka's original recipe. Most drinks and pastries fall in the €4–€8 range.
- Do I need a reservation at Café Hawelka?
- Reservations are not typically required, but are recommended during peak tourist hours (weekend afternoons in summer). The café does accept reservations — contact details are on hawelka.at.
- How do I get to Café Hawelka by public transport?
- Take the U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz, then walk along the Graben and turn into Dorotheergasse — the café is about a 3-minute walk from the station. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the 1st district is scarce and expensive.
- Who runs Café Hawelka today?
- The café is now in its third generation of family ownership, run by Amir and Michael Hawelka, who also oversee the family's own coffee roastery. Leopold Hawelka, the founder, passed away in 2011 at age 100.
- Is there an entry fee or do I need a ticket?
- No — entry is completely free and no tickets are required. It operates as a traditional walk-in coffeehouse; you simply find a table and a waiter will come to you.
- What is the atmosphere like inside Café Hawelka?
- The interior is famously unchanged: creaking wooden floors, Thonet chairs, marble-topped tables, worn velvet curtains, and walls hung with artwork gifted by artist regulars over the decades. There is no Wi-Fi, reinforcing the unhurried, old-world atmosphere.
- What are Café Hawelka's opening hours?
- Monday through Wednesday 08:00–midnight, Thursday through Saturday 08:00–01:00, and Sunday 10:00–midnight. Always verify on hawelka.at before visiting, as hours can shift seasonally.
- When are the Buchteln served, and do they sell out?
- Buchteln are baked fresh and served starting around 16:00 each day. They are extremely popular and typically sell out within the first hour, so arriving promptly after 4 p.m. is strongly advised.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Café Hawelka Nachfolger — Café EngländerCafé0.04 km · 1 min walk
- Jüdisches Museum WienMuseum0.11 km · 1 min walk
- Café BräunerhofCafé0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Loos American BarBar0.14 km · 2 min walk
- Wein & Co BarBar0.2 km · 2 min walk
Where to stay near Café Hawelka
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