Panorama of the Week: A Traditional Viennese Cafe
Filed Under: A traditional café in Vienna is more than just a place to drink coffee. It’s a place where, regardless of appearance, all are welcome as they are. It’s a place where life seems to move at its own rather Viennese pace, where reading the world’s newspapers can easily pass a day.
Open the panorama below and enter Café Sperl, a traditional Viennese cafe dating from the 1880s. Meet its charismatic 80-year-old owner, Mr. Staub, and hear the story of how the walls became yellow and why he now chooses to hire women rather than men (and no, it’s not about looks).
From his expression, we suspect this is just the beginning of the stories he could tell from over 40 years of experience managing his café.
And if you look closely inside the panorama, you’ll find a table spread with newspapers (yes, real newsprint, not the electronic variety) in various languages from around the world. Pick up your favorite read, order yourself a melange (coffee with milk), and enjoy the day.
Panorama: Inside a Traditional Cafe in Vienna
For best panorama viewing results, press fullscreen (four arrows) and navigate around with your mouse.
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January 10th, 2011 at 8:31 am
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January 10th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Your panorama is so stunning make me wish I’m there. Its such a cute cafe.
January 10th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
I just recently stumbled on your blog and really enjoy it so far. And I have to say, this panorama “video” is a phenomenal idea! It really feels like I’m at the cafe… now I’m craving a good cup of coffee.
January 10th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
I would LOVE to take a coffee there now!
January 11th, 2011 at 1:10 am
@Sarah: It really was a cute cafe and Mr. Staub really put a personal touch on the place. The coffee was rich and tasty, too.
@Christy: Thanks for stopping by and commenting! We publish a spherical panorama like this every week from a different part of the world. We hope you keep coming back and continue to enjoy them!
@Andi: A strong coffee in a comfortable little couch with a good newspaper. Sounds pretty good to me as well!
January 12th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I went there! Just over two years ago, in fact – I was in Vienna with a friend for New Year’s, and we figured we had to try sachertorte (the traditional Viennese cake) at a real coffee house. What a great break from the cold weather outside!
January 12th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
What a fantastic view of the traditional Viennese Cafe!
It is exactly as I recall cafes in Europe and especially in Vienna.
Beautiful surroundings, great reading material, friendly chat around and great coffee!
Thank you for your wonderful description of Café Sperl, really enjoyed it!
January 13th, 2011 at 8:55 am
@Kristen: Oooh, sachertorte. Delicious stuff! Yes, these traditional cafes are the perfect place to warm up and rejuvenate on cold, winter days.
@GCG: Glad you enjoyed this mini tour of Café Sperl! European cafes, and especially those in Vienna, do have a great, classic feel to them. Many have quite a bit of history with famous writers, artists and politicians as former patrons.
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:31 am
I remember when I was in Vienna and I passed by Café Sperl on a chilly November evening, but I figured it would be way beyond my budget so I opted for something smaller and less fancy. But at least now I know what I’ve been missing