Stadtcafe Vienna Vienna
Freyung people watching
Christopher from Vienna
Not much longer before Vienna cleans up and stores its terrace furniture for winter. It becomes, therefore, urgent to quickly find the best of the people watching terraces in anticipation of a late-fall afternoon coffee or Radler.
Of all the places that I visit, this one is the closest to the epicenter of tourism in the 1st district. The Stadtcafe is located at Freyung 1, smack in the middle of the beautiful ancient Freyung square in the 1st district. It is directly next to the opulent Palais Ferstel Passage and across from the beautiful Schottenkirche (Scottish church).
The major driving point of the Stadtcafe is this amazing location. For the leisure sport of people watching, it gets no better within city limits. Where Stefansplatz is too crowded and bizarrely cramped, Freyung is open and free. Where Schwedenplatz is dirty and has no outdoor seating, there is usually a spot open here. And if one is sick of people-watching tourists, Freyung is just far enough away to get a good mix of locals coming in from Schottentor.
The Stadtcafe's waiters are friendly and very multilingual and the food is decent. It is somehow secondary though to getting lost in thought, gazing across the square or at the fountain and forgetting where and when you are. For 20 minutes, this is one of the more beautiful places in an already beautiful city.
Vienna Spotter Christopher
About this spot
Our Vienna City Guide
Find your way with 163 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Vienna
Zuckero
Vegan or gluten-free cake and ice cream
"Zuckero" is a real gem in Vienna for everyone sticking to a vegan, sugar and gluten-free diet! Their cakes and ice cream are just stunning...
by
Julia
Heiligenbrunner
L'Orient
Moroccan feel and taste
L'Orient in Vienna satisfies both my heart and my stomach. This Moroccan restaurant pays attention to detail, and the hummus is some of the best ever...
by
Julia
Heiligenbrunner
Into The Green
Relax in the city
Türkenschanzpark is what many call the most beautiful park in the city. It has it all: small pathways, ponds, rolling hills, and rare botanical plants.
by
Julia
Heiligenbrunner
Wotruba Church
Brutal architecture at its best
Wotruba Church is a wonderful, brutalist architectural miracle made of 152 concrete blocks, located just outside Vienna. Definitely worth the travel...
by
Julia
Heiligenbrunner
Cinema Underneath the Stars
Free Open-air movies
Vienna has a rich outdoor cinema scene; check out the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide with my tips and recommendations for a complete experience here!
by
Julia
Heiligenbrunner
Das TAG
Modern Austrian theatre
"Das TAG" in Vienna is an intimate theater known for improv and modern interpretations of the classics. I like it because it's very simple, yet raw...
by
Tina
Haselbacher
Leopoldsgasse 39
The ugliest building in town
The building at Leopoldsgasse 39 in Vienna just might be the ugliest building in town. It's just painted in all colors. But such building are must-sees...
by
Tina
Haselbacher
Karma Ramen
For ramen lovers!
"Karma Ramen" in Vienna is a new Japanese ramen restaurant. It was a first for me: I actually came here to eat here three times in a single week...
by
Tina
Haselbacher
Urban-Loritz-Platz
Vienna's Casa Malaparte
"Urban-Loritz-Platz" houses one of Vienna's most authentic works of architecture. I like the 102 exterior stairs reminiscent of Casa Malaparte & the views!
by
Tina
Haselbacher
Blumenkraft
Flower power
"Blumenkraft" in Vienna is by far one of the fanciest and most aesthetic flower shops you'll find around town. Since I'm a big flower person, it's the best
by
Tina
Haselbacher
Heading to Vienna?
163 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Vienna?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 163 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants
Our team loves Vienna
Get to know our other Spotters from Vienna
As featured on:
