Vienna’s coffee culture was protected as a UNESCO ‘intangible cultural asset’ in 2011, but its legacy stretches way back to the 16th century. Known as the ‘second loungeroom’ of the Viennese, the city’s coffee houses allow you to stay as long as you like (even if you’ve only ordered one drink). You’ll often see locals stretching out with newspapers and board games, or engrossed in conversation for hours on end.

Situated in the 1st district amongst some of the city’s most famous buildings and museums, Café Landtmann is the epitome of Viennese café culture. With its high ceilings, velvet banquettes and elegant shaded terrace – it was said to be a favourite of Sigmund Freud, and still attracts a range of locals and travellers to sample its Wienerschnitzel and traditional Viennese desserts.

Located inside Palais Ferstel, a palatial mansion house with soaring marble archways, Café Central is arguably the most beautiful of all the city’s cafes. Several writers, poets and revolutionaries communed here over a cigar, coffee and cake, including writer Peter Altenberg, who loved the place so much he even had his mail delivered there.

Those favouring something a little more low key will appreciate the friendly, neighbourhood vibe of Café Pruckel. Tuck into one of their 1950s style booths for a slice of cheese cake and a Viennese coffee. On warmer days, find in a spot in their shaded garden, where you can enjoy live music three times a week.

For a contemporary spin on the Vienna coffee house, head to Supersense, a neo-gothic mansion turned analogue concept store and café. Popular among Vienna’s young, hipster set, here you can peruse hand-cut vinyl records, letterpress and analogue cameras, while enjoying third-wave coffee and modern café-style eats.

A cosy café and bakery in the 4th district, Vollpension is a place that feels instantly familiar – almost like walking into your grandmother’s living room. Set up by the local community, Vollpension is a social project which gives local senior citizens the chance to show off their baking skills in the kitchen. The interiors, designed by Sebastian Rahs are decidedly kitsch and cool, bringing together the young and the old in one heart-warming venue.

A little known fact about Vienna is that it’s the only capital city in the world to produce significant quantities of wine within its city limits (1,700 acres of it to be exact). Catch a vintage red-and-white tram to Nussberg, an area dotted with more than 180 wine taverns peddling Grüner Veltliner, the quintessential Austrian grape, along with Riesling and Chardonnay, as well as buffet tables piled high with home-made delicacies.

A favourite of Vienna’s creative set, Motto is a restaurant-cum-cocktail lounge in the up and coming Margaretten district. In the dimly lit dining hall, sink into one of their green velvet lounges and order their classic Steak Tartare, served with capers, onion and organic bread.

Call in for a Manhattan at the ornate Loos American Bar, designed by one of Europe’s most revered architects, Adolf Loos. Situated just off Vienna’s main shopping strip, they boast a extensive cocktail list, plus a sophisticated turn-of-the-century design, including a chequered green and white floor and polished mahogany bar.

Established in 1786, Demel is a patisserie and chocolatier that boasts the title of ‘Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court’. Take a seat in their lavish salon and sample a range of cream cakes, scones and strudels, or perhaps the famous violet sorbet, a favourite of Empress Elizabeth.

One of the city’s most unique culinary offerings is undoubtedly Palmenhaus Brasserie. Set in the Emperor’s old greenhouse, a soaring 128 metre long art nouveau space brimming with greenery, this popular restaurant and bar is open from breakfast through to dinner, 7 days per week. Be sure to have a post-meal mosey in the adjoining Schmetterlingshaus (House of Butterflies).

Step back in time to the late 1880s at the Restaurant Rote Bar, a grand, red velvet-laden eatery situated in the fabled Hotel Sacher – which has hosted the likes of Elizabeth and Liza Minelli. They offer a changing weekly four or five course menu of Viennese specialties. Make sure you try the famous Sacher Torte, a chocolate and apricot cake invented at the Hotel in 1832.

The French may not be too pleased to hear that their national icon – the croissant – originated in Vienna. Bakers made kipferl to celebrate Austria’s victory over the Ottoman Turks in 1683, their shape based on the crescents on the enemy’s uniform. Pop into local favourite Joseph Brot to sample Kipferl, plus a host of Austrian speciality baked goods.

Translating to the Black Camel, Zum Schwarzen Kameel in the heart of the first district is a historic art nouveau style diner once frequented by Beethoven. Famous for their decadent open sandwiches, truffle soup and delicious, creamy homemade Nockerl (butter noodles), it’s the perfect spot to take a break from a day of shopping. Once frequented by Beethoven, the people watching is equally decadent.

It’s quite a sight seeing opera goers in their finery queuing on the street for a cheese sausage – emblematic of the Viennese affection for high-low culture. Head to Bitzinger Würstelstand Albertina for a beer and a Käsewurst (cheese sausage), enjoyed on the roadside. Or on a warm summer’s night head up to the terrace of the Albertina museum, taking in the city views.