.The best cafés in Salzburg you must visit
Salzburg, a city rich in history and culture, is also home to a vibrant coffee scene with a tradition spanning over 320 years. Visitors can enjoy traditional, historic cafés or indulge in a flat white at one of the trendy new coffeehouses. Alongside coffee and tea, you’ll often find irresistible cakes and pastries. Here’s a roundup of the most popular cafés in Salzburg, from the classic to the modern, so you know exactly where to go during your visit.
Traditional Cafés in Salzburg
Let’s start with the cafés that have been around for a long time and are deeply ingrained in Salzburg’s history. These spots give you a glimpse of what life might have been like when famous Salzburg personalities gathered for coffee.
Café Sacher
Located near Café Bazar on the right bank of the Salzach River, Café Sacher is a true institution, known for its luxurious ambiance and high-quality offerings. The café combines classic Austrian coffee culture with an elegant atmosphere, featuring red velvet furnishings and views of the river. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the world-famous Sachertorte, which draws many visitors. But if you’re not in the mood for chocolate cake, you’ll still find plenty of other delicious options, such as Salzburger Nockerl, the city’s most famous dessert. For those craving something savory, don’t miss the legendary Sacher sausages.
Café Tomaselli
Situated in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, Café Tomaselli is a cornerstone of the city’s coffee culture. Founded in 1852, it’s the oldest café in Austria and was frequented by famous personalities like Hugo von Hofmannsthal and Max Reinhardt, both of whom played a key role in establishing the Salzburg Festival. Here, you can treat yourself to a strong coffee paired with pastries from the in-house bakery. Don’t miss the famous walnut-filled croissants! Inside, you can enjoy the charming, traditional interior, but on a nice day, it’s worth grabbing a spot on the terrace overlooking the bustling Alter Markt. A visit to Café Tomaselli is a trip back in time and a must for any coffee lover.
Café Fürst
Also located on the Alter Markt, Café-Konditorei Fürst is a key part of Salzburg’s sweet history. Founded in 1884 by confectioner Paul Fürst, this café is the birthplace of the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel, a chocolate praline wrapped in silver-blue foil. In this oldest confectionery in town, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or one of the many coffee specialties alongside a variety of fine baked goods. The historic Café Fürst is a perfect example of Austria’s classic coffeehouse tradition, offering a wonderful mix of history and flavor with every visit.
Café Bazar
Café Bazar is a legendary spot on the right bank of the Salzach River and has been a popular meeting point for generations. Its traditional interior offers a cozy setting to enjoy Austrian coffee specialties like a Verlängerter or a Melange. There’s also a sun terrace with stunning views of the Salzach, the Mönchsberg, and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Café Bazar is known for its unique breakfast option: two soft-boiled eggs served in a glass with pretzel sticks. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can choose a slice of cake from the display. This café is not just a place for coffee, but also a second home for many artists, thinkers, and locals who come here to relax and socialize.
Modern and Trendy Cafés in Salzburg
While it’s great to preserve traditions, it’s equally important to evolve. Salzburg’s coffee culture has found the perfect balance, as there are now many new cafés that bring something fresh to the scene. One thing remains the same, though—you’ll always get a fantastic cup of coffee.
220GRAD Café
220GRAD Café offers a contemporary take on Salzburg’s coffee culture. It has three locations in the city, including one at the Rupertinum in the Old Town. This family-run business is known for its coffee expertise. With a wide selection of coffee specialties, from espresso to cortado, each drink is expertly prepared. Just sit down and let the professional baristas do their magic in a stylish setting. 220GRAD also offers a delicious breakfast menu, pastries, and lunch options. This makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Kaffee Alchemie
Located across from the Mozartsteg, Kaffee Alchemie is a cozy coffee bar dedicated to sustainable coffee practices and expert preparation. The café takes pride in its single-origin coffees and blends, ensuring the highest quality. The knowledgeable staff will gladly help you choose the perfect coffee, whether you prefer a simple espresso or a more complex pour-over. Grab a seat by the window and enjoy the lively street view along with one of the many treats. Kaffee Alchemie is a must-visit for true coffee aficionados.
We love Coffee
We love Coffee is a small but very popular café near the Mozartsteg. It is perfect for those who want a coffee to-go without sacrificing quality. There are a few seats available, but the café is quite small, so you’ll need a bit of luck or patience to snag a spot. Despite its size, it serves some of the best coffee in Salzburg. On a sunny day, you can enjoy your cappuccino outdoors, or take it across the bridge for a picturesque view of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mönchsberg.
Nur Coffee
At Nur Coffee, the name says it all—this café serves only coffee, with five professional baristas leading the way. You’ll find this minimalist café at the start of Getreidegasse. It’s the perfect place for coffee purists who appreciate a well-crafted cup. Nur Coffee’s commitment to quality makes it a favorite among those who love a simple, expertly prepared coffee.
Gehmacher Outdoor & Café
Although Gehmacher Outdoor & Café isn’t as old as some of Salzburg’s historic cafés, it offers a unique atmosphere in a traditional shop at the Alter Markt. The café offers delicious patisserie specialties, such as tarts and cakes based on family recipes. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you can enjoy your coffee with a view of the Salzach.
Ratio Coffee
This modern cafe, Ratio Coffee, is known for its simplicity and quality. Run by Australian barista Brent, the café sources high-quality beans from around the world to create top-notch coffee specialties. Whether you’re ordering an americano or a flat white, Ratio Coffee’s commitment to using sustainably sourced, fair-trade beans ensures a guilt-free coffee experience.
Afro Café
Just a short walk from Getreidegasse, Afro Café focuses on beans from a specific region, as the name suggests. You can look forward to the vibrant flavors of Africa in every cup. The café sources its beans from Ethiopia, all certified organic and fair trade. Alongside coffee, Afro Café offers a wide variety of rare teas. It’s truly a colorful and diverse addition to Salzburg’s coffee scene.
Discover Coffee Anew
Salzburg’s coffee culture is a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and innovation. From the classic charm of Café Tomaselli to the modern flair of 220GRAD, every café offers a unique experience that reflects the city’s diverse coffee traditions. Take a stroll through the city, explore the coffee scene, and enjoy the flavors that make Salzburg a true coffee lover’s paradise.
If you’d like to learn more about Salzburg’s cuisine, our Secret Food Tour is perfect for you. You’ll explore the city with a licensed guide, discovering Salzburg’s culinary diversity while learning more about Getreidegasse and Alter Markt, where many of these cafés are located.
