The hidden gems of Vienna 🇦🇹

Few cities on our planet hold themselves with the grandeur and glory of Vienna, which is not especially large or mighty but it is proud with a weight built up over the last five centuries. Here in the heart of the city in 2021 began The Good Coffee Society, a multi-roaster cafe founded by Riccardo Grigoletto and Daniel Kornfeld.

Vienna is known for its palaces and opera house, its pomp and parks. Riccardo’s Filter guide acknowledges these landmarks, and steps behind them into the 6th and 7th districts for an inside look at yet-unknown places & pleasures in Vienna.

*The Good Coffee Society is a multi-roaster cafe with several locations in Vienna, Austria. Photos courtesy of The Good Coffee Society*

Filter: What do you do for fun around Vienna?

I like to hanging out in the 7th and 6th districts—you can find a lot of cool bars! The Gürtel offers also a variety of live music venues like Fania live or the Chelsea. There's also a vibrant cultural scene with concerts, operas, and local cafes to experience.

Raimound Theater in the 6th is a great little theatre, where I recently saw Miss Saigon (kind of cheese but with spectacular stenography). Also in summer every Thursday there is a free party with great electronic music at USUS am Wasser, a cool chill place on the river. When I finish work, during summertime I like to ride my bike after a shift , go for a swim on the river, get a couple of beers and go for a boogie at USUS.

My favourite bars around these districts are Future Garden for an easy hangout with friends, Schadekgasse Bar especially in spring and summer time, and for a fancy/delicious cocktail with a beautiful view, Chez Bernard.

Filter: Where are your favorite places to take a friend visiting from out of town?

I would recommend a couple of spots like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Belvedere Palace. In spring/summer take a bike ride along the Donauinsel (a long, narrow island situated in the Danube River that flows through Vienna). This recreational area is a popular destination for locals. I would also add a walk through the Naschmarkt and the 7th district cafès and bars.

Filter: Where do you go to escape the city?

I personally enjoy escaping Vienna by exploring the nearby Vienna Woods near the 14th district, the Lainzer Tiergarten. Originally an imperial hunting ground, it is now a nature reserve open to the public. The park covers a vast area and is home to various wildlife!

Also taking day trips to towns like Melk or Krems in the Wachau Valley is a great escape!

Filter: Vienna is one of the most visited cities in the world. What’s worth the hype out of its sights and landmarks?

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit with its stunning gardens and rich history. ln the center of Vienna, including St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, it’s a must. The Belvedere Palace, housing impressive art collections, is another highlight. Additionally, the Vienna State Opera!

Filter: What are your favorite hidden gems in Vienna?

Vienna has wonderful spots like the Volksgarten and Augarten for a relaxed walk. The hidden gem of Hundertwasserhaus showcases unique architecture. Prater Park offers a mix of greenery and amusements. The quiet streets of Spittelberg district are also worth exploring for their historic charm and, during season, for their local Christmas markets.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and why?

One coffee shop that I love the most is in the Neubau (7th district)—Cafe Comet. Known for its dedication to quality coffee, super cozy ambiance, and friendly staff, it stands out.

I’d also recommended Balthazar in the 2nd district and for a great brunch Ramasuri in the 2nd district.

Filter: What makes Vienna feel like home to you?

After many years travelling the world and living in big cities like Melbourne, I have the feeling that Vienna is a big and at the same time small city that can be crazy at times, but very chill on days like Sundays where (almost) everything is closed. Big difference from places like Melbourne or Sydney that literally never stop.

Filter: How did you end up in the Vienna coffee scene?

I come from a little town called Treviso, located in the northern part of Italy. I wanted to go surfing so I decided to move to Australia in 2011. After spending my first year in Sydney I moved to Melbourne for 7 years and fell in love with specialty coffee.

I moved back to Europe before covid and got a job for an Italian roaster based in Vienna, working along my colleague Daniel Kornfeld (current business partner). We quit and took our chances, and opened our first place, The Good Coffee Society, a cozy multi-roaster cafe, in 2021. [We] focus on customer experience and high quality roasters from all over the globe—brings a good “Melbournian” vibe.

Within two years we opened a second shop that offers breakfast all day and specialty coffee near Prater (The Good Coffee Society 1020). And we are currently working on our newest location (The Good Coffee Society LAB) in the 9th district of Vienna.

The coffee scene is strong because of the heritage of old Viennese coffee houses. The specialty scene is rising fast.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move?

Definitely Melbourne. They live and breath coffees—pretty much every shop offers top quality coffee. A couple of places are Code Black in Brunswick and Proud Mary in Collingwood.

I was also stunned by the quality of specialty coffee culture in Eastern Europe. I would highly recommend to visit Prague, Brno, and Warsaw. And if you get a chance try The Naughty Dog Coffee Roaster from Prague—coffee is delicious and the roasters are simply wonderful people.

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The Good Coffee Society operates 2 cafes in Vienna, with a third opening soon.

The Good Coffee Society - Stumpergasse 64

The Good Coffee Society - 1020

The Good Coffee Society - LAB

Food & Beverage