“The Palm House in Vienna is a place where nature and elegance meet under glass and sky.”- Rick Steves, Palmenhaus
There are those afternoons when everything just fits together. The sun warms your back, your glass is half full—or in my case, half full of Aperol—and your gaze falls on a scenery that’s almost too picturesque to be real. It was just such an afternoon when we spontaneously decided to stop by the café in the Palmenhaus. And yes, if you want to feel a bit like you’re on vacation in Vienna without leaving the city, then the Palmenhaus is the place to be.
Located in the heart of the Burggarten, nestled between imperial pomp and tropical greenery, lies this glass gem, both a botanical greenhouse and an urban retreat. The café in the Palm House is one such place that doesn’t draw attention to itself loudly—it rather whispers to you. With its high arched windows, glass roof, and views of the greenery, it feels like a small oasis in the middle of the city.
Our tipical drinks
We were lucky: It was one of those warm early summer days when the sun was shining and the city wasn’t yet engulfed in heat haze. So, of course, we sat outside—right at one of the small tables overlooking the Burggarten.
“ a little viennese is always good „
I ordered – unsurprisingly – an Aperol Spritz. I know, totally cliché, but hey, if not here, where then? My husband opted for a classic Verlängerter. A little Viennese is always good, and he’s staying true to his philosophy – coffee isn’t just a drink for him, it’s a way of life. And to be honest, he looked pretty pleased with his glass and the light shade cast by our parasol.
Sweet happiness on your plate
“ Palmenhaus sweets… „
As for the food, we focused on the sweet side of life this time. My husband spotted a plum tart on the menu – and that was it. Crumb by crumb, it disappeared onto his plate, and I only got a single bite (but it was so good that I let him have the rest). The plums were lightly caramelized, the pastry buttery, not too sweet – just right.
I opted for a vegan apple tart – and, what can I say? I loved it. Fresh, fruity, with a delicate hint of cinnamon and a base that wasn’t too dry (which is often a challenge with vegan pastries). And above all: not boring at all. I’ve tried many vegan desserts, but this tart was honestly a little highlight. No frills, no token fare – simply well-made. And I think that’s really worth mentioning in a café that isn’t explicitly vegan.
my summary
I have to say: It wasn’t a spectacular afternoon. No event, no occasion, no big plans. And that’s precisely why it was so special. A little bit of Dolce Vita, a little bit of Viennese coziness – and a whole lot of time together.
So if you’re strolling through the city, don’t feel like the hustle and bustle, but don’t want to sit in a hip café between MacBooks and avocado sandwiches – make a detour to the Palmenhaus. Sit outside, order whatever your heart desires (maybe the apple tart?), and just let yourself drift for an hour.
Because sometimes all you need is an Aperol, a long coffee, and a warm spot in the sun to briefly forget about everyday life.
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