Best Study Spots in Vienna

Alright, so now that you’ve settled into Vienna, you’ve found a couple places to get food (perhaps some doner kebab or kasekrainer), you’re wondering where you can study besides your room or the kitchen.

Well, no fear, because I’m going to reveal my 6 favorite study spots in Vienna. They’re all a bit different, and they have their own vibes, but they can all be great places to grab a coffee, study, or even just dive into a book. By the way, stick until the end to find a map I made of these places on Google Maps!

With that being said, let’s dive right in.

Best Spot for Locking In and Getting Work Done

The Austrian National Library is a popular tourist destination, but just around the corner at Heldenplatz are the Reading Rooms. You can find them on Google Maps by searching up “Lesesäle am Heldenplatz - Österreichische Nationalbibliothek,” which translates to “Reading rooms at Heldenplatz - Austrian National Library.” 

Just walking up to the doors of the reading rooms gives you a sense of focus and concentration. The rooms do cost money (€4, or you can get an annual pass for €35), but if you want a place where it is absolutely silent (and I mean even a light cough would sound like a thunderstorm), this is the spot to go to. I almost felt compelled to study, because it would be a shame to waste my time watching Netflix or scrolling my phone. 

The rooms are open 9 AM to 9 PM, so you get a full day’s worth of your ticket, and are open every day, besides holidays.

Best Spot for Enjoying a Coffee in a Historic Atmosphere

Cafe Schwartzenberg kills three birds with one stone, if I can say that. It’s a well-known historic Viennese cafe, it is located close to the IES Abroad rooms at Schwartzenbergplatz, and it’s an excellent spot for studying. There is a wide selection of breakfast and coffee options, with streetside views of the plaza. 

Although it might be a bit weird to pull out your laptop, it’s totally doable, and I saw multiple people read books, newspapers, or use their tablets while sitting there. The historic feel of the building and the traditional vibe make it easy to focus on your work or just enjoy the atmosphere. Plus, since it’s close to the classrooms, it’s a perfect place after class to sit down and relax, or in between classes to prepare for a quiz or finish up some homework.

A big benefit is that this cafe is open early and closes late. It opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on weekends, and closes at 11:30 PM, meaning you can really stay there all day or come by after a late class, say at 9 PM, and grab a nice drink.

Cafe Eiles is another option. I’ll admit, it’s a bit more dingy, and the wifi was dodgy when I tried it, but it’s open until midnight on many days, and it’s right near the Rathaus station. They have a wide selection of drinks, and ordering a pot of tea only costs a couple euros. Their cafe is set up with several booths and nooks, so you could find a comfy spot no matter if you’re solo or with friends. 

Best Spot for Simple Drinks and a Clean Vibe

The Miners Coffee Naschmarkt is conveniently located off of Karlsplatz station, if you follow signs for Succession. Once you leave the U-bahn, it is only 3 minutes away by walking. If I had only one word to describe this coffee shop, it would be clean. It has swanky wooden chairs and tables set up, a selection of pastries, and an excellent Strawberry Matcha. 

It’s also in the same room as the Alza store, where you can order electronics from online and pick them up in person (I did this, and the item came surprisingly quickly!). Although I will admit, the wooden bench by the wall isn’t the most comfortable, the atmosphere is clean, and it was surprisingly quiet on a weekday afternoon when I visited. The staff is friendly and speaks English well. 

If you’re looking for a simple coffee made well and a modern atmosphere to get work done, Miners Coffee is a decent choice too.

Coffee Pirates is a similar store, although a bit larger, but also more cozy. It’s a bit of a trek, but it’s located near the University, so you’ll see lots of other students there working. 

My FAVORITE study spot in Vienna!

Last, but not least…my FAVORITE study spot…IKEA Westbanhof.

You heard that right! IKEA, the furniture store! I’ll urge you to hear me out and check it out yourself before you question, because it really is the perfect spot.

On the top floor of IKEA Westbanhof is a massive cafe and restaurant. There are multiple areas for studying, single tables for solo students or larger, long tables for groups. There’s even a dedicated computer section, although from the many times I’ve gone, there were students all over the entire floor. There are two panoramic window sections where you can get a beautiful view of Vienna, and there is also an outdoor terrace for you to use.

Even better, you can order Swedish meatballs for a low price, and coffee and tea are very cheap (and come with free refills, all day). There’s chargers located in convenient places, a clean bathroom nearby, plus a nice level of ambient noise in the cafe. It might get loud during weekends when families come, but even then, a pair of headphones does the trick quite well.

IKEA is also located right about BanhofCity Wien West, which is the mall located in the train station. There are loads of food options there, plus a Billa, though I would recommend Som Kitchen, a thai restaurant, if you’re looking for a non-IKEA lunch. 

IKEA is also located a couple steps from the Westbanhof station, which links to both the U3 and the U6. 

All in all, it’s a free study spot that you’ll fall in love with once you visit it. 

So that’s all my tips for where to study in Vienna! I hope this helps you guys find a good spot. Here is the link I promised: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1O7OHR7ynltBZ0mtni4d8o4L7__zuBUE&usp=sharing 

Good luck studying and have fun exploring the city!