Greetings from Vienna! As a local photographer, I’m excited to share with you a series that has allowed me to dive deep into the heart of our city’s cultural heritag. Viennese Coffee House Culture. In this blog post, I invite you to explore the enchanting world of Vienna’s iconic coffee houses, not just as spaces but as living, breathing entities shaped by the people who frequent them.

Vienna’s coffee house culture is a dynamic tapestry woven with threads of history, tradition, and, most importantly, the diverse individuals who call these establishments their second home. Before I embarked on this project, I felt a profound connection to the unique charm that both locals and tourists bring to these cultural hubs.

Photography, for me, is a medium to capture not just images but stories—stories of people, conversations, and shared moments. Inspired by the bustling life within Viennese coffee houses, I set out with a mission to encapsulate the spirit, the history, and the daily rhythms that make these establishments an integral part of Vienna’s identity.

Creating this series involved not just capturing the architecture and decor but also observing the daily interactions among locals and the curious gazes of tourists. Each photograph, a moment frozen in time, tells a story not just of the coffee houses but of the people who make them come alive.

Vienna is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in every frame, a silent witness to the myriad stories unfolding within its coffee houses. The connection between the locals, the tourists, and the city itself creates a unique cultural blend that sets Vienna apart.

Most images were captured with the Canon 5D mk4 and Canon´s 40mm pancake lens. My favorite for everyday reportage.

The series was commissioned by the onboard magazine of Wizz Air in close cooperation with the Journalist Christian Koch in November of 2018.

Viennese Coffee House Culture isn’t just a series; it’s a celebration of our city’s history and the people who shape its present. Thank you for joining me on this photographic journey, and here’s to the ever-evolving stories waiting to be captured through the lens of Vienna.

Jakob Polacsek

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Café Vienna