Old Town Chocolate Stores (Self Guided), Vienna

Manner is a brand of confectionery products under the Austrian conglomerate Josef Manner & Comp AG. This company, established in 1890, manufactures a wide range of confectionery items, including wafers, long-lasting sweets, chocolate-based confections, candies, cocoa, and various seasonal treats.

The most renowned product from this company is the "Neapolitan wafers," which were first introduced in 1898. These wafers are available in packs of ten, each containing hazelnut cream-filled wafers measuring 47 x 17 x 17 millimeters. Originally, the hazelnuts used in these wafers were sourced from the Naples region in Italy, which explains the name "Neapolitan." Remarkably, the basic recipe for these wafers has remained unchanged throughout the years.

The company's logo features an image of Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. This logo dates back to the 1890s when Josef Manner (1865–1947) inaugurated his inaugural store adjacent to the cathedral. An agreement was established between the Archdiocese of Vienna and the Manner Company, allowing the company to use the cathedral in its logo in exchange for providing financial support for the wages of one stonemason responsible for carrying out repair work on the cathedral's structure.

The Manner shop is located next to Saint Stephen Cathedral. There you can find the famous Manner wafers and Mozart balls, both are delicious in taste and great gifts to bring home from Vienna.

Altmann & Kühne is a confiserie and chocolaterie in Vienna, Austria, established in 1928. It produces handmade chocolates and bonbons with a special packaging designed by Wiener Werkstätte.

The business, which advertised itself as a supplier to the former Imperial Court, successfully grew during the interwar period. By 1938, Altmann and Kühne was Vienna's fourth chocolatier - a "smaller but upscale producer" trailing after the "big three" of Victor Schmidt, Heller and Küfferle. After the Nazi takeover Emile Altmann and Ernst Kühne, who were Jewish, fled to New York City. But the business survived through the Nazi years and World War II owing to the persistence of one loyal employee, Mrs. Mercek.

Today visitors with a sweet-tooth will be glad to find this shop of tasty souvenirs. Inside the store, the chocolates packages featured modernist designs by the artists of Wiener Werkstätte school.

Located in the center of Vienna, Leschanz Schokolade is renowned as the city's premier chocolate destination, earning the title of the "chocolate king." This esteemed reputation is well-deserved, thanks to its commitment to originality, top-notch quality, and a diverse range of irresistible treats that captivate both locals and tourists.

Upon entering Leschanz Schokolade, you'll be greeted by a tempting chocolate aroma that immediately captivates your senses, transporting you into a world of cocoa-infused delights. Despite its modest size, the shop emanates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to indulge in some of Vienna's finest chocolates.

While it's true that the chocolates at Leschanz Schokolade may be a bit more expensive compared to other stores in Vienna, the price reflects the value you receive when investing in a renowned brand with a rich heritage. Every bite reflects their dedication to top-notch quality and craftsmanship.

One standout feature of Leschanz Schokolade is their commitment to using exclusively organic chocolates. This dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing elevates their already impressive offerings. Their confections are lovingly handmade, ensuring that each treat is a masterpiece in its own right.

Among their specialties are the iconic Mozartkugeln and the "Golden Viennese Heart," a milk chocolate heart filled with hazelnut brittle, available in various sizes. They also offer vegan chocolates for those with dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can savor their exquisite creations.

During the cold season, Leschanz Schokolade offers a warm escape with hot chocolate and chestnuts, providing comfort and coziness to those seeking refuge from the chill.

Step into the sugar-dusted time machine that is Demel, Vienna’s most regal sweet spot since 1786. Not just any pastry shop, mind you—this is the former Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court, which basically means it had the emperor’s official blessing to give everyone a sugar high.

Decked out in full Neo-baroque glamour, Demel serves tradition with a flourish. The waitresses, known as Demelinerinnen, don’t just take your order—they address you in the third person, because in here, you are royalty too. “Would the gracious guest prefer their strudel warm?” Why yes, they would...

It all began at Saint Michael’s Square, thanks to Ludwig Dehne, a confectioner from Württemberg, Germany, with a sweet tooth and ambition. In 1857, the shop passed into the hands of Christoph Demel, one of Dehne’s employees, whose sons—Joseph and Karl—later moved the whole sugary operation to Kohlmarkt after the old Burgtheater was torn down. Turns out, even pastries need a fresh start sometimes...

Demel hit its golden era during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, becoming a magnet for the upper crust. Empress Elisabeth (known as Sisi), Princess Pauline von Metternich, and actress Katharina Schratt all indulged in its delights—proof that even the elite couldn’t resist a good slice of cake.

Speaking of cake: cue the great Torte Wars of the 20th century. Demel and the Hotel Sacher engaged in a legal battle over the rights to the "Original Sacher Torte." After years of courtroom drama, a peace treaty was signed in 1963—Demel could keep baking its version, marked with a sleek triangular seal. Chocolate diplomacy at its finest.

Today, Demel is more than just cake and charm. It hosts a delightful museum showcasing its imperial connections and the fine craft of chocolate-making. So, whether you're here for history, sugar, or a touch of old-world theatrics, one thing is certain: no one leaves Demel unimpressed—or hungry.

If you happen to find yourself in Vienna and you're a chocolate enthusiast, then you absolutely must visit Xocolat, a delightful haven of cocoa treats. Situated in the Palais Ferstel passage, Xocolat is a boutique that represents the art of chocolate making at its finest. Led by the renowned chef Christian Petz, Xocolat has established itself as a place dedicated to celebrating everything related to chocolate.

Step into Xocolat, a chocolate lover's paradise, and indulge in a world of exquisite chocolate creations. Discover whiskey truffles, a blend of rich chocolate and fine whiskey, and Grand Marnier pralines, combining citrus-infused liqueur with velvety chocolate. Explore unique chocolate bars and gourmet chocolate spreads for a delightful experience.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Xocolat is its transparency in the chocolate-making process. As you explore this chocolate paradise, you can observe all the magic happening behind the scenes through a glass window. It's a captivating experience to watch the skilled chocolatiers at work, meticulously shaping and crafting these sweet masterpieces with precision and passion.

For those who wish to enjoy the magic of Xocolat beyond the boutique's walls, there's the opportunity to take home a box of assorted confections. These thoughtfully curated assortments make for decadent souvenirs, allowing you to relive the excellence of Xocolat's chocolate long after your visit.