We can't wait to go to Vienna. My son has a major sweet tooth and we'd love some recommendations as to the "best" pastry shops to visit while we're in Vienna. Any help and recommendations is greatly appreciated.
Barbara

Everybody has their favorites and different shops may do some types of pastries better than others, it depends on what you like.
Demel's is one of the most popular, but not my favorite, I find it too hectic and touristy. In the central Vienna core, my favorite is Oberlaa, I would eat their raspberry cream schnittes every day if my waistline allowed. (They actually have a few shops http://www.oberlaa-wien.at/index1.html note: the English portion is under construction; only the German version works).
Gerstner is another popular shop.
Vienna is a toothsome town; I'm sure you'll find something tasty in every neighborhood.
Whether you'll like the famed Sacher torte is up for grabs--there's a whole thread on that subject alone.

I would highly recommend the bakery "Aida". It's located right next to St. Stephan's Catheral. I would recommend that he order the apple streudel (the best I've ever had)or the eclairs. Also really delish is the chocolate soldiers. They are filled with cherries and rum. Yum, yum!!

I lived in Vienna for three years. "Aida" is a chain, but it is a very good chain; their cheese strudel was my favorite. Order "Topfenstrudel." There is also an Aida branch across from the Opera on the Ringstrasse. For atmosphere I really love the Cafe Central in the heart of the historic first district. I remember the Apfelstrudel being particularly good there. Demel is justifiably world famous. I alawys go there when I return, despite the crowds and high prices. Their cake diplay is awesome. Another good cafe on the Ringstrasse is Cafe Landtmann, near the University. If you go to Schônbrunn Palace in the 13th district I recommend the Cafe Dommayer nearby. Makes a nice break after visiting the extensive grounds. Enjoy your stay!

Thank-you all. I'm sure we'll snack well! Are you able to sit and have breakfast(coffee and pastry) at these shops?

Here's a second recommendation for the Cafe Central. When I lived in Vienna, I loved to go there and take visitors as well. It's located in the old Palais Ferstel and is quite beautiful. I also remember the coffee and pastries being quite tasty.

One thing to keep in mind is that many of the deserts in Vienna will not be as sweet as you are use to. However, two of my very favorite deserts ARE sweet and chocolatey and so YUMMY -- Palatschinken (crepes filled with ice cream or chocolate and covered with whipped cream and chocolate sauce) and Mohr im Hemp (a gooey chocolate pudding cake with whipped cream and chocolate sauce). You can't go wrong with either of these!

Any other suggestions? ( I am away and cant bookmark)

My recommendation is Oberlaa. The desserts are very good! Heurigens have really good deserts too... most of them make it fresh.

But you really cannot go wrong with just getting pastries at bread/pastry chains, they all have good treats!

Have fun! You'll enjoy eating all sorts of wonderful treats in Vienna!