Vienna, Austria

Vienna feels elegant from the moment you arrive—grand palaces, beautiful cafés, and streets that you could walk around for hours. For authentic Austrian food, a few standouts are Figlmüller (famous for its giant, perfectly crispy schnitzel), Plachutta (known for traditional tafelspitz), and Gasthaus Pöschl, a cozy spot locals love for classic, home-style dishes.

There’s plenty to see, especially if you love history and architecture. The Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace show off Vienna’s imperial past, while St. Stephen’s Cathedral gives you incredible views if you climb the tower. The Belvedere Museum is another highlight, home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Walking along the Ringstrasse or exploring the narrow streets of the old town gives you a great sense of the city’s atmosphere.

For fun, Vienna has more to offer than just museums. The Prater amusement park is perfect for riding the iconic Ferris wheel, the Naschmarkt is great for browsing food stalls and grabbing snacks, and the city’s famous coffeehouses, like Café Central or Café Demel, are ideal for relaxing with cake and people-watching.