Vienna

Vienna is a city steeped in history, both physically and metaphorically. The Innere Stadt's small lanes snake between historic buildings, creating an ambiance so genuine that you almost expect a Vienna resident like composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or psychologist Sigmund Freud to welcome you with "guten tag" as you turn a cobblestone corner. The city is dominated by extravagant baroque mansions from the Habsburg Monarchy, while Mozart's classical arias may be heard from modern cafés. If you're looking for culture, this is the place to go.

But this city is about more than just music and kings. Independent bookstores compete for business alongside haute couture in Vienna, making it a terrific spot to spend money. There are also a surprising amount of kid-friendly activities, such as an amusement park and a world-class zoo. Even while many Viennese retire early, it doesn't mean you have to; slip out to one of the city's Bermuda Triangle pubs or visit one of the wine taverns that edge the Vienna Woods.