Vienna

Vienna is the grand dame of European capitals, a city where Habsburg imperial splendor lives on in magnificent palaces, world-class museums, and a coffeehouse tradition recognized by UNESCO. The best time to visit is April through June and September through October, when mild temperatures make walking the Ringstrasse boulevard a pleasure and the city famous gardens are in full bloom. December is magical too — Vienna Christmas markets are among Europe finest, filling squares with mulled wine, gingerbread, and festive lights.

Schonbrunn Palace and its 1,441 rooms anchor the imperial experience, while the Hofburg Palace complex houses the Spanish Riding School and the Imperial Treasury. The Kunsthistorisches Museum rivals the Louvre for Old Masters, and the MuseumsQuartier packs contemporary art into a former imperial stable complex. Vienna music heritage is unmatched — the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein (home of the New Year Concert), and countless churches host performances nightly. The Naschmarkt food market, Prater amusement park, and wine taverns (Heurigen) in the surrounding hills round out the experience.

With hotels across loyalty programs, Vienna offerings include the Park Hyatt Vienna (housed in a former bank with a stunning pool in the vault), the Ritz-Carlton Vienna, and several Marriott and Hilton properties in the city center. Cash rates in Vienna can be steep, making points bookings an excellent value play.