Schloss Schönbrunn

This magnificent summer palace of the Habsburg royalty truly embodies the opulence of the Baroque era, from its topiary maze and minutely manicured gardens to the ornately detailed interiors. Several tour packages offer access to the highlights of its 1,441 rooms, which have witnessed imperial births and deaths, the signings of treaties, legendary performances, and a veritable who’s who of European history. A visit to Schönbrunn isn’t complete without a walk around the park grounds; the Tiergarten is the oldest continuously running zoo in the world, and while modest in scale, it boasts a comprehensive feeding schedule and well-designed enclosures. If you’re the more intrepid sort, definitely opt for a hike up the hill to the ornamental Gloriette, where you can refuel with Kaffee and a Kipferl, just like Empress Maria Theresa did more than 250 years ago.