Most visitors know Vienna for its imposing boulevards, classical music history, and heavy traditional cuisine. But this grand capital has once again become the crossroads of Europe, with a thriving economy, a vibrant arts community, and a cosmopolitan culinary scene. Here are a few reasons to get reacquainted with the Imperial City.

The fashion houses, designer stores and chic boutiques lining Michigan Avenue make for a shopper’s paradise. The Magnificent Mile is home to three shopping towers, as well as dozens of luxury brand name retailers. Beyond the chain stores, however, you’ll also find a handful of boutique stores that sell unique gifts, designer clothing items, shoes and accessories. Use this boutique shopping guide when you’re traversing Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

It’s the largest city in the Midwest and boasts a thriving arts, culture, entertainment and shopping scene. Chicago caters to all types of travelers with festivals and events at city parks, dozens of world-renowned attractions and hundreds of locally-owned restaurants serving up food for all tastes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway in the Windy City or an extended vacation for your traveling party, use this guide to help map out your itinerary.

With several acres of green space, community festivals year-round and stroller-friendly parks, it’s no wonder that downtown Chicago continues to be a popular destination for traveling families. The Windy City is home to several attractions that host family-friendly events and activities each season.

Barcelona has pioneered the introduction of sports to Spain since the end of the 19th century. This tradition has given the city a legacy of sporting clubs, some of which are a century old and enjoy great international prestige. The city leapt onto the collective international consciousness with the 1992 Olympic Games, but for the people who live here, sports are just a way of life.

The columns stretching above my head were slender and graceful, the ceiling undulating and spiraling away in plaster waves. Walls and corners were rounded, decorated with bits of circular colored glass and mosaic tiles. There wasn’t a corner, square or hard edge in sight.

You’ve seen Evita, you’ve watched them tango on Dancing with the Stars, and there’s nothing you like more than a good steak. It’s time to head to the Paris of South America for some sultry southern hemisphere adventures.

Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand has a rich history and cultural heritage with European roots, catering to both leisure and adventure travelers with its majestic mountains, sun-kissed beaches and lush, rolling meadows. If you’re heading to the other land down under, be sure to include some of these hotels, restaurants and famous attractions on your itinerary.