Vienna

Pastries so exquisite people queue up outside are just the start of what makes this whimsical hotel so special.

This small, intimate capital bursts with high culture, musical history and grandiose architecture, yet is surprisingly laidback, charming and fun.

Encourage your Jekyll and Hyde and you’ll blend right into the Austrian capital which fosters a heady mix of the serious and sweet.

Step beyond the city’s ravishing historic core to savour these alluring Viennese locales.

Deep in the Vienna Woods is the world’s oldest continuously active monastery – established in 1133, it is celebrating its 890th year.

'I'm sorry to disappoint you but the couch is not here,' says the guide as she welcomes me into the Sigmund Freud Museum.

Every suite here is the creation of an Austrian architect, artist, designer or – in one case – actor.

Vienna is wonderful by foot – take one of the many walking tours to get a feel for the first district, and then venture out into the outer districts.

It's hard to imagine how Vienna could be more magical.

From historical instruments to the Vienna Boys Choir to the final resting place of Beethoven and Schubert: Vienna breathes music.