I think it would be impossible to choose which city in Europe is the most beautiful, although Vienna would be a serious contender. But I do feel safe in saying that Vienna is Europe’s sweetest city because everywhere you turn there is a konditorei angling to sell you a dizzying assortment of cake. There’s Aida, an excellent if ubiquitous Viennese chain (try the truffletorte), as well as dozens of places that have been serving up sweets for well over a hundred years. If it’s atmosphere you’re after, then check out one of the many famous cafes like the grand Cafe Central.

We spent this past weekend in Vienna — it turned out to be the perfect place to stop between Turkey and Italy because there are direct flights from Kayseri (gateway to Cappodocia) to Vienna on Pegasus Airlines and then there’s a direct train from Vienna to Venice (where I am now). We didn’t have too much time but we made it to the Albertina, which not only has a fantastic permanent collection but also has the Hapsburg staterooms, which were restored in 2007. Unfortunately, they did not allow photography inside those exquisite palace rooms. But, here are some photos taken around the city’s compact historical center.