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If beautiful, ornate churches pique your interest, Austria offers an impressive array. If we had to choose one to bump to the top of your bucket list, it’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. The Romanesque-Gothic landmark boasts four towers, 13 bells and catacombs, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna.

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The Renaissance’s iconic architectural style is well represented throughout Austria. One of the finest examples is Ambras Castle, a stunning structure located in the hills above Innsbruck. In addition to its awe-inspiring facade and interiors, the castle played an important cultural and historical role, closely connected with Archduke Ferdinand II.

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Highly ornate, the Baroque style of art, music and architecture makes a bold statement — it’s also one of the most prominent styles in Austria. For a taste of the 17th- and 18th-century trend, visit Schönbrunn Palace. The 1,441-room landmark has a long history as an important imperial residence, and boasts a sculpted garden, botanical garden, orangerie, palm house and Orangutan enclosure.

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Evoke your inner child at Prater, a large public park in Vienna’s 2nd district, boasting the Wurstelprater amusement park and iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel. The park also features a lovely tree-lined avenue, closed to motorists; the Liliputbahn, a narrow leisure railway; a planetarium; and the Prater Museum.

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For a dose of the outdoors, visit the Salzkammergut region, a resort area and UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Salzburg to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. Take a drive or hike and witness the region’s glacial lakes, ice caves, mountains, alpine lakes, sprawling pastures and waterfalls, as well as colorful villages and castles.

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All aspects of the high arts coalesce at the grandiose Vienna State Opera. Opened in 1869 as the first major building on the Vienna Ringstrasse, the Neo-Renaissance Opera House has been one of the most important cultural centers in Austria; today, members of the Vienna Philharmonic are recruited from its orchestra. It boasts breathtaking exterior and interior design elements and world-class performances.

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A total feast for the senses, Austria’s markets are an experience not to be missed. In Vienna, the Naschmarkt, functioning as early as the 18th century, offers endless rows of produce, seafood, homemade pasta, bread and cheese stalls. Other great markets include Schrannenmarkt in Salzburg, Tyrol’s Potter’s Market in Hall and Ursulamarkt in Carinthia.