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By Karin Beuerlein

The back of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria

10. Kunsthistorisches Museum — Vienna, Austria
www.khm.at

Make no mistake, there's lots of world-class art in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and its palatial setting makes for some stunning backdrop, but perhaps the most interesting facet of this collection is that it represents the tastes of a dynasty. Specifically the Hapsburgs, the royal family that ruled Austria and assorted hunks of the rest of the continent for 600 years. Their personal collections form the foundation of the museum.

It's a history lesson as well as an art experience, some of it rather amusing, like the fact that you won't find many French or British works here because the nations are traditional enemies of the Austrian crown. On the other hand, the Hapsburgs' favor shone on the Dutch, and the museum's trove of Brueghel paintings makes art fans quiver with joy. Bonus points: The museum's cafe includes a confectionery (Gerstner) that has been making sweets for 160 years. In fact, Gerstner provides a delicious Sunday arts brunch in the museum that's a bit on the pricy side at 42 euros per person, but is free for kids and includes a kid-friendly guided tour.

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