If you've already been to Rome, Venice, Florence and other popular European destinations, why not try Italy's near-neighbor, Austria?

Aside from its affiliation with Mozart, and the Sound of Music, Vienna combines the romance of Venice, the efficiencies of Germany, along with the magnitude of Rome. Vienna is a charming metropolis, filled with enchanting sites, contemporary shopping and great cuisine, housing enough architectural wonder to placate any photographer. Take a stroll with your camera and be prepared to shoot incessantly. There are so many visual opportunities in this ancient city.

From Los Angeles, it takes about 12 hours to get to Vienna, factoring in any number of layovers in varying cities. I welcome these, as it gives me a chance to get off the plane and stretch my legs a bit.

Downtown Vienna is a shopper's delight. It's a major walkway that will weave you through a multitude of monuments, retail establishments, cafes, and the ever-talented local street vendors. Be prepared to drop a few Euros in any number of places that are a welcomed distraction from all the sightseeing. If you're pressed for time, take a cruise down the Danube, where you'll be able to embrace the city's perimeter and frolic with the locals and tourists from around the world!

Mary McGrath is a freelance writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Newsweek.com, MSNBC.com, Copley Newspapers, Rangefinder Magazine, After Capture Magazine and many other publications. She can be reached at: www.marymcgrathphotography.com