Spend Days 1 and 2 as outlined in the "In One Day" and "In Two Days" tours. On Day 3, take in the Belvedere, spend the afternoon at MuseumsQuartier before hitting one of the famous heurigen or wine taverns. Nothing is more typically Viennese than spending a night drinking and eating at one of these taverns on the edge of the Vienna Woods.
In the morning of Day 3, take Tram D to:
1. Schloss Belvedere
Its complete name in German is Österreichische Galerie Belvedere or Belvedere Palace in English, and it lies southeast of Karlsplatz, sitting on the slope of a hill with panoramic views of Vienna. This airy baroque palace was constructed in the early 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. It was once the residence of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne, who was assassinated on that fateful trip to Sarajevo in 1914, launching World War I. A beautiful garden separates the two palaces that form the Belvedere. The palaces are filled with valuable art.
Head back to the center of Vienna and enjoy a stroll and lunch at the:
2. Naschmarkt
At Wienzeile in the 6th district (U-Bahn: Karlsplatz), just south of the Ring, you can explore the most famous open-air market of Vienna. Viennese merchants have operated here since the Middle Ages, selling their produce grown on the fertile farms of Lower Austria. Naschmarkt is one of Europe's greatest open-air markets. You'll find stall after stall of stacked fruits and vegetables, most of which was recently harvested. The spice fragrances assailing your nostrils (in a pleasant way) evoke the souks of the Middle East.
Take A Break -- Naschmarkt offers dozens upon dozens of eateries or snack stands where you can fill up. In recent years there has been an explosion of Turkish food stands offering such delights as Döner sandwiches (these most often contain pressed lamb with fried onions in a yogurt sauce). Asian noodle shops as well as Japanese sushi stalls also predominate. You can even order typically Viennese dishes, especially beer and sausages, at several stalls. The Nordsee, a seafood complex enclosed under glass, lies at the Karlsplatz end of Naschmarkt, and features freshly caught fish from neighboring Burgenland and other places.
In early afternoon, take the U-Bahn to MuseumsQuartier to visit:
3. The MuseumsQuartier Complex
This giant complex is host to many attractions, notably three great museums, including Kunsthalle Wien, a showcase for cutting-edge modern and classic modern art. An even more impressive showcase, Leopold Museum, has a vast collection of Austrian art, including the world's largest collection of the works of Egon Schiele (1890-1918). A final museum, MUMOK, is devoted to some of the best collections of modern art in central Europe, even American pop art. You can spend the better part of an afternoon -- at least that -- wandering through this treasure trove. Only if time remains, there is a vast array of other attractions as well, including both a tobacco museum and a children's museum.
For your final night in Vienna, head for:
4. Grinzing
On the edge of the Vienna Woods, take tram 1 to Schottentor, then change to tram no. 38 for Grinzing. This is the most visited town for those wanting to spend a night at a heurigen or wine tavern. The sound of the zither or the accordion lasts long into a summer night.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
