Hello again. I posted a similar question for experts on Prague. Now I need help with planning for Vienna. I am having trouble nailing down my itinerary for three days in December. What would you do? Where would you go? I like all of the basics: shopping, art, history, food etc. I feel as though my trip will be upon me and I will not be prepared! Thanks!!

Kuntshistoriches Museum
Belvedere Palace
MAK (for applied arts)
Hofburg Palace
Albertina
Secession Building
Leopold Museum
St Stephens

Probably won't suggest you go to Schönbrunn Palace given your limited time and you trip is in December.

You can read my trip report (Nov 2006) for some ideas:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34905605

Check out the recs from the folks at Fodors:

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/a...ure_30001.html

Also Christmas Markets!! There will be many while you are there.
The big one by the city hall is great, as is the Spittelberg one by the museums district.
Try to get in to see the Lipizaners practising too.

I'll second the Kuntshistoriches Museum and the Albertina: both wonderful.

If you're not on a strict budget, I can highly recommend both Steirereck (in Stadtpark, truly wonderful) and Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer (less expensive and perhaps a bit kistchy, but warm service and good food.) Would avoid Drei Husaren: food is very good, but the price tag is steep for what you get.

The Vienna Choir Boys
Lipanzanners
Hop on/hop off tour of Vienna or a basic city tour
Hofburg Palace
Schoenbrunn Palace
Marionnette Opera at the Schoenbrunn if you can get a ticket
St Stephen's Cathedral (check to see if there is a concert)
Grinzing

If you are into military history, go to the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, or museum of military history. This museum is huge! A bit off the beaten path, but easy to find. About 2 blocks south of the Suedbahnhof. Take tram D, Suedbahnhof is the last stop on the line (www.hgm.or.at).

A favorite restaurant is Bretzl Gwoelb, at Lederergasse 9. An old building dating back to the 1500s, wonderful atmosphere, good prices.

One of my most beautiful memories are of my sister and I walking around the center of Vienna at night in the winter. It costs nothing and is so beautiful.

Yes, the christmas lights in Vienna are the most classy, gorgeous street decorations I've ever seen. The Graben and Karnerstrasse are all lit up with beautiful hanging white light chandeliers and if you are lucky enough to get a good snow, walking beneath them is like being in winter wonderland. But the very best place to view them is from a cozy seat by the second story window of the restaurant at Julius Meinl delicatessen/store. It's a top drawer restaurant with a fairy tale view. Reservations essential.

I've just returned from a trip to Vienna, Prague, and the Romantic road in Germany and hope to have my trip report completed by early next week. Something I found very helpful for both cities was the Knopf Mapguides for them. they are small 6 x 6" about and easy to carry, guides to major sites set up in about 6 areas with easy to read and follow maps, and with dining, cafe, club, and shopping suggestions to accompany for each area. Enjoy.

Yes, the military museum is very interesting--especially since it contains the car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. The uniform he was wearing is also there. I found the exhibit moving. It was as though you were looking at the moment in time where the Old World faded away and the 20th century arrived. Of course, Franz Ferdinand's assassination began the series of events that resulted in World War I.