After our time hiking the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, we had to head back to Utrecht by train. There is a new connection between Innsbruck and the Netherlands – the Nightjet – which is a direct train. We decided to not stay longer in Dobbiaco and do the trip in one leg, but to depart early in the morning to still have almost a full day to spend in Innsbruck. We searched blogs and looked up the best spots in Innsbruck to not waste any time during our short visit. Fortunately, we managed to see a lot of Innsbruck as well as discover some great bars & restaurants. I’ll show you the best places we’ve discovered in these 24 hours in Innsbruck, a Travel Guide. Are you spending the night in Innsbruck? At the end of this travel guide, you will find the best hotels in Innsbruck.
In the middle of the main square in the old town (Altstadt), you’ll find the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). It’s the most famous symbol of the city.
As in most cities, the old town is most impressive. Especially the main square, where also the Golden Roof is located and its side alleys are covered by amazing buildings. When we visited, it was raining, which generally didn’t allow us to enjoy the terraces around. However, if I’m honest, rain brings a lot of contrast to pictures, which is a pro.
If you want to enjoy a view over Innsbruck, definitely climb the Stadtturm. If you are only in the city for a short amount of time (24 hours or less), it also helps straight away with getting an overview of what the city looks like and how it is set up. You have to climb 148 stairs to climb to the top and the entry fee is 4,50 euros. Enjoy the view!
What’s better than discovering the local specialities at a food market? Being able to have a bit and a drink at the food market! I always love the concept of visiting a food market and having the opportunity to sit down with a glass of wine and watch all the shoppers go by.
Unfortunately, the rain didn’t allow us to spend much time admiring the pretty colorful houses on the riverside, that can be spotted in the Markthalle. Nevertheless, a quick visit to the riverside is a must when in Innsbruck.
Not a big site, but something to quickly pass by is the Triumphal Arch. We passed the Triumphal Arch when walking to the great bar Kater Noster. The arch is located at the Maria-Theresien-Straße, one of the most famous streets (mainly with shops), so visiting both can be easily combined.
Another great activity from Innsbruck is to take the funicular up to the Nordkette and explore the mountains. The fact that Innsbruck is surrounded by mountains, is what makes the city this unique. We decided not to do this, as we just spend 7 days. in the mountains, but this can be a great addition to your city trip! The funicular leaves from the Nordkette Kongress and more detailed information can be found here.
Looking for another city to explore? Have you ever heard of Matera? Matera is a stunning, ancient city in Italy, located near Puglia. Within 2 days, you can explore the city and the cute bars and restaurants. You’ll love it.
The 360° bar rewards great views over Innsbruck, which you can enjoy sipping a cocktail. It is located in a shopping passage, where – in the middle of the passage – you can take the elevator to the top floor. Next door, there is a connected – more fancy – restaurant called Lichtblick.
Who says you can’t have lunch with strudel? When in Austria, you have to go with a strudel, right?! We were glad to read about and to run into strudel cafe Kröll, as firstly the terrace is great and they serve amazing and original strudel. We decided to go with the combination of three random strudels, which was great. Highly recommended.
I loved this place! Generally, after living in Berlin I like everything with a Berlin vibe to it (did I become a Friedrichshain girl?!). Well, this place is a place to go then. We were there quite early, but I’m sure this place will be packed at times. They served great cocktails (with rhubarb, yes!) and flammkuchen as a snack. Mjam.
One of the most recommended places only was Machete – Burrito Kartell. As we only had one dinner to go to during our time in Innsbruck, we wanted it to be good. We decided to arrive a bit earlier for dinner standards, but soon enough the place filled up. Order a cocktail and decide with a form on the content of your burrito. You pay around 10 euros for this HUGE burrito that I couldn’t finish even though I’m a big eater.
I’m a great craft beer fan – as displayed in specific blog posts such as craft beer in Lisbon or Vancouver – so I wanted to try the main craft beer bar in Innsbruck as well, called Tribaun. They do have about 10 to 15 beers on tap! Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the beers on tap, as they were not of the highest quality and ratings, but I loved the vibe of the place! A great way to end your tour and therewith your 24-hours in Innsbruck covered in this travel guide.
If you’re spending 24 hours in Innsbruck, or you want to spend some more time here to explore all locations in this Innsbruck Travel Guide, this overview provides you with the best hotels in Innsbruck.
Luxury hotel in Innsbruck: A great luxury hotel in Innsbruck is the Hotel Innsbruck, located on the banks of the old town. They have a great indoor pool and spa options. Rooms start from €225 a night.
Mid-range hotel in Innsbruck: Generally, I’m a fan of Motel One hotels, and also Innsbruck offers one of them that looks great. A Motel One Innsbruck room starts from €125, and therewith, I would recommend this hotel as the best value for money. Another mid-range hotel option when staying 24 hours in Innsbruck is the Hotel Central, which is slightly more expensive. Rooms start at €145.
Budget hotel in Innsbruck: Hostels in Innsbruck are not much cheaper than a standard hotel when travelling with 2 people. Therefore, I recommend the Meiniger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum when seeking a budget option. Rooms here start from €123. They also offer bunk beds, starting at €45 per person.
