We stayed in Innsbruck for one night on our road trip through the Austrian alps and I absolutely fell in love with the city. The gothic Old Town is so colourful and unique with a stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps. I hope you enjoy this quick guide to Innsbruck!
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the STAGE 12 – Hotel by Penz in Innsbruck for one night. I absolutely loved this hotel! The hotel is situated on Innsbruck’s main pedestrian street, Maria-Theresien-Strasse. This is such a great area of Innsbruck’s old town to stay in. The hotel décor is beautiful and our room was so cute. I highly recommend this hotel when staying in Innsbruck!
WHERE TO EAT
We had a great dinner at one of Innsbruck’s most famous restaurants, Stiftskeller. The restaurant is tucked away on a cute little side street. We sat on the patio outside the front of the restaurant – it was lovely! The food was great.
We had breakfast at Cafe Mundling. Service was slow but the food was great.
Some other popular Innsbruck restaurants:
- Sitzwohl
- die Wilderin
- Fischerhausl
- Das Schindler
- Restaurant Lichtblick
WHAT TO DO
Stadtturm
Head first to Innsbruck’s landmark watchtower. Make sure you go up to the observation deck for a small fee. Here you’ll find great views of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean Alps. It’s also a great way to orient yourself with the city.
Helbing House
Directly across from the Stadtturm is the beautiful Helbing House. This townhouse is known for its beautiful Rococo exterior, which contrasts greatly with the Gothic old town.
Golden Roof
Across from the Helbing House is the iconic Golden Roof – you can’t miss it! Completed in 1500, the roof was decorated with fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I. The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe events that took place in the square below. If you choose, you can enter the building to visit the Golden Roof Museum for a fee.
Colourful Houses
Make your way to the Inn River, which runs through Innsbruck. Along the other side of the river you’ll see Innsbruck’s famous colourful houses. So beautiful!
Innsbruck Cathedral
Innsbruck Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob) is a beautiful 18th century Baroque cathedral. Make sure you step inside to see the stunning interior.
Hofburg Innsbruck
The Hofburg in Innsbruck is a palace that formerly belonged to the Hapsburg royal family for 450 years. It is now a museum where you can see the imperial apartments, the imperial chapel, a furniture museum, and several galleries.
You can visit the Hofkirche separately from the museum. The Hofkirche is a Gothic church that was used by the court.
Make sure you take a relaxing break in the beautiful Hofgarten.
Nordkette Cable Car
Near the Hofgarten is the Nordkette Cable Car. No matter what season you’re visiting in, riding up this cable car to the top of the Austrian Alps is bound to give you amazing views.
Ambras Castle
If you have more time in Innsbruck, there are a couple of popular attractions to visit just outside of the city centre. Ambras Castle is a Renaissance palace located in the hills of Innsbruck. Tours of this beautiful castle are available.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Located high above Innsbruck on Bergisel Hill is the Bergisel Ski Jump. The original ski jump was erected in 1925 and it was used in the1964 and 1976 Olympic Ski Jumping competitions. It has since been reconstructed. If you make your way to the top of the ski jump, you’ll find amazing views of Tyrol.
I hope that this guide to Innsbruck inspired you to visit the beautiful city!
To read my blog post, “A Road Trip Through Southern Germany and the Austrian Alps,” click here.
