Innsbruck in 24 Hours – The Perfect Itinerary!

One Day in Innsbruck: Itinerary

Innsbruck is a beautiful little city in Tyrol, Austria, with only about 120,000 people.

Its size, though, doesn’t betray the magnitude of visual charm and cultural delight it offers.

This is the perfect Innsbruck itinerary to plan your visit. This guide has all you need to know about things to do in Innsbruck in 24 hours.

HOW MANY DAYS IN INNSBRUCK SHOULD YOU SPEND?

Innsbruck is a fairly small city, and its center is even smaller.

You can easily cover the top things to do in Innsbruck in one day, as most of the city attractions lie within the Old Town.

That nothwithstanding, there is quite a lot to do in the city.

From exploring the Old Town and playing street chess to getting closer to the Alps in Nordkette, Innsbruck has enough to keep you busy for at least 3 days.

This guide attempts to list the best things you can do, if you are in Innsbruck for a day.

Of course, you might need a bit longer to soak in everything the city offers!

WHAT IS INNSBRUCK KNOWN FOR?

Innsbruck is famously known as the ‘Capital of the Alps’ due to its scenic location.

A quintessentially Austrian city with the hills in the background, Innsbruck reminds you of Switzerland in a way. It offers a diverse Alpine experience for travelers.

Innsbruck is also a popular ski destination.

If you’re visiting in the winter, and are looking at activities like skiing and snowboarding, you should set aside a few more days as there are a lot of opportunities for winter sports in Innsbruck.

In fact, the Winter Olympic Games have been held there twice.

By all means, summer is also a great time to visit as the weather is abundant, and you can see the snow glistening on the mountains in the distance.

Lastly, Innsbruck is a great choice of day trip from bigger neighboring cities like Munich and Salzburg.

IS THE INNSBRUCK CARD WORTH IT?

Visitors can buy the Innsbruck card, which offers unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trams and funiculars. It also includes free entry to various attractions in Innsbruck.

The card is available for 24, 48 and 72 hours in Innsbruck.

The cost of the Innsbruck card for 1 day in Innsbruck is EUR 49, which I feel is rather expensive.

So it might be better worth for your money to buy the card for  48 hours at EUR 55.

ONE DAY IN INNSBRUCK: THINGS TO DO

MORNING IN OLD TOWN

You would want to aim at getting to the city a bit early, as there is a lot to see and we just have 24 hours in Innsbruck!

For me, food always comes first. So, if you’re like me, start your day with breakfast at the Breakfast Club.

BREAKFAST IN BREAKFAST CLUB

True to their name, Breakfast Club has an all-day breakfast menu. It is located really close to the Old Town in Innsbruck.

There are options to accomodate all kinds of preferences, from vegan dishes to a full English breakfast spread.

Breakfast Club Address: Maria-Theresien-Straße 49 & 49a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

After you’ve fuelled up for the day, wander around the Innsbruck Old Town and take in the views.

Most of the important sights and monuments are within this area, and it is compact and walkable. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on.

Things to do in Innsbruck Old Town

The Old Town in Innsbruck is replete with inspiring architecture and colourful, whimsical facades watching over you as you walk through cobblestoned lanes.

All the attractions are in close proximity to each other, so you can cover most of them even if you are in Innsbruck for a day.

Some of the most prominent things to do in Innsbruck old town are listed below.

Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof)

Perhaps the most popular item in the list of things to do in Innsbruck: The Old Town expands into a square in front of this sparkling golden landmark.

Commonly called The Golden Roof, it was built in 1500 and decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza.

The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe tournaments, festivals and other events that took place in the square below.

It also has a museum where you can find vibrant exhibits, games, and books about the Late Middle Ages.

A royal jester accompanies visitors throughout the museum.

In all fairness, I would recommend admiring the Goldenes Dachl from the outside. The interiors are a tad underwhelming inside and can be missed.

Dom Zu St. Jacob (Innsbruck Cathedral)

Next, head to the Cathedral of St. Jacob, or Innsbruck Cathedral.

This beautiful church is only a two-minute walk away from the Golden Roof.

The interior is enclosed by three domed vaults spanning the aisle.

The make of the cathedral is in lavish baroque, while the entire vaulting is adorned with life-sized frescos. All the colors are accentuated by the abundance of natural light coming in through the windows.

There is a painting of the Virgin Mary, a piece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, which is displayed above the main altar and is considered amongst the most venerated Marian images in Christianity.

Entry here is free, however you are expected to pay EUR 1 to use your phones or cameras for clicking pictures inside.

Spend some time here, and admire the finesse with which the entire structure has been built. Absorb the enormous sense of calm there is.

Innsbruck Hofgarten (Court Garden)

A-10 minute walk away from the Innsbruck Cathedral, at the edge of the Old Town, is the Hofgarten sprawling over an area of 10 hectares.

The expanse is dotted with lush foliage, and you’ll see more greenery than you might have seen in a long time.

A walk through The Innsbruck Hofgarten is worth every minute you spend here.

Don’t miss the garden chess boards, a unique and ubiquitous sight in Austria. We spotted a group of men playing floor chess, despite the heavy and relentless rain. What dedication!

Not to mention, the entry to the garden is free.

The perfect way to spend an afternoon in Innsbruck.

LUNCH IN MARKTHALLE

By now those hunger pangs will most likely start to kick in, so head to Markthalle for lunch.

A short walk from the Old Town, Markthalle is an indoor market with a huge collection of fresh and local produce, from bread and cheese to fruits, vegetables, pickles and jams.

There are also a number of cafes, restaurants, diners and bars within the complex.

Fancy a glass of wine at 10 am? No one’s judging!

Grab a table and pick up lunch from the many options inside the market.

River Inn

Once you’ve eaten, Walk down to the bridge running over the River Inn, or the Inns, as it is more commonly referred to.

You’ll see hurrying waters on either side, a cyclist passing by, and pastel-colored houses across the river. The view here makes for great photo ops. Definitely recommended for your Innsbruck itinerary.

The colorful houses stacked together on the other side of the river make for the most popular postcard picture of Innsbruck.

EVENING IN NORDKETTE

Nordkette (North Chain Mountain Range)

Next, head to Innsbruck Congress, just 300 meters from the Old Town pedestrian zone.

From the station here, you can catch a train to explore the Nordkette range. The tickets are available until 5:30 pm daily.

There is a funicular that will take you from downtown Innsbruck to the heart of the Alps.

The Nordkettenbahn, or the route you’ll be taking has three separate sections:
1 – Innsbruck Congress Station to Hungerburg via funicular.
2- Hungerburg to the Seegrube station via cable car.
3- Seegrube station to Hafelekar via another cable car.

You can pay for just part 1, part 1 and 2, or all 3 parts. The price details are here.

In the interest of time, you could buy a pass only to Hungerburg, and if the views there make you change your mind, you can always buy a new ticket to the top.

As soon as you step out of the train, you’ll know you’re literally in the heart of the Alps.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by splendid views, so give yourself some time to appreciate the grandeur of the place.

Catching the view here is one of the non-negotiably mandatory things to do in Innsbruck. Of course, there’s a small café here so you could also grab a hot cuppa.

Annasäule (St. Anne’s Column)

On your way back to the city center, stop by at Maria-Theresien-Straße, Innsbruck’s main shopping street. Here you will find St. Anne’s Column conspicuously propped in the middle.

Annasäule is a strategic monument made of Tyrolean marble. It was built in 1706, to commemorate the retreat of the last of the Bavarian troops after their failed attempt to capture Tyrol.

Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch)

Move to Leopoldstraße 300m away to see the Triumphal Arch.

Triumphpforte was built in 1765 to mark the marriage of Archduke Leopold with the Spanish princess Maria Ludovica. Contrary to normal practice, it was built from stone rather than wood. The Arch has carvings of various state symbols, with a prominent image of the married couple.

EVENING AND NIGHT :

The busy touristying will get you exhausted, so let’s get dinner before you call it a day.

The Innsbruck Old Town is dotted with amazing food joints and bars, and you can enjoy a nice meal, followed or accompanied by great Tyrolean beer.

No trip is complete without trying local delicacies, which is why you should choose Austrian cuisine from the menu.

Enjoy a bowl of crispy Gröstl (they also have a vegan version) and sauerkraut at Restaurant Olive.

If you’re in the mood for dessert, try the Kaiserschmarren, a yummy scrambled pancake that you can’t stop eating!

WHERE TO EAT IN INNSBRUCK

Ask me what my favorite part about travel is, and I’ll tell you, without batting an eye, that it’s all the food you get to eat.

If you are looking for places to eat in Innsbruck, here are some recommendations I bet you’ll love. You can also check out this list of Austrian must-try dishes.

Stiftskeller

This is a beer garden in the heart of the Old Town and serves Tyrolean cuisine.

The servers are dressed in quintessential clothing of the Alps – the Dirndl for women and the lederhosen for men. The ambiance only adds to the whole Tyrolean flavor.

Di Wilderin

The perfect place to have a candlelit dinner, whilst savoring the local delicacies.

All the food here is sourced from farms within Innsbruck or from the outskirts, hence you can be certain that every bite on your plate will be fresh.

This is also why the menu here changes every day depending on the produce available. There’s a comfortable atmosphere and very friendly service. The food options are limited, however, you can ask the servers to make recommendations and they’ll happily oblige.

Der bäcker ruetz

If you’re in Germany or Austria, and you don’t try the local breads, you’re SERIOUSLY missing out.

This part of the world takes their bread pretty darn seriously, and with a bakery around (literally) every corner, there’s no excuse for not dropping in at one.

One of the oldest bakeries in Innsbruck, the family has kept Der Bäcker Ruetz running since five generations! And the legacy reflects in the freshness of their products as much as in the promptness and efficiency of service.

Every item on the menu is made with pure love and soul. The food is great and the staff is pleasant and really friendly.

The chain has multiple locations across Innsbruck.

HAVE MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN INNSBRUCK?

If you are spending longer than one day in Innsbruck, below are some more attractions that are well worth visiting. See if you can squeeze them into your itinerary:

More Things to Do in Innsbruck Old Town:

• Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm): A visit to the city tower is included in the Innsbruck card. The stairs take you up top to a 31m high viewing point where you can enjoy a view of the Innsbruck Old Town, with the Alps in the backdrop.
• Imperial Palace (Hofburg): Hofburg has served as the residence of some of the most prominent names in Innsbruck’s political past. The palace has flambouyant interiors, paintings and sculptures that give a peek into the royal life of Innsbruck.
• Innsbruck Court Church (Hofkirche): The church was built as a memorial for Emperor Maximilian I. Upon entering the church, you will notice 28 life-sized bronze statues standing guard to protect the tomb of the emperor. The church also serves as a resting place for many of Innsbruck’s local heroes.
• Tylorean Folk Museum: A glimpse into the Tyrolean way of life, the folk museum has an interesting collection of handicrafts, artisanry and costumes from a bygone era. By all means worth a visit if you have more than a day in Innsbruck.

Innsbruck Bergiselschanze (Bergisel Ski Jump)

Walk down or take a bus from the Old Town to Bergisel, which is a ski jumping hill in a stadium that hosts annual events.

There’s an entry fee of EUR 9, and you can board the funicular or take the stairs to go up.

From the top, you can see of the whole of Tyrol, and, believe you me, it is spectacular. Definitely one of the top things to do in Innsbruck.

Even though it might seem a tad redundant after the Nordkette, but then again, there is no such thing as too many views!

You feel me, don’t you?

There is also a restaurant at the top where you can get lunch while admiring the vantage views.

Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras)

Sitting in the hills above Innsbruck, Ambras Castle is a paradigm of romantic Rennaisance architecture.

The castle houses some of Europe’s oldest collections of relics, arts, paintings and books.

Especially popular is the Spanish Hall which was built for balls and celebratory occasions, and is one of the finest works of the Rennaisance period.

There is also a portrait gallery featuring over 200 paintings, weaponry and stunning armor on display, and a garden to enjoy a stroll in the sun.

Many city festivals and concerts are also held in the Ambras Castle garden.

WHAT TO DO IN INNSBRUCK AT NIGHT

Get Drinks in Innsbruck Old Town

Innsbruck is a university town, hence it has a lively and diverse nightlife. Check out this list of the most recommended bars and clubs in the city. There’s also a casino you could visit, perhaps if you have more than one day in Innsbruck.

Attend an Innsbruck Music Festival

Despite stiff competition from its neighbor and Mozart’s home, Salzburg, Innsbruck has contributed in a big way to the Tyrolean music legacy.

The city presently hosts an array of annual musical events like the International Festival of Early Music, International Choral Festival, and Summer Dance Festival.

Most of these events run through the day but they really get into action at night. Entry is mostly free!

Depending on what time in the year you visit, make sure to attend a music festival in Innsbruck during your stay if you can.

Enjoy a Show at Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck

If you’re a theater-geek, or are simply looking to do something more dialed down in Innsbruck at night, head to the Tiroler Landestheater (Tyrolean State Theater).

Located in the Old Town, the theater has a whole range of dance performances, opera, dramatic ensembles and orchestral music.

PROTIP: The shows at the theater are often sold out so don’t forget to book in advance.

HOW TO GET TO INNSBRUCK

Innsbruck is quite easy to reach from other parts of Austria, as well as Southern Germany, Italy and Switzerland, by making a short drive/taking the train or bus for just a few hours.

The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and bus station (Busparkplatz am Hofgarten) are both a comfortable 10-minute walk away from the Old Town.

Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport, Tyrol’s largest airport, has regular scheduled flights from Vienna (Austrian Airlines) and Germany (Lufthansa), as well as seasonal flights running from other cities in Europe.

You can also catch a shuttle or train from Munich international airport to Innsbruck.

Also write about airport – international or not, else connecting flight from Vienna.

WHERE TO STAY IN INNSBRUCK

If you’re spending longer than one day in Innsbruck, or plan to stay overnight in the city, I recommend staying at Hotel Zach, a super cozy and comfortable hotel located in the Innsbruck city center, with free breakfast.

EDIT: We recently visited Innsbruck again and stayed at a homestay called Vintage Apartments in the Center! It has vintage decor and is extremely cute.

They’ve opened recently but I can absolutely vouch for it. Besides, the name suggests it’s in the center and really close to the Old Town. BONUS points for the balcony view of the Alps… I mean, could it BE any better? * insert awkward Chandler dance move *

HOW TO GET AROUND INNSBRUCK

Most visitors taking a day trip to Innsbruck don’t need transport; the city is largely walkable, thanks to its small size. It is also pretty flat.

Most of the attractions in Innsbruck lie within the Old Town.

For some places like Nordkette which are a bit farther outside the city center, there is an elaborate tram network and local bus system.

If you’re driving, it is best to park outside the Old Town and walk/take the tram or bus from there. Parking is extremely hard to find in the downtown area and can often turn out to be pricey.

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