1-Day Itinerary for Linz, Austria
For many, Linz is a city that falls somewhere between Salzburg’s baroque elegance and Vienna’s imperial grandeur – often overlooked, often underestimated.
But spend even a single day here, and you’ll quickly see that this quiet, industrious town along the Danube is full of surprises.
It’s not the first place most visitors think of when planning a trip to Austria, but that’s precisely what makes it so intriguing. It’s city steeped in history, yet buzzing with an undeniable modern energy. It has art, culture, technology… all of it.
Bonus: Linz also makes an excellent day trip from Vienna!
So, if you’ve got one day in Linz, here’s how to catch the best of the city.
How to Get Around in Linz
Linz may be Austria’s third-largest city, but when it comes to getting around, it’s really simple. The city’s compact size, efficient public transport, and walkable streets make exploring a breeze.
Walking: The city center is pedestrian-friendly, with key attractions like Hauptplatz, the Mariendom, and the Danube promenade just a short walk apart. Exploring on foot is the best way to soak up Linz’s charm. And I’ll tell you this – so much of Linz’s charm lies in wandering. No better way to do that than on foot.
Public Transport: Trams and buses form an efficient network that covers all major areas, including the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Hauptplatz. Trams are frequent and clean. For navigation, download the LinzMobil app (official city transport app) to book tickets and see real time updates and route details.
One Day in Linz: Itinerary and Things to Do
MORNING IN LINZ: A CULTURAL STARTER
Start your day in Linz the way the locals do – with a good coffee and something sweet.
Find your way to one of the city’s charming cafes in the Old Town (Konditorei Jindrak is a great choice), and grab a slice of the famous Linzer Torte (an Austrian delicacy named after the city). This buttery, jam-filled dessert claims to be the world’s oldest cake recipe.
Not a bad way to begin your morning in Linz.
Next, take a wander around the Hauptplatz, the city’s main square. This is the heart of Linz and one of Austria’s largest town squares. It’s grand but not showy, surrounded by pastel-colored facades and anchored by the towering Trinity Column, a white marble pillar that commemorates the city’s survival of plague, fire, and war.
From the Hauptplatz, it’s a short walk to Linz Castle (Schloss Linz), which looms over the city from its perch above the Danube. Originally built in the 9th century and later expanded by Emperor Friedrich III, the castle has served many purposes: fortress, residence, and, today, a museum. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that range from ancient artifacts to art and industrial history, offering a glimpse into Linz’s evolution over the centuries.
Plus, the views from the castle walls span the entire radius of the city, and are well worth the trip.
MIDDAY: LUNCH AND ART
Now it’s time to see the modern, inventive side of Linz. Cross the Danube via the Nibelungen Bridge – named after the famous German epic – and head to the Ars Electronica Center, Linz’s “Museum of the Future.”
The quirky, lopsided facade itself catches your attention.
Inside, you can dive into interactive exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics, and space exploration, or marvel at installations that challenge how we think about humanity’s role in the digital age. If time allows, step into the Deep Space 8K Theater for an immersive visual experience.
If contemporary art is more your speed, you can visit the Lentos Art Museum, an angular glass building just steps from the riverbank. It houses an impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art, highlights including works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, as well as a rotating series of modern exhibitions.
After the cultural immersion you’ll likely be ready to refuel. Head back across the river to the Old Town for lunch. For a hearty, traditional Austrian meal, try Stadtliebe, a bistro popular for local ingredients and generous portions. There’s also Paul’s Küche & Bar which offers a mix of international and Austrian cuisines.
Goes without saying – indulge in some local beer. Upper Austria is known for its brewing tradition, and this is your chance to sample a crisp Austrian Märzen or a refreshing Radler.
AFTERNOON: NATURE AND PANORAMAS
After lunch, head to the Donaupark for a leisurely walk along the Danube. The riverside promenade offers stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Pöstlingberg in the distance. Admire the sculptures, green spaces, and the relaxed pace of life along one of Europe’s most important rivers.
Plan your walk in the direction of Urfahrplatz, a square on the north bank of the Danube. This is where you’ll find the base station for the Pöstlingbergbahn, your next destination.
At the station at Urfahrplatz, board the historic Pöstlingbergbahn. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and the short journey to the top takes about 20 minutes. As the train climbs, enjoy panoramic vistas of Linz. This railway has been running the route since 1897, and the ride itself feels like a step back in time.
Once at the top, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of Linz and the Danube valley below. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Austrian Alps.
Also visit the Pöstlingbergkirche, a baroque pilgrimage church with a humble interior and a fascinating history. A visit here is undoubtedly the best thing to do if you’re spending one day in Linz.
If you’re traveling with children or are seeking an apt detour, the Grottenbahn is the perfect attraction located at the summit. This miniature train ride takes you through a fairytale-like route.
I visited the Grottenbahn as a full-blown adult and spend a good 2.5 hours inside. So I can tell you that kids sure will love it.
The views at the summit pair really well with a coffee. Stop by at Pöstlingberg Schlössl to grab a cuppa and cake.
EVENING: FOOD AND VIEWS
As you make your way back to the city center, cross the Nibelungen Bridge to enjoy the sight of Linz bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
For dinner, head to one of Linz’s highly recommended restaurants. I highly recommend Wirtshaus Keintzel, a cozy spot with yummy Austrian food and an excellent drinks menu.
After dinner, take a leisurely walk to the Hauptplatz, which takes on a different look at night. All the historic buildings light up, and the atmosphere is serene and magical.
Walk toward the Mariendom (New Cathedral), Austria’s largest church. While it may be closed for the night, its illuminated spires are a sight to behold.
Get a drink at one of the cozy bars in the square, or venture a street or two away for a more local experience.
Before you call it a night, take one last stroll along the Danube promenade. Walk toward the Donau Brücke (Danube Bridge), a functional and striking structure connecting the north and south sides of the city. The bridge offers a unique perspective of Linz at night, with the Ars Electronica Center and Lentos Art Museum lit up in whimsical neon-pink and blue lights.
It’s the perfect way to bid farewell to this underrated city.
SOME TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING LINZ
Accessibility.
Linz is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. If you’re flying in, the Linz Airport is small but efficient, and you can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by shuttle or taxi.
Get a Linz Card.
The Linz Card is a smart investment if you plan to visit multiple attractions. It offers free entry to many museums, unlimited public transport, and discounts at various locations. A 24-hour card is ideal for a one-day visit. However, I would recommend only getting the card if you stay in Linz longer. For only a day, it’s a bit of a splurge, given that you may not be able to cover enough ground.
Timing is Key.
Shops in Linz typically close by 6:00 or 7:00 PM, and most supermarkets are shut on Sundays. Plan any shopping or errands accordingly. Restaurants and bars, however, stay open later, particularly in the city center.
Wear Comfortable Shoes.
Linz is a very walkable city, but you’ll also encounter cobblestone streets, hills (like the Pöstlingberg), and riverfront paths. Pack comfortable walking shoes to make your visit more enjoyable.
Public Transport is Your Friend.
The tram and bus system in Linz is efficient, easy to navigate, and included with the Linz Card. If you’re taking the Pöstlingbergbahn, note that it departs from Urfahrplatz at regular intervals.
Language Basics.
Knowing a few German phrases can be helpful. A friendly “Grüß Gott” (a local greeting) or “Danke” (thank you) can go a long way in creating positive interactions.
Visiting Linz soon? Check out these guides about day trips nearby:
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