Mini Travel Guide Innsbruck – All You Need for a Weekend in the Alps
Innsbruck is a hidden gem in the Alps. It is less known than nearby Salzburg, which is flooded with tourists because of Sound of Music and Mozart. It is just a stone throw away from Munich and well-connected to the major hubs in Europe. Innsbruck is one of my favourite places in Austria – with its Alpine charm, the friendly people and great dining and shopping options.
Friday Evening – Arrival in Innsbruck
Head directly to the hotel to check in and get changed for dinner. I recommend staying at The Penz because of its convenient location. (Adolf-Pichler-Platz 3)
Start your weekend with a dinner at the rooftop of Restaurant Lichtblick. Upgrade the view over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains with drinks at 360˚. (Rathausgalerien, Maria-Theresien Straße 18)
Saturday – Explore and Shop
Enjoy the breakfast at the beautiful rooftop terrace of The Penz. It is actually one of my favourite hotel breakfasts – apart from delicious breakfast options, the view of the mountains will put a smile on your face while enjoying your coffee.
The best way to explore cities is to walk. Innsbruck is especially suited for walking because all the major sights are in and around the old town. Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for the major sights in Innsbruck’s centre – the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the Hofkirche (Court Church), the Hofpark (Imperial Gardens) and enjoying the view from the Rathausturm. There is no trip to Innsbruck without a walk along the Inn River and its colourful buildings.
Das Schindler is right at Maria-Theresien-Straße, the major shopping street near the old town, and has nice lunch options. (Maria-Theresien Straße-31)
Mix the sightseeing up with some shopping along the way. Definitely stop by Teresa – a small boutique with trendy pieces for all fashionistas. (Sparkassenplatz / Corner Erlerstraße) Fink’s (Maria-Theresien-Straße 24), Einwaller (Herzog-Friedrichstraße 38) and Dantendorfer (Kiebachgasse 15) cater to the premium segment. For authentic and sustainable souvenirs, I recommend Tiroler Edles. (Seilergasse 13) Do not miss Wagnersche Buchhandlung, my favourite book store. (Museumstraße 4) I have listed more shopping details in my Ultimate Innsbruck Guide for you.
Treat yourself after all the walking with some frozen yoghurt at Kurt. (Burggraben 21)
Dress up for stylish dinner and drinks at Lucy Wang. (Erlerstraße 17-19)
Sunday – Chill
Sunday in Austria means closed shops and also very often closed restaurants. Hence, you are forced to take a break and just relax.
Because I love the breakfast so much, I would stay at The Penz and enjoy and extra-long breakfast.
Head to the Bergisel Ski Jump which was designed by Zaha Hadid. For more breathtaking views, take the Hungerburgbahn (funicular) and then also visit the Alpine Zoo which is home to animals typical of the region around Innsbruck. Alternatively, take a walk in the Hofpark (Imperial Park).
Have a late lunch at Die Wilderin (local food) (Seilergasse 5), or at Salute, which, according to locals, serves the best pizza in town. (Innrain 35)
More Tips for Innsbruck (Dining, Shopping, Sights and Logistics)
More Guides about Austria
Salzburg Ultimate Travel Guide
The Real Sound of Music Experience – Salzkammergut
Original article published 8/2015, last updated 4/2019. All information as of the date of publishing/updating. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received.
I am going to Innsbruck in a couple of weeks and I am definitely going to go with some of your suggestions! What a lovely town and the restaurants look so YUMMY!
Oh that’s great, perfect timing! Enjoy your trip and let me know how which of the recommendations you tried 🙂
Great guide! I’ve visited Austria many times, but I’ve never been to Innsbruck. It looks like a gorgeous city.
It is! You should visit next time you go to Austria!