Innsbruck is such a beautiful town, so even if you aren’t able to spend a lot of time there during your stay, it is WORTH a stop! Make sure you maximize your 24 hours in Innsbruck!
First Half-Day
Our 24 hours in Innsbruck began mid-afternoon after driving from Munich following a morning walking tour of Munich. Once we arrived, we explored downtown Innsbruck and everything it had to offer.
1. Herzog-Fredrick-Strasse
- A pedestrian street and the central street of old town of Innsbruck backed by the Austrian Alps
- You’ll notice the cute, eye-catching architecture first! Some of the most recognized buildings are the Helblinghaus with its floral decor and bay windows and the Golden Roof
- P.S. I recommend skipping the museum in the Golden Roof, but you do you if you enjoy museums (5 Euros for entry)
- Shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants!
2. The City Tower at the Town hall
- The town hall isn’t much to look at, but you can climb the city tower for 360 degree views of Innsbruck and get an aerial view of the Golden Roof and the town square
3. Swarvoski
- Down the road, in Wattens, Austria, there is the Swarvoski Crystal World. However, in downtown Innsbruck threre is a Swarvoski shop where you can get a taste of the crystals and get your shopping done on a smaller scale
- You can find crystal necklaces and trinkets for purchase as well as see the crazy display of items covered in crystals, like the grocery cart and items shown here →
Second Half-day
1. Licktblick Restaurant views
Start with early morning views from the restaurant Licktblick in Innsbruck
- It is located on the seventh floor of the Town Hall Galleries and is free to walk around
- Great option for international cuisine as well and has a bar with more panoramic views (if it isn’t 9 o’clock in the morning 🙂 )
2. Bergisel Ski Jump
Drive up to the Bergisel Ski Jump, home to the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics and more recently the 2019 World Championships. Even if it isn’t ski season or you aren’t in Innsbruck to try out the extreme sport of ski jumping, the views of the town are amazing from here!
- Cost: 10 Euros
- There is an elevator that takes you to two different stops, so don’t forget to keep going to the top!
- If you are hungry and have the time, there is a restaurant at the top with panoramic views of Innsbruck
- For more information or to purchase tickets visit bergisel.info!
3. The "Painted Ladies"
The self-proclaimed “painted ladies of Innsbruck” is one of the most photographed sights of Innsbruck; the “instragrammable” location, if you will. I believe it bears no real significance. However, I will admit that the colorful row of houses lined by the beautiful water of the Inn river and backed by Austrian Alps really do make for a good picture. So go get your photo opportunity!
They are located at Mariahilfstrasse, 6020, Innsbruck. You can see them from the Inn Bridge, but your best viewpoint is directly across the river near the Market Place. We found street parking, but there is a parking garage nearby!
What I'd Do with Another Day
Had we have had more time, I would have loved to ride up the cable cars for the views and probably do some hiking.
- There are 4 different cable cars from Innsbruck that take you to different parts of the mountains.
- The Nordkette takes you to the highest point in the mountains, but know that there are 4 different sections to the cable car, so ride all the way to Hafelekar and visit the Top of Innsbruck and the famous cross with the panoramic view of Innsbruck.
- It is 40 euros roundtrip, or free if you purchase the Innsbruck Card. Visit Nordkette.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
There are tons of hiking trials at different portions of the mountain as well, so if you are a hiking fan, Innsbruck is your place!
Recommended Accommodation
If you are having difficulty choosing where to stay, I would recommend the Hotel Heimgartl. I don’t often throw out specific recommendations on accommodations. However, this B&B:
- Is cute
- Clean
- Has free parking,
- Free breakfast
- A good location
It is located on the Inn river with views of the mountains. Although it is on the opposite side of the river from the majority of the shops, it is close to the Inn bridge and only about a 5 minute walk to the Golden Roof and town square (not getting paid to say this 😉)
Possible Money Saver
We did not elect to go up to the Top of Innsbruck or any part of the Nordkette cable car system. However, if you do plan to (which I recommend!), purchase an Innsbruck Card.
- It is 49 euros for 24 hours or 55 euros for 48 hours. The cost of the Nordkette cable car to the top is 40 euros alone and the card gets you into the Bergisel Ski Jump, the City Tower and more for free!!
For a list of everything the Innsbruck Card covers and to purchase your card, click here!
24 hours in Innsbruck Recap!
Innsbruck is a beautiful town. I wish we had had more time there, but you really can maximize a day there. Enjoy your 24 hours in Innsbruck! There is a reason it is called the “Jewel of the Alps.” If you have more time, take the itinerary and expand on it!
Click here for a full guide to Austria!