Two Days in Innsbruck, Austria

Here’s What to Do if You Have Two Days in Innsbruck, Austria

The photos of Innsbruck tell all, but if I’m honest, they don’t truly capture the beauty of this alpine city that’s the capital of Austria’s Tyrol region. You probably remember Innsbruck as the location of the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, as well as the Olympic Youth Games in 2012. It’s no secret that this area of Western Austria offers incredible skiing and other winter sports, but there’s so much more here – history, great food, local wine, art and culture, shops, and enchanting parks.

Though two days is not enough time to see it all, you can hit the highlights. Here’s an overview of what to do if you have two days in Innsbruck, Austria.

Eat the Best Strudel Anywhere

What a way to start any trip to a new place: food. I dropped off my bags at Hotel Innsbruck before connecting with a local guide, Monika, who was knowledgeable and passionate about her hometown. It was easy to tell how much she adores Innsbruck. She met me upon arrival in her traditional Austrian garb and immediately took me to Strudel Café Kroll, for you guessed it: strudel. I had never tasted savory strudel before, and though I had eaten sweet strudel, it was never as good as what I sampled in Innsbruck. I don’t know that I’ll ever look at strudel in the US the same way again.

Witness the Beauty of the Nordkette Mountains 

While I was in Innsbruck, I found myself staring at the mountains nonstop––it was hard not to. I wondered, how do I get up there? It turns out, the top of the Nordkette Mountains is a short ride away by gondola. Ascend from historic Old Town Innsbruck and reach 6,500 feet in only 20 minutes. If you didn’t know it already, here’s where you’ll realize that you are indeed in Austria. Monika took me to the top, where the sweeping views were spectacular. If you’re an adventurous traveler,  you could skip the ride and hike the mountains instead. It’s a challenging trek at just under three miles, so allow about 2.5 hours to reach the peak.

Explore Alstadt (Old Town)

Innsbruck offers one of Europes prettiest Old Towns. Step back in time and imagine life nearly 1,000 years ago as you wander a maze of narrow lanes. Ideal for strolling day or night, this colorful city center is home to a cavalcade of shops, cafés, restaurants, and taverns. I recommend having a meal at  Gasthof Weisses Rössl, a local favorite for Austrian fare. Innsbruck’s Old Town is also where the storied, eye-catching Goldenes Dachl or Golden Roof is located. This landmark and museum, featuring 2,657 gilded copper shingles and elaborate reliefs and decoration on its facade, was built to celebrate the marriage of Maximilian I and his wife, Bianca Maria Sforza. Once you reach the main square in Alstadt, you cannot miss this building that dates back more than 500 years.

See the Cultural Sights

Monika escorted me all over the city, and one of my favorite spots – the Hofgarten – is a stunning park in the heart of the city that could be compared to New York’s Central Park. Set at the edge of Alstadt (Old Town), this lush outdoor space is a fantastic place to relax, picnic, or play a game and it offers plenty of shady spots. Hofgarten is adjacent to Hofburg or the Imperial Palace, one of the three most significant buildings in Austria.

Monika also gave me a tour of the fascinating Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Museum (founded in 1599 and owned by her family) and Markt Halle, a farmer’s market selling local meat, cheese, produce, fresh flowers, wine, and artisan wares. Ambras Castle, where the exterior was as impressive as the interior, is a Renaissance castle and palace, and the first museum in the world to remain in its original location. This medieval treasure dates back 450 years and is well known for its armory collection, Portrait Gallery, and landscaped English garden.

In Summer, Attend a Promenade Concert 

During my summer visit, a highlight was attending one of the 23rd Promenade Concerts that entertain locals every evening in July. I watched and listened while having dinner at the famed Café Sacher in the courtyard of the Hofburg. This evening was one to remember.

I started by sipping an Aperol Spritz––a trendy drink in parts of Europe––and then spared no calories as I savored traditional Austrian food paired with local wine, all the while listening to the concert. It was a picture-perfect night (the rain held off), and one of my most romantic outings during my time in the country. For obvious reasons, classical music is synonymous with Austria, and I felt blessed to experience both Café Sacher and live music simultaneously. Scores of people wandered into the concert as the evening progressed until the plaza was filled. Watching them and the glee on their faces was almost as invigorating as the music itself. And the bonus: all promenade concerts are free.

{Sadly, since I wrote this post, Café Sacher in Innsbruck closed. The concerts, which have been delighting Austrians for two decades, live on. }

Have you visited Innsbruck? I’d love to return in the wintertime because I know this town would be magical in the snow.

If you have limited time in Innsbruck and want to hit the highlights, I recommend hiring a local guide. 

Thanks to Innsbruck Tourism for sponsoring part of my trip.

Also, Switzerland, Brussels, and the food in Berlin is fantastic.