Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, is renowned for its winter sports and imperial history. While many backpackers skip Innsbruck in favour of larger European cities, Innsbruck was one of my favourite spots in Austria and probably even the whole of Europe. Innsbruck should be on everyone’s travel itinerary, particularly if you want to see snow but aren’t that fussed about skiing. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from how many days to spend in Innsbruck, how to get there from different cities and how to get around once you arrive. I’ll also give you my personal recommendations for hostels, things to do, places to eat and nightlife spots.
How many days to spend in Innsbruck
Depending on how fast you travel and your interest level in the various sights of Innsbruck, you could spend anywhere from 1-3 full days here. You could squeeze most major sights into one day (Golden Rooftop, Top of Innsbruck, exploring Old Town and maybe even Swarovski Crystal Worlds), but it would be a jam-packed day. I think two full days is the sweet spot as you could spend one full day seeing all the sights in Innsbruck town at a fairly relaxed pace and then go to the top of the Alps. On the second day, you could venture further afield, visiting Schloss Ambras and Swarovski Crystal Worlds. If you plan on other day trips or activities like skiing in winter, you would want to allow three or more days.
TIP: If you’re staying more than two nights, you are eligible for a Welcome to Innsbruck Card, which gets you free public transport, free tours, free bike rental and discounted entry fees to attractions. If you stay three or more nights, you also get free cable car rides (such as to visit the Top of Innsbruck). Welcome to Innsbruck cards are issued by accommodation providers. If you haven’t received your card a day or so before your trip, contact your hostel and ask for it so you can get the tram for free on your day of arrival.
How to get to Innsbruck
Getting to Innsbruck is straightforward, thanks to excellent rail and bus connections from major Austrian cities and direct international links that cater to the adventurous traveller. From within Austria, Innsbruck is well-connected to cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg by train and bus, offering convenient options for all budgets. It is also super accessible from neighbouring countries such as Germany and Switzerland, with efficient bus connections that extend across borders to cities like Munich and Zurich.
How to get to Innsbruck from Vienna
Direct trains to Innsbruck run regularly from Vienna, with the journey taking about 4 hours on ÖBB’s Railjet services. These trains provide a fast, scenic, and comfortable travel experience across Austria’s diverse landscapes. For those looking for a more economical option, direct buses are available and take approximately 6 hours. These buses, while slower, are equipped with comfortable seating and Wi-Fi, making the journey pleasant and connected.
How to get to Innsbruck from Graz
Travelling from Graz, backpackers can catch a direct train to Innsbruck, which typically takes around 6 hours. This route offers travellers the chance to see the beautiful Austrian countryside unfold, from rolling hills to the dramatic vistas of the Alps as you approach Innsbruck. Direct bus services from Graz are also available, providing a cheaper alternative to trains with comparable travel times and comfort levels.
How to get to Innsbruck from Salzburg
Salzburg to Innsbruck is another popular route for both tourists and locals. The train journey takes about 2 hours and offers some of the most stunning alpine scenery that you can see from the comfort of your seat. This makes the train an excellent option for those who want to combine comfort with spectacular views. Buses from Salzburg to Innsbruck also serve those on a tighter budget, with journeys taking about 3 hours.
How to get to Innsbruck from Germany
Direct buses take about 2 hours from Munich, making it a quick and affordable option for those coming from or through Germany. The route is particularly popular, given the proximity and excellent road infrastructure between the two cities, enhancing convenience for international backpackers.
How to get to Innsbruck from Switzerland
From Zurich, travellers can reach Innsbruck directly by train or bus, with the train taking about 3.5 hours and offering breathtaking views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps. This journey is noted for its scenic beauty, traversing some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. Direct buses also operate from Zurich, offering a less expensive alternative to trains but with longer travel times.
TIP: When planning your trip to Innsbruck, you should check the timetables and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons such as winter and summer, when Innsbruck becomes a hub for skiing and hiking enthusiasts. Booking early can also help secure the best fares, particularly on buses and trains where dynamic pricing is standard.
How to get around Innsbruck
Innsbruck is fairly small and a touristic destination, making it super easy to get around. You can get to most places easily and quickly on foot, but they also have easy-to-use public transport, such as buses and trams. Some Uber drivers or taxis are available, but you would rarely need to use them. Most of Innsbruck is walkable, and there’s always a public transport option for longer distances.
How to get around Innsbruck on foot
Walking around Innsbruck is one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm. With its iconic Golden Roof, the historic Old Town is pedestrian-friendly and picturesque to walk through the small cobblestone alleyways. Most tourist sights are within a few blocks in the city centre, which is easily walkable. The only exceptions are Swarovski Crystal Worlds (accessible via free shuttle from the bus station) and the Top of Innsbruck (only accessible via cable car). Schloss Ambras is also a little further out of town (still walkable), but you may want to catch the tram here to save your feet. Depending on where you stay, the bus and train station where you arrive and depart Innsbruck may be walkable.
How to get around Innsbruck by public transport
Innsbruck’s primary form of public transportation is the tram, but they also have some buses and a cable car. While you don’t necessarily need to use public transport in Innsbruck, given how small and walkable it is, you may still want to use it to save energy or if your hostel is a little further out. The tram and bus systems are simple to navigate, as you can purchase a ticket using ticket machines at tram stops or on the tram. You can buy 24-hour tickets, often more affordable than paying for multiple individual journeys in a day. The trams come super regularly (schedules are available on Google Maps), and the system is straightforward to navigate. The most you would probably use the tram is getting to and from your hostel from the city centre if you can’t be bothered walking.
If you’re staying more than two nights, you are eligible for a Welcome to Innsbruck Card, which gets you free public transport, tours, bike rental and discounted entry fees to attractions. If you stay three or more nights, you also get free cable car rides (such as to visit the Top of Innsbruck). Welcome to Innsbruck cards are issued by accommodation providers. If you haven’t received your card a day or so before your trip, contact your hostel and ask for it so you can get the tram for free on your day of arrival.
Where to stay in Innsbruck
Innsbruck is a relatively small city, so there are a few different hostel options. The main two hostels that backpackers will stay at are Marmota Hostel and Montagu Bed and Beers. Both hostels are fairly decent options, but they have pros and cons, mainly due to location and social vibe. You can book both hostels on Hostelworld here or Booking.com here.
Marmota Hostel- best flashpacker hostel
Marmota Hostel is the best option if you’re looking for a flashpacker hostel that’s quiet and comfortable. It’s probably one of the nicest hostels I’ve stayed in in Europe for the room facilities. Many dorms have single beds instead of bunk beds, and they have multiple bathrooms off the rooms, with small kitchenettes in the dorm. It feels more like staying in a hotel than a hostel. They also have complimentary breakfast and a small bar on site (it’s not a party hostel, though, so it can be hard to make friends as a solo traveller). The location is probably the biggest downside as it is around a 10-minute tram ride (30-minute walk) from the town centre, located just near Schloss Ambras, but with stunning views of the Alps and the city.
Montagu Bed and Beers- best social hostel
Montagu Bed and Beers is by far the best social hostel in Innsbruck, primarily due to their on-site craft beer bar, a lively hostel bar for the night. It’s also open to the public, so backpackers from other hostels or accommodations often come here to socialise. The beds are pod-style with curtains and comfortable bedding, so you can still get a good night’s sleep here. The hostel’s location is only about a 5-minute walk to the centre of Old Town, so it is super convenient for getting around.
What to do in Innsbruck
Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, is a city where history meets modernity against stunning mountain scenery. From imperial palaces and historic landmarks to breathtaking cable car rides and vibrant streets, Innsbruck offers many experiences that cater to all tastes and interests.
Explore Old Town
Stroll down Maria-Theresien-Straße, the main street of Innsbruck’s Old Town. Lined with shops, cafes, and Baroque buildings, this lively pedestrian zone is great for shopping, dining, and people-watching. The street is beautifully illuminated at night and often hosts street performers and markets, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
No visit to the Old Town of Innsbruck would be complete without seeing the Golden Roof, arguably the city’s most famous landmark. Located in the Old Town, this ornate balcony, covered with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, was built by Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. You can see the Golden Rooftop from the street for free. There is also a small museum inside, but I think it’s not worth it.
Just a short walk from the Golden Roof, the Court Church (Hofkirche) offers a glimpse into Tyrolean history and culture. The church is most noted for its striking Gothic architecture and the remarkable large statue of Emperor Maximilian. It’s free to enter, and it only takes 10 minutes to walk around inside. Another spot to visit is the Innsbrucker Hofgarten, located at the edge of the Old Town, which is a perfect place to relax. This historic park, dating back over 600 years, is a peaceful green space with stunning Alps views.
For the best view in town, climb the Stadtturm, or City Tower, in the Old Town. The tower dates back to the 1400s and provides panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains from its viewing platform. The climb is a bit of a workout with over 260 steps, but the views are well worth the effort. It does cost €4.50 Euros to climb to the top of the tower.
Visit the Austrian Alps
If you only have time to do one activity in Innsbruck, it should be going to the Top of Innsbruck and experiencing the Austrian Alps! The cable car (called the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen) will whisk you from the city centre to the Top of Innsbruck in just 20 minutes, ascending over 2,000 meters. At the summit, you’ll find incredible views of the city below and the vast peaks of the Nordkette range. You can play in the snow at the top from several different viewpoints, swings, and places. There’s also an Austrian restaurant and bar, with tables on the edge overlooking the Alps. I highly recommend getting a drink and a table here to enjoy the views. Be warned, though, it’s incredibly busy and can be a bit of a wait for a table.
It does cost €52.00 Euros for a return ticket on the cable car, so it may not be in everyone’s budget. If you’re staying 3 nights or more in Innsbruck, you will get the cable car for a discount with the Welcome to Innsbruck Card. If you decide to go for it, allow around 2-3 hours, including time to get there.
Getting to the top of Innsbruck
To get to the top, walk or take a tram to the location on Google Maps called “Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen – Top of Innsbruck” (it’s right next to Innsbrucker Hofgarten). Here, you can purchase your ticket and board the cable car, which departs regularly. There are a few stops on the cable car, but unless you are hiking or visiting the Alpine Zoo, you will get off at the final stop. Some people also combine this activity with a trip to the Alpine Zoo; I don’t support zoos and unethical animal tourism, so there will be no information about this activity on this blog. After you’ve visited the top, getting the cable car back down is super simple and easy.
The Hofburg Palace and Museum
The Hofburg Innsbruck is one of the three major cultural buildings in Austria. The palace, now turned museum, is an example of Baroque and Rococo architecture with well-preserved state apartments. You can walk around this museum without a tour guide, as the information is in multiple languages. It costs €15 Euros to enter, and you would want to allow 1-2 hours here, depending on your interest in history. Many people skip the Hofburg due to the price, but I would say if you are going to pay for any museum in Innsbruck, this is the best one for the overall history and size of exhibits.
Watch the sunset from 360 Cafe
The perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing is with a sunset at the 360 Café. Located on top of the RathausGalerien shopping centre, this bar and cafe offer 360-degree views of the city and mountains. It’s free to enter, but you do need to purchase a drink. It’s generally quite busy, so I would get there around 30 minutes before sunset to get a drink and a good spot.
Schloss Ambras
Schloss Ambras is an important cultural and historical castle against the forested hills outside the city centre. This Renaissance castle, once the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II, houses a collection of art, armour, and other items from the Habsburg era. It costs €14 Euros to enter the castle and museums, but the grounds and gardens are free. Even if you decide not to enter the castle, it’s still worth seeing the views of the castle and grounds from the outside. I would allow around 45 minutes for the gardens and 1.5 hours for the castle, museum and gardens. Schloss Ambras is located on the outskirts of Innsbruck (walking distance from Marmota Hostel), but it’s an easy tram ride to get here.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Outside of Innsbruck is the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds), a popular half-day trip. This museum, created by multimedia artist André Heller, features a series of artistic installations and exhibits all centred around the crystal. It costs €26 Euros to enter and €12 Euros for the return shuttle bus. However, if you have a Welcome to Innsbruck Pass (free when you stay 2 nights or more in Innsbruck), entrance and return shuttle buses are free. Keep in mind that the shuttle bus only runs every hour or so, so plan your trip accordingly. From the signed Crystal Worlds bus stop, the shuttle bus leaves from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (the central bus station). The journey takes around 30 minutes each way, not including waiting for the shuttle. I would allow around one hour inside Crystal Worlds but half the day, including transport.
Where to eat in Innsbruck
Many backpackers will cook in their hostel while backpacking in Austria due to the cost of eating out. However, you may still want to treat yourself to a dinner or lunch out, especially to try Austrian foods. Innsbruck has a good selection of cafes, restaurants and fast food venues, so it’s pretty easy to find places to eat. Some are more expensive, so here are some budget eats in Innsbruck.
Strudel Cafe Kröll
Strudel Cafe Kröll is a must-visit for anyone wanting to try the traditional Austrian dessert Apple Strudel. Located right in the city centre next to the Hofburg, this small cafe specializes in the art of strudel making. Here, you can try many different varieties of strudels, from the classic apple to more inventive savoury versions like spinach and feta or Tyrolean grey cheese. Each strudel is served warm, often accompanied by a dollop of fresh cream or vanilla sauce. Many people get this to take away, but there is also laneway seating out front with a view of the cobblestone laneways.
Machete – Burrito Kartell
For those searching for something other than Austrian food (there are only so many schnitzels one can eat), Machete-Burrito Kartell is the place to go. This trendy eatery is known for its burritos and selection of drinks. It tends to be popular with young people, students, and backpackers because of its reasonable prices. It’s quite a small, casual eatery but perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Frankys Imbiss
No visit to Innsbruck would be complete without stopping by Frankys Imbiss. This popular snack bar is renowned for its schnitzels, sausages, and other fast food that embody the flavours of Austria in a casual setting. Frankys Imbiss is like Macdonalds but for Austrian food, with their quick service, reasonable prices and touch screen kiosks to order. Be warned, the food portions are reasonably large despite the price being relatively low, so order accordingly.
Innsbruck Nightlife
Innsbruck is not a European city particularly known for its nightlife, but the number of tourists it receives is relatively high, and there are quite a few places to go for a drink or two. The best place to start a night is Montagu Bed and Beers, a popular hostel with an on-site beer bar. The bar is public so anyone can enter, and it’s a great place to meet other travellers before heading out for an evening. Another cool bar for the early evening is Hofgarten Café, ideally located near the iconic Golden Roof in the Old Town. This venue is famous for its relaxed vibe and live music, ranging from jazz to indie rock. If you’re after a later night out after the bars, head to Jimmy’s, a well-loved pub that often has themed nights, live DJs that play music everyone knows and a large dancefloor.
