2-Day Family Sightseeing and Shopping Adventure in Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck, Austria

2 days

Architecture on the Innsbruck riverfront
Old town
Fountain at the Swarowski crystal world
View of the Nordkette in white clouds
Aerial view of the city

About Innsbruck, Austria

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is a charming city that effortlessly blends urban sophistication with alpine beauty. As the capital of Tyrol, it offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Explore the medieval Old Town, with its iconic Golden Roof and Imperial Palace, or take a cable car up to the Nordkette mountain range for breathtaking panoramic views. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. Don't miss the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a magical art and sensory experience. With its delightful mix of traditional Tyrolean cuisine and international flavors, Innsbruck is a gastronomic delight. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Innsbruck promises an unforgettable Austrian adventure.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historical Old Town

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Golden Roof, a landmark structure in the heart of Innsbruck. This iconic building is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch in one of the many family-friendly restaurants located in the Old Town. Try local delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel or Apfelstrudel.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a stroll to the Imperial Palace, a significant symbol of the city's cultural heritage. Explore the grandeur of the palace and its beautiful gardens.

Dinner

Have dinner in a cozy restaurant offering a variety of Austrian and international cuisines. Make sure to try some local wine or beer.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely walk along the Inn River. The riverfront offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a unique museum showcasing the artistry of crystal making.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant near the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Enjoy a hearty meal before heading to your next destination.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon shopping in Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the main shopping street in Innsbruck. Here, you'll find a mix of international brands and local boutiques.

Dinner

Enjoy your dinner in a restaurant offering a panoramic view of the city. Try some traditional Tyrolean dishes like Tiroler Gröstl or Kaiserschmarrn.

Evening

Conclude your trip with a visit to the Innsbruck City Tower. Climb up the tower for a breathtaking view of the city under the stars.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Golden Roof

1
Golden Roof

A landmark structure located in the Old Town, decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Imperial Palace

2
Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace in Innsbruck, Austria, is a significant cultural building. The palace was the residence of the Habsburgs and symbolizes their power and influence in the region. It is one of the three most important cultural buildings in the country.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Swarovski Crystal Worlds

3
Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a unique attraction that combines art, lifestyle, and Austrian traditions in a variety of ways. It houses a museum, a shop offering a wide range of Swarovski products, and a park with art installations. It's a world of wonder and glamour that invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of crystal.

Attractions
Museums
Maria-Theresien-Strasse

4
Maria-Theresien-Strasse

Maria-Theresien-Strasse is one of the busiest and most charming streets in Innsbruck. It's filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and is a great place to experience the local culture and architecture.

Attractions
Shopping
Neighborhoods
Innsbruck City Tower

5
Innsbruck City Tower

The Innsbruck City Tower offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It's a must-visit for tourists, and guided tours are available.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Tiroler Gröstl

Tiroler Gröstl

A hearty dish popular in Innsbruck, made from pan-fried potatoes, onions, and chunks of pork or beef, often topped with a fried egg.

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle

A local favorite in Innsbruck, this is Austria's version of mac and cheese, made with small egg noodles and a variety of cheeses.

Speckknödel

A traditional Tyrolean dish, these are bread dumplings mixed with pieces of speck, a type of smoked ham, often served in a broth.

Marillenknödel

Marillenknödel

A sweet treat from Innsbruck, these are dumplings filled with apricots and covered in breadcrumbs and powdered sugar.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel

A classic Austrian dessert, this is a pastry filled with apples, sugar, and cinnamon, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Sachertorte

Sachertorte

A famous Austrian chocolate cake, it has a layer of apricot jam and is topped with a dark chocolate icing.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn

A fluffy shredded pancake, this dessert is a favorite in Innsbruck, often served with powdered sugar and apple or plum compote.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz

A traditional Austrian dish, it is boiled beef in broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish.

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel

A popular dish in Austria, it is a breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet, often served with a slice of lemon and parsley.

Stelze

Stelze

A specialty of Innsbruck, this is a roasted pork knuckle, often served with sauerkraut and bread dumplings.

Schnapps

A traditional Austrian distilled spirit, it comes in a variety of flavors, including apple, pear, and plum.

Stiegl Beer

A popular beer in Innsbruck, it is a crisp and refreshing lager, perfect for enjoying after a day of sightseeing.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Innsbruck, Austria largely depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is between December and March when the snow conditions are optimal. However, if you're more interested in hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the city's rich history and culture, the best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is warm and the days are longer. The city is particularly beautiful in the spring (May-June) when the alpine flowers are in bloom, and in the fall (September-October) when the leaves change color.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

October 26

Sat

National Day

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 8

Sun

Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Innsbruck's public transportation system, IVB, is very efficient and reliable. It includes trams, buses, and a funicular railway. The tram network is extensive and covers most of the city. The buses are perfect for reaching destinations outside the tram network. The Nordkettenbahn funicular railway is a unique way to travel from the city center to the Nordkette mountain range.

Taxis are readily available throughout Innsbruck. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi ranks. They offer a convenient and comfortable way to get around, especially if you're traveling with luggage or in a group.

Innsbruck supports ridesharing services such as Uber. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you're familiar with the service. Simply download the app, input your destination, and wait for your ride to arrive.

Innsbruck is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths. The city offers a bike rental service, Bike City Innsbruck, which allows you to rent a bike for a few hours or a few days. This is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and get some exercise at the same time.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Innsbruck. However, keep in mind that parking can be difficult in the city center and many areas are pedestrian-only. It's also important to note that Austria requires an International Driving Permit for non-EU drivers.

Innsbruck's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an excellent way to get around. Many of the city's top attractions, including the Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, and the Cathedral of St. James, are within easy walking distance of each other.

The Sightseer Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service that takes you to all of Innsbruck's major attractions. It's a convenient way to see the city, especially if you're short on time or prefer not to walk too much.

Innsbruck's main train station, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, is well-connected to other Austrian cities and neighboring countries. This makes train travel a good option if you're planning to visit other destinations during your stay.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112, 122

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Innsbruck, Austria as a first time visitor

1

Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol in western Austria and is internationally known for its winter sports.

2

The official language is German, but many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

3

The currency used in Innsbruck is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Innsbruck has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Winters (December to February) are cold and snowy with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

5

Innsbruck is a safe city, but like any other tourist destination, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

6

Public transportation in Innsbruck is efficient and reliable. The city has a network of buses and trams that can take you almost anywhere in the city.

7

Tipping is customary in Innsbruck. It's common to round up to the nearest euro in cafes and bars, and to leave a 10% tip in restaurants.

8

Innsbruck is located in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC +1.

9

The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals.

10

Innsbruck has a rich food culture. Be sure to try local specialties like Tiroler Gröstl (a hearty pan-fried dish) and Kaiserschmarrn (a shredded pancake dessert).

11

Innsbruck has a smoking ban in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.

12

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many of the main sights within walking distance of each other.

13

Innsbruck has a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

14

The city is surrounded by mountains, making it a great base for hiking and skiing.

15

Innsbruck has a number of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and local products.

16

The city's tap water is safe to drink and is of very high quality.

17

Innsbruck has a number of public Wi-Fi spots, particularly in the city center.

18

The city has a number of pharmacies (called 'Apotheke' in German) where you can buy over-the-counter medication.

19

Innsbruck has a rich history and culture, with a number of museums and galleries to explore.

20

The city is also known for its beautiful architecture, including its iconic Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

Ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

Owf Veed-er-zayn

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

Bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

Dahn-ke

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

Ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

Nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

Ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

Ikh fer-shtay-he nikht

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

Shprekhen zee Eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm lost

Ich habe mich verlaufen

Ikh hah-be mikh fer-low-fen

When you are lost

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

Vo ist

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Toilette

Toi-let-te

Looking for a restroom

Help

Hilfe

Hil-fe

In case of emergency

Food

Essen

Es-sen

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Wasser

Vas-ser

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

Beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

Vine

Ordering wine

Check, please

Die Rechnung, bitte

Dee Reh-noong, bit-te

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

Vee feel kos-tet das

Asking for the price

Good night

Gute Nacht

Goo-te Nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if applicable)

  • Hat/Cap

  • Gloves and Scarf (if winter)

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Sunscreen

  • Prescription medications

  • First-aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Power bank

  • Adapters for sockets

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Notepad and pen

Weather Conditions

Innsbruck, Austria, is a beautiful city with a diverse climate that changes with the seasons. Therefore, it's essential to plan your visit according to the weather conditions to make the most of your trip. In the winter months, from December to February, Innsbruck becomes a winter wonderland with temperatures often dropping below freezing, typically between 23°F to 34°F (-5°C to 1°C). This is the perfect time for winter sports enthusiasts as the city is famous for its ski resorts. Don't forget to pack your warmest clothes, including a heavy coat, gloves, scarves, and boots. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual rise in temperature, ranging from 37°F to 64°F (3°C to 18°C). The city starts to bloom, and it's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. Pack layers as the weather can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings. Summer, from June to August, is warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). This is an excellent time for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Pack light clothing, but also include a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Autumn, from September to November, is a beautiful season with temperatures ranging from 37°F to 64°F (3°C to 18°C). The city is adorned with fall colors, making it a picturesque time to visit. Pack a mix of light and warm clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Remember, Innsbruck's weather can be quite changeable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Enjoy your visit to this charming Austrian city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -5°

January is the coldest month in Innsbruck, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts, as the ski season is in full swing.

February

7° / -3°

February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. The ski season continues, and the city is often covered in snow.

March

12° / 0°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures rising and snow starting to melt. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season.

April

17° / 3°

April is a mild month, with temperatures often reaching into the teens. The city is in full bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

May

21° / 7°

May is the start of the warm season, with temperatures often reaching into the 20s. It's a great time to explore the city and the surrounding countryside.

June

24° / 10°

June is a warm month, with long days and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

July

27° / 13°

July is the hottest month in Innsbruck, with temperatures often reaching into the high 20s. It's a great time to visit the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

August

27° / 13°

August is another hot month, with temperatures similar to July. It's a great time to visit the city's outdoor attractions and enjoy the warm weather.

September

23° / 9°

September sees the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to drop. It's a good time to visit if you want to see the city's beautiful autumn colours.

October

18° / 4°

October is a cool month, with temperatures often dropping into the single digits. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the autumn scenery.

November

10° / 0°

November is a cold month, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The city starts to prepare for the winter season, with Christmas markets opening towards the end of the month.

December

7° / -3°

December is a cold and festive month, with the city covered in snow and Christmas lights. It's a great time to visit if you want to experience a traditional Austrian Christmas.

Did you know?

Did you know that Innsbruck, Austria is known as the 'Capital of the Alps' due to its location in the heart of the Austrian Alps?

1 of 10

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