Best Itinerary for One Day in Innsbruck
Thinking about spending one day in Innsbruck? We can help you with your itinerary!
Our family has travelled to Innsbruck several times and had a really good time there.
From exploring the Old Town to visiting the Christmas Markets, or just walking along the river, we have come to really love the culture, history, and, of course, the food, in Innsbruck.
And even if you only have one day to spend in this awesome city, you can still experience the best highlights.
Here is my recommendation for how to spend a memorable day in Innsbruck!
One Day in Innsbruck Itinerary – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Innsbruck in one day:
- Goldenes Dachl – This iconic roof covered in golden tiles was built for Emperor Maximilian I and is Innsbruck’s most famous landmark.
- Innsbruck Old Town– The historic center is filled with colourful buildings, narrow streets, and centuries-old architecture.
- Stadtturm – A former watchtower offering 360-degree views of Innsbruck after a 148-step climb.
- Hofburg Palace – Once home to the Habsburgs, this palace features ornate rooms and a glimpse into royal life.
- Innsbrucker Hofgarten – A peaceful historic park near the Old Town with walking paths, shady trees, and spots to sit and relax.
- Maria-Theresien-Strasse – Innsbruck’s main shopping street, lined with stores, cafés, and historic buildings.
One Day in Innsbruck – Map
The map shows the stops that are suggested on this one-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the place.
Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Innsbruck
We have put together a casual, not-too-rushed itinerary for Innsbruck.
If you find that you want to do more or want to substitute an activity, we have listed some alternates below the itinerary.
Breakfast
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Breakfast Club Am Landhausplatz
Start your day at Breakfast Club Am Landhausplatz, a local favourite with a laid-back vibe.
The cafe is pretty cool with its bright green accents (a fave of mine).
They serve a great variety of breakfast options including eggs, pancakes, waffles, and smoothies.
You can get the typical Austrian breakfast of meats and cheeses, or if you prefer, something more substantial like a Full English.
Morning
9:30 AM – Golden Roof and Old Town Walk
Innsbruck has a pretty compact Old Town, so exploring it on foot is quite easy.
Firstly, head to the Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s most famous landmark.
Covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the roof was built by Emperor Maximilian I.
Next, wander around the Old Town to see colourful historic buildings, charming squares, and cute local shops and boutiques.
Be sure to visit the Swarovski store located just a few minutes walk from the Goldenes Dachl.
Even if you are not into crystal items and decor, the store itself is something to see!
10:30 AM – City Tower (Stadtturm)
If you are looking for an awesome photography opportunity or just some great views of the city, then climbing the Stadtturm (City Tower) is a must.
Built between 1442 and 1450, the Stadtturm is located in the Old Town Market just a short way from the Golden Roof.
This 51-meter (150-foot) Gothic tower was once part of Innsbruck’s old city hall.
It was used by sentries to watch for fires, intruders, and to keep time.
To reach the viewing platform, you’ll need to climb 148 narrow, spiral steps.
And honestly, if you are in relatively good shape, it isn’t too bad! We have climbed far steeper and narrower towers in Germany!
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the city, the Christmas market (if you visit in winter), and the Nordkette mountains.
The cost to climb the tower (not including the workout) is just €4.50 per person, making it totally worth it!
Lunch
12:00 PM – Lunch at Mittagstisch
Enjoy lunch at Mittagstisch, known for delicious, all-you-can-eat Austrian dishes.
While I am not normally a fan of buffet lunches, this place is perfect if you are on a tight budget or travelling with younger kids.
It’s always a good sign when the restaurant is packed with locals!
Mittagstisch is located in the middle of the Old Town, but is a little hidden.
Just look for the Visitor Information Centre, the restaurant is located opposite of it. Mittagstisch is up one floor inside a yellow store called “Passage.”
Afternoon
1:30 PM – Hoffburg Imperial Palace and Hofkirche
After lunch, visit the Hofburg, the former imperial palace.
Just a 5-minute walk from Marktplatz, this palace is the largest historical monument in the city.
You can learn about Innsbruck’s royal history as you stroll through the beautifully decorated state rooms.
Next door, the Hofkirche features the impressive tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, surrounded by larger-than-life bronze statues.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Coffee & Cake at Strudel-Cafe Kröll
Of course, when in Austria, you must observe the Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) tradition!
This is when people stop what they are doing around 3 pm and sit down to enjoy a coffee break.
While you are in Innsbruck, head over to Strudel-Cafe Kröll.
This place is very close to the Golden Roof and was recommended to us by our tour guide.
They have both sweet and savoury strudel (we tried both of course). They were absolutely delicious!
Just a heads up, the cafe is quite small, so there is limited seating available.
We ended up sitting outside, even though we were there in December!
4:00 PM – Stroll Through the Innsbrucker Hofgarten
If you’re looking for a quiet break in nature, head to the Hofgarten.
This historic park is just a short walk from the Old Town and offers tree-lined paths, flowerbeds, and benches where you can relax and just enjoy the scenery.
Go for a stroll or let the kids run around, it’s a nice break from sightseeing.
If you couldn’t get a seat in the cafe for your strudel, you could always pack it to go and enjoy it in the park!
Evening
5:30 PM – Shopping on Maria-Theresien-Strasse
Before you head in for dinner, take some time to explore Maria-Theresien-Strasse.
This is Innsbruck’s main shopping street, and you will find a ton of great shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
If you love to shop, there is a mall, high-end stores, and popular chain stores. You will also find several mom-and-pop shops filled with local products.
Just a heads up, the larger shops and mall will stay open later, but many of the smaller shops will close in and around 6 pm.
Dinner
7:00 PM – Dinner at Goldener Adler
For dinner, head to Goldener Adler, a historic spot in the heart of Old Town that’s been serving guests since the 1300s.
The menu features hearty Tyrolean classics made with local ingredients.
The wood-panelled dining room has a relaxed, traditional feel.
Service is friendly, and portions are generous, making it a solid choice to end your day.
Be sure to try the classic dishes like the Schnitzel or the Tyrolean dumplings.
8:00 PM – Evening Stroll & Innsbruck at Night
After dinner, we like to take a leisurely walk through the city before heading back to our hotel.
You would be surprised at just how pretty the streets and squares of Innsbruck are all lit up at night.
While most of the shops will be closed at this hour, you can still windowshop, or just enjoy the views of the mountains.
Another option is to walk along the river. There is a paved path and even washrooms located along the route.
Definitely a perfect way to end your day!
Other Things to Do in Innsbruck
Where to Stay in Innsbruck
No matter what your budget, there are a ton of different accommodations to choose from.
We have stayed in both hotels and rentals, both inside and just outside of the Old Town.
During our last visit to Innsbruck, we stayed at the Tivoli Hotel Innsbruck.
This hotel was just a short drive from the old town. It had a rooftop deck with awesome views of the mountains, a really nice buffet breakfast, and beautiful rooms.
But if you want to stay a little closer to the Old Town, here are some of our top picks:
Luxury Hotels
Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz
Located in the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, this historic hotel combines traditional charm with modern amenities. The hotel has elegant rooms and attentive service.
The Penz Hotel
A contemporary hotel situated in the city center, known for its sleek design and rooftop bar with awesome views. Its central location makes it convenient to explore the Old Town and other attractions.
Moderate Hotels
Hotel Maximilian Stadthaus Penz
This family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Just a short walk from the Old Town, you will enjoy its central location and friendly staff.
NALA Individuellhotel
Located in the Wilten district, this boutique hotel features uniquely designed rooms and a beautiful garden. It’s within walking distance of the city center and some attractions.
Budget Hotels
Basic Hotel Innsbruck
Situated near the Old Town, this hotel offers clean, simple accommodations at an affordable price. It’s a convenient choice for budget travellers.
Hotel Mondschein
Located along the Inn River, this hotel provides comfortable rooms with river views. It’s a short walk to the Old Town and offers good value for money.
How to Get to Innsbruck
Innsbruck is well-connected by air, rail, and road.
By Air
The Innsbruck Airport (INN) is just 4 km from the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, and Vienna.
During the winter season, you will find there to be significantly more flights, due to the influx of skiers travelling to the region.
By Train
If you’re travelling by train, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof is a major hub with connections to cities across Austria and neighbouring countries.
It’s served by the Lower Inn Valley line to Germany and eastern Austria, the Arlberg line to the west, and the Brenner line connecting northern Italy with southern Germany via the Brenner Pass.
By Car
For those driving, Innsbruck lies along the A12/A13 highway corridor, providing freeway access to Verona, Italy, and Munich, Germany.
Parking in Innsbruck is easy to manage, with several underground garages located near the city center.
Rates are typically around €3 per hour, and many garages are open 24/7.
Street parking is also available, but usually has time limits.
Getting Around Innsbruck
Once you arrive in Innsbruck, you have a few options for getting around the city.
Walking
Innsbruck’s compact layout makes it perfect for walking.
When we visited during our road trip through Austria, we parked the car for the day and walked EVERYWHERE!
Public Transportation
The efficient public bus system connects major attractions for convenience.
Just keep in mind that most parts of the Old Town are pedestrian-only. So at some point, you will find yourself doing quite a bit of walking.
Taxis and Ridesharing
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also available and useful if you want to save time or avoid walking longer distances.
Bicycle
Renting a bicycle is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the city.
You will find numerous bike paths that are pretty scenic.
City Card Including Public Transport
Depending on what you want to see or do in Innsbruck, we recommend getting the Innsbruck Card.
Prices start at €49 for 24 hours, and the card can be purchased online or at local tourist offices.
The Innsbruck Card
Enjoy UNLIMITED access to city buses and trams, plus round-trip passes on select cable cars in Innsbruck for 24, 48, or 72 hours with The Innsbruck Card.
Also get one-time entry to over 20 museums and landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Ambras Castle, and the City Tower, and access to the hop-on hop-off Sightseer bus and the shuttle to Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Best Time to Visit Innsbruck
We have visited Innsbruck in the summer and in the winter. And to be quite honest, they were both equally amazing.
Spring (March to May)
Summer (June to August)
Autumn (September to November)
Winter (December to February)
1 Day Innsbruck Itinerary – FAQs
Yes, one day is sufficient to see the main attractions, especially if you focus on the Old Town and take the Nordkette Cable Car for mountain views.
Innsbruck is a year-round destination. Winter is ideal for skiing and Christmas markets, while summer offers hiking and outdoor activities.
No, the city is walkable, and public transportation is efficient. A car is only necessary if you plan to explore remote areas.
Yes, try Tiroler Gr\u00f6stl (a hearty dish with potatoes and meat) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes).
Final Thoughts
And there you have it!
How to spend one day in Innsbruck that is relaxed, but allows you to see a few of the popular sights and attractions.
This itinerary will give you a feel for what this town has to offer and help you to decide whether one day is enough!
And I can almost guarantee that this little taste of Innsbruck will have you coming back for more!
Pin This Post for Later!
Related Posts:
- Where to Find The Sound of Music Film Locations in Salzburg
- 39 Best Souvenirs from Austria to Bring Home
- 101 Fun and Interesting Facts about Austria That You May Not Know
- What is the Legal Drinking Age in Austria?
- Complete Guide to Visiting Zugspitze from Austria
- Is the Imst Alpine Coaster Worth a Visit?
- Best Itinerary for One Day in Salzburg
- Best Itinerary for One Day in Innsbruck
