What should I see in Innsbruck if I only have one day?

No visit to Innsbruck is complete without the breathtaking view from the Nordkette. Even on a short trip, the cable car ride is absolutely worth it! If you start by 3:00 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The ride takes about 30 minutes each way, and the valley station is just a five-minute walk from our hotel.

Another must-see is Innsbruck’s Old Town, home to the famous Golden Roof. Other highlights include the impressive Cathedral of St. James, the Imperial Palace, the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, and the Hofkirche with its striking "Black Men" statues. For shopping enthusiasts, Maria-Theresien-Straße offers fantastic opportunities.

Nordkettenbahn Innsbruck

What if I’m not interested in the mountains or the weather isn’t great?

A great alternative is the Sightseer Bus. The full tour takes 40 minutes and offers a comfortable way to explore Innsbruck, stopping at top sights like the Bergisel Ski Jump and Ambras Castle. You can hop on and off at any stop to explore at your own pace.

Another highlight: the Swarovski Crystal Worlds – one of Austria’s most visited attractions! It’s just a 30-minute shuttle bus ride from Innsbruck.

Schloss Ambras

Where do you have the best view of the city?

1. from the Nordkette mountains: the view from 2.300 metres above sea of the city and the surrounding mountains is simply stunning
2. from Hungerburg: a great alternative for those who don’t want to go all the way up to the top
3. from Bergisel Ski Jump: a unique perspective with the city lying at your feet
4. from the City Tower in Old Town: a fantastic view over the Old Town (after climbing 300+ steps 😉).
5. from the bar 360° (Rathausgalerien, 7th floor): the best panoramic view of Innsbruck at night

360 Grad Bar Innsbruck

3 good reasons to book Hotel Mondschein

1. Prime Location – Central, yet just far enough from the bustling Old Town.
2. Charming Atmosphere – A lovingly renovated historic building with a cozy feel.
3. Warm Hospitality – Our dedicated team has been part of the Mondschein family for years.

Your first choice in Innsbruck
Historische Häuser in Innsbruck vor Nordkettenpanorama

Where can I find traditional Tyrolean specialties?

The largest selection of bacon, cheese, and other local as well as international delicacies can be found at the Farmers' market in the Markthalle, open in the mornings from Monday to Saturday. You can get high-quality Tyrolean bacon at Speckeria in the Old Town, delicious strudel in all variations at Strudel-Café Kröll, and premium schnapps and fine jams at Mair's Beerengarten.

Tiroler Speckjause

What’s the best way to get around Innsbruck?

Many places in Innsbruck are easily accessible on foot. The Sightseer bus is a great way to explore the city and conveniently reach attractions outside the Old Town, such as the Bergisel Ski Jump and Ambras Castle. A direct shuttle bus runs several times a day to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

Cycling is also very popular in Innsbruck, with a well-developed network of bike paths and rental options available. And with buses and trams, you can get anywhere in the city. Guests entitled to the Welcome Card can use all bus and tram lines in Innsbruck for free.

Sightseer Bus Innsbruck

Innsbruck Card vs. Welcome Card – Which one is right for me?

The Innsbruck Card is a true all-inclusive pass. Once purchased, it grants free access to almost all attractions, including the Nordkette cable cars, the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseer bus, city buses and trams, museums, the Bergisel ski jump, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and much more. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

The Welcome Card is perfect for exploring the surroundings of Innsbruck - whether you want to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and mountains or take advantage of the region’s sports activities. It includes bus routes within Innsbruck, as well as connections to nearby villages and towns, guided hikes in summer, the ski bus in winter, and selected mountain lifts. The Welcome Card is available free of charge at our hotel.

Innsbruck Card vs. Welcome Card
Abbildung Innsbruck Card

What is there to do in Innsbruck for children?

1. Alpenzoo – A highlight for all ages! The Alpine Zoo is located slightly above the city center, offering a great view of Innsbruck. It is home to Alpine animals such as wolves, brown bears, ibexes, elk, and many more. The zoo also features a restaurant and a playground for kids to enjoy.

2. Seegrube Station – Especially in winter, this area offers great activities for children, including sled rentals for fun in the snow and the chance to try skiing for the first time.

3. Swarovski Crystal Worlds – A large play tower with a climbing net, swings, and slides awaits children in the beautiful garden of this magical attraction.

4. Audioversum – A fascinating, interactive sound experience designed especially for kids to explore the world of hearing.

5. Metropol Cinema – Located right next to our hotel, this cinema shows afternoon movies for children.

Family holiday in Innsbruck
Steinbock Alpenzoo Innsbruck

What cultural events does Innsbruck offer?

Innsbruck delights culture enthusiasts with a diverse range of events, offering the opportunity to attend a cultural performance almost every evening. Highlights include the enchanting Promenade Concerts held in the Hofburg courtyard every evening in July, the renowned Festival of Early Music in August, and the charming open-air summer cinema.

Opera lovers can enjoy impressive performances at the Tyrolean State Theatre, while the House of Music hosts unique concerts that create unforgettable experiences. With so many cultural offerings, Innsbruck is the perfect destination for those who appreciate music, theater, and the arts.

Promenadenkonzert