48 Hours in Innsbruck

Getting To Innsbruck: You will most likely arrive by train in the afternoon at the ​​Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, right next to their Historic Old Town. Travel to Innsbruck is easy, with daily trains from Munich (three hours), Venice (six hours) and Prague (seven hours) readily available, offering gorgeous views of the Alps no matter which direction you are coming from.

Day 1: After checking into your hotel, make your way to Ludwig (located on Museumstraße, the main road leading to Historic Old Town), for a burger and a beer. Enjoy one of their many burger options, or build your own, and make sure to order their Handmade Fries with homemade ketchup.

Now that you are fueled up, let's explore the Historic Old Town on foot.

Exploring the historic Old Town of Innsbruck is like stepping back into a world where medieval charm and modern sophistication converge seamlessly. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, one encounters a treasure trove of architectural wonders, including the iconic Golden Roof, adorned with thousands of glistening tiles. The elegant Imperial Palace, once home to Habsburg royalty, offers a glimpse into the city's illustrious past. At the same time, the towering St. Anne's Column is a testament to Innsbruck's resilient spirit. Art enthusiasts will delight in the myriad galleries and museums dotting the Old Town, showcasing everything from contemporary works to ancient artifacts.

After a long day of walking, it is time for dinner. Still, in Historic Old Town, head to Stiftskeller for traditional Tyrolean cuisine and beer to enjoy in their large patio area or inside their beautifully decorated interior. Everything is delicious, but personal favorites include Kasspatzln (egg noodles in a sharp cheese of Bergkäse or Graukäse, and topped with crispy onions) and Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes covered in onions, bacon and a fried egg). For dessert, get a Strauben (traditional funnel cake). The Strauben will be better than any funnel cake you've had at your local fair.

Since we're here to relax, let's call it a night! Tomorrow, we are off to the Top of Innsbruck on the Nordkette!

Wake up early, but not too early (since we are here to get some rest!), and grab a quick breakfast at a local cafe. Aydin Bäckerei is my favorite for a freshly baked pastry and a coffee. After breakfast, go to the Innsbruck Congress Station (next to the Congress Convention Center). Quick Tip: Purchase tickets before your trip. There is limited availability, and you get to skip the line!

From here, you will take a funicular up to the Hungerburg station and begin the ascent to the top aboard not one but two cable cars! Enjoy the view as you emerge from the pine trees and fog, and gaze upon Innsbruck, the River Inn and Wipp Valley. Once at the top, you can take a trail up to the very top. The hike from the mountain lift station to the summit cross is manageable and only takes about 20 minutes. However, suitable footwear is essential as the steps can be slippery when wet or icy.

The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Looking south, you'll look down into Innsbruck, and in the other direction, jagged rocks scratch toward the sky: you are standing at the gateway to the Karwendel mountains and looking deep into the Alps.

If hunger calls, there are two different eateries on your route. Restaurant Top of Innsbruck is available at the Hafelekar station, offering small bites, tea and coffee and beer. For a larger meal, you can head down to the Seegrube Restaurant and get Tyrolean classics at 1900 meters above sea level, with tables available inside or out on their mountain-view patio (weather permitting!).

After taking the second cable car and funicular back down to street level, you have several options: Swarovski Crystal Worlds showcases captivating crystal artistry through themed exhibits and botanical gardens. Meanwhile, the Bergisel Ski Jump, perched atop Bergisel Hill, provides panoramic views of Innsbruck and offers insights into ski jumping and Innsbruck's Winter Olympics history. You can easily reach both attractions using public transportation from the city center. If you've had enough attractions, use your final evening to walk around Old Town, do some shopping or enjoy the view walking by the Inn River. There are a myriad of restaurants to pick from for dinner. My personal favorite is Kaiser Max on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. Offering authentic Tyrolean classics, sit at one of the outside tables for great people-watching and a view of the Golden Roof.

Before checking out of your hotel, head to Cafe Central for breakfast. Cafe Central has been open for 140 years, serving full breakfasts, delicious coffees and traditional patisserie.

After breakfast, head to the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof for your train to your next destination!