A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Linz vs. Innsbruck for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Linz or Innsbruck?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Linz and Innsbruck can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a scenic, youthful , and adventurous city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Linz and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Linz or Innsbruck?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Innsbruck than Linz. While Linz is larger than Innsbruck, Innsbruck has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Innsbruck is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Linz is more popular for its museums and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Linz and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Also, Innsbruck is famous for The Golden Roof in the old town. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

The Golden Roof in the old town
The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Linz different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Innsbruck and Linz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Linz is not a skiing destination.

People head to Innsbruck specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Linz is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Linz or Innsbruck?

Linz
Innsbruck

Linz is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Linz or Innsbruck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Innsbruck offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.


Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Linz is not a hiking destination.

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Linz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Innsbruck?

Linz
Innsbruck

Linz is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Linz
Innsbruck

Both Linz and Innsbruck are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.


Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Linz is not popular with students.

Is Linz or Innsbruck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Linz
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Innsbruck can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Linz or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Linz
Innsbruck

Linz and Innsbruck both are great when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Linz?

How long in Linz or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Linz or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Innsbruck due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Linz, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

Families should spend more time in Innsbruck than Linz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Innsbruck, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Innsbruck than Linz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Innsbruck that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Innsbruck than Linz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Innsbruck.


  • How many days in Linz or Innsbruck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Linz 1-2 
    Innsbruck 2-4

One day in Linz or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Linz. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Linz has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Innsbruck. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Linz or Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Linz. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Linz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy destination of Innsbruck. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Linz or Innsbruck?

Linz is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The outdoorsy city of Innsbruck offers food and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Innsbruck or Linz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, while the average daily cost in Innsbruck is €129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Linz and Innsbruck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Innsbruck 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Innsbruck 152
Compare Hotels in Linz and Innsbruck

Looking for a hotel in Linz or Innsbruck? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Linz


Hotels in Innsbruck


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Linz Hotel Prices and Innsbruck Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Innsbruck 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $179
  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $211

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Innsbruck to Innsbruck Airport (INN) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Innsbruck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer: $36
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Mayrhofen - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Alpbach: Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Private Transfer Innsbruck Airport INN to Saalbach-Hinterglemm: $49
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $59
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport(INN) to Längenfeld/Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Soelden - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Kitzbühel/SkiWelt - Arrival Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Linz or Innsbruck?

Prices for flights to both Innsbruck and Linz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Linz 32
    Innsbruck 40
Typical Food Prices in Linz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Linz are as follows:


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Innsbruck.

  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine: $146
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Linz 13
    Innsbruck 19

Tours and Activities in Linz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Linz are as follows:

  • Harbor Cruise: $15
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private History Tour with a Linzer Cake Tasting: $148
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176
  • Linz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour with Pöstlingbergbahn: $190
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $204
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $209
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour: $209
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $213
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour : $213

Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • City Tower Entrance Ticket: $4.79
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $11
  • Innsbruck Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Hungerburg Funicular Roundtrip Ticket: $12
  • Hungerburg: Roundtrip Funicular Tickets from Innsbruck: $13
  • Skip the Line: Ambras Castle in Innsbruck Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Tickets for Schloss Ambras: $15
  • Innsbruck - "Welcome Tour"! The Guided City Tour for you.: $19
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Linz 16
    Innsbruck 19


When comparing the travel costs between Linz and Innsbruck, we can see that Innsbruck is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Linz Expensive? and Is Innsbruck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Linz or Innsbruck?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Linz and Innsbruck, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.