Linz Travel Guide
City City in Austria known for its music scene
A Danube artery with a pragmatic art scene: Ars Electronica and Lentos confront contemporary art, Pöstlingberg offers river panoramas, and local cafés serve Linzer torte between factory-turned galleries.
Why Visit Linz? #
Set on the banks of the Danube, Linz blends contemporary art and tech with classical Austro-Hungarian charm. The Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Art Museum and the Pöstlingberg viewpoint offer contrasting cultural experiences, while the annual Brucknerfest and lively café scene showcase the city’s musical and culinary side-don’t miss a slice of Linzer Torte. Compact streets and river promenades make it easy to sample museums, concerts and local cuisine in a single visit.
Who's Linz For?
The Danube riverside, Linzer Schloss and cozy cafés around the Hauptplatz make for polished date itineraries; evening concerts at the Brucknerhaus add atmosphere. Upscale riverside restaurants and boutique hotels deliver intimate stays without Vienna prices.
Linz has strong industrial and tech sectors, decent conference venues like the Design Center and reliable rail/road links to Vienna and Prague. Business hotels cluster near the Hauptbahnhof and airport shuttles connect the city efficiently for regional meetings.
Linz blends Austro-Bavarian and modern cuisine; try regional river-fish dishes, Linzer torte in cafés and seasonal produce at the weekly market near Südbahnhof. Dining ranges from budget heurige-style taverns to higher-end riverside restaurants.
Good transport, solid internet and affordable short-term apartments make Linz workable for remote workers; several coworking spaces and cafés around the city centre provide daytime desks. Living costs sit below Vienna, with weekly groceries cheaper by about 10-20%.
Top Things to Do in Linz
All Attractions ›
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- Hauptplatz - Lively baroque main square with the Trinity Column, cafés, and historic façades.
- Linz Castle (Linzer Schloss) - Renaissance castle housing the Landesmuseum with exhibitions and sweeping views over the Danube.
- Ars Electronica Center - Interactive museum exploring technology, art, and future media through hands-on exhibits.
- Pöstlingberg Basilica and Pöstlingbergbahn - Historic pilgrimage basilica reached by the steep Pöstlingbergbahn, offering panoramic city vistas.
- Lentos Kunstmuseum - Glass-fronted modern art museum presenting Austrian and international contemporary collections.
- Voestalpine Stahlwelt - Interactive exhibition about steel production giving insight into Linz's industrial heritage.
- Tabakfabrik Linz - Converted tobacco factory turned creative hub with studios, start-ups, and occasional public events.
- Botanischer Garten Linz - Compact university botanical garden showcasing diverse plant collections and seasonal themed displays.
- Posthof - Eclectic cultural venue hosting concerts, cabaret, and contemporary performances popular with locals.
- Brucknerhaus - Riverside concert hall presenting classical and contemporary music alongside the annual Brucknerfest.
- Hallstatt - Picturesque lakeside village with salt mines, Alpine views, and iconic lakeside houses.
- Salzburg - Mozart's birthplace city with fortress, baroque old town, and lively music scene.
- Český Krumlov - Medieval Czech town featuring a dramatic riverside castle complex and winding streets.
- Stift St. Florian - Baroque monastery famous for Anton Bruckner's organ and its ornate library.
- Gmunden (Schloss Ort) - Gmunden on Traunsee with a lakeside promenade and small Schloss Ort island castle.
Where to Go in Linz #
Altstadt
Linz’s Old Town is compact and easy to navigate, with a main square that’s central to city life. It’s where you’ll find cafés, history and regular markets or festivals. Pick a terrace, watch the locals and use this area as your base to discover museums and riverside walks.
Top Spots
- Hauptplatz (Main Square) - Broad pedestrian square with cafés and city events.
- Linz Cathedral (Mariendom) - The large neo-Gothic cathedral near the centre.
- Landhaus - Historic building with frescoes and an inner courtyard.
Urfahr & Pöstlingberg
Across the Danube, Urfahr leads up to Pöstlingberg - the hill with an old funicular, basilica and sweeping views over Linz. It’s a relaxed mix of local markets, viewpoints and family attractions. Great for an afternoon away from the busy city centre.
Top Spots
- Pöstlingberg Basilica - One of Linz’s best viewpoints with a charming pilgrimage church.
- Pöstlingberg Grottenbahn - Family-friendly mountain railway and grotto attraction.
- Urfahr Market - Regular markets and cafés across the Danube.
Ars & Donau
The stretch along the Danube around Ars Electronica and Lentos is Linz’s modern cultural quarter, with museums that lean into technology and contemporary art. It feels a little more forward-looking than the Altstadt and is perfect for culture-focused days and riverside walks.
Top Spots
- Ars Electronica Center - Cutting-edge media art museum on the Danube.
- Lentos Art Museum - Modern and contemporary art overlooking the river.
- Donaupark & Riverwalk - Riverside paths and green spaces for strolls.
Landstraße
Landstraße is Linz’s main commercial spine: shops, cafés and a steady stream of locals. It’s useful for practical errands and also close to cultural venues like concert halls. If you want to be near transport and shopping without staying right on the tourist square, this is smart.
Top Spots
- Landstraße shopping street - A long avenue of shops, cafés and services.
- Brucknerhaus (nearby) - Concert hall hosting classical and contemporary music.
- Local bistros - Reliable spots for evening meals along the avenue.
Plan Your Visit to Linz #
Best Time to Visit Linz #
Visit Linz between late spring and early autumn (May-September) for the warmest weather, riverfront cycling, and outdoor festivals. Winters are cold and quieter, good for museum-goers and the Christmas market if you don't mind frost.
Best Time to Visit Linz #
Linz's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (773 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Linz
Linz is well connected by rail and its small Linz Airport (LNZ) handles regional flights; Linz Hauptbahnhof is the city's main rail hub with frequent ÖBB services to Vienna, Salzburg and beyond. Many visitors fly into Vienna International (VIE) or travel by rail from elsewhere in Austria and then continue to Linz by ÖBB or long‑distance bus.
Linz Airport (LNZ): Linz Airport (Hörsching) sits about 12 km southwest of the city centre. Regular airport shuttle buses and regional Postbus/Linz Linien services run to Linz Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) in roughly 20-30 minutes; expect single fares in the low single-digit euro range for public buses. A taxi from the airport to the centre takes about 20 minutes and typically costs around €25-€35.
Vienna International Airport (VIE): Vienna is the largest international gateway for visitors to Linz. From Vienna Airport you can reach Linz by ÖBB Railjet services from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Linz Hauptbahnhof in about 1h15 (combined journey from the airport via S-Bahn or airport transfer will add ~20-30 minutes); advance ÖBB fares can start low (special fares) while standard tickets typically range higher. Long‑distance buses (FlixBus) also link VIE/Vienna with Linz in roughly 2 hours, with fares commonly between about €5-€20 depending on advance purchase.
Train: Linz Hauptbahnhof is the city’s main rail hub on the Westbahn/ÖBB network. Frequent ÖBB Railjet and regional trains connect Linz with Vienna (≈1h15), Salzburg (≈1h15-1h30) and other Austrian cities; advance fares on ÖBB can be very cheap, regular single fares vary by distance and booking time. Local S‑bahn and regional ÖBB services provide frequent links to surrounding towns and suburbs.
Bus: Long‑distance buses (FlixBus and others) serve the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof / the area around Linz Hbf with competitive fares (typically €5-€20 depending on route and booking). Regional Postbus services cover smaller towns and rural areas in Upper Austria; city buses are run by Linz Linien and integrate with the tram network for short urban journeys.
How to Get Around Linz
The best way to get around Linz is a mix of tram and walking for central sightseeing, with buses and regional trains for suburbs and day trips. Taxis and hire bikes/scooters fill smaller gaps; for intercity travel, ÖBB Railjet is typically the fastest and most reliable option.
- Tram (Linz Linien / Straßenbahn) (€2-€3 (single-ticket typical)) - Linz's tram network, operated by Linz Linien, is the most convenient way to move around the central districts and to reach the riverside and main attractions. Trams are frequent during the day and connect with buses at major interchanges; keep an eye out for the heritage Pöstlingbergbahn tram that runs up to Pöstlingberg for city views. Tickets are sold from machines and on mobile apps-validate before boarding where required.
- Bus (Linz Linien & Postbus) (€2-€4) - City buses operated by Linz Linien fill gaps the tram network doesn't cover; they run frequent routes across neighbourhoods and to surrounding suburbs. Regional Postbus services connect smaller towns in Upper Austria and are the go-to option for places without rail links. Timetables and single-ticket fares are integrated with the area's public-transport tariff system.
- Regional & Long-distance Trains (ÖBB / Westbahn) (€10-€40 (typical intercity fares; advance deals can be cheaper)) - ÖBB Railjet and regional trains are fast and comfortable for intercity travel - Vienna to Linz is about 1h15 by Railjet, Salzburg to Linz about 1h15-1h30. Trains are reliable and often the quickest option for day trips and onward travel; buy tickets in advance on the ÖBB site for the best fares. The Hauptbahnhof is centrally located and well connected to local transport.
- Taxi & Ride‑hailing (FREE NOW / local taxis) (€4-€35) - Taxis are widely available at the Hauptbahnhof, the airport and around the city centre; the FREE NOW app also works in Linz. Taxis are convenient for early/late journeys, luggage or routes with poor direct public-transport links - expect higher cost than public transport but reliable door‑to‑door service. Fixed fares to/from the airport are commonly available through drivers or apps.
- Bikes & E‑scooters (hire) (€1-€10 (short hires)) - Linz supports bike use and has bike‑hire options (station-based systems and rental shops) as well as dockless e‑scooters in central areas. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the riverside and flatter parts of the city; watch for dedicated lanes and follow local rules. For longer rides or steep climbs (to Pöstlingberg) consider an e‑bike or public transport instead.
- Walking - Linz city centre is compact and very walkable; many major sights (Landstraße, Hauptplatz, the Danube riverfront and museums) are within easy walking distance of one another. Walking combined with tram trips is often the fastest and most pleasant way to see the core of the city.
Where to Stay in Linz #
- A&O Linz - Budget chain, dorms and privates.
- Simple guesthouses - Affordable rooms near centre.
- ARCOTEL Nike - Riverfront, modern rooms.
- Meliá Linz (or similar mid-range hotels) - Comfortable, central amenities.
- Upscale hotels and boutique options - Luxurious rooms and services.
- Riverside boutique hotels - Refined decor, river views.
- ARCOTEL Nike - Central, riverfront base.
- Riverside boutique hotels - Walkable to museums.
- ARCOTEL Nike - Family rooms, river access.
- Park Inn by Radisson (area options) - Spacious rooms, family facilities.
- ARCOTEL Nike - Good Wi‑Fi, riverfront cafés nearby.
- Riverside boutique hotels - Quiet rooms, reliable internet.
Where to Eat in Linz #
Linz is understated but has a satisfying food scene: traditional Upper Austrian cooking, riverside cafés and enough modern bistros to keep things interesting. Don’t miss trying Linzer Torte in a local bakery, and take the Pöstlingberg funicular for a meal with a view-game and dairy-rich dishes are regional staples. The Hauptplatz and old town are the best places to hop between cafés and traditional inns.
Contemporary restaurants and international eateries cluster along the river and main shopping streets, so you can easily mix a slice of local pastry with a modern vegetarian plate or an international main.
- Hauptplatz and old town cafés - Hearty Austrian lunches and classic desserts.
- Pöstlingberg area - Traditional dishes with regional dairy and game.
- Bakeries selling Linzer Torte - Try slices of the local pastry speciality.
- Landstraße and Graben shopping streets - Italian, Asian and Balkan restaurants.
- Modern bistros near the river - Contemporary-European menus and seasonal produce.
- Cafés around the university - Global sandwiches and international coffee options.
- Speciality vegetarian cafés - Creative plant-based mains and salads.
- Markets and bakeries - Fresh produce and meat-free pastries.
- Modern bistros - Vegetarian twists on Austrian classics.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Linz's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Linz #
Linz mixes cultural nightlife with relaxed bars and a handful of clubs; it’s more low-key than Vienna but has a strong live-music and alternative scene. The city centre and the banks of the Danube are where locals go for evening drinks, while venues like the Stadtwerkstatt host concerts and club nights. Expect venues to close by 3am at the latest; smart-casual is a safe bet in most places.
Best Bets
- Stadtwerkstatt - Longstanding live-music and club venue for alternative scenes.
- Hauptplatz (main square) - Central square ringed with cafés, bars and late-night terraces.
- Danube riverfront bars - Riverside spots perfect for evening drinks and summer sunsets.
- Clubs and dance venues (various) - Several medium-sized clubs for DJs and late-night dancing.
- Local cocktail bars and wine bars - Smaller, trendier bars for cocktails and quieter evenings.
- Brucknerhaus (evening concerts) - Main concert hall with regular evening classical and contemporary shows.
Shopping in Linz #
Linz is Austria’s lively provincial capital where the Landstraße serves as the main high street and Lentia City and PlusCity offer full mall experiences. The city centre mixes Austrian department stores, independent boutiques and several museum shops for ceramics and prints. If you want bargains, head to outlet stores on the city outskirts and check seasonal markets for local artisan goods.
Best Bets
- Landstraße (main shopping street) - Primary high street with flagship stores, cafés and boutiques.
- Lentia City - Central shopping mall with fashion, services and dining options.
- PlusCity (Pasching) - Large regional mall just outside Linz with international brands.
- Hauptplatz (main square) - Central square surrounded by shops, bakeries and local retailers.
- Museum and gallery shops (Lentos, Ars Electronica) - Museum shops selling art books, prints and design items.
- Independent boutiques and concept stores - Local designers, craft shops and curated fashion stores downtown.
