Linz: What to See, Accommodation, Restaurants, and Trip Tips
Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and, in my opinion, a great choice for a weekend stay, even in combination with the Austrian lakes. What to see in Linz? This city on the Danube has a Baroque historic center, modern museums, industrial architecture, cafes, and a trip to Pöstlingberg with its city panorama is also interesting. Compared to Salzburg or Vienna, it feels less touristy, yet you can enjoy two to three days full of experiences here without feeling bored.
I consider the main reasons to visit to be the Hauptplatz, Ars Electronica Center, Pöstlingberg, Mariendom, Lentos, and a walk along the Danube. Families with children will also surely appreciate the Grottenbahn on Pöstlingberg and the interactive exhibits at Ars Electronica.
Accommodation in Linz: 3 hotels in the center
Find accommodation in Linz using the map:
For your first visit, I recommend staying in the historic center or around Landstraße. You can then walk to most of the sights, and you can get to Pöstlingberg by tram directly from Hauptplatz.
1. Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger Linz 3*
In my opinion, the best choice for those looking for a historic atmosphere. The hotel is located in a 15th-century building right on Hauptplatz, and most rooms are furnished in Biedermeier style. An advantage is certainly the rich breakfast, which is served until 11:00 AM.
Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger – Hauptplatz
2. Stadtoase Kolping Hotel Linz 3*
A quieter hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Landstraße and Mariendom. It offers a very good price-quality ratio, and we highly praise the breakfast with regional organic products and fresh juices.
3. Hotel Am Domplatz 4*
For me, the most interesting choice for couples. This modern adults-only hotel stands right next to Mariendom, and from selected rooms, you look directly at the cathedral. It falls into the higher mid-price category, but the location and design are exceptional. Ideal for a romantic weekend.
Hotel Am Domplatz – Adult Only
What to see in Linz?
1. Hauptplatz and the historic city center of Linz
Start your tour at Hauptplatz, one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria. It covers approximately 13,200 m², and its dominant feature is the 20-meter-high Baroque Holy Trinity Column. From here, continue through Hofgasse and Altstadt streets towards Linz Castle.
2. Castle Museum and Danube View
Linz Castle stands above the historic center and today houses the Schlossmuseum with exhibitions focused on the history, nature, and culture of Upper Austria. Even if you don’t go into the museum, it’s worth climbing up for the view of the center and the Danube.
3. Mariendom / What to See in Linz
Mariendom is the largest church in Austria by capacity. If you want to see Linz from a different perspective, an interesting option is the climb up 633 steps to a high stone balcony at a height of 112 meters.
4. Ars Electronica Center
For families and technology lovers, I recommend the Ars Electronica Center, also nicknamed the Museum of the Future. Interactive exhibitions connect art, science, artificial intelligence, and new technologies. The main experience is the Deep Space 8K projection space.
You might also be interested in:
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- Ebensee: 9 tips on what to do at Traunsee + accommodation tip
- Salzburg: 13 great tips on what to see, where to go for coffee, and where to stay
5. Lentos and a Walk Along the Danube
On the opposite bank from Ars Electronica stands the Lentos Kunstmuseum. Even if modern art isn’t your main goal, take a walk along the Danube in the evening between Lentos, Brucknerhaus, and Nibelungenbrücke. The evening lighting of the modern buildings is one of the characteristic views of Linz.
6. Pöstlingberg Linz
A trip I definitely wouldn’t miss on a first visit leads to Pöstlingberg at an altitude of 539 meters. The Pöstlingbergbahn gets you there from Hauptplatz in about 20 minutes. At the top, you’ll find a pilgrimage basilica, a viewpoint, a zoo, and the family-friendly Grottenbahn.
7. Mural Harbor Linz
A completely different face of the city is presented by Mural Harbor in the port of Linz. Over 100 large-scale graffiti works have been created on industrial buildings, and the entire area is among the largest continuous street art galleries of its kind. Tours are organized.
Where to Eat in Linz?
For traditional Austrian and Upper Austrian cuisine, I recommend Wirtshaus Keintzel in the historic center. The establishment is located in the old town hall complex, has a quiet courtyard, and offers regional cuisine.
If you want to combine dinner with a view, head to Pöstlingberg Schlössl. The restaurant stands directly on Pöstlingberg, and the biggest advantage is the panoramic view of Linz.
Where to Go for Coffee and Linzer Torte?
In our opinion, Hofbäckerei Café in Pfarrgasse has the most atmosphere. It’s one of those great places where you can taste authentic Linzer Torte. An alternative is the traditional Café Traxlmayr, a classic Austrian cafe near the center.
What to Taste in Linz?
First on the list must be the Linzer Torte with its nut-based dough, redcurrant jam, and typical lattice top. The first written mention dates back to 1653, making it one of the oldest documented cake recipes bearing a city’s name.
The second tip is Knödel (dumplings), which are a staple of Upper Austrian cuisine. From savory meat and bacon versions to sweet fruit dumplings. The third is Bratl in der Rein, traditional roast pork usually served with dumplings and cabbage. We rank dumplings and Bratl among the typical flavors of this region. So far, I haven’t discovered a restaurant that also cooks a gluten-free version, so let me know if you find one.
The Linz Card is Worth It for a Weekend Stay in Linz
If you plan to visit several museums and use public transport, consider the Linz Card. In 2026, a 24-hour card costs €18, a 48-hour card €30, and a 72-hour card €39. You can buy it online, at the Tourist Information on Hauptplatz, and in selected museums or hotels.
For a first visit, I recommend setting aside at least 2 to 3 days. Thanks to its compact center, Linz is also suitable for a weekend without a car, and the combination of historical monuments, modern culture, and Upper Austrian gastronomy sets it apart from classic Austrian tourist cities.
Finally, I must mention that it’s also worth it as a tip for where to go for Christmas markets, which you can combine with buying Christmas gifts in one of the local stylish supermarkets focused on fashion. Since new sections of the highway opened in South Bohemia, we prefer going to Linz for shopping and trips rather than Prague. So maybe we’ll meet here sometime.
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