As an industrial city turned technology center, Linz, Austria, now has not only a charming historical center with colorful facades but is also made just a bit cooler with its media center and futuristic gallery spaces. UNESCO didn’t make it one of its Cities of Media Arts for nothing! If you’re wondering “Is Linz worth visiting?”, the answer depends on what you’re looking for.

I love how Linz is always reinventing itself, pushing into the future without erasing what came before. It’s really a unique mix of experiences that sets itself apart from other Austrian cities.

 

Learn more about Austria.

 

What are the top things to do in Linz? Cheat sheet

The futuristic & artsy side of Linz

• ARS Electronica Center
• Lentos Kunstmuseum
• The hidden boutiques and concept stores

The historical side

• Linz Castle
• Mariendom (New Cathedral)
• Landhaus

The scenic & chill side

• Danube Riverside Walk & Donaupark
• Linz Botanical Garden
• Pöstlingberg hill & tram
• Tasting Linz Tart at the oldest bakery in Linz

 

 

Is Linz worth visiting? My thoughts

If you’re the right type of tourist, then absolutely visit Linz. Think of it like this: If Austria were a family, Vienna would be the elegant parent. Salzburg would be the musical prodigy. Innsbruck is obviously the sporty adrenaline junkie. And Linz would be the rebellious younger sibling who now works at a tech startup. It’s a little weird, very creative, and slightly rough around the edges for Vienna’s taste—but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.  

Now would I travel halfway around the world to visit Linz? No. But if you’re already in Austria and looking for interesting things to do in Linz, you could add it to your Austria itinerary—especially if you’re into art, media, or technology. If not? Honestly, skip it.

 

I’m happy to spend a day in Linz, but with these types of views, you’d be silly to stick to just the cities in Austria!

 

What is Linz really like?

I think the main thing you’re after is to understand what Linz is really like so you can gauge if it’s the type of place you’d enjoy. So here’s what Linz feels like:

The vibe

My favorite aspect of Linz is that it’s a city where the past and future stand side by side, sometimes literally: you can capture it in a single photo: the ARS Electronica Center, glowing in neon light every night, stands directly opposite the old Catholic Church of St. Joseph. That’s Linz in a nutshell for you!

You need to remember that Linz is not a fairy-tale pretty like Hallstatt, and it doesn’t feel as polished as Vienna (which I think is a good thing, because too polished = boring). Linz has a cool, futuristic vibe mixed with bits of history and a side of hipster.

Walk its streets, and you’ll notice the contrast everywhere. One moment, you’re admiring Renaissance courtyards and baroque buildings, and the next, you’re staring at interactive art installations or giant graffiti murals in a former industrial harbor. Linz keeps its history intact, but it’s not stuck in the past.  

 

The crowd: Who is Linz for?

Visit Linz if…

• you love digital art, AI, and modern museums,
• you’re into artsy cities with plenty of trendy cafes and weird boutiques,
• you like mixing old and new architecture,
• you like visiting underrated destinations, which some people like to call “hidden gems”, but I hate that term, so I’m not calling it that.

Skip Linz if…

• you expect mainly classical palaces and grand cafes,
• you want a storybook Austrian town that’s plastered on every postcard from Austria,
• you have limited time in Austria (because there are definitely more spectacular cities in Austria that you should visit first).

 

If you’re going for a picturesque Austrian town, go to Hallstatt

 

Tourist map of Linz

You can see that all the top tourist attractions except for Postlinberg are pretty central in Linz

 

Getting your bearings: How Linz is laid out The Old Town is on one side of the Danube River, centered around the Hauptplatz, or Main Square, giving it a nice promenade on the river bank. Everything is on this side of the river except for the ARS Electronica Center.

A bridge across from the new town takes you to one end of the Main Square, while the main shopping street, Landstraße, leads you out the other side. Everything you might want to see is within walking distance of these main areas.  

The Main Square is also where you will find the tourist office.

 

The Lentos Kunstmuseum

 

Two tips for the best hotels in Linz  

I really suggest you stay in or as near to the Old Town as possible. It just makes life easier because all the best things to do in Linz are close by.    

I stayed at a hotel steps away from the Mariendom, Hotel Schwarzer Bär, and it ticked all the boxes. Nothing too fancy but with all the amenities you might need since you are walking around Linz all day anyway. Great breakfast.

For a little more style, a super sleek hotel within a stone's throw of Mariendom is Hotel Am Domplatz. I didn’t stay there only because it was full when I tried to book. This is an adult-only hotel.

Both of these hotels have parking for guests (paid separately).

 

Pro tip: Don’t be surprised by “Sunday rest day” or “No museum Mondays”

In Linz, they do this typically Austrian thing (though not exclusive to Austria) where everything is closed on Sundays. I understand the reasons for this, but when you visit a city for the weekend, you might be a little annoyed that during half of your stay, every door of every shop and café is locked.

Ok, there are exceptions, see my restaurant and cafe recommendations with opening times. Museums and galleries are generally open on Sundays. Though in this case, still be sure to check opening times and watch out for Mondays especially! Most of the top things to do in Linz on this list are closed on Mondays.

 

Sunday is a rest day!

 

What is there to do in Linz? The details

As I mentioned, Linz is a mix of art, technology, and history. What are some artsy, technological, and historical things to do in Linz? 

 

1. Check out the world of AI, virtual reality, and digital art at ARS Electronica

Deep Space 8k exhibition ARS Electronica Center

 

The ARS Electronica Center is every futuristic nerd’s dream. If you are even a little bit interested in artificial intelligence, robots, digital art, or engineering, you will not be disappointed. It is, after all, dubbed the “museum of the future”.

In one room, there is the Deep Space 8k exhibition which is apparently not found anywhere else in the world. The entire 16x9 m (53x30 feet) wall and floor of the same size are covered in projection, laser tracking, and 3D animations. It’s mesmerizing! And there are games, and yes, I played. Among others, there is also a future lab and a music studio, and kids will enjoy the exhibits as well.

The center is across the Danube River from the historical center, you will notice I,t especially at night thanks to its bright illumination.

They also have a restaurant, Cubus, on-site. It is fine, but don’t go out of your way to eat there. It is a little pretentious and service is hit and miss, though the food is good (prices are on the higher side). This being a glass building, you do get nice views over the river, and if your brain is really tired and hungry from all the AI and VR and lasers from the center downstairs, you can pop in for a meal or coffee.

• Ars-Electronica-Straße 1 
• Tickets are EUR 14 per adult, free with the Linz Card. They are valid for 24 hours.  
• Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–5 pm.

 

2. Take in modern masterpieces at Lentos Kunstmuseum 

Lentos Kunstmuseum

 

Back on the Old Town side of the river, as if it were having a glow-in-the-dark competition with ARS Electronica every night, is the glass and steel building of the Lentos Kunstmuseum, Linz’s museum of modern art.

If you are all electronics out, head over and take in one of Austria's finest modern art collections, though honestly, it doesn’t compare to some of the museums in Vienna for instance. But if you do enjoy art, Andy Warhol and Gustav Klimt are just a couple of the famous artists whose work you can stare at in this gallery.

There is a café on site which you can miss and nothing will happen.  

• Ernst-Koref-Promenade 1 
• Tickets cost EUR 11 per adult, free with the Linz Card. 
• Closed on Mondays. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Thursday 10 am-8 pm.

 

3. Discover Linz’s hidden boutiques and concept stores 

Linz really IS an art city

 

There is art on every corner in Linz. There is always a small gallery to tuck into or an outdoor art installation in the park. Keep an eye out for little examples of connecting the old with the new. It’s pretty cool really. If you walk through some of the side alleys, there are tons of hidden little boutiques and Concept Stores that will also entice you if you are a design fanatic.

The best areas to explore include:

• Hofgasse & Altstadt: The heart of Linz’s historic district, full of small artisan shops.
   
• Landstraße: Linz’s main shopping street, home to bigger stores but also some interesting indie spots if you look closely.
   
• Herrenstraße: A hotspot for unique fashion and handcrafted goods.
   
• OK Platz & OÖ Kulturquartier: If you’re into cutting-edge design and art spaces, this is the creative hub of the city.

 

4. Stand beneath the towering arches of Austria’s largest cathedral at Mariendom(aka New Cathedral)

The Mariendom Cathedral

 

Walking around in the Old Town, the buildings that you will catch glimpses of from many spots are the Mariendom, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and New Cathedral. Whatever you want to call it, it is huge, the largest in Austria in fact (by capacity), holding up to 20,000 people!

Fun fact: Even though it’s the biggest cathedral in Austria, it’s not the tallest. That honor goes to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna because when they built Mariendom in the 19^th century, they had to keep it a few feet shorter than Vienna’s Stephansdom—it would be inappropriate to outshine the capital. Still, at 135 m (443 ft) long, it’s up there with some of Europe’s giants, like Milan’s Duomo.

Inside, make sure to find the window that shows the history of Linz in colored glass. You can also climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

• Herrenstraße 26 
• Monday-Saturday 7:30 am-7 pm, Sundays and holidays 8 am-7:15 pm

 

5. Step into a Renaissance courtyard where Kepler once taught at the Landhaus 

Landhaus and the Kepler fountain

 

Moving back towards the river from the New Cathedral you can stop and take a look at the Landhaus. This is currently the seat of the provincial government, though when it was built in the 16^th century, it served as a monastery.

This being a government office building, you probably won’t go strolling around the inside, but do take a peek at the courtyard. There you’ll find the Fountain of Planets, which is dedicated to Johannes Kepler (renowned for his groundbreaking laws of planetary motion). He taught math at one of the schools in Linz for over a decade.

Fun fact: the main entrance gate has an inscription in Latin that translates to "Wisdom builds the house, but knowledge fills it."

• Landhausplatz 1

 

6. See how Linz Castle blends medieval history with modern design

The Linz Castle

 

Standing tall right by the river is the Linz Castle. It houses a large general museum, so everything from natural history to old instruments and folklore items, but they also add on special exhibitions of all sorts (fashion, performance arts, etc.), so it isn’t just the old boring stuff.

If that all sounds boring, just walk around and check out the exterior. They’ve done a great job taking this historical building into the new age by adding some modern architecture like an unexpected glass tunnel bridge connecting the buildings.

You can also go up to the castle walls for one of the best views over the Danube—especially around sunset, when the modern Lentos Kunstmuseum starts glowing in bright colors, creating a perfect contrast between Linz’s past and future.

• Schlossberg 1 
• Tickets to the museum are EUR 6.50 per adult, free with the Linz-Card 
• Closed on Mondays. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm

 

7. Take a walk along the Danube and find art hidden in Donaupark 

If you continue by the river past the Main Square, you will find Donaupark, a nice park area by the river. It is sprinkled with art installations and has the Lentos Kunstmuseum at the beginning and the Brucknerhaus concert hall roughly in the middle. If you’re lucky, you might even hear classical music drifting out during rehearsals—it is home to the famous Bruckner Festival in September.

Some of the sculptures that you’ll find along the paths or hidden among the trees are permanent, others rotate as part of temporary exhibitions. In the summer, Donaupark also hosts festivals, outdoor concerts, and even film screenings.

It’s just a nice calm place to chill out if you need to. 

 

8. Climb to the top of Linz on the steepest adhesion railway in Europe (to Pöstlingberg)

Pöstlingbergbahn is old and new. Image source: www.linzag.at

 

One thing to do in Linz that is not in the historical center is visit Pöstlingberg, a hill above Linz. You can take a tram from the Main Square, it takes about 20 minutes and is a big part of the fun.

There are historical trams that provide this service only in the summer, and modern trams that can handle any weather. This is not the Alps, mind you, but the tram route, Pöstlingbergbahn, is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe.

On top of the hill, you can take a stroll, ogle the basilica, and take a weird little dragon train called the Grottobahn to look at dwarves and fairies (perhaps take some kids with you so you don’t stand so much). Also, this being the city of art, there is an outdoor photo installation in place from April to November.  

Or, if you’re like me, you will want another coffee to go with the view of Linz. There are several restaurants on Pöstlingberg, I chose Cafe Jindrak (Am Pöstlingberg 12) because there was a prime spot available at a table right by the glass railing (and because the castle restaurant next to it was a little too fancy pants for my taste), and it was nice. If you go in with low expectations, you might even be surprised by it!

• Tram departs from Hauptplatz
   
• Round-trip tickets are EUR 8.50 per adult or free with the Linz Card. You can buy them at ticket machines at the stop or the Tourist Information Center on Hauptlatz.  
   
• Monday-Saturday 6 am-10:30 pm, Sundays and holidays 7:30 am-10:30 pm.  

 

9. Taste the local specialty, Linzer Tart

Linzer Tart was delicious!

 

You cannot come to Linz without trying (and re-trying) Linzer Tart. If you’re like me (and almost everybody else on this planet), you like dessert. Since Austria’s favorite Apfelstrudel is a classic even in my country, I went for the famous Linzer Tart (“Linzer Torte”), also called Linzer Cake.

This tart is a single-layer shortbread topped with redcurrant jam and thin slices of almonds or other nuts, and it is delicious. The Linzer Tart is considered to be one of the oldest cake recipes in the world. The oldest recipe, discovered in 2005, is from 1653.
 

Find the oldest bakery in Linz: k.u.k. Hofbäckerei 

If you're trying the oldest cake in the world, you might as well do it in the oldest bakery in Linz, the k.u.k. Hofbäckerei. Sound touristy? It is. Should you let that deter you? Absolutely not.

This place, or at least the original of the two branches in Linz, breathes history, and the owners make sure that the quality of everything they make is top-notch, just as it was way back when the family supplied baked goods to Archduke Peter Ferdinand. The Linzer Torte recipe they use today has been handed down through generations, as has the bakery. 

• Pfarrgasse 17 is the historical one, plus they have a more modern sister restaurant at Hofgasse 3
   
• Monday-Friday 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. Saturday 8 am - 1:30 pm. Closed on Sunday.

 

k.u.k. Hofbäckerei

 

10. Escape the city in the Linz Botanical Garden

If you need a break from Linz’s tech-heavy museums and urban energy (or if you ate too much Linzer Torte), head to the Linz Botanical Garden. It’s a smallish garden, but i is home to one of the largest collections of cacti and orchids in Europe.

Walking through the five greenhouses, you’ll find everything from tropical rainforests to exotic desert landscapes. Outside, it’s like a little compact world that includes Japanese ponds, alpine rock formations, and colorful flower beds that change with the seasons.

I didn’t manage to visit the cafe, but I’ve heard great things about the ice cream there. A little tip if you’re visiting in the summer.

Pro tip: And if the Linz Botanical Garden isn’t enough nature for you, the hilltop Bauernbergpark is just a few steps away.

• Roseggerstraße 20
• It’s just a few tram stops from the city center—take tram line 1 or 2 to "Botanischer Garten"
• Open daily 9 am–5 pm (closes later in summer)
• Tickets cost EUR 4, free with the Linz-Card

 

The best cafes and restaurants in Linz: Are you hungry yet?

Austria’s food is not something that makes headlines, though if you aren’t from the region, you might be salivating at the thought of schnitzel (thin pork slice breaded and fried), tafelspitz (boiled pork with broth, Austria’s national dish) or sausages.  I, on the other hand, just want good food, period. Doesn’t have to be Austrian even though I am in Austria.

Pro tip: Many of Linz’s cafés serve brunch or all-day breakfast, so if you ever feel just a small hunger coming on, you can pop in and indulge any time you feel the growl coming on.

These are my tips:
 

ÄNGUS Downtown for burgers and steaks

If you are a meat lover, don’t miss ÄNGUS Downtown. The bull skull on the golden tiled wall says it all. Burgers, but mainly steaks from the best Argentinian and US beef. This is a fancier place where you will feel like a king. The staff is amazing and you might just have the best steak in your life. There, I said it.  

• Pfarrplatz 13 
• Closed on Mondays. Tuesday-Friday 11 am-2 pm and 5 pm-11 pm. Saturday-Sunday 11 am-11 pm.  
   

Muto for food that looks like art

For a completely unexpected, creative meal in a cozy atmosphere, head to Muto. I mean I don’t even know what else to say. Their food is art! Weird? Yes! Classy? Yes! Meat? Yes! Meatless? Yes! The interior is simple, not too big, smack in the middle of the city center, halfway between the Landhaus and the castle. I dare you to not take a picture of whatever dish you decide to order. Make sure to make a reservation beforehand. Foodie heaven.

• Altstadt 7 
• Closed Sunday-Tuesday. Wednesday-Saturday open from 6 pm. They do not state a closing time. I told you this place is unique!   
   

Bangkok Smile for Thai food

When in doubt, Thai food! Am I right? Bangkok Smile is a smallish restaurant with really good Thai food. This place is cheaper than the other two that I recommend, but it is definitely good quality food. I mean nothing in Austria is cheap, but this is on the cheaper end of what you can get. If you’ve ever been to Thailand, this gem of a restaurant will take you back memory lane.

• Waltherstraße 11 
• Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 5 pm-8 pm. Saturday 5 pm-9 pm. Closed on Sunday. 

 

Brunch time!

 

There are cafés on every corner in Linz, so you will not have trouble getting your caffeine fix for the day. Some cafes I can recommend are:
 

tiktak cafe for all-day breakfast

Have you noticed a trend with lowercase names at these hip places? I can’t decide if it is still cool or not. Anyway, moving on… This one is a little further out, but don’t look away just yet. It’s not too far, just at the end of Landstraße, which is the main shopping street that juts out of the historical center. The interior is a nice clean design of wood/brick black/white. They are famous amongst those in the know for their all-day breakfast. tiktak is the type of place you can spend hours at just because it feels good to be there.

It’s right by Volksgarten Park, so you can even take a little stroll after your 4-hour “breakfast”. Or, if you are visiting in the summer and plan ahead a little, you can order one of their amazing-looking brunch boxes to go (you need to order the day before) and have a picnic at the park! I didn’t do this, but look at the photos of those boxes. You need to try this if you have the time and feel like eating on the ground.

Also, if you are visiting during the Christmas season, one of the best Christmas markets actually takes place right in Volksgarten, so you could drop by tiktak to warm up afterward.

• Landstraße 119 
• Closed on Tuesday. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 7 am-6 pm.Sunday 8 am-3 pm. 
   

Schadzi Cafe for vegans

Schadzi Cafe. Right around the corner from the old k.u.k. Hofbäckerei is this little gem. It’s a vegan and vegetarian cafe with Persian and international dishes and a bunch of nice desserts on offer, but you really don’t need to be a herbivore to enjoy it here. The coffee isn't bad (which is saying a lot since I honestly did not have any great coffee anywhere in Austria!) and the staff is lovely and it is just a nice cozy place.

• Domgasse 10 
• Closed on Monday and Sunday. Tuesday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. Saturday 9 am-1 pm.  

 

Get the Linz city card. Or not 

First things first, as I mention in my list of 13 tips for traveling to Austria, I’m a sucker for city passes. They can save you a nice chunk of change and it just makes life in the cities easier since you then just need one card in most places you might be interested in visiting. Linz has the Linz Card. But is it any good?

How many museums/galleries do you plan on visiting? At EUR 18, EUR 30, and EUR 39 for the 1-, 2- and 3-day cards, respectively, it is not cheap. It gives you free public transportation and free admission to places like the ARS Technology Center and the Lentos Gallery. The 48- and 72-hour cards also let you ride the Pöstlingberg tram for free.

If you’re planning on cramming in a bunch of museums and using public transport often, get the card. If not, it’s just not worth it. Check out the prices of the best attractions below and do the math for yourself. Check out prices for the best attractions below and do the math for yourself.

You can buy the Linz-Card online and then just print it or get the app on your phone, or get it in person at the Tourist Information Center at the Old Town Hall in the main square or at the ticket desks of the main museums in the city.

Linz card prices in 2025:

• 24-hour card: EUR 18
• 48-hour card: EUR 30
• 72-hour card: EUR 39
   

Linz-Card: Is it worth it?

Worth it if you plan to:

• Visit multiple museums (ARS Electronica, Lentos, Höhenrausch)
• Use public transport a lot
• Go up Pöstlingberg for free (only with 48- and 72-hour cards)

Skip it if you:

• Only plan to see a couple of attractions
• Prefer walking over trams

 

Should you rent a car in Linz? Probably not

I personally like driving over public transport in general, but I make an exception in cities like Linz. It’s mostly just a hassle if you’re planning on exploring a relatively compact area like the Old Town, have a hotel in the city center, and can walk everywhere anyway.

 

Driving in Austria is one thing (a great thing), but in Linz, you’re better off just walking

 

What is parking in Linz like? Short!

Most of Linz city center is divided into short-term parking areas, which are indicated by signs and blue ground markings. It is not that hard to find a spot, but the maximum parking time is often 180 minutes, which would mean you’d be re-parking your car over and over again if you plan on spending the day in the city.

If you drive to Linz and are staying overnight, make sure to get a hotel with parking.

 

Using public transportation in Linz

If you use public transportation, it is useful to have a map of tram lines on you. Ticket prices are EUR 1.50 for max. 4 stops, EUR 2.80 for a 1-hour ticket, and EUR 5.50 for a 24-hour ticket (2025 prices).

Tickets can be bought at newsstands or ticket machines at tram stops. Tram drivers DO NOT sell tickets. Don’t forget to validate your ticket once you get on board the tram in one of the little machines.

 

How you will feel if you walk all day compared to driving everywhere

 

You might also be interested in reading:

• A Detailed 10-Day Austria Itinerary
• 3 Days in Vienna: The Ultimate Itinerary
• What is Austria Known For? 13 Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
• 9 Unusual Things to do in Vienna
• 7 Top Tourist Cities in Austria: Highlights, Trips, Hotels, and More

 

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