Innsbruck-Austria 10 Instagrammable spots
- Authentic Chica
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
Innsbruck in Austria remains one of Europe's most underrated gems with its unique history, quaint atmosphere and many Instagrammable spots, making it the ideal destination for an easy weekend getaway or short midweek trip.
From the Netherlands yiu can get to Innsbruck city in less than 2 hours, as direct Easyjet, KLM and Transavia flights from major airports like Amsterdam, Eindhoven, or Rotterdam take just 1 - 1.5 hours to reach Innsbruck airport. And once you land, airport bus F departs every 15 minutes and brings you straight to the city center in just 20 minutes, convenient, reliable, and budget-friendly (€3,20 p.p.one way).
In this blog I will share everything you need to make the most out of your trip to Innsbruck! As always based on my own experiences, packed with useful travel tips, Instagrammable sightseeing spots, restaurants and hotels. Accompanied by many of my own pictures and a custom Google map.
Innsbruck-Austria travel guide & Instagrammable spots
This versatile Austrian city captivates with its stunning Habsburg-era architecture, charming Tyrolean vibes, and dramatic alpine backdrop. I first explored it in summer 2025, about which you can read all in this Innsbruck blog.
And I returned for a magical 4-day non-ski winter adventure in early 2026 with my friend Sandra. Winter gives the city and even more picturesque setting, with festive lights, cozy snowy atmospheres, and endless photogenic opportunities, perfect for those Instagrammable shots.
Innsbruck-Austria 10 Instagrammable spots & must do’s
Besides winter activities there is much more to see and do in Innsbruck, any time of year, especially for photography lovers! Base yourself in the city for 2 - 3 days to capture these 10 Instagrammable favorites in the city center with ease.
But first let me show you the most photogenic spot of all, just a short drive from the city center:
1. Swarovski Kristallwelten
This experience center is housed in Wattens, 20 minutes away and is truly one of the most Instagrammable spots around Innsbruck!
Located near the headquarters of this crystal manufacturer, this glittering experience features 18 themed crystal rooms of wonder, designed in collaboration with renowned artists.
It also has an extensive park, with a labyrinth, waterfall, playground, restaurant, bar and shop. Admission is €25 online (€27 on-site) for adults, €9 for kids 6-17 and free under 6. I would advise to take at least 3–4 hours to experience it to the fullest including lunch. Open from 9 am - 7 pm with last admission at 6 pm.
Pre-book the shuttle (€13 return, only goes a few times a day and is included with the Innsbruck Card) or take a taxi there (€45 one way). Find out more on the Kristallwelten website and get a taste already via this gallery:
2.Town Square & Maria-Theresien-Straße
The Iconic Annasäule on the town square, and the Triumphal Arch (Triumphforte), just a 5-minute walk away, on the other end of the Maria-Theresien-Straße, should not be missed in Innsbruck. Both are photogenic architectural marvels complemented perfectly by the snowy Nordkette peaks and colorful buildings of the city, creating postcard-perfect shots, like these;
3. Herzog-Friedrich-Straße
This street in the heart of Altstad Innsbruck is a must visit for the legendary Golden Roof and atmospheric square surrounded by photogenic buildings and terraces.
4. 15th-Century Stadtturm
Here you will also find the 51-meter high city tower from 1450, with a circular stairway of 133 steps leading up to the 31-meter-high observation deck. Worth climbing for panoramic Old Town and mountain views, as you can see here:
Admission is €4.50 p.p. and open from 10 am to 5 pm (included with the Innsbruck Card).
5. Hofburg Palace & Museum
Explore the imperial palace with its elegant Renaissance-style rooms and Habsburg history, but check in advance for seasonal museum openings or renovations. When we were there the main rooms were temporarily closed and only the basement expo was accessible.
Entry is typically €8.50 - €21 for combination tickets and free for kids under 19 (included in the Innsbruck Card). Open from 9 am - 5 pm, with the last admission around 4 pm.
6. Hofkirche (Court Church)
Marvel at the 28 larger-than-life bronze 'Black Men' statues and the church's intricate ceiling.
Admission around €7 - 14 (price often bundled with the Hofburg or Tyrolean Folk Art Museum) or included in the Innsbruck Card.
Top tip: Visit late afternoon (between 3-5 pm with last entry 4.30 pm) to get this place all to yourself and admire the golden light in the courtyard. Get an impression through this gallery:
7. Marktplatz & Innbrücke
The colorful houses reflect beautifully in the River Inn, ideal to capture winter reflections or nearby Christmas market vibes in November-December.
8. Weitsicht rooftop bar & restaurant
On the 12th floor of Adlers Hotel you can savor dinner and cocktails with unbeatable 360° views of the lit-up city and snowy Alps. I celebrated my birthday here with a delicious, but casual dinner, finalized with drinks at the panoramic rooftop bar.
9. Nordkettenbahnen
This world-famous cable car system starts right in the city center and goes up to Hungerburg, Seegrube, and the Top of Innsbruck in about 30-40 minutes.
The first leg is the Hungerburgbahn, a striking hybrid funicular designed by architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2007. Its futuristic stations contrast beautifully with the historic Old Town, and the 8-minute ride offers stunning city views while climbing to Hungerburg at 868 m.
Stop here to visit the Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo), Europe's highest zoo at 750 m, home to over 2,000 animals from 150+ alpine species, perfect for families or wildlife photography.
Admission to the zoo is €16 for adults, €13 for students/seniors, and discounted for groups (often included with Innsbruck Card).
Continue to Seegrube for lunch at the mountain restaurant and to get to the ski slopes and several hiking trails.
Then take the final gondola up to Hafelekar for rugged mountain views and endless snow.
The full round-trip to the Top of Innsbruck costs around €56 for adults (seniors/students €51.50, children €33.60). And 1 ascent/descent is included with the Innsbruck Card.
10. Bergisel ski jump & Sky restaurant
Redesigned by Zaha Hadid in 2002, with its cobra-like shape rising 40 meters high. Enjoy breakfast here (around €30-40 based on packages) with views of the jump and city.
Entry to the jump and museum, without a meal at the Sky restaurant, costs €11 (or included in the Innsbruck Card).
You can reach Bergisel in 15 minutes by bus 1SE or tram 1 to Bergisel from the city center and then it's just a 10-minute scenic walk up to the Ski Jump.
Where to stay & travel tips
NALA Individuellhotel
We stayed at this chic boutique hotel in a peaceful yet central location (near the Triumphal Arch).
It is very atmospheric with a stylish interior, uniquely themed rooms, welcoming staff, beautiful garden and outdoor terrace. We enjoyed the most delicious and extensive breakfast here too, get a preview via this gallery:
And find everything you need to know on the hotel website.
Plus even more hotels and the 7 delicious restaurants we sampled in and around Innsbruck in my previous Innsbruck city guide.
Innsbruck Card
Essential to save money on your sightseeing trip with 3 options: 24h €69 adult (€34.50 child 6+), 48h €79 (€39.50), 72h €89 (€44.50). This includes free entry to 22+ attractions (Alpine Zoo, Bergisel, museums, Hofkirche), one ascent/descent on Nordkettenbahnen to the Top of Innsbruck, unlimited public transport, Swarovski shuttle, hop-on hop-off bus, and more.
Buy the Innsbruck Card online via Innsbruck.info or at the tourist info office in the city center, it quickly pays for itself when you visit several sights.
Welcome Card
Ask for it at your hotel, as the card is free with 2+ nights at partner hotels, covering public transport and discounts on selected tours and sights.
If you visit Innsbruck in winter do check my Innsbruck winter guide with many non-ski activities in and around this Tyrolean city, including an igloo stay!
Find even more inspiration on my Austria page and on my social media accounts of course.
And if you decide to visit Innsbruck in Austria any time of year, I hope that you can use my Google map and these tips to find the most fun things to do and capture Innsbruck’s 10 most Instagrammable spots with ease!
