Say guten tag to Innsbruck, the scenic capital of Tyrol, Austria. An ideal combination of breathtaking scenery and centuries-old history, Innsbruck can easily rival its more famous sister cities Vienna and Salzburg. Get the inn on Innsbruck with this helpful guide showing you what to see, where to eat and more. What to Know For a brief time in the 16th century, Innsbruck was the economic and political center of Europe. This small city nestled in the Austrian Alps became the residence of the Habsburg Empire, which then ruled most of the continent. Walking around the Old Town (Altstadt) today, you can sense the history and wealth and see why the Habsburgs were attracted to Innsbruck in the first place: its breathtaking scenery. Innsbruck became internationally recognized when it hosted the Winter Olympics not once, but twice: in 1964 and 1976. Today, it is still considered one of Europe’s top destinations for winter sports. Just outside of the city, countless ski resorts offer visitors the ultimate Alpine winter fantasy, Olympic medal or not. When to Go The best times to visit Innsbruck are in the summer and winter - for very different reasons. Winter is an especially popular time to visit, when some of the world's best athletes descend upon the region for its perfect slopes and powdery snow. The city takes on a completely different look in the summer, when visitors can comfortably stroll around Old Town and enjoy outdoor dining, music festivals and gardens. How to Get Around When it comes to a compact city like Innsbruck, walking is simply the best way to get around. Biking is also very popular among locals, even in snow! For longer distances, the efficient bus network works perfectly. Where to Eat In Innsbruck, it would be a shame to miss out on typical Tyrolean cuisine. Sample regional specialties like Tiroler Gröstl and Speckknödel and wash it all down with the famous Tyrolean schnapps. Below are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in the city.
Goldenes DachlInnsbruck’s famous Golden Roof is one dazzling feature of the city you won’t want to miss. While many visitors choose to admire it from the outside, it’s actually worth going in the museum and climbing up the 148 steps to see the balcony where Maximilian I once stepped out on. Ambras Castle Located high above Innsbruck, Ambras Castle is sumptuous Renaissance palace built by Archduke Ferdinand II. The highlight during a visit is the Portrait Gallery in the Upper Castle, featuring over 200 paintings reflecting the reign of the Habsburg Dynasty. Hofburg Delve into Habsburg heritage at the Hofburg, Innsbruck’s Imperial Palace. Completed in the year 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I, the palace is hometo several grand halls and rooms, a museum and gardens all reflecting the opulence of the era. Nordkette Cable Car Everywhere you look in Innsbruck, you’ll be surrounded by the Nordkette mountain range (often referred to the "Jewel of the Alps"). For one of the best vantage points in the city, hop on a cable car from the city center and enjoy the 20-minute ride up 6,560 feet to the summit. Thousands of feet above sea level, you’ll be able to admire stunning views of the city and surrounding Alps. Tips and Tricks
Day Trips
Kufstein At the foot of the Kaiser mountain range and halfway between Innsbruck and Salzburg sits the medieval town of Kufstein. Pay a visit to the massive fortress overlooking the town and take a look at Heldenorgel organ, the largest open-air organ in the world! Swarovski Crystal Worlds Just 20 minutes outside Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal Worlds will surely dazzle you. The multi-sensory experience - part museum, part theme park and part art installation - celebrates the famed crystal house, established in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity for shopping here. Lake Achensee Tyrol's largest lake located in the heart of the Karwendel mountain chain, Lake Achensee makes for a wonderful day trip. Explore the lake and its beautiful surroundings by hiking, biking or car.
0 Comments
Vibrant, passionate, seductive: Spain’s second city truly has it all. Blending a coastal Mediterranean setting with whimsical architecture and an exciting food and nightlife scene, Barcelona is a destination in of itself and world’s away from Madrid. From beaches to bustling boulevards, a visit to Barcelona is sure to be memorable. What to Know The capital of Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, Barcelona has always marched to the beat of its own drum. Catalonians proudly display their flag from balconies, while all of the street signs are in Catalan first and Spanish second. You’ll feel the energy of the city everywhere you go, from the beaches of Barceloneta to the winding lanes of the Gothic Quarter. Perhaps the biggest draw to Barcelona is Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect who left an indelible mark on the city through his whimsical architecture. When to Go The best time to visit Barcelona is in May and June, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the start of summer festivals bring a renewed energy to the city. Avoid the months of July and August; the weather is hot and humid and many locals take their vacations during this time, which means certain businesses could be closed. September and October are also great months to visit. How to Get Around Barcelona’s excellent metro system provides easy access to all of the city’s main attractions. Inexpensive and reliable, taking the metro is by far the easiest way to get around. There's also a clean and efficient bus service that serves Barcelona center, but frequent traffic means this option could take up more of your time. For day trips from Barcelona, consider taking the Renfe train departing from several stations within the city center. Where to Eat You can’t visit Barcelona without trying Catalan cuisine, paella, jamon, seafood and tapas. One of the best places to experience Barcelona’s food culture is at La Boqueria market. Exotic fruit and vegetables, sizzling tapas, freshly caught seafood and cured meats are just a few tasty morsels you can try at this market located just steps from the main tourist boulevard La Rambla.
What to See Sagrada Familia The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s masterpiece. Work on this cathedral begin in 1882 and continues to this day. Whether you choose to admire from the exterior or purchase a ticket to go inside, you’ll be blown away by this architectural wonder. Drawing inspiration from nature, Gaudi envisioned a place of worship unlike any other. The estimated completion date is 2026, a century after the architect’s death. Gothic Quarter Experience the true essence of the city in the Gothic Quarter, home to some of the best preserved medieval architecture in Europe. Wander the maze of narrow streets and squares and feel like you’ve stepped back in time in Barcelona’s oldest district. Visit the 600-year-old cathedral and take a breather in its cloister with a beautiful tropical garden. Travel tip: A 10-minute walk from the museum is Parc Ciutadella, the largest green space in the city. Picasso Museum Located in the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum offers a fascinating look into one of greatest painters of the 20th century. Filling five grand mansions, the museum follows Picasso’s early works as an art student to his later, more well known abstract masterpieces. Parc Guell Another of Gaudi’s celebrated works is Park Guell. Perched atop the city, the park is 30 acres of vibrant mosaics, playful statues and breathtaking views. Originally intended as high-end housing, the project flopped and became a public park instead, much to the joy of locals and visitors. A popular attraction within the park is the Gaudi House Museum, Gaudi's former home turned museum. Montjuic Take the funicular to the top of Montjuic overlooking Barcelona and explore its many fantastic attractions. Peep art at the Catalonia National Art Museum (MNAC) and Miró Foundation, visit the Montjuic fortress or walk through time in the Poble Espanol. Don’t miss the evening light show at the Magic Fountain below the Palau Nacional. Tips and Tricks
Day Trips
Montserrat An hour from Barcelona lies the mystical mountain range of Montserrat, considered the spiritual and cultural heart of Catalonia. A funicular leads visitors to the 11th-century monastery, home to the famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat. Meaning “serrated mountain” in Catalan, the monastery’s dramatic location and religious importance make Montserrat one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. Sitges Just 22 miles south of Barcelona is Sitges, a seaside resort with an eclectic spirit. With a vibrant LGBTQ scene, 17 sandy beaches and a charming old quarter, Sitges is a great day trip or weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Girona Situated between Barcelona and Costa Brava, Girona is a delightful riverside city with tons of history. Wander the lanes of the Jewish Quarter, one of the best preserved in the world, admire the medieval city walls and step inside the imposing Girona Cathedral. Game of Thrones fans will recognize Girona as the setting for Braavos in season 6. |
BRANDIAccountant-turned-travel planner, I share all things travel here! Archives
July 2023
Categories
All
|
Useful Links |
Upcoming Trips |