The Best Things to Do in Linz

Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, Linz offers a fascinating blend of historical charm and cutting-edge innovation that many travelers overlook. Often overshadowed by Vienna and Salzburg, this Upper Austrian capital has transformed from an industrial city into a vibrant cultural hub that deserves a spot on your Austrian itinerary.

From exploring Europe’s largest church to experiencing futuristic digital art installations, Linz surprises visitors with its diverse attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or nature lover, this guide reveals the most rewarding things to do in Linz that showcase why this underrated city is worth your time.

What sets Linz apart from other Austrian cities is its bold embrace of technology and digital innovation. The city has earned UNESCO’s City of Media Arts designation for good reason—here’s where you can experience Linz’s forward-thinking side.

The Ars Electronica Center stands as Linz’s most iconic modern landmark, glowing in changing colors across the Danube each night. This “Museum of the Future” offers mind-bending interactive exhibitions where art meets cutting-edge technology.

The highlight is Deep Space 8K, a massive 16×9-meter projection space where you can immerse yourself in stunning 3D visualizations of everything from the human body to distant galaxies. The center also features AI demonstrations, robotics exhibits, and hands-on technology experiences suitable for all ages.

The sleek glass Lentos Kunstmuseum sits directly across the river from the Ars Electronica Center, creating a striking architectural dialogue. This modern art museum houses one of Austria’s most important collections of contemporary art, featuring works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and international artists.

The building itself is a work of art, with its minimalist design and LED facade that illuminates the riverfront at night. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions alongside the permanent collection, making each visit unique.

For something completely different, head to Mural Harbor, an open-air gallery in Linz’s industrial port area. This unexpected cultural hotspot features over 300 large-scale murals by international street artists, transforming industrial buildings into massive canvases.

The best way to experience this unique art space is through a guided boat tour, which takes you along the harbor while explaining the stories behind the artworks. Some tours even include a graffiti workshop where you can try your hand at street art.

While Linz embraces the future, it also preserves its rich history. The city’s historical center offers charming streets, impressive architecture, and fascinating cultural heritage sites.

Linz’s Hauptplatz (Main Square) forms the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and buzzing with activity. The square’s centerpiece is the impressive Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), a 20-meter baroque monument erected in the early 18th century to celebrate the end of plague epidemics.

Take time to explore the surrounding streets, especially Landstraße and Herrenstraße, where you’ll find a mix of historic architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. The area around Bischofstraße is particularly charming with its well-preserved medieval buildings.

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Linz, not Vienna, is home to Austria’s largest church. The Neo-Gothic Mariendom (New Cathedral) can hold up to 20,000 people and impresses with its soaring 135-meter length and intricate stained glass windows.

Look for the “Linz Window” that depicts the city’s history in vibrant colored glass. If you’re up for some exercise, climb the 396 steps to the tower for panoramic views over Linz and the Danube valley.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, Linz Castle (Schlossmuseum) combines medieval architecture with modern additions. The castle houses the Upper Austrian Provincial Museum with exhibits spanning archaeology, art, cultural history, and technology.

The castle grounds offer excellent views of the city, especially at sunset when the Ars Electronica Center begins its colorful light display across the river. Don’t miss the innovative glass walkway that connects the historical buildings—a perfect example of how Linz blends old and new.

No visit to Linz would be complete without sampling its culinary delights. The city offers everything from traditional Austrian fare to innovative dining experiences.

You can’t visit Linz without trying its namesake dessert, the Linzer Torte. Considered one of the world’s oldest cake recipes (dating back to 1653), this delicious pastry features a buttery almond crust filled with red currant jam and topped with a distinctive lattice pattern.

For an authentic experience, head to k.u.k. Hofbäckerei, Linz’s oldest bakery, where they’ve been making Linzer Torte using a generations-old recipe. Another excellent option is Konditorei Jindrak, a traditional café with multiple locations throughout the city.

Linz offers a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Austrian taverns to modern fusion restaurants. For authentic local cuisine, try specialties like Knödel (dumplings) or Tafelspitz (boiled beef) at restaurants like Gelbes Krokodil or Donauwirtinnen, which focus on regional ingredients.

For a more contemporary experience, check out Muto for creative, artfully presented dishes, or ÄNGUS Downtown for excellent steaks. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options at places like Schadzi Cafe, which serves Persian-inspired plant-based dishes.

Austrian café culture is legendary, and Linz offers plenty of charming spots to enjoy coffee and pastries. Café Gerberei stands out for its excellent coffee and stylish interior, while Friedlieb und Töchter offers a hip, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere in the Old Town.

For all-day breakfast and brunch options, tiktak cafe at the end of Landstraße is a local favorite. During summer, look for outdoor seating along the Danube for a perfect coffee break with a view.

Linz offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from riverside walks to panoramic viewpoints and botanical gardens.

The Danube River flows right through Linz, creating a beautiful natural backdrop for the city. The riverside promenade (Donaulände) offers a peaceful escape from urban life, with walking and cycling paths stretching along both banks.

In summer, the Donaupark area transforms into a vibrant social hub with outdoor cafés, loungers, and the popular Sandburg beach bar where you can enjoy drinks with your feet in the sand. Keep an eye out for the outdoor art installations scattered throughout the park.

See Linz from a different perspective by taking a boat tour on the Danube. These leisurely cruises offer unique views of the city’s landmarks, from the colorful Old Town facades to the industrial heritage sites and modern architecture.

Standard tours last about 100 minutes and operate from April to October. For a special experience, consider an evening cruise when the city lights reflect on the water and the Ars Electronica Center puts on its colorful light show.

For the best views over Linz, take the historic Pöstlingbergbahn tram from the main square up to Pöstlingberg hill. This railway holds the record as Europe’s steepest adhesion railway, climbing 255 meters over its 4km route.

At the top, you’ll find a pilgrimage church, viewing platforms with panoramic vistas of Linz and the Danube valley, and the whimsical Grottenbahn, a dragon-themed train ride through fairy tale scenes that’s perfect for families with children.

The Linz Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat with over 10,000 plant species spread across five climate-controlled greenhouses and outdoor themed gardens. Highlights include one of Europe’s largest collections of cacti and orchids, a Japanese garden, and alpine plant displays.

The garden is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the outdoor areas burst into bloom, but the tropical greenhouses make it a worthwhile visit year-round. There’s also a small café serving refreshments and homemade ice cream in summer.

From independent boutiques to creative districts and cultural venues, Linz offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and cultural immersion.

While Landstraße offers familiar international brands, Linz’s side streets reveal a treasure trove of independent shops and boutiques. Herrenstraße and the streets around Altstadt are particularly rich in unique stores selling everything from sustainable fashion to handcrafted goods.

Look for shops like Kleider machen Leute for sustainable fashion, inthebox for eco-friendly accessories, and Zerum for fair-trade clothing and gifts. The area around OK Platz is another hotspot for design-focused and concept stores.

The Tabakfabrik, Linz’s former tobacco factory, has been transformed into a creative hub housing design studios, workshops, cafés, and cultural spaces. This industrial complex showcases how Linz has reinvented its manufacturing heritage for the creative economy.

Explore the various businesses inside, from sustainable fashion brands like Vresh to innovative start-ups and artisan workshops. The complex regularly hosts events, exhibitions, and markets that showcase local creativity.

Named after composer Anton Bruckner, who was born near Linz, the Brucknerhaus is the city’s premier concert venue. This modern building on the banks of the Danube hosts classical concerts, jazz performances, and the renowned Brucknerfest music festival each September.

Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building’s striking architecture makes it worth a visit, especially when illuminated at night. Check the schedule in advance, as tickets for popular performances sell out quickly.

Linz makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Here are some worthwhile day trips if you have extra time.

Located about 20km east of Linz, the Mauthausen Memorial preserves the site of one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps. This sobering but important historical site offers guided tours that provide context about this dark chapter in Austrian history.

The memorial includes preserved barracks, crematorium, quarry, and a comprehensive museum. While emotionally challenging, a visit offers crucial historical insights and honors the memory of those who suffered here.

Just 10km south of Linz, the magnificent Baroque monastery of St. Florian is one of Austria’s most important cultural monuments. The monastery houses impressive state rooms, a magnificent library with 150,000 volumes, and the tomb of composer Anton Bruckner, who once served as organist here.

The highlight for many visitors is the spectacular Altdorfer Altar and the chance to hear the famous Bruckner Organ during special concerts or demonstrations. The monastery’s baroque architecture and gardens make it a perfect half-day trip from Linz.

For a taste of the Austrian lake district, head to Gmunden on the shores of Traunsee, about an hour from Linz. This picturesque town is famous for its ceramic production and the fairytale-like Schloss Ort, a castle that sits on a tiny island connected to the shore by a wooden bridge.

Enjoy a lake cruise, swim in the crystal-clear waters during summer, or take the cable car up Grünberg mountain for hiking trails and panoramic views. The town itself offers charming cafés and restaurants perfect for a leisurely lunch.

Linz is a compact city where most attractions in the center are within walking distance. For longer journeys, the city has an excellent public transportation network of trams and buses that can take you to all major sights.

Linz offers accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses. Staying in or near the Old Town puts you within walking distance of most attractions.

Linz can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

Linz offers a refreshing alternative to Austria’s more touristy cities, blending historical charm with cutting-edge innovation. Its manageable size makes it perfect for a 2-3 day visit, though you could easily spend longer exploring its diverse attractions and using it as a base for day trips.

What makes Linz special is its authentic character—this is a real working city where tourism complements rather than dominates local life. Whether you’re drawn to its technological innovations, cultural offerings, or simply want to experience a different side of Austria, Linz rewards curious travelers with unexpected discoveries.