Finding where to stay in Innsbruck as a first-timer can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Innsbruck for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Innsbruck for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and things to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Innsbruck and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Innsbruck is a popular destination in Australia for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers alike. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Innsbruck is the 15th century Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a beautifully adorned structure that was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I and features 2,657 gilded copper tiles.
The city also hosts numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. The Tyrolean State Museum, located in the Hofburg Palace, offers insight into the region’s history and art.
In addition to its historical sites, Innsbruck is famous for its outdoor activities. In the winter, it’s a hub for skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class resorts nearby, including Nordkette and Axamer Lizum. During the summer months, the region offers fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities.
And let’s not forget about the food! Innsbruck is known for its delicious Tyrolean cuisine, which features hearty dishes like schnitzel, käsespätzle (cheese noodles), and strudel. Be sure to try a glass of locally brewed beer or a glass of crisp Austrian wine.
Is Innsbruck safe to visit?
Yes, Innsbruck is generally a safe place to visit. The city has a low violent crime rate, but, just as you would in any other city, I advise you to use normal common sense, be aware of weather conditions, wear correct equipment, and stick to marked slopes and trails when skiing and hiking.
Where to stay in Innsbruck for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Innsbruck for first-timers and tourists include Innenstadt, Hötting, Pradl, Igls, and Lans. For visitors looking to experience the best of Innsbruck, the Innenstadt would likely be the most convenient and exciting option.
Innenstadt is the most popular area to stay in Innsbruck, especially for first-timers. This area is the heart of Innsbruck and is characterized by colorful buildings, narrow streets, and historic landmarks like the Golden Roof. Staying here puts you within walking distance of major attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Pradl, located right next to the old town, offers more local atmosphere while still easy access to major attractions and the train station. This area is home to the beautiful Rapoldi Park where you can find playgrounds with bike and pedestrian trails.
Hötting, Igls, and Lans are located a bit further from the city center, but easily accessible by public transportation. They are great locations for those seeking a peaceful getaway with easy access to nature and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
During my trip to Innsbruck, I stayed at the Hotel Maximilian – Stadthaus Penz. It was a great mid-range hotel in the heart of the historic center, right next to a pedestrian zone. Easy walking distance to major sights like the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, and Maria-Theresien Straße Shopping Street. My room was comfortable and clean, and breakfast was delicious too.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Innsbruck for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Innsbruck, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Innsbruck have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best/Safe areas to stay in Innsbruck for first-timers and tourists:
1. Innenstadt (City Center)
Innenstadt is a fantastic base in Innsbruck for tourists due to its central location and proximity to many attractions, restaurants, shops, and transportation hubs.
Being in the heart of the city center means you’ll be within walking distance to many attractions like the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, the City Tower, the Cathedral of St. James, Maria-Theresien Straße Shopping Street, the Kongresshaus, and the University.
The Innenstadt is home to a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to traditional souvenir stores, making it perfect for shopping enthusiasts. Additionally, you’ll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and bakeries offering delicious Austrian cuisine and international fare.
Innsbruck’s city center is bustling with cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theaters. You can catch a performance at the Tiroler Landestheater or explore art exhibitions at the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum.
The Innenstadt is well-connected to buses and trams, making it easy to explore other parts of the city and beyond. The main train station (Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof) is also nearby, providing convenient access to regional and international destinations.
Despite being in the heart of the city, the Innenstadt is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, offering picturesque views from many vantage points. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the Inn River promenade or take a short ride on the Hungerburgbahn funicular for panoramic views of the Alps.
Best places to stay in Innsbruck in Innenstadt for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Innsbruck, great riverfront hotel centrally located in the heart of the old town Innbruck, close to everything. Within walking distance from the famous Golden Roof, Congress Centre and Nordkettenbahnen Cable Car. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, paid underground parking, superb breakfast, and a spa center.
Mid-range ($$): Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – In der Fußgängerzone, popular 4-star hotel located in the pedestrian zone in central Innsbruck, easy walking distance from major points of interest like Imperial Palace, Innsbruck Main Station, and the Maria-Theresienstraße Bus Stop. It has excellent breakfast, an elevator, and family rooms. Take a note that rooms on the street side can be noisy at night.
Mid-range ($$): The PENZ Hotel, 4-star hotel in the heart of Innsbruck, within walking distance from the river and important sights. They have a nice rooftop bar, which is a great place to hang out after dinner.
Budget ($): Hotel Zach, popular 3-star central hotel set in a quiet location, only a few mins walk from the Old Town and the Main Train Station. You can find Kaufhaus Tyrol Shopping Centre, as well as various shops and supermarkets nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN INNENSTADT2. Hötting
Hötting is a residential area to the west of the city center that offers a more local experience while still being conveniently located. It’s close to attractions like the Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo) and the Hungerburgbahn cable car, which takes you up to the Nordkette mountain range.
Best places to stay in Innsbruck in Hötting:
Budget ($): Seehof Innsbruck, great accommodation in Hötting, a bit out of town center, but in a green area above the city, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Great base for hiking. 5 mins walk to the Gondola to the top of the mountain, and close to J Bus stop, 20 mins bus ride to the city center. They have free parking and superb breakfast.
Mid-range ($$): Frau Hitt – Guesthouse Tyrol, nice B&B, located in Hötting, a little bit far from the center (easily accessible by bus), but right at the beginning of many mountain trails, with a beautiful backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Short distance to the lift up to the Nordkette, Alpenzoo Innsbruck, and New Hungerburgbahn. You can enjoy popular activities nearby, including skiing, hiking, and cycling.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Mondschein, great 4-star hotel located right on the bank of the Inn River, just across the bridge from Innsbruck Old Town. Easy access to the The Inn Valley Bicycle Trail and the Golden Roof. It has good views of the alps. You can find many nice restaurants, shops, and the Christmas Market nearby. Great base in Innsbruck both summer and winter.
Budget ($): Montagu Hostel, lovely backpacker hostel in Innsbruck, featuring dorm rooms, a shared kitchen, and shared bathrooms. It is located close to everything, including public transportation, restaurants, and ski center.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HÖTTING3. Pradl
Pradl is a great location to book your stay in Innsbruck, especially if you want a quieter, more local atmosphere while still having easy access to the old town. This area has some local attractions like the Rapoldi Park, Baggersee artificial lake, Wilten Abbey and the Basilica of Wilten.
Best places to stay in Innsbruck in Pradl:
Mid-range ($$): Leipziger Hof Innsbruck, great 4-star family-run hotel in Pradl, not too far from the old town, and easily reachable by public transportation. It is located in a quiet neighborhood, right next to the Rapoldi City Park and a 15 mins stroll from the Main Train Station. It features spacious rooms with views of the mountains .
Budget ($): pradl elf my- apartment, a lovely studio hotel in a quiet area of Pradl, away from busy rooms, but easily accessible. It has well-appointed and spacious rooms with a kitchenette.
Budget ($): LOOMZ living Self-check-in, 3-star accommodation, featuring rooms with a fully equipped kitchenette. 30 mins walk to the old town. You can find highways, ski resorts, and supermarkets a short distance away. 5 mins walk to a bus stop. Good base if you have a car.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PRADL4. Igls and Lans
Igls and Lans are located a bit further from the city center but offer a quieter, more scenic retreat. Surrounded by mountains and forests, they are ideal bases for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. They are located just a short drive or bus ride from Innsbruck.
Best places to stay in Innsbruck in Igls and Lans:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Garni Römerhof, nice hotel in a quiet area between woods and meadows, 2 km from Igls town center, 10 km from the old town of Innsbruck. Short walk to Patscherkofel Cable Car and 2 km from the center of. The hotel has free private parking, a spa & wellness center, and delicious breakfast. 5 mins walk from the ski slope and close to the Patscherkofel ski resort, making it a great base for a ski trip.
Mid-range ($$): Waldhaus Igls, 4-star accommodation, featuring one and two-bedrooms apartment, which is great for couples, groups of friends, or families of 4 to 7. It is situated at the entrance to the Igler Wald forest, only a few mins drive/ bus ride from the village center and Patscherkofel Cable Car Station for access to the slopes. Easy access to the paragliding school in the Stubai Valley.
Mid-range ($$): Der WALZL, 4-star hotel in Lans, offering free parking, an outdoor pool, superb breakfast, and family rooms. You can find a ski bus nearby for service to Patscherkofel Ski Area in Igls.
Budget ($): Hotel Sonnenhof – bed & breakfast & appartements, 3-star family-run accommodation located in Igls, close to the Patscherkofel Cable Car and Lanser Lake. The Room has a balcony with views of the Tyrolean Alps. You can enjoy free guided hiking tours in summer, and a ski shuttle to the surrounding ski areas in winter. Easy access to Hiking and Nordic walking trails.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN IGLSIn conclusion, Innenstadt, Hötting, Pradl, Igls, and Lans are the best places to stay in Innsbruck for first-timers and tourists. Innenstadt is overall the best location for those who want to stay in the historic heart of the city, easy access to major attractions, amenities, and public transportation.
You can continue reading about other destinations in Australia in these article:
- Best areas to stay in Salzburg first time
- Best areas to stay in Vienna first time
- Best areas to stay in Graz first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safe neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Innsbruck. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.