Austria · 2026 itinerary
Linz 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Linz: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A long stretch of riverbank park on both sides of the Danube. Popular for walking, cycling, and picnicking. No entry fee. You'll find benches, lawns, and a path that runs for miles.
🕐 Open 24/7
Free entry💡 Rent a 'Citybike Linz' for €1 per hour from the docking stations. Follow the left bank south to see the 'Höhenrausch' art installations on rooftops along the way.
Hotels near Donaulände and Mauthausen Ufer →Historic castle on a bluff above the Danube. The exterior and grounds are free. The museum inside (€8) covers regional history, but you can wander the courtyard and take in the river view at no cost.
🕐 Grounds always open; museum Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, Mon closed
Free entry💡 Go at sunset for the best light on the river. The 'Schlosshof' cafe does a cheap coffee—€2.50—and you get to sit in the courtyard.
Hotels near Linzer Schloss (Linz Castle) and Museum →Stadtbräu Josef · ££
Golden Pub · ££
Deeper Into Linz
A hill with a basilica, walking trails, and a magical miniature railway. The hill itself is free to climb; the Grottenbahn costs €7.50. Views over the city and Danube are worth the hike.
🕐 Hill always open; Grottenbahn opens Apr-Oct, 10:00-17:00
💡 Take the Pöstlingbergbahn tram from Hauptplatz—it's steep but part of the public transport ticket. For a free workout, walk up the 'Linzer Höhenweg' trail from the Urfahr side.
Modern and contemporary art museum on the banks of the Danube. The striking glass and steel building is a landmark in itself. Entry is €12 for adults, but under-19s get in free, and there are half-pri
🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Mon closed
💡 Check the website for 'Free Friday' events—they sometimes open certain exhibitions for free after 5pm.
Pizzeria Monte Verde
Bella Casa
Final Favourites & Departure
Museum of digital art and technology facing the Danube. General entry is €11, but the 'Deep Space 8K' immersive room is free on Sundays from 10:00-12:00. Under-
💡 Queue for Deep Space 8K before 10am on a Sunday—it fills up fast. The building's ribbon-like glass facade is worth a photo from the bridge.
Ost18 Asian Restaurant
Spice Club
Getting Around Linz
Get a Tageskarte (day pass) for €5.80 if you’ll make more than two trips. Validate once on the tram—yes, it’s enforced, fine is €100.
Trams are clean and reliable. From Taubenmarkt, walk east along Hauptplatz then left onto Untere Donaulände—the hotel is on the river bank, 350 metres. Avoid the 11pm tram if you're in a rush; late-night trams run less often.
Avoid taxis queued at the airport if you can—they charge a premium. Pre-book via Taxi 401 or use the Uber app for a fixed fare around €20-25.
From Hauptbahnhof, take tram 1 or 2 towards 'Landgutstraße' and alight at 'Taubenmarkt'—the hotel is a 4-min walk. Buy a single ticket at the airport machine; avoid buying on the bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Linz?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Donaulände and Mauthausen Ufer and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Linz?
See our full best time to visit Linz guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Arte Hotel Linz, B&B Hotels, Garni Wilder Mann. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.