Austria’s third biggest city is a must-visit for city breakers

Promotional feature with Austrian National Tourist Office

Why go?

Straddling the mighty Danube and within easy reach of both Vienna and Salzburg, Linz has everything you could ask for in a short break.

Don’t miss:

Linz is the birthplace of the lip-smacking, jam-filled Linzer torte (the world’s oldest cake recipe, fact-fans). One taste and you’ll be hooked.

Get your bearings

Linz’s main square is a great introduction to historical Linz – one of the largest in Austria, it’s home to the Old Town Hall and the city’s famous Glockenspiel (the tune changes with the season).

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Modern masters

Lentos Art Museum ©Linz Tourismus, Robert Josipovic

Not a city to rest on its historical laurels, Linz is also home to cutting-edge culture in the form of the vast modernist glass-and-steel Lentos Art Museum. See also the Ars Electronica Center, just across the river, which showcases cutting-edge technology and puts on an impressive night-time light show.

Take it outside

Hire a bike and hit the Danube Cycle Path (take a picnic and make a day of it), or take the city in from the water on a harbour cruise. Postlingberg mountain, on the left bank of the Danube, is an easy hike – or short tram ride – from the centre and offers incredible views over the city.

Street art

Mural Harbor Gallery © Linz Tourismus, Robert Josipovic

Linz isn’t all big museums and historic buildings. Head to the harbor for a full-senses immersion into Linz’s pap-worthy street-art scene. Well over 100 graphics line the industrial facades of Mural Harbor – with guided tours available by foot and from the water.

Shopping

Pretty pastel-coloured Landstrasse is Linz’s most famous shopping street. But if you’re looking for something extra special to take home, nearby Herrenstrasse – with its cool vintage boutiques and second-hand stores – should go to the top of your list.

Nightlife

Linz boasts a surprisingly lively nightlife scene that takes in everything from cute cocktail bars to traditional beer halls. The streets around the Hauptplatz are a good place to start – you’ll find everything from live music to dancing.

Sunil Makan is the Editor of British Marie Claire. With over 15 years of publishing experience, working on print publications and their digital counterparts, national newspapers and digital pure plays he is an Editor, Strategist, Content Producer, Creative Director and Brand Consultant.

Sunil’s specialisms include Fashion, Beauty and Grooming, Lifestyle and Culture. Prior to Marie Claire, Sunil worked at ELLE, InStyle and Shortlist Media and freelanced at various other titles.