Linz

As one of the lesser known destinations in Austria, Linz doesn’t have the same level of accommodation as you’d find in Vienna. Most of the top hotels in the city centre are well-known chains, such as the modern Park Inn by Radisson or the Courtyard by Marriott which caters to visiting businessmen and women. If you really want to splash out consider one of the themed suites at ARCOTEL Nike for a truly unforgettable experience.

Shoppers should always start their visits to Linz by visiting the Landstraße, a famous street in the city known for its incredible range of shops. As you make your way down the street you’ll find plenty of big name bands as well as enticing side-streets, where you can uncover more gems to take home with you. If you’d rather find a shopping mall you can head out by bus or car to the massive Plus City which is a little further out from the city centre and close to the airport.

Lovers of sweets and desserts will be in their element when visiting Linz as almost every street boasts one, if not several, bakers. Keep an eye out for the famous Linzer Torte, a kind of redcurrant pasty, and sugary Linzer biscuits. Don’t worry if you’re more of a fan of more savoury dishes, many European classics are on offer, including schnitzel and bratwurst. Visitors over the age of 18 should also sample the local cider as it is considered a delicacy throughout Austria.

As one of the larger cities in Austria, Linz offers alternative celebrations to the ones in Vienna. If you’re visiting, there are a few events that you should look out for:

TEDxLinz

As one of the regular conferences for TEDtalks, TEDxLinz is the perfect event for those seeking knowledge about both themselves and the world around them. The dates and guest lists change each year so be sure to do a little research if you’d like to attend this meeting of the minds.

City Night Run

The City Night Run is a 5km run throughout the city of Linz taking place in the late evening until the break of dawn. The run features plenty of mascots, lit up participants and even a few professional athletes – making it an amazing spectacle to watch.