Europe's Most Underrated City: Innsbruck, Austria
Nestled in the Austrian Alps is the small city of Innsbruck. Innsbruck has a long history: it was first recorded as a settlement during the Stone Age, then as a Roman fortress in 15 B.C. It later became a flourishing, powerful city under Emperor Maximillian in 1459. During World War II, it was a part of Bavaria and consequently suffered 22 bombings. Today, Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region of Europe and is known as an international center of music and winter sports, and host of the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Although often overlooked by travelers, Innsbruck is a must-see. The city is painted in pastel colors and is full of charming streets and lively squares. Walk around at night to see the street lamps give off a warm, cozy glow along the river. It’s one of the most memorable cities I have ever visited. I had no idea how special Innsbruck is until I actually arrived there. For me, the thing that really makes it unique is the snowy Alps that surround it. There’s practically nowhere in the city where you won’t see the mountains towering over the buildings.
I visited Innsbruck for two nights which is the perfect amount of time to experience all of it. Explore the Austrian style streets, visit the world-famous Goldenes Dachl (meaning "Golden Bridge” in English but is actually a balcony that Emperor Maximillian built in 1500), sit by the river, eat traditional streudel, go skiing, do some shopping, and take a cable car up to the top of the Alps!
I stayed at the Adlers Hotel, which is ideally located to get around the city by foot. You'll also get the best views from Adlers since it's the tallest building in Innsbruck. My room had floor to ceiling windows with a 180-degree view of the city and mountains! I recommend staying here for the finest views and location at a fair price.
Eat at Ludwig Das Burger for the best American style burgers (veggie and vegan burgers too) and fries!
And check out Streudel Cafe Kroell for the best streudel in the city.
