Things to do in Linz
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Niu
Zen-style minimalism and Asian fusion cuisine draw foodies to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The aromatic yellow porcini mushroom curry and chilli beef noodles come recommended.
reviewed
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p’aa
p’aa dishes up vegan and organic dishes, from feisty curries to pumpkin schnitzel, in a trendy lounge setting with low seating and mellow music.
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Lentos Kunstmuseum
The gleaming Lentos Kunstmuseum stops you dead in your tracks. Defined by razor-sharp lines, this glass-and-steel landmark was designed by Zurich architects Weber & Hofer, who decided to leave a large gap in the base of its rectangular shape. The gallery showcases a world-class collection of contemporary art, including works by Warhol, Schiele, Klimt and Kokoschka, which is complemented by rotating exhibitions.
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Ars Electronica Center
On the opposite side of the Danube is the Ars Electronica Center, where virtually anything is possible –from diving to the depths of the Danube to flying high above Linz. This temple of interactive wizardry is devoted to the evolving world of technology (the lift projects graphics and a remote-controlled robotic arm tends to the entrance-hall flower garden).
reviewed
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Alter Dom (13)
Nip down Domgasse to admire the 17th-century Alter Dom (13), where Anton Bruckner served as church organist. Step inside to admire the interior – the architectural equivalent of a wedding cake, with its theatrical pink marble altar and lavish white stuccowork. Bearing left on Domgasse brings you back to the Hauptplatz.
reviewed
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Landesgalerie
Housed in a sumptuous 19th-century building, the Landesgalerie exhibits 20th-century paintings, photography and installations that bear some relation to Upper Austria. Alongside masterpieces by Dürer and Kokoschka, you’ll find a peerless collection of fantastical works by the Austrian expressionist Alfred Kubin.
reviewed
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Pöstlingbergbahn
It’s a gentle hike to the top or a precipitous 15-minute ride aboard the narrow-gauge Pöstlingbergbahn. This gondola features in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s steepest mountain railway – quite some feat for such a low-lying city!
reviewed
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Grottenbahn
At the summit of Pöstlingberg is the turn-of-the-century Grottenbahn, where families – and anyone that loves a bit of cult kitsch – can board the dragon train to trundle past gnomes, glittering stalactites and scenes from Grimms’ fairytales.
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Donaupark
Next to Lentos onto the southern bank of the Danube is the Donaupark, the city's green escape vault. Modern sculptures rise above the bushes in the well-tended gardens, which are a magnet to walkers, joggers, skaters, picnickers and city workers seeking fresh air in summer.
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Alte Welt
Opening onto an inner courtyard, Alte Welt is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde: by day it serves hearty fare such as crispy roast pork and potato gnocchi, while by night it becomes a haunt for students, artists and musicians (the cellar hosts jam sessions, live jazz and plays).
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Botanischer Garten
Rest beside the rhododendrons and orchids in Linz’s botanical garden. This peaceful pocket of greenery south of the centre nurtures 10,000 species, from native alpine plants to tropical palms and one of Europe’s largest cacti collections.
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k.u.k. Hofbäckerei
Fritz Rath pours passion into creating the best Linzer Torte in the city’s oldest café (first mentioned in 1371). Whiffs of sugar and butter permeate the wood-panelled café, crammed with Sissi portraits and Habsburg curios.
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Linz-Genesis
Opposite the Dreifaltigkeitssäule in the Hauptplatz is the Altes Rathaus (3) housing Linz-Genesis, unravelling the city’s history and celebrating famous sons such as Johannes Kepler and Anton Bruckner.
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Dreifaltigkeitssäule
Admire the pastel-coloured baroque houses framing the Hauptplatz square and its centrepiece, the Dreifaltigkeitssäule, a striking 20m pillar of Salzburg marble carved in 1723 to commemorate the town's deliverance from war, fire and plague.
reviewed
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Thüsen Tak
This spit ‘n’ sawdust pub is pure rock ‘n’ roll, with loud music and walls smothered in posters of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple. Enjoy a beer and natter with Mike at the bar, or surf the web for free.
reviewed
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Klosterhof
Klosterhof’s tree-shaded beer garden is arguably the best in Linz, with space for 1500. If this isn’t enough to tempt you, tasty Knödel (dumplings) with Stiegl beer in the vaulted tavern at the front should.
reviewed
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Café Jindrak
Join the old dames for sticky cakes at this celebrated café. You would need a huge appetite (and fork) to tackle the legendary Linzer Torte that set a Guinness World Record in 1999, measuring 4m high and weighing 650kg.
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Tom Yam
The King of Thailand beams down from the wall and Thai pop plays at this funky little restaurant with a terrace the size of a postage stamp. Breathe fire with a green papaya salad or the house special – tom yam prawn soup.
reviewed
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Neue Dom
The Neue Dom, a neo-Gothic giant with a riot of skinny spires and fabulous stained glass windows depicts Linz's history. The cathedral's height was apparently restricted to 134m, so as not to outshine Stephansdom in Vienna.
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Ikaan
Zesty lime walls and bamboo set the scene at this ethnic restaurant blending organic Asian and European flavours. Create-your-own salads and stir-fries top the menu. The chilli-chocolate mousse and mango lassis are divine.
reviewed
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Strom
DJs spin hip-hop, electro and funk at this lively bar. Upstairs is rough and ready, while downstairs is more laid-back, with partygoers spilling out onto Kirchengasse. Next door is Stadtwerk, which hosts clubbing events.
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Cheeese
A grinning Cheshire cat welcomes you to this party-hearty bar, reeling in a young crowd with wacky events – from Latino parties and all-you-can-eat spaghetti feasts to ear-splitting karaoke nights on Thursdays.
reviewed
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Arkade
The glass-roofed Arkade mall is the place to hibernate when it rains. Alongside high-street names like Boss and Agatha, you’ll find a smattering of boutiques, speciality shops and a juice bar.
reviewed
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Zum Kleinen Griechen
Close to Schloss Linz, this classy little number tempts with well-prepared Greek specialities such as octopus, stuffed vine leaves and ouzo-drenched figs. The award-winning cuisine is definitely worth it.
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Traxlmayr
A blast from the 1920s, Traxlmayr is a Viennese-mould coffee house with a buzzing atmosphere, high ceilings and dickie-bow-tied waiters carrying trays piled high with dainty sandwiches and strudel.
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