The Insider's Guide to Linz
Summary: Living it Up in Linz: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.
Welcome to Linz! If you're planning to move to Linz, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Linz has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Linz.
Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. The city offers a mix of historical sites, modern architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and locals. Some of the most popular sites of interest in Linz include:
1. Hauptplatz: The main square of Linz is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Austria. It is surrounded by impressive Baroque buildings and is home to the Holy Trinity Column, a monument built in the 18th century to commemorate the end of the plague.
2. Ars Electronica Center: This futuristic museum is dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and society. It features interactive exhibits, workshops, and events that explore the latest developments in digital media, robotics, and virtual reality.
3. Lentos Art Museum: This modern art museum houses an extensive collection of Austrian and international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The striking glass building is illuminated at night, making it a visual landmark along the Danube River.
4. Old Cathedral: Also known as the Ignatiuskirche, this Baroque-style church was built in the 17th century and features a stunning frescoed ceiling and an impressive organ, which was once played by Mozart.
5. Pöstlingberg: This hill overlooking Linz offers panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. At the top, you'll find the Pöstlingberg Church, a popular pilgrimage site, and the Grottenbahn, a fairy-tale themed train ride through an underground world of gnomes and dragons.
6. Mauthausen Concentration Camp: Located just outside of Linz, this former Nazi concentration camp is now a memorial and museum, offering a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Linz is diverse and lively, with a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular restaurants and bars in the city include:
1. Herberstein: This stylish restaurant offers a fusion of Austrian and Asian cuisine, with dishes like pumpkin risotto and miso-glazed salmon. The elegant interior and attentive service make it a popular choice for special occasions.
2. Muto: This trendy eatery serves up creative, seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect dishes like beetroot carpaccio, truffled potato soup, and venison with red cabbage.
3. Gelbes Krokodil: Located in the Ars Electronica Center, this modern café and bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of international dishes, from burgers and pasta to sushi and tapas. The terrace overlooking the Danube is a great spot for a drink on a warm evening.
4. Stadtbräu Josef: This traditional Austrian brewery and restaurant serves up hearty fare like schnitzel, goulash, and sausages, along with a range of their own craft beers. The lively atmosphere and live music make it a popular spot for a night out.
5. Solaris: This stylish bar and lounge is located on the top floor of the Lentos Art Museum, offering stunning views of the city and the Danube. The menu features creative cocktails, fine wines, and a selection of small plates.
Recreational activities in Linz cater to a variety of interests, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Some popular activities and their locations include:
1. Cycling: Linz is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of cycling paths, including the popular Donauradweg, which follows the Danube River. Bike rentals are available at various locations throughout the city, including the main train station and the Ars Electronica Center.
2. Hiking: The surrounding hills and forests offer numerous hiking trails, such as the Pöstlingberg pilgrimage trail, which leads to the Pöstlingberg Church and offers panoramic views of the city.
3. Danube River Cruises: Several companies offer sightseeing cruises along the Danube, providing a relaxing way to take in the city's sights and scenery. Options range from short round-trip cruises to full-day excursions to nearby destinations like the Wachau Valley.
4. Theater and Concerts: Linz is home to several theaters and concert venues, including the Musiktheater, which hosts opera, ballet, and musical performances, and the Brucknerhaus, a concert hall dedicated to the works of Austrian composer Anton Bruckner.
5. Sports: For those interested in sports, Linz offers a range of facilities, including the TipsArena, which hosts football matches and other sporting events, and the Gugl Indoor Stadium, which features a variety of indoor sports and fitness activities.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Linz: Making the Most of Life and Connections

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Austria Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria
- Best Places to Live in Austria
- Real Estate in Austria
- Guide to Real Estate in Austria
- Pros & Cons of Living in Austria
- Cost of Living in Austria
- Top Hospitals in Austria by Specialty
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Austria (Plus, Itineraries)
- Moving with a Pet to Austria
- Understanding Mental Health in Austria
- 2025 Guide to Living in Austria
- Pros and Cons of Living in Austria 2025