First time in Innsbruck
 

We are travelling to Innsbruck in late May for 5 days. My husband is presenting at a conference so I will have some time alone to explore. I am looking for recommendations for myself during the day (I like architecture, food, scenery, art, people watching). I am also looking for recommendations for some nights out for my husband and myself. We like good food, meeting local people and enjoy both traditional and modern places. Also - are there any good day trips we could do; e.g. salzburg, train rides, boat trips etc. Any tips gratefully received!

Hi
I loved Innsbruck, was there in the winter one year. It's beautiful and fairly small so you can walk most of it. I went to the tourism center when I got there and picked up some info. The Tyrolean museum was really cool, there is a ton of shopping, you can take the gondola to the top of the mountain, www.nordpark.com and a bus ride to the swarovski museum( which I thought was weird). Salzburg 1- 1 1/2 hour by train, I did it in a day drip. I stayed at the Penz Hotel
www.the-penz.com which is fab and a great central location. Ate at Gossers had an awesome baked macaroni with bacon and onion and didn't have to eat for 3 days after. It's in the galerien mall where there is also a really delic. thai place(nice restaurant. hope it's helpful

LJC: I will be in the same situation as you in late July so I'd love for you to post back after your trip and let me know about things you did on your own. Thanks in advance, and have a great time!

We loved Schloss Ambross and Nordpark. We also love Hall in Tirol, 6 miles east of Innsbruck. Lovely Old Town, Churches, outdoor cafe's, etc.At the beginning of the Nordpark cable car in Hungerburg, we have had dinner at Cafe-Restaurant Hungerburg. Fantastic place.
paul

How about a day trip by train to Bolzano in Italy? It's a 2-hour trip with no train changes. You could leave Innsbruck at 9:30 am, and take a 4:30 return from Bolzano to be back in time for dinner. Bolzano is a lovely Tyrolian town with much to see, including the Ice Man Museum and a nice market plaza.

Also loved Schloss Ambras, on the edge of town and from there the mountain tram to Igls, a mountain village, for hiking in the hills and to see the Olympic ski jump.
In Innsbruck don't miss the main church, full of surprises and nice gardens near it. A very delightful town.

Thanks for all responses. I found the recommendations really helpful and I am looking forward to trying them out. I'll report back on my return. L