Citizens of EU, EEA, and many other countries can enter Austria visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your nationality before traveling.

What is the currency?

The Euro (EUR) is used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops may only take cash.

What language is spoken?

German (Austrian dialect). English is widely understood, especially in tourism and by younger people.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink.

What electrical plugs are used?

Type F (Schuko) with 230V/50Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Round up the bill or tip 5–10% in restaurants. Tip a couple of Euros for good service in cafés.

Are shops open on Sundays?

Most shops are closed on Sundays, except for bakeries and a few tourist-oriented stores. Plan your shopping accordingly.

How do I get from Linz Airport to city center?

Take bus line 601 to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), journey about 20 minutes, fare ~€4.

Is Linz a good base for day trips?

Yes, you can easily visit Salzburg, Vienna, Český Krumlov (Czech Republic), or the beautiful Salzkammergut lake region.

What is the best way to buy public transport tickets?

Use the Linz Lenen app, ticket machines at stops, or buy a Linz Card for unlimited travel and museum discounts.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid discussing sensitive topics like Nazi history. Be respectful of religious sites. Punctuality is important.

Can I use my mobile phone?

EU plans have roaming included. Non-EU visitors should buy a local SIM (available at the airport or mobile shops) for affordable data.

Linz

CityUpper Austria, Austria

Linz is a CITY in Upper Austria, Austria.

Linz, Austria's third-largest city, is a dynamic blend of industrial heritage and avant-garde culture. Stroll along the Danube's banks, where the futuristic Ars Electronica Center explores digital art, and the Lentos Kunstmuseum showcases stunning modern works. The historic Altstadt (Old Town) features colorful baroque buildings, the majestic Hauptplatz with its Trinity Column, and the charming Linzer Gasse. Foodies love the local specialty, Linzer Torte, and vibrant farmers' markets. Don't miss the Pöstlingberg Hill for panoramic views and the Grottenbahn fairy-tale railway. Linz also hums with a lively music scene, from the Brucknerhaus concert hall to street festivals. While it's an industrial powerhouse (steel and tech), the city surprises with green spaces, bicycle-friendly streets, and a relaxed pace. Perfect for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic Austrian experience without the crowds of Vienna or Salzburg.

Best time to visit Linz

The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike. June–August see numerous outdoor festivals, including the Klangwolke (sound cloud) and Pflasterspektakel street art festival. Spring (April–May) offers blooming parks and fewer crowds. Autumn (September–October) is mild with beautiful foliage. Winter (December) brings enchanting Christmas markets at the Hauptplatz and around the Old Town; the city is cold but magical. For lower prices and smaller crowds, consider visiting in March or November.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool, 13°C to 7°C, autumn colors

Travel notes

Crowds: Low to Moderate
Prices: Mid

Good time for wine festivals and cultural events.

Know before you go

Getting there

LNZ

Linz Airport

International

12 km away

VIE

Vienna International Airport

International

190 km away

SZG

Salzburg Airport

International

130 km away

MUC

Munich Airport

International

210 km away

Getting around

"Linz has an efficient public transport system of trams and buses operated by Linz Linien. A single ticket costs around €2.50 (valid for one hour of transfers). Day passes (€5–6) and multi-trip cards offer savings. The Linz Card provides unlimited travel plus free entry to many museums. Bicycles can be rented from Nextbike stations (app-based). The city center is compact and walkable, especially the Altstadt. For longer journeys, S-Bahn trains connect to suburbs and nearby towns. Taxis and ride-sharing (e.g., Uber) are available but more expensive. Note: validate your ticket immediately upon boarding."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

35 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces (free Wi-Fi on many trams).

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM from providers like A1, Magenta, or Drei cost as low as €5. Can be bought at the airport or train station.

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe; pickpocketing rare. Avoid dark parks late at night.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe; pickpocketing rare. Avoid dark parks late at night.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

3/10

"Linz is a very safe city with low rates of violent crime. The main safety concern is petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the Hauptplatz, train station, and on public transport during peak times. Keep valuables secure and beware of pickpockets. Walking around at night is generally safe, especially in the central districts, but exercise normal caution in more isolated areas. Scams targeting tourists (e.g., fake charity collectors) are rare but occur occasionally. Police are visible and helpful. Emergency services respond promptly. Overall, Linz is safe for solo travelers and families."

Police

133

Ambulance

144

Fire

122

European Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Austria has an excellent healthcare system. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors and to cover private care or repatriation. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are well-stocked and open during business hours; a rotating roster covers nights/weekends. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required, but standard up-to-date shots (MMR, DTP) are advised. The main hospital is Kepler Universitätsklinikum. For minor issues, visit a general practitioner (Allgemeinmediziner)."

Culture

Local customs

"Austrians are generally polite, formal, and value punctuality. Greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact; use 'Grüß Gott' (God's greetings) as a standard hello. Address people by their titles and last names until invited to use first names. Tipping is customary: round up the bill or add 5–10% in restaurants, and tip €1–2 per bag for porters. Dress code is smart casual; avoid overly sportswear in nicer restaurants. It's polite to say 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Quiet is expected on public transport. Sunday shops are mostly closed; plan accordingly."

German (official)EnglishTurkishSerbianCroatianGerman

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$12-18 | a typical meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15

Hotels

$60-100 | budget hotels range $60-100/night, mid-range $100-150

Local transport

$2.50 | single tram/bus ticket about $2.50

Cost notes

Prices slightly lower than Vienna. Linz Card (€24/48h) offers good value.

Timezone

Europe/Vienna
Local time 17:32

More facts

Population

204,846

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: LNZ, Lentia, Linc, Linca, Lincas, Linec, Lints, Linz, lin ci, linaja, linaza, lincheu, liniዝ, lins, lintsa, lintsi, linza, lnz, lynts, lyntz, lynz, rintsu, Λιντς, Линц, Лінц, Լինց, לינץ, لنز, لينتز, لينز, لینتس, लिंज़, लिंत्स, লিনজ, ਲਿਨਜ਼, ลินซ์, ლინცი, ሊንዝ, リンツ, 林茨, 린츠, لنتس, Lins, লিনৎস, ლინყი, ಲಿನ್ಸ್, ലിൻ്റ്സ്, لینڅ, ลินทซ์, Линец

Capital CityMajor Hub

Linz

Best time to visit Linz

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

European Emergency

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Neighborhoods in Linz

Attnang

Audorf

Braunau Neustadt

Dörfl

Dürndorf

Fisching

Freindorf

Gaumberg

Grasberg

Hiesendorf

Kremsdorf

Kristein

Laab

Langholzfeld

Langwies

Nachdemsee

Neubau

Neukirchen

Neuzeug

Niederstraß

Oedt

Puchheim

Rapperswinkel

Roith

Sankt Dionysen

Sankt Martin

Schöndorf

Untersee

Frequently Asked Questions