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Best Time to Visit Linz

Best Time to Visit Linz

Linz The Danube Valley, Austria Travel Guide

Daily Cost Estimates Per Person

Budget traveler daily costs (€50-€90): Expect to pay €20-€35 for a hostel dorm bed or a budget guesthouse. Plan €15-€25 for self-catering from supermarkets, street food, or inexpensive bakeries. Public transport costs €5-€10, supplemented by walking. Focus on free attractions and one paid museum, costing €10-€20.

Mid-range traveler daily costs (€100-€200): A mid-range hotel or private guesthouse room will cost €60-€120. Budget €30-€60 for casual restaurants and cafes. Public transport, with occasional taxi or ride-share use, costs €10-€20. Plan €20-€40 for several paid attractions, possibly including a guided tour.

Luxury Traveler Costs €250+

  • Accommodation: 4-5 star hotel, €150-€400+.
  • Meals: Fine dining, €80-€150+.
  • Transportation: Taxis, private transfers, €30-€80+.
  • Attractions: Multiple paid attractions, premium tours, €50-€100+.

Price Ranges Approximate

Linz has a range of prices for various aspects of travel:

Accommodation (per night): Hostel dorm: €20-€40, Budget hotel/guesthouse: €50-€90, Mid-range hotel: €90-€150, Luxury hotel: €150-€400+.
Meals: Breakfast: €5-€15, Lunch: €10-€20, Dinner: €15-€40, Street food/Snack: €4-€8, Coffee: €3-€5, Beer (0.5L): €4-€6.
Transportation: Single public transport ticket: €2.60, 24-hour ticket: €5.20, Linz Card (1 day): €26, Taxi (short ride): €10-€20.
Attractions: Museum entry: €8-€15 (e.g., Ars Electronica Center €13.50, Lentos Art Museum €10), Pöstlingbergbahn (round trip): €7.60 (covered by Linz Card), New Cathedral tower climb: €2.

Tipping Culture

Customary but not mandatory.

Restaurants/Cafes

Round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service (e.g., €27 bill to €30).

Taxis & Hotel Staff

Taxis: Round up or add 5-10%. Hotel staff: A few euros for good service.

Money-Saving Strategy 1

Linz Card for comprehensive value.

Linz Card Advantage

For visitors planning multiple museums and public transport use, the Linz Card (1, 2, or 3-day) offers excellent savings. Acquire it at tourist information centers.

Public Transport Value

Utilize Linz AG's efficient tram and bus network. Purchase multi-day tickets or the Linz Card for the best value.

Money-Saving Strategy 2

Smart dining & free sights.

Lunch Menus & Supermarkets

Many restaurants present "Mittagsmenü" (lunch menus), typically more affordable. Purchase groceries from supermarkets like Billa, Spar, or Hofer for breakfasts and some meals to curtail dining costs.

Free Attractions & Water

Explore Hauptplatz, walk along the Danube, and visit the New Cathedral (entry free, tower climb extra). Tap water in Linz is safe; use a Reusable water bottle.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Accommodation & Meals

Hostel dorms are €20-€40, budget hotels €50-€90. Mid-range hotels are €90-€150, and luxury hotels start from €150. For meals, breakfast runs €5-€15, lunch €10-€20, and dinner €15-€40 at mid-range spots. Street food and snacks are €4-€8.

Transportation & Attractions

A single public transport ticket costs €2.60, a 24-hour ticket €5.20. The Linz Card is €26 for one day, covering transport and many museums. Museum entries are €8-€15. The Pöstlingbergbahn round trip costs €7.60, covered by the Linz Card.

Tipping & Local Expenses

  • Restaurants:

    Round up or 5-10% for good service.

  • Taxis:

    Round up the fare or add 5-10%.

  • Hotel Staff:

    A few euros for good service.

  • Coffee:

    Around €3-€5 per cup.

  • Local Beer (0.5L):

    Typically €4-€6.

Important Financial Notes

  • Currency is Euro (€, EUR).
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, but cash is helpful for smaller vendors.
  • Inform your bank about travel to avoid card issues.

Smart Tip

Consider prepaid travel cards for budgeting and security.

Health & Safety Considerations

Linz is a safe city, but preparing for health and safety concerns makes for a worry-free trip. Austria boasts a high-quality healthcare system. Hospitals in Linz include Kepler Universitätsklinikum and Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen. Pharmacies (Apotheke), marked by a green cross, offer advice for minor ailments.

Health Information

No specific vaccinations are needed for entry from most Western countries. Keep routine vaccinations current, including MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, and annual flu shots. Consider Hepatitis A and B. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination is good if you plan extensive outdoor activities in forested areas.

Common Health Concerns

  • Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): A risk in forested areas during warmer months. Use Insect repellent.
  • Seasonal allergies: Pollen counts can be high; bring medication.
  • Sunburn: Use Sunscreen, hat, and Sunglasses.
  • Drinking water: Tap water is safe and potable. Food hygiene standards are high.

Safety and Emergency

Linz is generally a safe city with low crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas or public transport during festivals or peak season. Be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and consider an RFID blocking wallet. No specific neighborhoods are high-crime areas for tourists.

Emergency Contacts & Risks

  • European Emergency Number: 112 (general). Police: 133. Ambulance: 144. Fire: 122. Mountain Rescue: 140.
  • Natural Disaster Risks: Flooding from Danube is rare. Heatwaves can occur in summer; stay hydrated. Winter brings icy conditions.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and liability is highly recommended. Compare policies from World Nomads Travel Insurance.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep contact info for your country's embassy in Vienna handy.

Seasonal Considerations for Safety

Summer Preparedness

  • Thunderstorms: Can be intense but pass quickly.
  • Heatwaves: Stay hydrated, seek shade.
  • Ticks: Use repellent for outdoor forest activities.
  • Allergies: Be ready for high pollen counts.

Winter Preparedness

  • Icy Conditions: Sidewalks and roads can be slick.
  • Footwear: Wear appropriate shoes with good grip.
  • Warmth: Dress in layers, including waterproof outer layers.
  • Snowfall: Can be substantial; plan travel accordingly.

General Safety Practices

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • Secure valuables and use anti-theft bags like Pacsafe products.
  • For emergency compensation for delayed/canceled flights, check AirHelp.
  • Consider LifeStraw for personal water filtration if venturing outside main urban areas.

Travel Insurance Overview

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended. It guards against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and personal liability. Compare policies carefully.

Recommended Providers

  • World Nomads: For adventurous travelers.
  • SafetyWing: Tailored for digital nomads.
  • Insubuy: Coverage for foreigners visiting the US.
  • Always review policy details for coverage specific to your trip.

Coverage Considerations

  • Medical emergencies and evacuation.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption.
  • Lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.
  • Personal liability coverage.

Local Medical Kits

Consider a compact Adventure Medical Kits first-aid kit for minor injuries.