Plan to visit Innsbruck City Centre, the old town area that’s filled with museums and cultural icons. Its pastel-colored façades of historic buildings line up along the southeastern bank of the Inn River. Trace the history of the city through the range of religious, cultural and artistic treasures.

One of the city’s most iconic sights is the 18th-century Cathedral of St. James, whose spire rises above the surrounding buildings. Admire its baroque façade, with towers on both sides. Enter for the ornate interior and study the acclaimed Maria Hilf painting by artist Lukas Cranach the Elder.

Next door is the Hofburg, a glamorous palace adorned with frescoes and lavish period décor. Take photos of its green dome against the snowy mountains encircling Innsbruck. Climb to the top of neighboring City Tower for excellent views of the city center and spot the barred windows that remain from a former prison here. Look down on the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a city emblem decorated with thousands of copper tiles in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I.

Get a sense of local culture at the indoor Innsbruck Market Hall. Speak with the vendors at the stalls displaying a range of regional produce and enjoy a meal in one of the cafés.

Learn more about the area through the exhibits of the Tyrolean Provincial Museum. It displays old-world musical instruments, works of art and artifacts from the Bronze Age. Explore replicas of farmhouse rooms and inspect traditional costumes in the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum.

Innsbruck City Centre comprises the historic heart of Innsbruck, in the western side of Austria. From Salzburg, drive southwest for 115 miles (185 kilometers) to reach this zone, which skirts the southeastern bank of the Inn River. Consider visiting surrounding districts such as Ampass, Hungerburg and Wilten.