My 24 Hours in Innsbruck

A perfect start into a wonderful day for me is to have a hipster coffee at the café Max Standard and, following that, a healthy brunch with lots of freshly squeezed juice and porridge at Tasties. When I’m done here I love to just drift through the city and look for beautiful things. I walk into the alley Pfarrgasse into the direction of the square Domplatz. I hop into my own little store feinheiten… to make sure everything is alright and also stop by the neighbouring store Die Kinderei, where they sell the loveliest, non-flashy children’s clothes.

Right at the Domplatz you’ll also find the Gläserkastl, which is a store specialising in all sorts of glass objects. If you want it to be especially personal, they’ll even engrave it for you.

For some relaxing hours of recreation I make my way to the park Hofgarten, where I sit down on one of the benches by the duck pond, or just on the grass, and rest my legs. In the autumn, my insider tip is the Palmenhaus – an indoor tropical oasis – and look for a bench there. They are the only ones that catch the last rays of the setting sun and, when the wind is blowing through the leaves, it smells like cotton candy. It’s true, cotton candy, because there is a tree called ‘Kuchenbaum’ (cake tree) which emits its sweet odour when losing its leaves.

All this fresh air makes me hungry and so I head to the restaurant Gönndir to treat myself to a vegan bagel for lunch (you can also order it with meat if you like). Tummy now filled, I’m in the mood for some shopping at the magnificent concept store Resort. All their things, from design objects, books, to cosmetic products, are incredibly beautiful, subtle, and elegant. I love shopping here! Then there is Benlevi, which is not to be missed, with its lovely, precious fashion. It’s the perfect store when you’re looking for something fancy to wear. Everything is designed by Vahid Benlevi and made in Europe.

Now that I’ve enriched my home and wardrobe, it’s time to take care of myself. Although I’m a firm believer in inner beauty, sometimes the outside appearance deserves a little attention as well – at Atelier Blanc, which is quite simply the best cosmetic salon in town. Claudia, who works there, is a pro when it comes to eyelash perms and perfect eyebrows. I always feel amazing when I leave this sanctuary of beauty!

And because it’s that time of the year again, my next stop is Wachters, where I always find the perfect gifts for my loved ones.

After a long day in the city I feel like a nice and relaxing yoga class at Antaratma Yoga. My favourite class is with Kira, Tuesdays in the evening, but there are lots of other great instructors and you can do every type of Yoga, from Acro to Aerial to Yin.

When dinnertime rolls around, the burrito restaurant Machete is where I want to be, my all-time favourite place to meet in the evening. Their burritos are too good to be believed and the atmosphere there is always amazing, too. Lots of students, lots of young people, and the staff is super friendly. I never leave without having cake-pops for dessert – yummy!

It’s been a long day so far, but one last drink at Selles to round it off wonderfully won’t hurt. My ex-roommate, Johannes Münsch, is the interior designer of this cool bar with a vintage flair. He always manages to give Innsbruck a little Berlin touch, wherever he works. Upcycling deluxe!

It’s time for bed now, and with my mind on the day I’ve had in Innsbruck, I wander home, smiling and contented.