graz tourist office

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 By tram
• 3.3 By bicycle
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.1 Churches
• 4.2 Museums
• 7.1 Breakfast
• 7.2 Street food
• 7.3.1 City centre
• 7.3.2 Around the university
• 7.4 Mid-range
• 7.5 Splurge
• 8.2 Jazz clubs
• 8.3 Cocktail bars
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Consulates

Graz is the capital of Styria ( Steiermark ) and the second largest city of Austria with a population of just below 300,000 - about 40,000 of which are students of its six universities. It has been a vital urban centre for both Styria, Austria and Slovenia , and has produced a number of talents in many fields, ranging from the inventor Nikola Tesla to the former California Governator and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Graz maintains a balance between its illustrious past and modern present and features spectacular architecture from all periods, while the warm and sunny climate influenced by the closeness to the Mediterranean makes it a very nice city to visit.

Understand [ edit ]

The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city centre is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. The name "Graz" is derived from the Slovenian word gradec , which means small castle. Graz was first mentioned with its German name in 1128 when the dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a commercial centre. During 15th century Graz became the capital of Inner Austria (referring to Styria , Carinthia and Carniola ) under the Habsburgs.

Due to its importance as a strategic position, Graz was often assaulted by Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The fortress located on the Schlossberg (the picture to the right shows the clock tower, which is located on top of the hill) never fell to the Turks (the only place in this region).

During World War II, Graz was part of Nazi Germany (along with the rest of Austria). At the end of the war, Graz was surrendered to Soviet troops largely intact; the historic old town was not seriously hit during Allied bombing raids on the city. In 2003 Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe.

Some 40,000 of the city's population is made up of students, as Graz is home to no less than six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla. The first university was founded in 1585 ( Karl-Franzens-Universität ).

Graz is also known for the Magna Steyr (formerly called Steyr-Daimler-Puch ) automobile and truck manufacturing plant located there. It is also the birthplace (in nearby Thal) of actor and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger . Its UPC-Arena was renamed in Schwarzenegger's honor in 1997, but was renamed again in 2005, following controversy over the governor's support of California's death penalty.

The City of Graz, Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg, is a world heritage site .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

From the airport you have several possibilities to reach the centre:

• by taxi: approximate fare to the center is between €20-25.
• by bus: the bus station is directly in front of the arrival zone. Bus lines 630 and 631 are going to Jakominiplatz (the central point of public transportation) from approx. 05:20 to 23:45, travel time is 20 minutes. Fare is €3 for a single ticket (2023).
• by train: to reach the train station you have to walk ~5 minutes (easy to find, just head straight out the airport and continue to the east). Line S5 connects to Graz Hauptbahnhof (main station) from 04:47 (Saturdays and Sundays 05:17) to 22:47 (Sundays: 21:47). Travel time is 15 minutes.

Other nearby airports are in Maribor , Klagenfurt , and a little farther away in Linz , Ljubljana , Zagreb and Vienna International Airport . Railjet express trains and FlixBusses connect Vienna Intl. Airport with Graz. Some run direct, others require a transfer at Wien Hbf station. Travel time around 3 hr.

By train [ edit ]

47.072222 15.417222 2 Graz main station ( Hauptbahnhof ) is on the western edge of the city centre, at the end of the Annenstrasse . Graz has frequent connections to Vienna with direct trains every hour. Connections to Salzburg and most other Austrian Cities and Munich are also reasonably frequent. Night trains serve destinations as far as Zurich , and there are two direct day services each day to Zagreb . [1] There are also less frequent services to Slovenia and Hungary . To reach the old town, take tram line 1, 4, 6 or 7, or simply walk down Annenstraße for about 20 minutes and cross the bridge. You can obtain a map from the Tourist Information in the Hauptbahnhof.

It is worth noting that the direct services from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open! From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

By car [ edit ]

The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mi Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna ( Wien ) is 127 mi up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware that there are lots of tunnels on the S6.) Some might also find the 5 mi (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, 15 miles to the north of Graz, unnerving. Toll charge: Gleinalm Tunnel: cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t: €7.95 | with caravans/trailers: €9.95 | Motorhomes over 3.5 t: €11.50. It is possible to avoid the tunnel by travelling on the rather longer route via Bruck an der Mur .

By bus [ edit ]

Graz does not have a dedicated bus terminal. Private and public operators all operate from separate terminals:

• Eurolines [dead link] operates from Hauptbahnhof [dead link] . They offer reasonable cheap tickets to many destinations throughout Europe.
• Linie G1 - Dr. Richard [formerly dead link] offers busses from Vienna to Graz.
• Regional Buses run frequent services from terminals at Andreas-Hofer-Platz [dead link] (City Bus 40, 67 or three minutes walk from Hauptplatz ), Hauptbahnhof [dead link] (Tram 3, 6 as well as 1, 7 evenings and Sundays, City Buses 50, 52, 53, 58, 63, 85) and some others, with many destinations throughout Styria. Many Busses also pass Jakominiplatz .

For travels to Austrian or Slovenian destinations check out [2] , they will find you routes with public buses, trains, and trams to your desired destination. (Although in Carinthia and Tyrol it is limited to trains.)

Get around [ edit ]

The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot and is reachable with a 20 min walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town.

For other needs, public transportation options exist:

By tram [ edit ]

All tram tickets can be bought inside the tram. Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams. You can also buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk ( Tabak ) in the centre of the square. If you buy tickets from the kiosk, make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of €60; if you buy it inside the tram, it is already validated).

Ticket prices: You can buy hourly (€3), 24 hours (€6.40), weekly (€18.30), monthly, or 10-trip (€24.00) tickets. Coins, credit cards, debit cards all work at the vending machine in the tram. They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immediate surroundings including the airport!) Children (6 to 14) get 50% discount.

Trams running through the old city ( Altstadt ) are free, usually one stop in all directions from Hauptplatz (Main Square) and Jakominiplatz .

Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz , Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz . The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out [3] .

Keep in mind that bus tickets have to be bought in advance (via a vending machine, kiosk or the ticket app GrazMobil ( iOS , Android )) and punched when entering to validate them. The tickets for trams and buses are the same, so you can start your journey with one means of transport and switch to another one as much as you like during your ticket's validity.

Bus and tram services operate from 05:00 to midnight during the week. Trams usually stop around 23:30 from Jakominiplatz in all directions. Nightbuses operate only on Fridays and Saturdays and before public holidays. They leave from Jakominiplatz in all directions at 00:30, 01:30 and 02:30.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Graz is a city of cyclists, featuring an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this using a bike to get around (at least the central areas of Graz) is one of the best choices. It also helps that it does not rain a lot in Graz. Bikes may be rented, although if you are staying a bit longer buying a used one (and maybe reselling it) from one of the many bike stores may be cheaper (get one of the great restored vintage bicycles from Rebikel , Keplerstraße 55). Bike theft is a common problem in Graz, so take care that your bike is properly locked (if possible against a bar) when you are not using it. Also, if you are inexperienced bicycling around trams, take extra caution (especially noting that getting your wheel stuck in a tram rail could knock you down, with trams potentially coming right behind and beside you!). Counter-flow cycling (cycling in the "wrong" direction of a one-way street) is allowed almost everywhere in Graz - watch out for "one-way street"-signs with a small additional "ausgenommen Radfahrer" ("except cyclists") sign.

An online map of Graz for cyclists is available here: [4] . You can get a big map for cyclists from the Tourist info office (Herrengasse 16), at "Mobil Zentral" (Jakoministraße 1) or at the "Radstation" (Cycling station) next to the central railway station.

Rental bicycles are available for example at the "Radstation" (German only) next to the central railway station (leave the station through the main exit, turn right, walk approx. 200 m) or from one of the shops of "Bicycle" (German only).

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are available 24 hr a day. You can hail one on the street, go to a taxi rank or order one by phone. The taxi ranks with the best chances of getting a taxi day or night are "Hauptplatz" (Right side of City Hall) or "Hauptbahnhof". There is a base rate of €4.90 for all rides (2023). Avoid taxis in the early morning and early evening when traffic congestion can make a taxi ride very expensive. A ten-minute taxi ride usually costs about €12. Taxis can be booked at the same price as on the street by calling 0316-878, 0316-889, 0316-222, 0316-2801.

• E-Taxi Graz – Tesla powered mobility , ☏ +43 316 232200 . ( updated May 2023 )
• A-Taxi Graz , ☏ +43 316 232320 . ( updated Nov 2020 )
• Graz Taxi 24 +43316812190
• Flughafentaxi Graz , ☏ +43 664 99551075 , [email protected] . ( updated Nov 2020 )
• Taxiruf Graz , ☏ +43 660 6298471 . ( updated Dec 2020 )

If you can avoid it, just avoid it. Graz has areas with an inscrutable one-way system which makes it easy to get lost. Parking space in central areas are rare and subject to a fee from Monday to Friday (09:00 to 20:00, in front of Hauptbahnhof to 20:00) and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines placed in every street. A ticket for half an hour costs €1 ("blue zones", "green zones" are a bit cheaper). The maximum parking duration in blue zones is three hours and in green zones one day. There are a lot of 'ticket-police' around so don't even try to park without a valid ticket (fine €25). There are a number of underground car parks in the city centre for example under the Karmeliterplatz which is called Pfauengarten Parkgarage which is open 24 hr a day. A ticket for one hour costs €2, a 24-hr ticket costs €12, other are as much as €4 per hour.

See [ edit ]

• The historic old town . It has been designated a World Heritage site.
• 47.075002 15.436883 1 The Schlossberg ( Schloßberg ). the castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular ( Schloßbergbahn ) (10-day and tourist tram/bus ticket covers the ride), and elevator ( Schloßberglift ) (€2) will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views. Alternatively, you can climb the 260 steps from Schloßbergplatz to the Graz clock tower. ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.073537 15.437729 2 Clock Tower ( Uhrturm ). On the top of the Schloßberg , the symbol of Graz.  
• 47.071171 15.441304 3 Glockenspiel , Glockenspielplatz . It comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00.  
• Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg , a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.

Churches [ edit ]

• The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.
• There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the Romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz with 109.6 m is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche , designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur t there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche . In St. Andrä , Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas , situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

Museums [ edit ]

• 47.068393 15.437955 7 Joanneum Museum of Styria ( Steiermärkische Landesmuseum Joanneum ), Raubergasse 10 , ☏ +43 316 8017-9716 . (cheaper with euro<26 card)  
• 47.069803 15.439883 8 Armory Zeughaus , Herrengasse 16 , ☏ +43 317 8017 9810 . Apr - Oct: daily 10:00-18:00; Nov - Mar: M-Sa 10:00-15:00, Su 10:00-16:00 . Contains an amazing collection of arms and armor, from large two-handed swords and maces to the more modern pistols. Originally the local armory was built to readily equip the people in the event of an attack, and so the weapons you'll see here were made for use, not show. English tours are available; inquire early in the day to see what time one will be offered. If you are incredibly enthusiastic about weapons and ask nicely, your guide might treat you to further description of the use and care of the weapons after your tour is completed. Pictures are not allowed, but postcards with pictures of the main pieces can be bought in the gift shop. Be warned, this building gets extremely warm in the summer (especially on the upper floors). Weapons enthusiasts may wish to go early in the day, or you may find your interest waning rapidly as the puddles form around your feet. Note without a guide it is just row upon row of armour with no information at all on any items in any language. Adults €8, groups €5.50, students €3 .  

Do [ edit ]

• Walk around the centre of the town and explore the many courtyards and narrow streets discovering many interesting shops, restaurants and cafés as well as the impressive architecture.
• Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under an archway on the left where a road meanders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg . From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up inside the mountain at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels ( Eichkätzchen ) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn , a cable car which you'll find at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking.
• Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch , a hill on the western edge of Graz, and hike up it. It's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map.
• Take bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of Gösting castle and enjoy the view over the city.
• Eggenberger Bad , Janzgasse 21
• Augartenbad , Schönaugürtel 1 , right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge.
• Bad Strassgang , Martinhofstraße 3 .
• Margarethenbad , Grillparzerstraße 10 .
• Ragnitzbad , Pesendorferweg 7 .
• Stukitzbad , Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a .
• Boat or skate on the Hilmteich or Thalersee (just outside Graz), depending on the season.
• A nice trip for a lovely day leads to the Austrian Sculpturepark . Remarkable pieces of art from numerous national and international artists in a pretty park. You can entrer for free, but you better bring something to drink and a Snack. Reachable by a free shuttlebus in summer to Schwarzlsee or with regionalbus 630 from Jakominiplatz. You can also go by bike, it's a nice ride passing by the Airport.
• Football: SK Sturm Graz play soccer in Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. Their home ground Liebenauer or Merkur Arena (capacity 16,000) is two km south of city centre.
• Every summer, the AIMS ( American Institute of Music Studies ), the leading European summer vocal program brings future opera and concert performers together. Locals and visitors enjoy opera and operetta concerts, song recitals and other musical programs in concert halls, castles, courtyards, churches and other venues. The AIMS Festival in Graz features operatic and symphonic works and culminates with the annual Meistersinger Vocal Competition presented with full orchestra.
• See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus [dead link] . Prices: [5] [dead link] .
• During summer months, in the centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz , along the Herrengasse , you'll come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.
• KIZ RoyalKino , Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 10, ☏ +43 316-826133 . It has Hollywood films in English language and with German subtitles. Take tram number 4, 5 or 13 and get out at Finanzamt . If you are at Jakominiplatz it's a five-minute walk there. Alternative films can also be found at the Rechbauerkino , Rechbauerstraße.

Buy [ edit ]

• On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz , right opposite the Opernhaus , is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only.
• The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.

Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil) in g.g.A. quality. This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer) market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets.

There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are:

• Herrengasse - the most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
• numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse".
• in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. Doesn't offer cheap prices. There is an underground car-park right underneath.
• Steirerhof , Jakominplatz 12 . Named after the demolished hotel that used to occupy the site. ☏ +43 316-83 55 70
• Mariahilferstraße Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 1970s retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover
• City Park shopping mall on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55"

Bigger shopping complexes found outside the city centre are:

• Shopping City Seiersberg - A huge build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the centre lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket.
• Shopping Center West - It's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the centre. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64.
• Murpark - Only mayor shopping centre in the east of Graz. Only shopping centre in Graz to have direct access by tram. Take tram 4 to end of line in Liebenau.

Eat [ edit ]

Restaurants have cheap lunch deals ("Mittagsmenü") (12:00-15:00) or a dish of the day ("Tagesempfehlung") that are usually very good, fresh and have the best value.

The SPAR supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.

Breakfast [ edit ]

If you don't like a boring hotel breakfast, go out for breakfast or brunch.

• Bäckerei Sorger . nice for inexpensive breakfast with many locations in and arount Graz (Jakominiplatz, Sporgasse, Südtiroler Platz, etc.)  
• Martin Auer . Graz's biggest Coffee house chain. Locations: Stubenberggasse, Hans-Sachs-Gasse, Dietrichsteinplatz, Schillerplatz, Zinzendorfgasse, etc.  
• Tribeka , Kaiserfeldgasse 6 .  
• Café Kaiserfeld , Kaiserfeldgasse 21 .  
• Cafe Mitte , Freiheitsplatz 2 .  
• Aiola Upstairs , Schloßberg .  
• Klyo , Schlossbergplatz .  
• Parks , Zinzendorfgasse 4 .  
• Purberg , Hilmteichstraße 70 .  
• Omas Teekanne , Nikolaiplatz 1 .  
• Kaffee Weitzer , Grieskai 12 .  
• Kunsthauscafé , Südtiroler Platz 2 .  
• Die Scherbe , Stockergasse 2 .  

Street food [ edit ]

All these are in the city centre:

• 47.070809 15.436673 1 Sausage-stand at Franziskanerplatz , Franziskanerpl. . Sausages with mustard, ketchup and/or horseradish are best here. Try "Krainer" or "Käsekrainer", which are very popular sausages in Styria. ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 47.070833 15.436522 2 Cook Moon , Franziskanerpl. Stand 16 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.066635 15.446427 3 Wilding - Burger - Hot Dog - Fries - since 1991 , Dietrichsteinpl. 1 . ( updated Sep 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ].

• 47.067871 15.44674 4 Sägewerk , Schlögelgasse 1 ( between Dietrichsteinplatz and Kaiserjosef-Platz ), ☏ +43 316-820258 . They serve excellent and cheap pizza. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.071003 15.437576 5 Euro-Kepap , Franziskanergasse 2 . There are a lot of Döner Kebab sellers in Graz. Another good one is Pamukale at Dietrichsteinplatz. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.071019 15.437326 6 Muckis Weinstube Franziskanerkeller , Kapaunpl. 5 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.070582 15.437372 7 Maggie´s Leberkas Stadl , Neue-Welt-Gasse 6 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.073551 15.43984 8 Continuum , Sporgasse 29 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.067505 15.443812 9 Area 5 , Jakominipl. 12 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.064002 15.451364 10 Mumbai Cuisine , Stremayrgasse 6, 8010 Graz , ☏ +43 67762666938 . Nice portions, good flavors, pretty fast. Would recommend. €10 /main . ( updated May 2023 )

Around the university [ edit ]

• 47.075976 15.45024 11 Posaune , Zinzendorfgasse ( at roundabout next to KF University ). Same Company like Sägewerk. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.071588 15.448647 12 Grammophon , Maiffredygasse 12 ( near Music University ). Same Company as Sägewerk. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.069645 15.447593 13 Eschenlaube , Glacisstraße 63 , ☏ +43 316 810457 . Tu-Sa 12:00-01:00 . (near the technical university). Location for students and relaxed people. Periodical live music events ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.078529 15.446582 14 3 Goldene Kugeln , Heinrichstraße 18 . Fast cuisine of anything breaded chicken like. Large portions, very reasonable prices. Other branches are outside the city center at Griesplatz (next to the telecom tower), Heinrichstrasse (near K.F. University), Riesplatz, Bahnhofgürtel (near Hauptbahnhof), Leonhardstrasse (Near University of Music and Dramatic Arts), Citypark and Murpark. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 47.075706 15.436816 15 Schlossberg Biergarten , Schloßberg 6a . Good portions of classic beer garden food with good beer and a spectacular view above the town. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.076214 15.436695 16 Schloßberg-Restaurant , Schloßberg 7/8 , ☏ +43 316 823050 . Restaurant on top of the Schlossberg ; great views of the city. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.070384 15.437218 17 Don Camillo , Neue-Welt-Gasse 3 , ☏ +43 316 845496 . Has really good pasta & pizza for €11-13 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.065633 15.444328 18 Ginko , Grazbachgasse 33 ( near the Dietrichsteinplatz ). Open daily until 21:00, Saturdays until 19:00, Sundays closed . Vegetarian restaurant and take away, menu changes daily, has a buffet, take whatever you want and pay per 100g. Excellent quality food,cakes and cookies, coffee, tea, wine. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.071295 15.441139 19 Gloeckl Braeu , Glockenspielplatz 2-3 , ☏ +43 316 814781 . It is possible to sit outdoors and the food is reasonable priced but very tasty! Try the fillet steak or Styrian seasonal specialties! ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.070995 15.440307 20 Die Herzl , Prokopigasse 12 , ☏ +43 316 82430 . Very reasonably price good portions of classic local dishes. Simple décor. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.067924 15.445502 21 Brandhof , Gleisdorfer Gasse 10 , ☏ +43 316 824255 . (near Opera house and Kaiser-Josef-Platz). Also a location for people to want to drink or eat something after an opera event. ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.066949 15.43779 22 Gösser Bräu , Neutorgasse 48 , ☏ +43 316 829909 . Tratitional Austrian Restaurant (try a goulash) ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.066057 15.434065 23 Vina , Grieskai 38 , ☏ +43 676 5772587 . Excellent Vietnamese food. ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.073272 15.433036 24 Brot & Spiele , Mariahilferstrasse 17 , ☏ +43 316 715081 . They offer American and Asian style food for reasonable prices (go for the steaks)  
• 47.071396 15.439288 25 Torona , Prokopiegasse 2 ( Bermuda Dreieck ). M-F from 16:00, Sa from 09:00 serving Spanish breakfast . A Spanish bar specialising in Pinchos (northern Spanish skewers), 13 Spanish red and white wines and cava, San Miguel, wide range of sherrys and Spanish brandy.  
• 47.074458 15.430742 26 Pension Gasthof Zur Steirerstubn , Lendplatz 8 , ☏ +43 316 716855 . Offers Styrian specialties and reasonable prices. Nice traditional furniture.  
• 47.038267 15.461993 27 Römerstube , Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103 , ☏ +43 316 472066 . Also has 3 skittle alleys (nine-pin bowling), costing €12 per hour.  
• 47.029541 15.432485 28 Brauhaus Puntigam , Triester Str. 361 , ☏ +43 316 297100 . 10:00-00:00 . Take the number 5 tram to Puntigam and eat in the Puntigamer Brewery restaurant. Inside or outside in the Gastgarten , when the weather permits. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 47.069443 15.438909 29 Landhaus Keller , Schmiedgasse 9 , ☏ +43 316 830276 . Upscale restaurant which features Styrian traditional dishes, which are heavy on the pumpkin and pumpkin seed. White tablecloths and nice lighting complement the excellently prepared food. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town has a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students. In the old town you'll also find a few Irish pubs. Whereas the most Irish of them is O'Carolan's right next to the main square (Hauptplatz) others include Flann O'Briens and Molly Malone's. The Office is a very laidback and unique new addition to the Irish/British pub scene in Graz. The Office features regular live music and jam sessions, as well as the odd bit of Karaoke, and darts (steel - you know, the real ones from England) every Sunday.

• Kombuese Small, wooden bar in the Stadtpark , near Kuenstler Haus ( Erzherzog Johann Allee 2 ) . Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, after 22:00 - best times after 01:00 in the morning. Cheap beer, a few but very good sandwiches, sells also cigarettes. What's special about this place is that you can see people of all ages and styles. No-one will care who you are or what you look like, it s all about having this one thing in common: having fun here and now without other concerns. Different DJs every night, especially Friday and Saturday everyone dances until very early in the morning! It usually gets very crowded after 01:00 but if you relax and get into the mood, you will always find your space in there.
• Molly Malone Irish Pub , Färbergasse 15 , ☏ +43 316 833080 . Irish pub in the Bermuda Triangle part of the city. Open 7 nights with live music. Live Premier League football, Champions League, 6 Nations Rugby. Serves Guinness, Kilkenny & fish & chips. Irish Staff.  
• [dead link] The Office Pub , ☏ +43 316 890838 , [email protected] . Trauttmansdorffgasse 3. Bus stop: Line 30 at Palais Trauttmansdorff. Open every day from 17:00 to 02:00 (or later) Where the ex-pats get together in Graz! An authentic style English pub, right in the center of Graz, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Premier League football - all the big matches live. English speaking staff. Pub Quiz every Tuesday, live music. Serves home made chili, curry, soup or toasted sandwiches. Free Internet and Darts!  
• Parkhouse , ☏ +43 316 827434 . Stadtpark 2. Located in the centre of the municipal park, this is a popular place with students and a lovely outside seating area. Has laid-back electronic music, concerts and live-DJs in summer. Probably the best place to go for a relaxed drink in spring & summer when it's warm. Open daily from 11:00 to 04:00.  
• Babenbergerhof , Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed - anyone from about 20–85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors - you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music.
• Verein Forum Stadtpark , Stadtpark 1 , ☏ +43 316 827734 , fax : +43 316 827734-21 , [email protected] . Tu-F 10:00 to 18:00, Sa Su 14:00 to 18:00 .  
• Bierbaron , ☏ +43 316 321510 . Heinrichstr. 56. An old, classic student pub.  
• Theatercafe , ☏ +43 316 825365 . Mandellstr. 11. very famous, old (it opened back in 1885) cafe. Popular with people who have a late-nite drink after being in the opera. There is a piano in the cafe offering anyone the opportunity to play if he/she wants to. Famous for its excellent scrambled eggs. Open until the early morning hours. Except during the summer months, cabaret and small stage performances organised by the theater promotion group Hin und Wider (Closed Mondays)  
• Eschenlaube , ☏ +43 316 810457 . Glacisstrasse 63, - nice cosy, pub offering Asian, Moroccan, Italian and Styrian food. Open from 11:30 to 01:00.  
• Brot und Spiele , Mariahilferstraße 17 , ☏ +43 316 715081 . 10:00 to 02:00 . Very relaxed pub offering different kind of steaks and burgers and a small variety of Mexican/Asian food both in a smokers and non-smokers area. Offers at least 20 pool tables, and several snooker tables.  
• Die Scherbe , ☏ +43 316 760654 . Stockergasse 2, - nice cosy bar / pub with two floors (usually there more people in the downstairs where smoking is allowed). Good, cheap & big salads. Great food overall. - open till 02:00am. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Drei Affen (Three Monkeys) , Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
• Piere's , Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.

Cafés [ edit ]

Graz has a lot of cafés all around the town, very concentrated in the city center and university district and you get tasty coffee almost everywhere. Prices are the same in most cafes, they just get slightly more expensive in Herrengasse or on Schlossberg. The most common coffee beverages are a "Verlängerter" (a small Americano with milk; €2.20-2.40), a cappuccino (€2.40-2.60), a caffe latte (coffee with lots of steamed milk; €2.60-2.90). It is common that you get a glass of tap water to your coffee, if not don't hesitate to ask for it.

• Café Tribeka , ☏ +43 316 72 34 69 , fax : +43 316 723669 , [email protected] . Grieskai 2. Coffee-to-Go, free WLAN access. The best and finest coffee in town!  
• Café/Bar Ritter , Rittergasse 2, 8010 , ☏ +43 316 325777 . open till late . A nice, café/bar with good cakes and tramezinis and lots of newspapers and magazines.  
• The Beanery , Zinzendorfgasse 20, 8010 , ☏ +43 316 321416 . Daily 07:00-19:00 . Small, cozy cafe, with just a few tables. In the afternoons, can become quite crowded with students. Local newspapers and magazines available; average cafe prices for coffee. Food: bagels, small sandwiches, muffins. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Jazz clubs [ edit ]

• Miles Jazz Bar . Mariahilferstraße 24  
• Stockwerk . Jakominiplatz  
• Royal Garden . Bürgergasse 5  

Cocktail bars [ edit ]

• Stern , Sporgasse/Karmeliterplatz . Excellent cocktails with excellent outside seating area on Karmeliterplatz. Cocktail Happy-Hour (€4 all cocktails) every day from 17:00-20:00.  
• Continuum , Sporgasse/Karmeliterplatz . Just on the opposite of Stern . Good cocktails with excellent outside seating area and chilled inside seating. Cocktail Happy-Hour (€4 all cocktails) every day from 17:00-20:00.  
• Cohibar , Leonhardstr. 3 , ☏ +43 316 337470 . 17:00 to 02:00 during work days, 17:00 to 03:00 on Friday and Saturdays. . Cuba-style cocktail bar. Serves tapas and has Latin-live music on Sunday. Offers free salsa dancing classes every Monday. Cocktails are around €6.  
• Buddhabar (Pfauengarten) , Hartiggasse 4 , ☏ +43 316 820630 . M-F 16:00 to 02:00 . Asian-style cocktail bar. Offers barkeeper classes. Pricy, posh.  
• Eckhaus , ☏ +43 664 4602934 . Rechbauerstr. 15, close to the technical university ( TU ). Serves pizza. Has free wireless access. Open M-F 09:00 to 14:00, Sa Su 06:00 to 14:00 Cocktails are around €5. Especially popular with students.  

Clubs [ edit ]

Clubs usually open around 22:00 and get crowded by midnight. All have entry fees (mostly €4-12) depending on the event. Sometimes it is cheaper or even free before 22:30 or 23:00. A beer will usually cost you between €3-4. Most places are open till 05:00.

• Postgarage , Dreihackengasse 42 ( close to Griesplatz ). A popular dance & alternative live music club with two floors. Has live music, live DJs, rock, hip-hop, drum & bass, techno depending on the event. Entrance fees are around €8; often free entrance till 23:00. (usually €1 student discount). They have two floors, mostly there is different music on each floor and you have to pay separate. You reach the small 2nd floor via the door close to the park. The bigger dancehall (1st floor) has its entrance on the street. ( updated Jan 2022 )
• PPC , Neubaugasse 6 , ☏ +43 664 4515038 . A club with two floors. Has Live-DJs, Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Techno depending on the event. Usually open between We and So. Also popular with younger people. ( updated May 2023 )
• Die Thalia , Opernring 5a .  
• Mausefalle , Girardigasse 1 . ( updated May 2023 )
• Dom im Berg (DIB) , Schlossbergplatz . opens 22:00-23:00 . This is a big hall in Schlossberg. There are few events, but it is a really good place to dance - most events are clubbings.You reach it with the tunnel or lift going up Schlossberg. Entrance fees around €10 . ( updated May 2023 )

You'll have plenty of opportunities to drink beer ( Bier ) or wine ( Wein ) but perhaps the best one would be sitting, on a sunny day, in one of the many open-air bars.

The local beer brands are Murauer (is considered as the best), Gösser, Puntigamer and Reininghaus. The latter 2 are brewed in Graz itself. But you'll also find lots of possibilities to drink other Austrian (Stiegl, Ottakringer, Schladminger) and international beers.

If you visit Graz in winter try a Bockbier. But beware they are a lot stronger (6-8%) than the usual Austrian beers.

Styrian wine is one of the best wines in the world. Especially the white wine. Try a glass of Welschriesling if you get the chance.

Sleep [ edit ]

All budget choices are quite far out of the city center.

• 47.06501 15.422489 1 JUFA Hotel Graz City ( Youthhostel Graz ), Idlhofgasse 74 ( Bus stop Lissagasse / Jugendhotel - Route 31,32,33. Close to Hauptbahnhof ; 30-min walk to the city centre ), ☏ +43 5 7083-210 . Safe but not very nice neighbourhood. €89 . ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.076154 15.430984 2 ibis budget Graz City , Neubaugasse 11, Lendplatz ( Bus stop Kunsthaus. Close to Kunsthaus / Mariahilferplatz ; 10-min walk to the city center, safe. ). Quite nice bars around (Die Scherbe, PPC). €49 (2 persons: €55) . ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.070505 15.415289 3 a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof , Eggenberger Str. 7 , ☏ +43 3165701623700 . €23/night (6-bed dorm) . ( updated May 2023 )
• 47.071971 15.419436 4 Hotel Europa , Bahnhofgürtel 89 ( opposite the main railway station ), ☏ +43 316 7076-0 , [email protected] . . Single €71, double €94 .  
• 47.071495 15.417918 5 Hotel Daniel , Europaplatz 1 ( next to main railway station ), ☏ +43 316 711080 . Single €86, double €106 .  
• 47.071519 15.421999 6 Hotel B&B , Annenstraße 58-60 ( access by car: Metahofgasse 21, on the backside of the hotel (small parking area); from main train station: take Annenstrasse towards the city centre (10-min walk) ), ☏ +43 316 890861 , [email protected] . Walking distance from the main train station, ideal for travellers. Great breakfast for €8 per day. 10-min walk into the city center, or three stops with the tram. Try to get a room facing away from the street, as Annenstrasse can be quite busy during the day. From €70 per night . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 47.071128 15.424875 7 Hotel Drei Raben , ☏ +43 316 712686 . Annenstrasse 43 ( near main train station ). €70/92 (single/double).  
• 47.067835 15.443131 8 Motel One Graz , Jakominiplatz 7 , ☏ +43 316 2315280 , [email protected] . Design hotel opened in 2022.  
• 47.062732 15.458313 9 ibis Styles Graz Messe , Waltendorfer Gürtel 8-10 , ☏ +43 316 826300 . Budget design hotel opened in 2022.  
• 47.107197 15.492525 10 Best Western Hotel Pfeifer Kirchenwirt , ☏ +43 316 391112-0 , fax : +43 316 39111249 , [email protected] . Kirchplatz 9 on the eastern edge of Graz , ( take Tramway 1 to the final stop at Mariatrost ), 3911120, [6] . Quite a distance from the city center but has semi rural surroundings.  
• 47.038256 15.461844 11 Römerstube , ☏ +43 316 472066 . Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103  
• 47.074296 15.43529 12 [dead link] Schlossberg Hotel , ☏ +43 316 8070-0 , [email protected] . On the Kaiser-Franz-Josef Kai , 8070-0.  
• 47.067044 15.446227 13 [formerly dead link] Hotel Gollner , ☏ +43 316 822521-0 . Schlögelgasse 14 ( take tram 3 or 6 to Dietrichsteinplatz ). €120/€200 (single/double).  
• 47.071699 15.437144 14 Erzherzog Johann Hotel , Sackstrasse 3-5 ( just off the Hauptplatz ), ☏ +43 316 811616 , fax : +43 316 811515 , [email protected] . €102-330 .  
• 47.069505 15.43838 15 Aiola Living , Landhausgasse 5 ( just off the Hauptplatz ), ☏ +43 316 811911 , [email protected] . €150-240 .  
• 47.07043 15.434406 16 Grand Hotel Wiesler , Grieskai 4-8, 7066-0 , ☏ +43 316 7066-0 , [email protected] .  
• 47.0692 15.434525 17 Hotel Weitzer , Grieskai 12-14, 703-0 , ☏ +43 316 703-0 . €110-405. Has a less expensive alternative, €69 per night and room .  
• 47.07194 15.449214 18 Romantik Parkhotel , Leonhardstraße 8 ( near Kunstuniversität ), ☏ +43 316 36300 , [email protected] .  
• 46.975918 15.427169 19 Hotel Ramada Graz (former Marriott Courtyard) , Seering 10 ( Unterpremstätten ), ☏ +43 316 8077-0 , [email protected] . hotel outside town at airport and close to the motorway A9. €85-160 .  

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sep 2021, Graz has 4G from 3 Mobile, and 5G from A1 and T-Mobile.

Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre. Only 2½ hours from Graz by train.
• Take a trip through winding mountain passes on the 41 km long Semmering Railway , which runs from Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz . A World Heritage site. Ticket information from ÖBB ( Österreichische Bundesbahnen - the Austrian national rail network). If you are limited in time and can't be bothered to stop at various points along the railway, just plan to take a direct train between Vienna and Graz, as it will pass through the entire stretch without stopping. From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.
• Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university.
• 47.158238 15.315068 2 Austrian Open Air Museum ( Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum ), Stübing ( a few miles North of Graz ), ☏ +43 3124 53 700 , [email protected] . Old farm buildings brought from all over Austria in a woodland setting. Open 1 Apr – 31 Oct, 09:00-17:00 (tickets sold till 16:00) closed on Mo (except on holidays), walk yourself or guided tours.  
• 46.985214 16.110763 3 Loipersdorf ( 60 km to the east of Graz ), ☏ +43 33 82 82 04 -0 , [email protected] . Has a spa where you can spend a day, swimming, sun-bathing, and being pampered.  
• 47.216298 15.343374 7 Lurgrotte ( A cave near Semriach. ).  
• 46.97905 15.423331 8 Schwarzl Freizeitzentrum ( Schwarzl Leisure Center ), Thalerhofstraße 85, Unterpremstätten ( 8 km south of Graz ), ☏ +43 3135 53577-0 . A leisure centre where you'll be able to water ski, swim, dive, surf, sail, mountain bike, beach volleyball, go-kart, fish, and ice skate in season, all at the Schwarzlsee.  

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Visit Graz: Top 10 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in graz : the 10 best places to visit and highlights.

You want to visit Graz , in Austria , and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

Grazy, Austria’s second-largest city, capital of the Styria province and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its blend of typical Austrian architecture with eye-catching modern buildings .

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 10 best things to do in Graz , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Graz in a day as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Graz? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Visiting Graz: 10 Must-See Attractions

1. the schlossberg.

The absolute best way to start your Graz tour : admiring it from above! Head to the Schlossberg , a hill rising to 123 meters, overlooking the city. From here you can enjoy a stunning panorama .

To get there from Graz city center you have options:

• On foot from Schlossbergplatz square, it takes about 30 minutes to climb the 260 steps
• By using the elevator which takes you through the hill
• By funicular , departing from Emperor Franz Joseph Square to the summit.

Schlossberg means “Castle Mountain” as there was once a castle on the hill . The Schlossberg served as a military post and refuge for the citizens of Graz , up to the 19th century. As a matter of fact, Napoleon’s troops never succeeded in capturing it.

However, following the Treaty of Schonberg, it was demanded that the fortifications be destroyed as a sign of peace . Nowadays, almost nothing remains of these fortifications.

Nevertheless, the residents managed to save two buildings from demolition, which have become the symbols and the main tourist attractions of Graz : the Clock Tower (Urhtum) and the Bell Tower (Glockenturm).

Each has its unique feature: for a long period of time the Clock Tower had only one hand indicating the time and the Bell Tower houses a 4.5-ton bell named “Lisl” , the largest bell in Graz.

Today, the Schlossberg is a beautiful park and it is delightful.

You’ll also find restaurants and souvenir shops . Above all, it offers a breathtaking view of Graz’s rooftops with the majestic mountains serving as a stunning backdrop.

It’s an absolute must-do to start your vacation in Austria off right!

2. The Hauptplatz

The Hauptplatz is the main square to visit during your stay in Graz and the ideal starting point for sightseeing.

All the city’s main streets, like Herrengasse , Sackstrasse and Murgasse start from here. They will all get you to Graz’s main points of interest .

Designed in the Middle Ages to accommodate the market, it remains today the nerve center of the city . There, you can especially admire the Rathaus (town hall) and numerous historical buildings with their superb colorful facades .

Another must-see in Graz: the Luegg Haus , a 15th-century building with beautiful arcades (now housing a Swarovski store) and the Adler Apotheke , the oldest pharmacy in Graz.

In the heart of Graz’s old town, you’ll discover an abundance of charming bars and restaurants where you can unwind and savor a refreshing drink.

And if you want to grab a quick lunch at Hauptplatz , we recommend trying one of the many food trucks serving delicious Austrian specialties! A trip to Austria wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the local cuisine!

The square is bustling all day and well into the evening. It often hosts the city’s cultural events . If you’ve chosen to visit Graz during the winter holidays , this is also where you’ll find the Christmas market .

3. Herrengasse

From Hauptplatz , head to Herrengasse, Graz’s most touristy street .

This is the main shopping street in the city . There you’ll find all the main fashion boutiques if the case you’re in a shopping spree. Jewelry, shoe and clothing stores, textiles and accessories – you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more!

This must-see street in Graz is also completely pedestrian . Make sure not to let the tramway end your trip in a disaster though!

But Herrengasse is also home to beautiful palaces and magnificent facades to admire .

The Landhaushof’s courtyard with its arcades and cobblestones is considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance .

You should definitely go have a look at the painted facade of the Gemaltes Haus to admire the frescoes depicting the gods of Greek mythology . You’ll find it at No. 7 on Herrengasse .

While on Herrengasse , go to the Graz Tourist Office located right next to the Landhaus, at No. 16.

They’ll give you a handy leaflet with maps and ideas for walking tours in Graz . Inside, you’ll also find historical information on the monuments to see. Very well done and comprehensive.

4. The Landeszeughaus

Right next to the Landhaus is the Landeszeughaus. A must-see museum during your trip to Graz .

With more than 32,000 items displayed on 4 floors, the museum houses the largest collection of weapons and armor in the world ! Cannons, swords, armor, halberds, helmets, there’s something for everyone. It doesn’t mean your can grab a souvenir relic though!

I was lucky enough to get to see the armory of the Palace of the Grand Masters in Malta and the Royal Armoury in Turin , but this one is on another level. The place is truly impressive.

Among the many items to see, don’t miss a valuable piece: one of the 7 completely preserved horse armors still existing in the world.

Access and pricing information can be found at the official website .

The Landeszeughaus is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum which includes several museums in Graz.

You can choose to purchase a combined 24-hour or 48-hour ticket , which also gives you access to the Kunsthaus and Eggenberg Castle (I’ll tell you about it later). This is the most economical option for visiting these 3 attractions in Graz during your Austrian tour.

5. St. Giles Cathedral in Graz

Continue your tour of Graz at the cathedral located in the historic center.

Erected in the 15th century under the rule of Emperor Frederick III, it stands as one of Graz’s most significant landmarks in terms of culture, art, and history.

The exterior appearance of St. Giles Cathedral might appear somewhat austere due to its Gothic architectural style. However, on the south side and to the left of the building, you will find the famous fresco “ God’s Plagues “.

It represents the 3 plagues (locusts, war and the Black Death) that struck Styria in 1480, a terrible year for the population.

The interior of the cathedral is especially fascinating to explore. You can admire precious artefacts including 2 wooden chests adorned with ivory said to contain relics of Christian martyrs .

Also worth seeing: the cathedral choir , its altarpiece and the organ composed of more than 5,350 pipes .

When leaving the cathedral, pass by Emperor Ferdinand II’s Mausoleum . Impressive from the outside and with a beautiful interior decoration, it is the most imposing tomb of the Habsburg family and a must-see monument in Graz.

6. Murinsel / The Island on the Mur

Continuing this Sightseeing Guide to Graz , let’s explore the Island on the Mur, also known as Murinsel. This iconic attraction represents one of the modern elements that contribute to the unique character of Graz.

The island is indeed a work of art , born out of Graz’s distinction as the European Capital of Culture in 2003 .

The building, shaped like a giant shell , was designed by New York artist Vito Acconci and it connects the two banks of the Mur (Graz’s river).

The art project was supposed to be temporary and removed at the end of the year 2003, but the locals, for whom this strange work had become a symbol of the city , petitionned for its preservation.

Inside this unusual piece of architecture, you’ll find a café and an amphitheater . Definitely one of the must-see attractions in Graz.

You’re going to Graz?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Graz on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Graz.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Graz, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Graz!

7. The Kunsthaus Graz

Another futuristic architectural curiosity to visit in Graz, the Kunsthaus .

The Kunsthaus is the city’s contemporary art museum .

It is located on the bank facing the historic center , so you can cross the Murinsel (the island) to visit it.

It was also built in 2003 by two London architects who nicknamed their creation “Friendly Alien” .

A particularly fitting name since the exterior structure of the museum is really strange: an indefinable shape, blueish color, and what looks like tentacles on the roof ! A perfect example of Graz’s unique character, blending modernity and tradition.

The Kunsthaus only hosts temporary exhibitions lasting 1 to 3 months , featuring both national and international artists, so you’re always in for a surprise when you visit!

Now you know what to do in Graz when it’s raining !

Climb to the top floor of the museum and step out onto the terrace for a stunning panorama of the city.

8. Eggenberg Castle

The last must-see attraction in Graz, Eggenberg Castle .

Located a bit outside the city, you can take tram line 1 to reach it.

Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the largest castle in Styria . It was built in 1625 by Ferdinand II’s imperial advisor, Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg.

Strangely enough, the construction was organized around time and seasons : 4 towers for the 4 seasons, 365 windows for the days, 31 rooms on each floor, 24 state rooms and so on…

You can visit some of the castle’s interior rooms such as the Planetary Hall with its wall painted with the 12 zodiac signs, the reception rooms and the Old Gallery . Some of these rooms, however, are only accessible through guided tours, which is a bit of a shame.

The castle also houses several museums such as the Archaeology Museum and the Coin Cabinet , where you’ll get to see various coins some dating back to the antiquity .

The castle also has a beautiful and large garden (entrance fee around €2). You can walk among the peacocks and even have a picnic in the designated area provided. You’ll also come across a café, perfect for grabbing some refreshments if needed.

Best things to do around Graz

After exploring Graz’s city center, you can continue your stay in Austria by visiting the surroundings of Graz .

I have prepared my selection of the most beautiful places to see around Graz .

9. Rabenstein Castle

Let’s start with Burg Rabenstein, a castle located about 35 minutes by car north of Graz.

Built in the 12th century , the castle has been beautifully renovated and perfectly combines old and modern styles with its rotating glass elevator offering a 180° view of the surrounding forest.

The guided tour of the castle , which lasts about 1h30 , allows you to discover the inner courtyard, the chapel, and the ceremonial rooms. You must however book your reservations on the official website to visit it.

10. The Austrian Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park or Österreichischer Skulpturen Park is another must-see near Graz . It’s located 13 km from the historic center.

The park is home to more than 70 giant sculptures created by Austrian as well as international artists . It spreads over 7 hectares (about 14 acres).

Open every day from April to October . What’s more, admission is free. Definitely worth a visit if you’re an art lover or if you want to take some original photos.

How many days to visit Graz?

1 day is enough to visit Graz .

The whole tour is easily done on foot , except for Eggenberg Castle that you’ll reach by tram.

All the must-see monuments are concentrated in the historic center or nearby, which is pretty convenient.

Visiting Graz in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Graz between 2 legs of your Austrian tour, there is no need to worry: it will be more than enough to visit the old town .

Here’s my itinerary to visit Graz in one day :

• Funicular, elevator or walking up to Schlossberg to admire the panorama
• Stroll through the historic center of Graz: Hauptplatz and Herrengasse
• Visit the Landeszeughaus
• Stop by St. Giles Cathedral
• Lunch break
• Crossing the island on the Mur
• Discover the Kunsthaus and its unique architecture
• Late afternoon at Eggenberg Castle .

Where to stay in Graz

As with other cities in Austria, accommodations tend to be on the pricier side.

I can’t emphasize enough: book as early as possible to get the best deals!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in Graz :

• Hotel Daniel Graz : Located a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Modern and pleasant double rooms starting at €77 per night, breakfast for €25. Strong points: the location, the good breakfast, the friendliness of the staff.
• Hotel Mercure Graz City : Located 400 meters from the clock tower. Spacious and comfortable double rooms starting at €100 per night, breakfast for €18. Strong points: the comfort of the rooms, the location, the quality of the breakfast.
• Hotel Weitzer Graz : Located in the heart of the old town. Spacious and well-equipped double rooms starting at €120 per night, breakfast for €25. Strong points: close to all places of interest, the hearty breakfast, the impeccable service.
• Augarten Art Hotel : Located 1 km from the historic center. Tram station nearby to reach the center. Elegant and design double rooms starting at €180, breakfast for €15. Strong points: the hotel’s decoration with numerous works of art, the comfort of the rooms, the swimming pool, the kindness and availability of the staff. The best hotel in Graz for a luxury stay !

Where to eat in Graz

• Area 5 : Located on Jakominiplatz. The restaurant has a large rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of Graz. The place is very nice. The dishes are simple and you can choose your own ingredients for your pasta or salads. The value for money is unbeatable. Ideal for lunch.
• El Gaucho : Located on Landhausgasse Street. Steakhouse offering a wide selection of excellent meat. Select the weight of the meat portion and choose from various side dishes. Quality is guaranteed. Red meat lovers will be delighted.
• Der Steirer Graz : Located on Belgiergasse Street. You can taste typical Austrian dishes in a refined and authentic setting. Varied menu, homemade dishes, a wide selection of local wines and excellent value for money! Reservation recommended.

How to get to Graz?

From France, there are no direct flights to Graz . You will have to land in Vienna .

As flight prices to Graz vary a lot, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the guarantee of getting the best price .

Getting to Graz from Vienna:

• By bus: 2h25
• By train: 2h50. Timetables and fares are available here: Omio .

How to get to Graz from Salzburg :

• By car: 2h50
• By bus: 3h50
• By train: 4h30. Timetables and fares are available here: Omio .

How to get to Graz from Linz :

• By car: 2h25
• By bus: 2h40
• By train: 3h30. Timetables and fares are available here: Omio .

Rent a car Graz

You don’t need a car to explore Graz as the city center is mostly pedestrian-friendly.

However, renting a car becomes essential if you want to be independent when visiting the surrounding areas or if you have planned a road trip in Austria (obviously!).

To easily compare the prices of car rentals in Austria you should check out Rentalcars.com . You’ll have direct access to all the rates from rental companies located at Vienna airport, for example.

Click the button below to compare car rental prices for your trip to Graz:

Graz Tourist Map

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Graz listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 10 things to do. You can display the map legend by clicking on the button with a small arrow in the top left corner.

You’re traveling in Austria? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: One week in Austria – The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
• Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
• Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
• Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
• Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
• Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Austria , Cultural Travel

What to Do in Graz – The Mediterranean City of Austria

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

It has a distinctive atmosphere that marks it out from other Austrian cities, yet you most probably haven’t heard of it outside of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Here’s what to do in Graz to uncover one of Austria’s best-kept secrets, curated after four visits. 

As modern and creative as it is old and traditional, Graz is a city of arts and contemporary culture displaying 900 years of history from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. It emits a strong Mediterranean vibe, making you feel more south of Austria than you are.

It’s found in the preserved UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with old-world charms and deep-rooted history where Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque structures intertwine. But that’s just one half of its cultural story. The modern persona of Graz, which helped give it the coveted titles of UNESCO City of Design, European Cultural Capital, and Austria’s Culinary Capital, is just as worthy of your attention to understand it as a whole.

While there is a mesh to the old and new parts of Graz, the River Mur neatly cuts the more prominent aspects of old and new Graz in two, which makes for more straightforward navigation for visitors wanting to delve deeper into its two distinct personalities. Locals see this ‘south’ side of the city as more ‘playful’, and the contrast between the two is welcomed and celebrated.

Graz, the second-largest city in Austria and the state capital of Styria is rather proud of its distinction. However, it has always remained off the radar compared to other Austrian cities. If you want to explore a lesser-known destination in Austria, this is your city, and this is how to uncover it all. 

 What to Do in Graz – The Mediterranean City of Austria.

Graz UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre

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The City of Graz Historic Centre, including Schloss Eggenberg on its fringes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its harmonious blend of architectural styles through the ages. The mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture gave Graz “the best-preserved city centre of Central Europe” title. It’s a city with abundant detail, from the rooftops and delicate balconies to the old establishments that line the pavements and the wall-bound figurine details and frescos.

The compact Historic Centre is easy to navigate, where this integration of varying designs and structures is melded together in a small space by a hill and a park. It is a living history walking tour with green spaces and sweeping viewpoints, and in between, townhouses painted with old murals to romantic courtyards, open baroque squares and winding cobblestoned streets.

Walking amongst the history, you can trace Graz’s story from its early days as an old town with a fortress through to the Imperial years of the late 1400s and beyond and to the modern cultural, art and design foundations that have been added to the mix in recent years. 

The best views over Graz are from the Schlossberg.

Herrengasse , which is the main thoroughfare of the city, and the adjacent main square, Graz Hauptplatz are at the very heart of the city and central to navigation. Herrengasse is lined with modern stores and bars, yet also with palaces, alleyways to grand squares and preserved historic buildings.

Graz Hauptplatz (Town Square) is marked by a statue of Archduke Johann of Austria (the “Styrian Prince”), who helped develop Graz with various initiatives and grand visions over 50 years. It was the city’s very first marketplace during the medieval era, now dominated by the magnificent 19 th century Rathaus, which was built around the houses people refused to sell to make way for it.

Graz buildings of significance include the Painted House at number 7 , adorned with Baroque frescos in 1742, the Luegghaus façade on the bottom corner of Sporgasse , now home to the Swarovski store, and the Glockenspielhaus at Glockenspielplatz 4. Catch the performance when the Glockenspiel strikes at 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm.

Statues, red roofs and pastel building hues of Graz Hauptplatz.

Historic Herrengasse, Graz.

Graz Walking Tours

There is a historic centre walking tour run by Graz Tourist Information , which starts at its location on Herrengasse 16. A Graz tour is one way to have an introduction to the history of the city while viewing the most revered facades, courtyards and romantic squares. Alternatively, pick up a map from the Tourist Office and follow the marked route.

Private walking tours are more expensive, on average €150 for two hours of guidance with a local. This   top-rated Graz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour includes visits to Graz Cathedral, skip-the-line tickets to Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury), the Graz Museum Schlossberg and Burggarten, alongside architectural and old town sites of significance. 

What you immediately notice about Graz is the centuries-old streets awash with an air of Italian charm that passes from the alfresco dining streets to avenues that lead you to the squares, archways and townhouse facades in earthly shades.

Mediterranean vibes in Graz old town.

Al fresco dining and opulent buildings in the centre of Graz.

Architectual highlights of Graz include the impressive Italian Renaissance arcades of the Landhaus Courtyard, where today the Styrian regional parliament meets, the stonemasonry masterpiece that is the dizzying double spiral staircase at the entrance to the Burg, and the cluster of magnificent buildings that are the Cathedral and Mausoleum commissioned by Kaiser Ferdinand III and Kaiser Ferdinand II in Italian style.

Italian Renaissance arcades of the Landhaus Courtyard in Graz.

Entrance to the Burg.

Enjoying the dizzying double spiral staircase in Graz.

Graz’s spiral staircase in the Burg is a feat of architecture.

The Italian architectural style Cathedral and Mausoleum in Graz.

Sporgasse is one of my favourite streets that I walked the length of repeatedly. It’s considered one of the most romantic streets in the city, and here you’ll find the oldest parish church, the oldest courtyard in the city , some of the more exquisite building facades and the quirky with their legends (check out the Turk statue on Palais Saurau at number 25).

Stunning, cobblestones Sporgasse in Graz.

The oldest courtyard in Graz city, located off Sporgasse.

The 473-metre high Graz Schlossberg mound is a centrepiece of the city and the platform for the best view over the city to take in the famous sweep of orange rooftops where the creative blue bulbous ‘Friendly Alien’ Kunsthaus modern art museum has comfortably wedged within.

This green platform of trees and gardens was once the site of a small fort, giving Graz its name, meaning “little castle”, before it was extended to an enormous Renaissance fortress later destroyed by Napoleon. Bastions and an old gate remain, although people flock up here to stand next to the 28-metre-high Clock Tower, the traditional and most beloved symbol of Graz.

Connecting ground to fortress high is the 260 steps of the Schlossbergstiege for those wanting to tred more of the timeline. However, you can take a funicular up and walk down or enjoy The Slide Graz – the highest underground slide in the world that’s 64 meters tall and 175 meters long. It’s a heart-thumping 40 seconds, but a ride I would happily repeat on every visit. 

The stairs up the 473-metre high Graz Schlossberg.

The famous Clocktower on the Schlossberg, Graz.

Get a better view of old and new Graz mixed when you climb the Schlossberg.

Want to try an old traditional hangout in the city to wrap up your historical wander?

Head to Frankowitsch , framed over the years for its open-faced sandwiches that you order with a “Pfiff” (tiny glass) of beer.

Time capsule Café König is small and a popular place for the old traditional coffee-house vibes. This café, in particular, dates back to 1918 and is decked out in dark wood, with coffee pastries and a warm, family business atmosphere.

For a panoramic city view, the rooftop of the Kastner Und Öhler department store is a favourite terrace hotspot. It is well worth a look inside for the ornate golden pillars that decorate the store itself.

Indulge at the former Habsburg bakery (the Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax)  whose wooden façade topped with a double-gilded eagle retains the same imperial decadence and offers some of the traditional sweet offerings as they were back then.

The former Habsburg bakery, Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax.

The Creative Things to Do in Graz 

In 2011, in recognition of its creative city scene and internationally renowned educational and research institutions, Graz was designated a UNESCO City of Design.

Graz’s modern history defines it just as much as its 900 years past, but that’s not to say that this ultra-hip Graz separates itself from the old – it complements it. However, the repurposing of urban design and the burgeoning urban culture creatively and artistically makes this alternative side to Graz a destination in its own right.

Start at Grieskai street , adjacent to the Mur River. It is the road that virtually splits Graz in two with the historical old town on one side and trendy new on the other. Crossing the River Mur and exploring a whole new side of Graz that lies right behind the ‘Friendly Alien’ landmark completes the picture as to the city’s origins, cultural diversity and artistic heart.

Graz’s loved and revered modern landmark is the Kunsthouse (modern art museum), built in 2003. It’s otherworldly, spaceship-like features have come to make it affectionately known by locals as the “Friendly Alien”. You can’t miss it, and I was obsessed with this architectural bubble before I even arrived. 

The “Friendly Alien” Kunsthouse modern art museum.

While the ledges of the Schlossberg look down over this area, this side of the river looks up. Inside the Kunsthaus is an artistic window viewpoint . One of its ‘nozzle’ windows points in a different direction to all of the others – for an old to the modern facing view of the famous Bell Tower on the Schlossberg.

It’s a nod to the city’s history from the perspective of the new design. Return to the Friendly Alien at night, when it becomes an interactive light and art installation that’s always changing, much like the enclosed exhibits. 

The seemingly floating Friendly Alien of Graz.

Inside the Kunsthaus modern art musuem in Graz.

View of the Graz clocktower from inside the Kunsthaus.

This side of the river meshes with the ultra-cool vibes of the Lend neighbourhood. The area of Lend starts in the area around Mariahilferplatz, whose history dates back to the 19 th century when immigrants from Yugoslavia and Turkey settled here, bringing together multiple cultures, cuisines, communities and commerce.

It’s a natural trend for the creative-minded to be attracted to the underdog areas; the gritty and unknown. It’s an area granted a new lease of life from what was once a place seen as discarded and unkempt; the regeneration of the old red-light district area into a new form of an entertainment district. 

Lend is the kind of alternative locale. With enough boutique and eco initiative stores, new-gen coffee shops, bohemian and swank restaurants side-by-side, a weekly farmers market in Lendplatz on Monday-Saturday until 1 pm and edgy, casual bars that you could easily spend a day in without stepping foot in Graz’s old town. 

Relaxed eatery at Lendplatz in the trendy Graz neighbourhood of Lend.

In the evening small clusters of casual pubs and urbanite bars, and late-night foodie spots like ‘Brot und Spiele’, give it a homely and ‘in the know’ neighbourhood feel. The hipster bar, Kabuff is a play on the area’s past, meaning ‘no brothel’ in Styrian dialect. Lendplatz hums with people coming together at the hole-in-the-wall bars where the atmosphere is more energetic.

Restaurant with quirky artistic decor in Lend neighbourhood in Graz.

Trendy hangouts in Lend.

Street art on the edgier side of Graz city.

Miles Jazz bar in the urbanised area of Graz.

A 60s style hair saloon in Lend.

The charity design shops are at the very heart of this creative side of Graz, selling all kinds of upcycled items from fashion, jewellery and homeware. Yet the focus on the design projects is that they focus on youth employment and the involvement of young locals, which means when you shop here, you are a part of a full-circle initiative.

One of a cluster of design charity shops in Graz.

Find plenty of upcycled stores on this side of town. 

In Lend, there are pockets of street art, buildings painted in a myriad of colours and patterns, the church of St.Andrä that combines religion with contemporary art, and repurposed old spaces that make for bohemian hangouts, expanding and adding colour and life to an area once on the sidelines of old, historical Graz.

An area built on multi-culturalism, Lend thrives on community spirit. The annual Grieskram food and performance festival brings everyone together, and the socio-cultural project, Annenviertal, encourages Graz locals to take part in community activities to drive interest and awareness in new business and neighbourhood initiatives to keep the area on the map.

As a visitor, you are just as much a part of keeping this side of the Mur River alive.

Life in Lend on the street behind the Kunsthaus modern art museum in Graz.

The river itself, a vein of the old city, is connected with modern structures. The Murinsel is a café and exhibition space that sits in the water with footbridges that link to both sides of the bank, and the Mur Promenade , which you can access via stairs leading down from the main Erzherzog Johann Brücke, with a waterside bar and spot for relaxation.

The brave attempt river surfing in the strong currents, which you might be lucky to spot on a good day.

The Murinsel café and exhibition space sitting in the middle of the Mur River in Graz.

A bar under the bridge on the Mur River.

That’s not to say all of artistically urban Graz is contained solely on one side of the Mur. Artworks have made their way across the river, blending with the historic old streets in a homogenous mix of centuries-old and contemporary design. 

Like the ARGOS building by Zara Hadid in Graz Centre, completed in 2020. These self-serviced apartment buildings replace an old “commodity house” building, and some dub its bulging eye-like structure as the ‘new friendly alien’. 

ARGOS building by Zara Hadid.

On one of my trips to Graz, there was a blue halo ring in Schlossbergplatz and a Red Bull racing car attached to the rocky Schlossberg wall. You’ll also come across sporadic structures on other squares, like the lampshade metalwork and the Joanneumsviertal Cultural Centre’s funky glass structure within old town streets.

The Parish Church on Herrengasse, while known for its Baroque Tower, includes a reminder to the cities darker days, featuring modern art stained glass windows, one which consists of a portrait of Hitler and Mussolini watching the crown of thorns coronation of Jesus.

Public artwork in Graz Centre.

The Parish Church stained glass windows with some unlikely figures.

Graz also hosts plenty of cultural festivals throughout the year too, including the Austrian Film Festival in March, the electronic music Springfestival in May, and the Steirischer Herbst contemporary art festival in October takes over the city with everything from visual art, theatre and political debates.

The hip Tribeka coffee shop is next to the Friendly Alien and where Graz’s younger generation hang out. Ducks Coffee Shop on Rabergasse is a central city favourite. For a taste of the Styrian craft beer scene, head to café bar Vintage . The city’s first package-free organic grocery store, Das Gramm sits next door to the old chocolate making shop.

Arnold Schwarzenegger fans can sip a coffee in a room dedicated to him in Andy Warhol style at the  Grand Café Kaiserfeld . The ‘Governor’s Room’ is filled with portraits of the Hollywood star and Graz’s famous son. Nearby Thal is his homeplace where you can visit his birth house with is now a museum, where you can pose with a giant statue.

Local top picks for the Lend neighbourhood hangouts include brunch favourite Blendend, Rangoon for cocktails and Lotte (a smokers bar). We enjoyed taking random strolls and testing all manner of hideouts. For the best Backhendl indulgence (half Styrian chicken in crispy breadcrumbs) head to The Steirer , on Belgiergasse pictured below. The restaurant also has the largest selection of regional wines.

When the sun goes down, the old Graz hums with heavy metal and Indie music bars like Tick Tack and Guest Room, DJ spots like Café Mitte and underground clubs like Club Q .

Backhendl salad served at The Steirer restaurant.

Further along the Mur River, into the surrounding Steiermark countryside, upon a Styrian summit, exploring cultural monuments, and paying homage to the life of Arnie, there’s plenty of things to do in Graz within a 30-minute radius.

‘Fat House’ artwork at the Austrian Sculpture Park near Graz.

• Graz is close to Vienna and is well-connected to the capital (and all other major Austrian cities) via the ÖBB rail network. From Vienna, the train journey is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Graz is also seen as a ‘sister city’ with Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana , which has surprising similarities.
• Graz is an effortless city to explore on foot, which is why an all-encompassing city card isn’t necessarily needed.
• Grab a copy of the “Graz Made by locals for Young Travellers” map. It’s detailed without being boring, and full of insider hints and tips, alongside the very best hangouts, from coffee to quirky themed bars.
• Should you wish to take public transport, a 1-hour ticket (valid from the tram and bus) is €2.20 and a 24 hours ticket is €5, which is much better value.
• The ‘Altstadt Tram’ is a free tram that runs through the city centre, between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz, although walking is a better option to dig out all the small details.
• If you are a museum fan, the Joanneum 24 hours ticket grants admission to all exhibitions under the ‘Universalmusuem Joanneum’, which includes the Kunsthaus and Schloss Eggenberg (just outside of the city centre).

Where to Stay in Graz

I’ve always stayed in the trendy part of Graz, first checking into the  Wiesler Hotel  on the other side of the River Mur from the historical old town. The lobby bears an artwork of jagged wood – a beam puzzle art installation by Austrian artist, Clemens Hollerer and is the first thing you will notice as you enter the reception, alongside the murals and design of the restaurant lounge.

Attention to artistic detail is what marks this hotel out on the ‘other side’ of the River Mur from the old town and is next to the ‘Friendly Alien’ Kunsthaus museum. It is a sister brand to the super-smart Hotel Daniel . Rooms are light and focus on smart, minimal design, with some rooms overlooking the river.

Art installation by Austrian artist, Clemens Hollerer at the Weisler Hotel in Graz.

Restaurant inside the Weisler Hotel.

More recently, I finally got to check out the Lend Hotel – a stylish art hotel that’s as hip as the neighbourhood, only minutes away from the main square. Rooms are smart and minimal, while every hallway wall has artworks from paintings to sculptures and furniture.

Breakfast is an extensive menu beyond standard buffet fare, and the lounge and restaurant area is a hangout in its own right rather than just an extension to the lobby. If you are staying there, head to the Lend Hotel rooftop for an alternative view of the fringes of the historical city centre.

Arty Lend hotel in Graz.

• The Graz Tourism Information website details further aspects of the city and its outer fringes. 
• This guide to what to do in Graz was researched over four visits – a combination of personal trips and tourism projects to highlight the best of the city. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Austria's second largest city, Graz lies on the River Mur and has long been a popular stopover for tourists. Highlights include exploring its many historical buildings, particularly in the Old Town with its numerous Baroque façades. Another big draw is the Schlossberg, a large hill that rises behind the picturesque town.

While excavations reveal the area was settled as far back as AD 800, the city was first mentioned in 1128, after which time it passed into the hands of the Habsburgs. Soon after, it rose in importance as a place of trade and commerce. Many of the surviving buildings were influenced by Italian architectural styles, including Schloss Eggenberg.

As a result of this abundance of historically significant buildings, Graz is today an important cultural center that was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999. Graz is also the birthplace of Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a little museum here is dedicated to his career.

To help you make the most of your Austria travel itinerary, be sure to review the best places to visit in Graz in this list of top tourist attractions in the city.

See also: Where to Stay in Graz

1. Old Town Graz

2. schlossberg and the clock tower, 3. the styrian armoury, 4. the landhaus and courtyard, 5. graz art museum, 6. murinsel (mur island), 7. graz cathedral, 8. graz mausoleum, 9. mariatrost basilica, 10. schloss eggenberg, 11. the natural history museum, 12. the municipal park and botanical gardens, where to stay in graz for sightseeing, day trips from graz, austrian open-air museum stuebing, voitsberg and lipizzaner stud farm, map of tourist attractions in graz & easy day trips.

The UNESCO-designated Old Town center of Graz is filled with historical architecture, and is a pleasure to explore on foot. Highlights include the Hauptplatz , the Main Square, on the left bank of the River Mur. Here, you'll see a fine statue of Archduke Johann (1782-1859), who did much to bring industry to the region and improve communications and trade. Also of note are the Town Hall (Rathaus), built in 1893, and the 17th-century Haus am Luegg , with its attractive arcaded and stucco-decorated facade.

To the west of the Main Square is the Gothic Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), notable for its west tower from 1643 and its Late Gothic nave with a ribbed vaulted ceiling. The church's Chapel of St. Anthony, separated from the main building by a Baroque grille from 1650, is worth seeing for its pietà from 1720.

Other Old Town attractions include GrazMuseum (Stadtmuseum Graz), the city's official history museum; the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum , dedicated to old pharmaceutical practices; and the Robert Stolz Museum , honoring the famed Austrian composer born here in 1880.

Finally, be sure to stroll along the Herrengasse pedestrian precinct with its many handsome old mansions, including the lovely Painted House (Gemaltes Haus) with its frescos from 1742.

Address: Franziskanerplatz 14, 8010 Graz

Above Old Town Graz rises the Schlossberg. This 473-meter-tall hill can be ascended by a funicular railway that takes just three minutes to get to the top. Alternatively, it can be reached by a pleasant 20-minute walk.

Highlights include the superb 28-meter-tall Clock Tower (Uhrturm), the city's best-known landmark. Built in 1561, it's all that's left of the massive fortifications that once stood here and which were dismantled after the Treaty of Vienna in 1809.

Several other attractions are here as well. These include the 94-meter-deep Turkish Well (Türkenbrunnen) and the 35-meter-tall Belfry (Glockenturm) from 1588 with its eight-ton bell affectionately known as Liesl.

The café offers superb views over Graz, and there's an open-air theater. Traveling with kids? They'll love the miniature railroad.

Located on Graz's Herrengasse, the Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) is, like many of the town's other top attractions, a part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum collection of museums. This important historic site has, in fact, been home to the provincial arsenal since 1644.

Known to be the worlds' biggest historical armory , its permanent collections include 13,400 small arms and accessories, of which 4,259 are pistols. The artillery collection contains volley guns, mortars, cannons, falconets, and their accessories, and there are more than 2,000 edged weapons - swords, broadswords, and sabers.

Most impressive is the display of armor, showing how soldiers of all ranks protected themselves from the weapons of their time. These range from shields, armored sleeves, and chain mail to full suits of armor. Among the 3,844 items is a horse armour made around 1510 in Innsbruck.

The collections are dramatically displayed in traditional armory style, without signs or placards that would ruin the historic appearance of the setting. Pick up a free visitor's guide in English at the entrance or rent the inexpensive audio guide for descriptions and background on the exhibits.

Address: Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz

Official site: www.museum-joanneum.at/en/styrian-armoury

In the heart of Graz's pedestrian-friendly Old Town stands the majestic Landhaus, home to the Styrian provincial government. Built in Renaissance style in 1565, it's widely regarded as one of the finest such buildings in Austria.

Passing through the splendid main façade, dominated by rounded windows and a loggia, you'll end up in the superb arcaded courtyard with its three-storied pergolas on two sides. There's also a beautiful Renaissance fountain.

If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular outdoor concerts or theatrical performances held here. Interior highlights include the sumptuous Knights' Hall with its exquisite stucco ceiling from 1746.

Another government building to visit is Graz Burg . This old palace is famous for its 15th-century double spiral staircases (the Staircase of Reconciliation), which meet on each floor, creating a bizarre optical illusion.

Looking a little like some alien life form plunked in the middle of Graz's splendid old architecture, the ultra-modern Graz Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz) was built in 2003 to mark the city's choice as the European City of Culture. Focusing on works of contemporary art of the mid-20th century, the gallery hosts artists from around the world with regularly changing temporary exhibits.

The best views of the building are available at night, when the building lights up like a spaceship. English language guided tours and audio-guides are available.

Address: Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz

Official site: /www.museum-joanneum.at/en/kunsthaus-graz

Another Graz landmark built to commemorate the city being granted the role of European Capital of Culture in 2003 is a man-made island known as the Murinsel, or Mur Island. Made entirely of steel and resembling a large upside-down seashell, it's really a 47-meter-long floating island in the middle of the River Mur that's tethered to its banks by two footbridges.

The middle section consists of a unique amphitheater used for concerts and other events. There's also a café here, as well as a children's playground with a rope maze and slide.

Address: Mariahilferpl. 5, 8020, Graz

Official site: https://murinselgraz.at/en/

One of the top things to do in Graz for free, Graz's Late Gothic St. Gile's Cathedral (Grazer Dom) is a must-visit. It was built between 1438-62 on the site of an earlier church dedicated to St. Giles and which was first referred to in 1174.

Of particular note is the main doorway, which is decorated with the coat of arms of its builder, Emperor Frederick III.

On the south external wall, facing onto a small square, are the remains of a Late Gothic fresco. Dating from 1485, it's called the Landplagenbild and depicts Graz threatened by pestilence, the Turks, and a plague of locusts.

The mainly Baroque interior is equally impressive, its wide nave separated from the choir by a narrow triumphal arch flanked by two fine reliquaries from 1477. The choir, dominated by a high altar, is notable for its altarpiece portraying the Miracle of St. Giles , while in the aisles are many fine monuments and altars.

Address: Burggasse 3, 8010 Graz

After visiting the cathedral, be sure to also visit the adjoining mausoleum . Built in the early 1600s next to the cathedral and St. Catherine's Church (Katharinenkirche) for Emperor Ferdinand II, it's also where you'll find the Tomb Chapel with exquisite artwork and sculptures.

It's known among locals as "the crown of the town" for its elevation and spectacular views. The steps leading up to the mausoleum make for the perfect selfie-spot.

The Baroque Mariatrost Basilica sits at the top of a hill, ascended by more than 200 steps that pilgrims climb, reading the messages as they go. The interior of this popular pilgrimage church is Baroque, although the Madonna on the high altar is late Gothic in origin.

Highlights are the 1779 pulpit by Veit Königer, the inlaid side altars, and the frescoes. There are sweeping views from the basilica, and it's a favorite place to watch the sunset. To reach it from central Graz, take Tram 1, marked Mariatrost, to the final stop.

Address: Kirchpl. 8, 8044, Graz

Atop a hill just three kilometers west of Graz's city center stands Schloss Eggenberg. This stunning 1635 Baroque palace features four large towers, fine state apartments, and rich Rococo fittings.

Interior highlights include the walls and ceilings of the banqueting hall, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture richly painted with more than 600 superb works, including the signs of the zodiac and the planetary system.

This theme is continued in the Reception Room, known as the Room of the Planets, part of a suite of 24 staterooms decorated by Styrian artist Hans Adam Weissenkircher.

Also of note is the Alte Galerie , a collection of magnificent artwork, including the famous Admont Madonna from 1320, the Lambrecht votive tablets from 1440, and numerous Baroque sculptures and paintings. English language guided tours are available.

Address: Eggenberger Allee 90, 8011 Graz

Official site: www.museum-joanneum.at/en/palace-and-gardens-schloss-eggenberg

Endowed by Archduke Johann in 1811, the Natural History Museum - also a part of the larger Universalmuseum Joanneum group of city-owned cultural institutions - is one of the most important museums in Graz. Spread over several floors, its large collections include many artifacts, specimens, and displays relating to geology, zoology, and botany.

You'll also learn about the history of the region since the time of the earth's formation thanks to its fascinating displays of fossils and exhibits on Ice Age creatures and ancient volcanoes.

Address: Joanneumsviertel, 8010 Graz

Official site: https://www.museum-joanneum.at/en/natural-history-museum

Graz Stadtpark, at the eastern end of the Opernring with its modern Opera House, was laid out in 1869 on the site of the city's old fortifications. A highlight of this large municipal park is the Emperor Francis Joseph Fountain surrounded by numerous figures and monuments, including many famous Austrian writers, scientists, and politicians.

The city's other important park is its botanical gardens, tucked away in the city's poshest residential area. Noted for its ultra-modern greenhouse with exotic flora from around the world, the garden's displays are broken down into four main climatic zones: tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, and alpine. Each of these are accessible over a series of fun wooden gangways and bridges.

Address: Schubertstraße 59, 8010 Graz

The major tourist attractions in Graz are in its historic Old Town, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful Baroque buildings, and on the Schlossberg, a hill that rises above it. One of the favorite things to do here is ride the funicular to the top of the Schlossberg for views over the Old Town. Here are some highly rated hotels in Graz:

• Luxury Hotels : Set on the river close to the funicular and a short walk to Hauptplatz and Old Town attractions, Schlossberg Hotel has a pool, covered parking, and spacious rooms furnished with a blend of antiques and contemporary art. At the bridge across the river from the Old Town, Hotel Das Weitzer includes breakfast and a good Wi-Fi connection. Older budget rooms are in an annex. With a pool, sauna, free breakfast, and free parking, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, Parkhotel Graz is in a quiet neighborhood with restaurants.
• Mid-Range Hotels : Across the river, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, Mercure Graz City has functional rooms and nearby underground parking. A longer walk from attractions, but with a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness area open 24 hours, Augarten Art Hotel is filled with the owner's private art collection. Room access is from an outside corridor. In the Old Town near the cathedral, Boutique Hotel Dom is full of old-world elegance, with large rooms and free Wi-Fi.
• Budget Hotels : A 20-minute walk from the old center and on a bus stop, The Star Inn Hotel Graz has underground parking and large rooms with balconies, and is more luxurious than its price suggests. With small serviceable rooms and secure parking, across the river from the Schlossberg and an easy walk to the center, Ibis Budget Graz City is also handy to shops and restaurants. Hotel Mariahilf is just across the river from the Old Town, near the art museum.

Considered one of Europe's top open-air museums (it's also Austria's largest), this huge facility preserves 98 historical farm buildings from all the country's regions. The museum was in fact established to showcase their construction and how people lived and worked in them throughout history.

This immersion into six centuries of rural Austria also preserves folk skills, crafts, and traditions. The 76 original historical buildings were carefully dismantled in their original locations and reconstructed here, while the remaining are exact replicas of originals that could not be moved.

Along with homes and barns, the collection included a dovecot, ropewalk, oil press, corn mill, blacksmith shop and forge, wine press, winemaker's cottage, windmill, and several styles of mountain huts from various alpine regions. You can sample typical local foods at the Gasthaus Zum Göller.

Address: Enzenbach 32, 8114 Stübing

Official site: www.museum-joanneum.at/en/open-air-museum

One of the prettiest areas in the Styrian region lies around Voitsberg. For beautiful views of the area, climb to the ruins of Castle Krems (Burgruine Krems), where you'll also find exhibits of modern art and gardens.

More romantic in their ruin and overgrown with forest are the stone walls of nearby Neuleonrod castle. Stop also to see the intricate paintings on the façade of the chapel in the village of Tregist, also near Voitsberg.

Voitsberg is the home of the famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the oldest thoroughbred horse breed in Europe. They are bred at the Piber Federal Stud in the village of Piber, about an hour from Graz. A Baroque palace serves as the visitor's center, and you can see the white Lipizzaners with their black foals in the corrals. Look around on your own or join a guided tour that includes the stables, farrier's shop, and a museum. There's a playground and adventure trail for children, and you can reserve rides in a carriage pulled by a team of Lipizzaners.

Address: Piber 1, 8580 Köflach

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Graz Travel Guide: Things to do and see

Have you ever considered a weekend trip to the second largest city in Austria? Most people know Graz as a young, hip university town . But Graz is so much more than that! The capital of the Styria Province has a really charming, maze-like Old Town and one of the most photogenic landmarks of Graz is the Clock Tower .

We feel like Graz offers a unique atmosphere of its own, different to that of Vienna and Salzburg , therefore, we can highly recommend a trip to Graz. In this travel guide, we will show you the most beautiful sights and our personal highlights in Graz.

1. Exploring Graz: What to Expect

2. graz travel guide: top things to do and see, 3. our favourite restaurants and cafes in graz, 4. our hotel tips for graz.

Graz is neither as imperially magnificent as Vienna nor as photogenic as Salzburg. But that does not matter, because Graz has its own charms. The capital of the Styrian Province is a young, urban student city with a wide range of art and culture . Many years ago, Graz was once the European Capital of Culture and fortunately the reputation of being a ‘Cultural City’ still lives on.

Graz is especially beautiful during spring and summer . This is when the city gives off a warm Mediterranean flair . You’re probably wondering how much time you should plan to stay and explore Graz? Although the Old Town of Graz is relatively easy to get around and quickly explored, you can effortlessly fill a weekend with some great activities. If you don’t have much time, then you can also see the most important sights in one day.

Good news: the most important sights in Graz are all within walking distance , so you can leave your car in the hotel garage during a city trip to Graz. One exception: for more distant destinations, such as to the Schloss Eggenberg (Castle), then perhaps a car would come in handy. Otherwise, you can also reach these destinations quite easily by tram.

Hauptplatz (Main Square) and Herrengasse

You are best to start your tour of Graz in the heart of the city : the Hauptplatz (or Main Square), which is located in the middle of the Old Town. Due to the amount of tram traffic and abundance of food stalls, this place does not really showcase its beauty to the fullest potential. Nevertheless, the main square of Graz is well worth seeing.

The most eye-catching and beautiful building on the Main Square is the Rathaus ( Town Hall ), where we let our eyes admire the impressive building. But the other Baroque style and Biedermeier houses on the Main Square are also equally beautiful to look at. The ensemble of buildings here just looks very harmonious and fits really well together.

From the Hauptplatz (Main Square) you can walk along the Herrengasse , which is the main shopping street in the centre of Graz. There are some beautiful buildings located along this promenade. After a short walk, you will reach the so-called “Gemaltes Haus” (also called Herzogshof , or Painted House in English), which is known for its painted front. Another building worth seeing in Herrengasse is the Grazer Landhaus : The inner courtyard of this Renaissance building is very impressive.

Schlossberg and Clock Tower

Unofficial Rule: You simply cannot leave Graz without walking around the Schlossberg and up to its Clock Tower . The Clock Tower is quite prominently the landmark of Graz, as it towers over the city and is visible from many corners of Graz.

From the Old Town you can easily reach the Clock Tower in about 15 minutes. You have two options: Either you take the stairs from the Felsensteig (260 steps), which starts on the Schlossbergplatz. Or, you can stroll through the several hiking trails in the park. For those who’d rather skip the exercise, there is the Schlossbergbahn (a funicular) or the glass Schlossberglift, which runs through the middle of the mountain.

We ourselves always choose to walk the footpath and we never regret it, because the short strenuous climb rewards you with a wonderful panoramic views over Graz . Sunset is probably the most beautiful time to come up here as the sun sets almost perfectly behind the city.

New Tip: As of February 2019, the Schlossberg is now officially home to the highest indoor slide in the world . In total, the slide lasts about 40 seconds and you can only reach the start point via the Schlossberglift (combined ticket 6 Euro). Needless to say, we will certainly keep this in mind for our next trip to Graz.

Getting to the Schlossberg:

Option 1: On foot (over the Felsensteig Stairs, about 15 minutes) Option 2: With the Schlossberglift (Elevator) (2,Euro per person) Option 3: With the Schlossbergbahn (Funicular) (2,70 Euro per person)

An island in the middle of the river? That’s right: The so-called Murinsel was built when Graz was the Cultural Capital several years ago. The shell-shaped platform “floats” on the Mur river and houses a small café . The Murinsel is accessible from both sides of the Mur river via a platform, which can also be used as a bridge to cross to the other side.

Although the Murinsel is not one of the greatest highlights of Graz, it’s worth coming here and seeing this bizarre building with your own eyes. Good to know: the island becomes well lit at night.  

Address: Lendkai 19, 8020 Graz

Kunsthaus Graz (Art Museum)

The most futuristic building in Graz is clearly the Kunsthaus. It is considered a modern landmark of the city and personally resembles that of a spaceship to us. The architect had the intention that the shape of the Kunsthaus should deliberately stand out from the red roof cityscape of Graz. No doubt, he has certainly succeeded.

The Graz Kunsthaus hosts many international exhibitions. Since there are no permanent exhibitions, it really depends on what kind of exhibition they are hosting at the time and your own personal taste, as to whether or not a visit to the Kunsthaus is worthwhile.

Address: Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz

Lendplatz & Farmers Market

The Lendplatz is not necessarily a place most tourists will visit, but is rather popular amongst the locals and considered a secret tip. There is a farmer’s market here every day except for Sundays, from about 6am in the morning. There are many local and regional delicacies for sale at the stalls.

Our tip: Lendplatz has a number of permanent eateries, including “Lenz im Lend”. This small café is a nice place for breakfast during the warmer months.

Address: Lendplatz, 8020 Graz

Schloss Eggenberg

Just outside the centre, to the west of Graz, is the most important Baroque Castle in Styria: Schloss Eggenberg – which dates back to the 17th century. An interesting fact about the history of the building: The   castle structure was designed according to a number symbolism. For example, the castle has exactly 365 exterior windows, which corresponds to 365 days a year.

Schloss Eggenberg is located in a large park that attracts not only tourists but is also used by locals for long walks. It probably won’t take long before you come across one of the park’s friendly peacocks.

The Prunkräume ( State Rooms ) can only be visited as part of a guided tour. We ourselves were there in February, but the rooms were unfortunately closed for the winter break. However, we still think that a visit to Schloss Eggenberg is worthwhile, with or without a guide.

Information about visiting the Schloss Eggenberg:

Admission: 2 Euros for the Castle Park (open all year round). The Prunkräume (State Rooms) costs 17 Euros – it is only accessible as part of a guided tour and only open between April and October. Address: Eggenberger Allee 90, 8020 Graz Getting there: either by car (parking available) or by Tram Line 1 (Schloss Eggenberg Stop) or Line 7 (Franz-Steiner-Gasse Stop)

Ducks Coffee Shop

This Café is one of the most hipster cafes in Graz and is definitely worth a stopover. We came here for breakfast and found the selection reasonable. The food was delicious and the coffee – excellent.

The upholstery is very comfortable and during the warmer months you can drink your coffee outside in the Schanigarten (outdoor terrace).

Address: Raubergasse 14, 8010 Graz

Freiblick Tagescafé

The Freiblick Tagescafé is probably the best place for an Aperitivo with a view . It is located on the last floor of the well-known Kastner & Öhler Department Store. Personally, we did not find the interior atmosphere super great, but the outside terrace is fantastic.

Address: Sackstraße 7-13, 8010 Graz (on the roof of the Kastner & Öhler Department Store)

“ Tri nk Be sseren Ka ffee” is the slogan – which translates to “Drink Better Coffee” in English. What can we say? The coffee here really does taste amazing. Tribeka has a total of four branches, all located in Graz. It’s the perfect place for a quick coffee break, and you can even treat yourself to a piece of cake or a Pastel de Nata.

Address: There are 4 branches in Graz, and 2 of them are very close to the city centre (Grieskai 2 or Kaiserfeldgasse 6)

When we asked for tips on Instagram, there was no other pub recommended to us more than the Freigeist – so of course we had to stop by. And we were certainly not disappointed. Hands down the best burger we’ve had in a very long time. Despite only one vegetarian option, it was delicious.

The Freigeist is extremely popular and therefore can be quite full. We came during the week without a reservation and managed to just get a seat at the bar.

Address: Klosterwiesgasse 2, 8010 Graz

Tips for more cafes and restaurants in Graz

The selection of cafes and restaurants in Graz is huge and unfortunately we could not visit all the places we had on our list. However, we would still like to share with you some tips we received via Instagram. Maybe you’ll find some of these café or restaurant suggestions, suitable for you:

Der Steirer: Modern, Styrian cuisine; great lunch menus during the week Ginko Greenhouse: Vegan cafe with bowls, smoothies and everything you would expect at a hipster cafe. Kunsthauscafé: We went for a quick drink in the evening here and enjoyed it very much. Apparently, the breakfast is also good.

On our most recent trip to Graz we stayed at the Grand Hôtel Wiesler , which we can highly recommend. The Hotel Wiesler is one of the hippest boutique hotels in Graz – The ambiance is young and stylish, but not too over done, the location of the hotel could hardly be more central.

The entire hotel is furnished with great attention to detail and derived its inspiration from many different styles. For example: The sinks in the rooms were acquired from Mexico. With regards to the rooms, the general theme tends to be quite purist and minimalistic . For some, the atmosphere may be a little too sterile, but the beds are super comfortable and that is the most important thing.

The beautiful free-standing bfath and city views are definitely the highlight here. Unfortunately, we did not get to test the breakfast, but it is supposedly very good and attracts even non-hotel guests. All in all: not the cheapest option in Graz, but one that is highly recommended .

You can view and book the hotel here: Grand Hôtel Wiesler

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. For you, this does not change the price at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Graz? Do you have any more tips or reviews? We look forward to your comments!

You might also be interested in this

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2 responses.

Hallo Kathi und Romeo,

As a popular music violinist do you know how I could find open mic or open stage establishments where people go weekly or monthly to share their songs?

Danke sehr for ihr information.

Hi Bruce, We’re so sorry but we don’t know where to find such a place. You could try to contact the official tourism board of Graz: https://www.graztourismus.at/en – they might be able to answer your question. :) Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

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Graz: One of the most beautiful small cities in Europe

During your time at AIMS you’ll live and study right in the heart of Graz, the second largest city in Austria. From its famous red roofs to its stunningly preserved medieval city center – the largest in Europe – Graz is full of charm and surprises at every turn. You’ll find magnificent modern buildings next to ancient architectural treasures. It’s a city full of world-class museums, magnificent palaces, splendid courtyards, beautiful churches and lush green spaces. And with three universities hosting 44,000 students, Graz is full of restaurants and cafes, cabarets and comedy clubs as well.

The city’s central location allows for weekend excursions by car or train to Vienna, the Austrian alps, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Venice, Budapest, Munich and Austria’s wine region. The area around Graz is also home to many natural wonders – parks, waterfalls and trails that make for a perfect afternoon excursion.

Useful Links

1 Day in Graz: Itinerary with Top 10 Things to Do

What to do in Graz, Austria?

Set off today to discover Graz,  Austria  ‘s second largest city ,  capital of the province of Styria  and a  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To visit Graz  is to discover a rather unique city, a  mixture of typical Austrian architecture,  with  much more modern buildings . Elected  European Capital of Culture  in 2003, some facilities are still in place and give the city a certain originality.

In order to help you organize your stay, we have prepared a  complete guide of things to do and see in Graz .

You will also find our advice on 1 day Graz itinerary  and our selection of the  best accommodation  to best prepare for your  trip to Austria.

So what are the must-see places of interest in Graz?  What to do and see? 

Table of Contents

Visit Graz: the must-sees

1. the schlossberg.

Nothing better to  start your visit to Graz  than to observe it from above!  Direction the Schlossberg,  a hill culminating at 123 meters and overlooking the city where you can  enjoy a superb panorama.

To get there from Graz city center,   you have the following options:

• On foot  from Schlossbergplatz square, allow about 30 minutes to climb the 260 steps
• By elevator,  which will take you inside the hill
• By funicular , starting from the Place de l’Empereur François-Joseph to the summit.

Schlossberg means “Castle Mountain” , because at the time, there was indeed  a castle on the hill.  Until the 19th century, the Schlossberg served as a  military post and refuge for the inhabitants of Graz  in the event of enemy attacks. Napoleonic troops never managed to take it.

However, following the Treaty of Schonberg, it was demanded that  the fortifications be destroyed as a sign of peace.  Today there is almost nothing left.

However, the inhabitants managed to preserve from destruction 2 buildings, which have become  the symbols , and  the main tourist attractions of Graz  :  the Clock Tower  (Urhtum) and  the Bell Tower  (Glockenturm).

Each with its particularity: the Clock Tower had for a long time only  one hand indicating the time , and the Bell Tower shelters  a bell of 4.5 tons, the “Lisl”,  the biggest bell of Graz.

Today, the Schlossberg has been  converted into a very beautiful park  where it is very pleasant to walk.

You will also find  restaurants and  souvenir shops. And above all it offers  a breathtaking view of the roofs of Graz  and the mountains in the background.

This is a must do to get your holiday in Austria off to a good start!

2. The Main Square

The Hauptplatz  is the  main square to see during your stay in Graz  and the ideal starting point for doing some sightseeing.

All the main streets such as  Herrengasse,  Sackstrasse  or  Murgasse  start from there and allow you to  reach places of interest in Graz.

Designed in the Middle Ages to accommodate the market, it still remains the nerve center of the city  today . In particular, you can  admire the Rathaus  (the town hall) and many  historic buildings with superb colored  and painted facades.

Not to be missed in Graz:  the Luegg Haus , a 15th century building with beautiful arcades (which now houses a Swarovski boutique) and  the Adler Apotheke , the oldest pharmacy in Graz.

In the heart of the old town of Graz, you will also find many  bars and restaurants  to have a drink on the terrace.

But if you want to  have a quick lunch on Hauptplatz,  I advise you to  try one of the many food trucks  serving delicious Austrian specialties! A  trip to Austria  would not be complete without a bit of gastronomy!

The square is lively all day and late into the evening. It often hosts  cultural events  and festivals. If you have chosen to  visit Graz during the holidays , this is also where the  Christmas market is located.

3. Herrengasse

From Hauptplatz , then take  Herrengasse, the most touristic street to go to in Graz.

It is  the main shopping street of the city , so you will find the  traditional fashion boutiques  there to do some shopping. Jewelery, shoe and clothing stores, textiles or accessories, nothing is missing!

This street, a must in Graz, is also  entirely pedestrian,  you just have to be careful of the tram.

But Herrengasse is also very  beautiful palaces and magnificent facades to admire .

The Landhaushof courtyard  in particular, with its arcades and cobblestones, is considered a  masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance .

At n°7,  I also advise you to stop in front of  the painted facade of the Gemaltes Haus , to admire the  frescoes representing the gods of Greek mythology.

Tips for your Graz itinerary: Take advantage of being on Herrengasse  to go to  the Graz Tourist Office  located just next to the Landhaus, at number 16.

They have put together a  very useful little leaflet with maps and 3 ideas for walks in Graz . You will also find in it historical information on the monuments to see. Very well done and complete.

4. The Landeszeughaus

Right next to the Landhaus is  the Landeszeughaus, the must-visit museum  on  your trip to Graz.

With more than  32,000 exhibits on 4 floors,  the museum houses  the largest collection of arms and armor in the world !  Cannons, swords, armor, halberds, helmets,  there is something for everyone.

I had already seen the armory of the Palace of the Grand Masters in  Malta  and the Royal Armory in  Turin,  but this one outclasses them all. The place is really impressive.

Among the many objects to see, do not miss a piece of great value,  one of the 7 completely preserved horse armors  still existing in the world.

Prices and schedules can be found on  the museum’s official website  (in English).

Tips for your Graz itinerary: The Landeszeughaus is part of the  Universal Museum Joanneum , comprising several museums in Graz.

You can therefore choose  to buy a combined 24h or 48h ticket , giving you also  access to the Kunsthaus and to Schloss Eggenberg  (which I talk about below). This is the most economical option to visit these 3 places of interest in Graz during your tour in Austria.

5. St. Giles Cathedral in Graz

Continue your tour of Graz through the cathedral,  which is located in the historic center.

Built in the 15th century,  during the reign of Emperor Frederick III, it is  one of the most important monuments to see in Graz , whether culturally or artistically and historically.

Gothic in style , the exterior of Saint-Gilles Cathedral may seem a bit austere. On the south side and to the left, however, you will find the  famous fresco “The plagues”.

It represents the 3 plagues (the plague, the locusts and the Turks) which fell on Styria during the year 1480, a terrible year for the population.

The interior of the cathedral is particularly interesting to visit. You can admire some  precious objects  there , including  2 wooden chests adorned with ivory  and containing  relics of Christian martyrs.

Also worth seeing:  the cathedral choir , its altarpiece and  the organ made up of more than 5,350 pipes.

Tips for your Graz itinerary: Leaving the cathedral, pass by  the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.  Impressive from the outside and with a very beautiful interior decoration, it is the most imposing tomb of the Habsburg family and a monument not to be missed in Graz.

6. Murinsel / The Island on the Mur

I continue this  tourist guide of Graz by the island on the Mur  or Murinsel, which is part of the modern elements of Graz.

The island is actually  a work of art  dating back to Graz’s participation as  European Capital of Culture in 2003.

The building,  in the shape of a giant shell , was created by the New York artist Vito Acconci and  serves to connect the 2 banks of the Mur  (the Graz river).

The project was to be temporary and withdrawn at the end of the year, but the inhabitants, for whom this strange work had become  a symbol of the city , wanted to keep it.

Inside this unusual emblem, you will find  a café and an amphitheater.  One of the curiosities where to go for a walk in Graz.

7. The Kunsthaus Graz

Another curiosity with futuristic architecture  to visit in Graz,  the Kunsthaus .

The Kunsthaus is  the museum of contemporary art.

It is located  on the other side of the Mur  from the historic center, so you can  go through the Murinsel  to visit it.

It was also built in 2003 by 2 London architects who dubbed their work  “Friendly Alien” .

And we must admit that the exterior structure of the museum is really bizarre:  indefinable shape, blue color and a kind of tentacles on the roof ! A perfect example of the atypical character of Graz, between modernity and tradition.

The Kunsthaus does not offer permanent exhibitions only  temporary exhibitions lasting from 1 to 3 months , and of both national and international artists, so you will be surprised by visiting it!

Now you know where to go and   what to do in Graz when it rains!

Tips for your Graz itinerary: Climb to the top floor of the museum  and step out onto the terrace for a panoramic view of the city.

8. Schloss Eggenberg

Last unmissable place of interest to see in Graz,  Schloss Eggenberg.

Located a little away from the city, you can  take tram line 1  to reach it.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  it is  the largest castle in Styria . It was built in 1625 by the imperial adviser of Ferdinand II, Hans Ulrich Von Eggenberg.

Unusual fact,  the construction was organized around time and seasons  : 4 towers for the 4 seasons, 365 windows for the days, 31 rooms on each floor, 24 ceremonial rooms etc.…

You can  visit certain rooms inside  the castle such as  the Planets room  and its wall painted with the 12 signs of the zodiac,  the reception rooms  and  the Old Gallery . However, some of these rooms are only accessible by guided tour, which is a bit of a shame.

The castle also includes  several museums  including  the archeology museum  and  the cabinet de la Monnaie  where you can see several pieces dating  from Antiquity to the 18th century.

The castle also has  a superb and large park  (entrance fee, around €2). You can  walk among the peacocks  and even have a picnic in the area specially made available. There is also a cafe.

What to do around Graz?

After discovering the center of Graz, you can continue your stay in Austria by  visiting the surroundings of Graz.

I have prepared for you my selection of the  most beautiful places to see around Graz.

9. Rabenstein Castle

We start with  Burg Rabenstein, a castle  located 35 minutes by car north of Graz.

Built in the 12th century , the castle has been  superbly renovated  and perfectly combines  the old and the modern  with its  rotating glass elevator  allowing you to admire a 180° view of the surrounding forest.

The  guided tour of the castle , which lasts approximately  1h30,  allows you to discover the interior courtyard, the chapel and the ceremonial rooms. It is however mandatory to book on  the official website.

10. The Austrian Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden or Österreichischer Skulpturen Park is another place  to visit near Graz.  It is located 13 km from the historic center.

The park houses more than  70 giant sculptures  spread over 7 hectares and created by  Austrian but also international artists.

It is open every day  from April to October   and the visit is free. To see, if you are an art lover or want to take some original photos.

How many days to visit Graz?

1 day is enough to visit Graz .

Everything is easily done on foot,  except for Schloss Eggenberg where it is best to take the tram.

The monuments to see are all  concentrated in the historic center  or nearby, so it’s very convenient.

1 Day Graz Itinerary

If you only have  1 day to spend in Graz  between 2 stages of your tour in Austria, it will be more than  enough to visit the old town.

Here is an example of a walk to  visit Graz in one day  :

• Ascent by funicular, elevator or on foot to the  Schlossberg  to admire the panorama
• Walk to discover the  historic center of Graz: Hauptplatz and Herrengasse
• Visit to the Landeszeughaus
• Passage through  the Saint-Gilles cathedral in Graz
• Lunch break
• Crossing the island on the Mur
• Discovery of the  Kunsthaus  and its unique architecture
• Late afternoon at  Schloss Eggenberg.

Recommended Accommodation in Graz

Like all cities in Austria, Graz is no exception to the rule and accommodation is quite expensive.

So we can never repeat ourselves enough but  book as soon as possible  to avoid the best accommodations being taken!

Here is  my selection of the best hotels to stay in Graz:

• Hotel Daniel Graz:   Located 10 minutes walk from the historic center. Modern and pleasant double room from €77 per night, breakfast at €25. Most: the geographical location, the good breakfast, the friendliness of the staff.
• Hotel Mercure Graz City:  Located 400 meters from the clock tower. Spacious and comfortable double room from €100 per night, breakfast at €18. Most: the comfort of the rooms, the location, the quality of the breakfast.
• Hotel Weitzer Graz:  Located in the heart of the old town. Spacious and well-equipped double room from €120 per night, breakfast at €25. The pluses: close to all places of interest, the hearty breakfast, the impeccable service.
• Augarten Art Hotel  : Located 1km from the historic center. Tram station nearby to reach the center. Elegant and designer double room from €180, breakfast at €15. The pluses: the decoration of the hotel with numerous works of art, the comfort of the rooms, the swimming pool, the kindness and the availability of the staff.  Our favorite, ideal for an upscale stay in Graz.

Where to eat in Graz

• Area 5  :  Located on Jakominiplatz. The restaurant has a large roof terrace for the panoramic view of Graz. The place is very nice. The dishes are simple but you can select the ingredients yourself for your pasta or salads, for example. The quality/price ratio is unbeatable. Ideal for the lunch break.
• El Gaucho  : Located on Landhausgasse Street. Steak house offering a wide choice of very good meat. You can choose the weight and the different accompaniments. The quality is there. Red meat lovers will be satisfied.
• Der Steirer Graz  : Located in Belgiergasse street. You can taste typical Austrian dishes in a neat and authentic decor. Varied menu, homemade dishes, wide choice of local wines and very good value for money! Reservation recommended.

Graz tourist map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you  a tourist map of Graz,  listing the places to visit that I talk about in  this top 10 things to do in Graz.  You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

Are you planning to visit Graz during your holiday in Austria? 

Are you going to Austria? Read also:

• What to do in Austria?  The TOP 20 things to do and see in Austria
• Itinerary: A week in Austria:  Itinerary to prepare your trip to Austria
• Hallstatt: The 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: Top 15 places to visit
• Linz: The 12 places to see
• Salzburg: The 17 must-sees to visit
• Vienna:   Top 25 Must-See Things

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Is Graz Worth Visiting? A Sustainable, Authentic, and Charming YES

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2022

Is Graz Worth Visiting ? Well… of course it is. But what you’ll get out of the trip depends on what kind of traveler you are. 

Graz is Austria’s ‘second city,’ but you really wouldn’t guess it when you first step foot onto the Main Street, Herrengasse. The city is still large and expansive while maintaining a countryside attitude, a slower pace of life, and an appreciation for little things like a delicious chocolate, a cold spritzer on the patio, and a sunny afternoon.

I spent the first half of my trip dumbfounded that Graz isn’t really on the tourist map, but the second half coming to the conclusion that I think it sort of likes it that way. 

Graz Tourism has everything a destination would want – fascinating history, viewpoints, charming streets, truly unbelievable food of all kinds, modern design and architecture on every corner, many types of day trips and nature close-by, wine, plenty of culture, and largely just locals in the streets. 

But Graz tends to find itself on the itineraries of a different type of traveler – one that likes to delve a bit deeper, stay a bit longer, and trace stories back to their roots rather than just accepting them at face value. This is the place for people who want to really savor their morning coffee in a local shop, interact with farmers at the farmers market, get lost in the tiny streets and courtyards, and spend actual time in the museums and parks rather than just making a new tick on their bucket list.

Graz is perfect for slow travel.

But is visiting Graz still worth it if you only have one day? I mean, again, of course it is. But after your first taste you’ll already want to start planning your second. 

Here are some reasons to visit Graz that will impress any traveler who likes not to only scratch the surface, but to dive much deeper into such a delightful destination. If you are already set on Graz, check out my massive Graz Travel Guide too.

With LESS TOURISTS: Graz is a MORE AUTHENTIC European City to Visit 

Again, Graz is Austria’s second largest city, but there’s a distinct lack of overpowering tourism that you see in other big European cities these days. The city center is FULL of locals – living, working, and showing off their city. It’s also a young city with many universities and over 60,000 students taking different types of courses.

You would never see so many locals in the center of Paris or Amsterdam, but it’s a normal thing for locals here in Graz to spend their Sunday at their favorite restaurant or even museum in town. It’s somehow still a hidden gem even being only 2.5 hours away from its massive big sister, Vienna… learn how to get to Graz from Vienna here .

Graz is SO special because it has been able to preserve the authenticity that many other European cities have lost. It’s impossible NOT to interact with locals here – you’ll find them exploring the alleys and visiting courtyard bars, and even in the shops and city viewpoints.

I have found that they LOVE their city and they’re happy to share WHY, with you. Everything isn’t automatically tourist-tailored or English here, and you have to delve a bit deeper to get by (the google translate camera is amazing). 

Unbelievable Food: Truly Deliciously Incredible and Diverse Food Offerings!

Graz is the foodie capital of Austria for a reason (Actually though, it was voted the food capital of Austria). Because of hundreds of farms within the city lines and SO much local produce comes dozens of restaurants in the city serving super fresh, super local, super delicious food. 

Graz has every type of restaurant you can imagine, in the highest of quality. There are plenty of traditional Austrian places as well as Austrian with a modern twist. But, you can find all kinds of ethnic food here too as Graz is also very diverse!

We tried Levantic food, vegan food, Italian food, other middle eastern and more modern interesting menus too. All of it was divine! I’ll need to write a foodies guide to Graz one day and I’ll link it here when I do. 

Graz has Incredible Sustainability Initiatives from Tourism to Everyday Life 

Sustainability is a part of Graz’s DNA. With a young and forward-thinking city comes dozens of sustainable, organic, fair trade, and more initiatives all over the city. It truly feels like it’s second-nature for Graz residents to source locally, reuse, minimize waste, and do things the more gentle and sustainable way.

Some of their most impressive sustainability measures include refillable coffee cups called Backups that people use to minimize coffee cup waste, water taps all over the city coupled with reusable water bottles to minimize plastic bottle waste, some zero waste food shops where you can bring your own containers, and more.

Graz Sustainability in Food 

One of the most special things about Graz is that there are over 100 farms within the actual city lines, and this increases the ease of sourcing products locally from the individual to the large restaurant or company. There are quite a few local farmers markets in Graz (that are open 6 days a week), and unlike many places in the world, you interact with the farmers themselves – selling you the product that they grew, baked, distilled, made, or even killed themself. Now THAT is going straight to the source! 

There’s a special certification for restaurants called GenussHauptstadt (Capital of Delight) that they can only get if they source at least 70% of their products locally – from the ingredients to the wine. And the coolest thing is that the people of Graz actually look for and care about a certification like this, because being sustainable is a way of life. 

Just a Few Examples of Local + Sustainable Graz Restaurants

Hummel Restaurant is owned by two local women who also own a zero waste food shop. By meticulous portion measurements and sharing platters as their way of eating, they aim to make the restaurant as close to zero waste as they can, too. 

Der Steirer Restaurant specializes in local Styrian wine and typical Styrian food dishes with a different special each day. Try the backhendl or the tafelspitz!

Stammtisch am Paulustor crafts incredibly creative dishes from local and seasonal fare. They are a member of the GenussHauptStadt program and you just might try a delicious dish combination you’ve never heard of before!

Graz Sustainability in Clothing 

Many clothing shops in Graz also either upcycle or use fair trade and local products. In the creative and hip neighborhood of Lend (which used to be the bad area, but a few hundred years and some gentrification later, it’s the place to be) you can find dozens of small, fair trade shops along the main road of Mariahilferstrasse. There’s no chain store to be seen on this street – only locally owned shops exhibiting unique products you won’t find anywhere else. 

Many of the shops here have community initiatives also. In the shop called Offline Retail , you will find upcycled fabric turned into bags, cloths, and clothing as well as thrifted pre-loved items being resold. The MOST special thing about this shop is that they employ recovering drug addicts to help give them a chance to get back to work and learn new skills. 

We also got the chance to visit a very special clothing company called Peaces.bio , owned by a woman named Susanne who creates incredible screen prints from plants in her garden and photos that she took. She takes pride in her clothing being organic and fair trade, and also locally sourced whenever possible.

She uses Austrian linen from within a few hours away, organic cotton, tencel (which is a material made from trees), lovesick (made from butterfly silk without harming butterflies), some hemp, and fair wool. Check out her store online – she has some lovely pieces!

Graz is Worth Visiting for Fascinating History Throughout the Ages 

The story of Graz is fascinating from start to finish, and there are remnants of so many different times in history left throughout the city. 

The entire old town is an UNESCO protected historical site stacked with medieval buildings and courtyards, adorned with renaissance frescos and even baroque stuccos and colorful painted scenes. From Hapsburg Mausoleums to WW2 sites, you can find a bit of everything. Graz was first made a city in the 1200’s, and went

The old town is as charming as anything, with cobblestone streets giving way to patio cafes, dancing clock chimes and green leafy pathways up to the ancient castle and iconic clock tower.

The Old Town and Newer Hip Design Neighborhoods are Just Across the River

But the history here isn’t JUST ancient. Something I really loved about Graz was the more newly gentrified neighborhoods. See, there are no ‘new’ neighborhoods in Graz – they have all been around for hundreds of years – but some of them are more recently, well, ‘accepted’ as good places to live.

Lend used to be the bad part of town. It used to be the grimy trade street between Graz and the sea in Trieste. It was known to be full of traders selling their goods, over 100 bars and pubs, prostitutes, brothels, and more. It was never known to be safe.

But in the last 20 years, Lend has become the new and trendy place to hang out in Graz; it’s where the creative youth come to live, work, make art, open trendy bars and restaurants, and enjoy being edgy. The brothels and pubs have been converted to trendy eateries/bars and dozens of super-local, fair trade shops showcasing local work.

Lend really took off back in 2003 when Graz won the European culture capital which enabled tons of new museums and projects such as the Kunsthaus and Murinsel. Lend is now a modern design city (an actual UNESCO City of Design ) because of the architecture school and the massive boom of modern architecture!since the early 2000’s.

With such a massive transformation of Lend comes the need for its reputation to move on, and that’s there Gries comes in. Gries is even more grungy and has the vibe that Lend used to have. It’s more multicultural and full of street art, culture, and incredible stories to learn. It has a GriesKram street festival once a year that we were lucky enough to be able to visit with live music and drinks in the streets.

In Graz, Everything is Within Walking Distance.

From ancient to modern, the history in Graz is tangible and captivating. And the BEST part about it is that all these places are within 10 minutes of each other on foot. You don’t have to go far in Graz to get a dose of something different. 

You can truly walk between all the main sites of Graz in 10-15 minutes. That’s all you need to get from a historic courtyard/armory museum to a newly opened hip eatery across the river, or from the contemporary art museum “Kunsthaus” to the old 16th century castle. 

Many European cities are MUCH more spread out, and it’s refreshing to have all the different vibes from old to new be so easily accessible in Graz. 

There’s TONS of Things to do Outside the City of Graz, too.

But, the city center isn’t all Graz has to offer. One of the best reasons to visit Graz is actually the beautiful countryside around the city itself in Styria, Graz’s province. The countryside is full of many farms and small towns, some mountains and hiking trails, LOTS of wineries, and even more historic places and museums to visit and learn from.

In the north there are farm shops to visit and get home made products, hiking trails and even climbing areas, beautofu countryside, and even an open air museum with historic Austrian medieval houses and setups so you can learn how people used to live around here.

In the south there are dozens of wineries and even a winery taxi service that goes between them. Styria produces some incredible wine, so it’s important to try some whether you make it to an actual winery in Graz or not!

In the east, there’s an extinct Volcanic field to visit that is home to a great spa region with multiple options, thermal hot springs, and MANY more wineries in the same area. This area is called Vulkanland, and would be the absolute perfect getaway. In the west there are even bigger mountain peaks to conquer! Where will you go first?

Graz Pays Attention to Accessibility

Graz takes great care to ensure the city meets accessibility requirements for all kinds of disabilities. I was first impressed when entering my hotel that there were multiple floors of completely accessible rooms with ramps and lots of space. I noticed many ramps to get into stores around the city, too.

Something that impressed me the most about accessibility in Graz were the tiny models in front of some of the main sights in Graz that enables the visually impaired to also be able to experience the shape and design of the building even if they couldn’t see it.

Most of the main sights have a small model of it in front of it with a braille explanation, like the Kunsthaus, the Clock Tower, the Opera House, and more. Each road crossing also has raised lines so visually impaired know they’re coming up to a crossing. 

Graz Shows an Incredible Mix Between Old and New

Given that Graz has an UNESCO protected historic Old town right across the river from a certified UNESCO city of Design, there’s a truly incredible micture between old and new here that can be seen across the entire city.

There are dozens of modern, magnificently designed buildings next to charming historic ones that creates a beautiful and thought provoking form of dissonance (in the best of ways).

From the architecture school across from the Graz opera to the few hundred-year-old converted monastery next to futuristic office buildings, its thrilling to see so much variety of architecture and sculpture in this city.

So…. is Graz worth visiting ? I truly hope after reading this the answer is an enthusiastic YES!

If you are thinking of comin from Vienna don’t forget to choose the best ways to Graz from Vienna , and check out my full comprehensive Graz Travel Guide.

More on Austria and Central Europe:

• Vorarlberg Destinations + What to Do in Each
• A daring Via Ferrata in Montafon, Austria
• 3 Days in Prague

Thank you to Visit Graz for sponsoring this post. As always, all words are completely my own and I can’t wait to return to this city!

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Austria – Lebensgefühl. Experience the Joy of Life in The Heart of Europe

Feel the ease, the serenity, the love for great food and art and culture, the charming wit, the welcoming atmosphere – feel the Austrian Lebensgefühl

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A Summer in Austria - Your Daily Dose of 'Lebensgefühl'

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A Holiday in Austria puts a Smile on your Face

An experience, an encounter, sometimes just a moment - and the new somehow feels familiar. In Austria, this atmosphere is literally in the air: A sensation that, in nature, feels light and free, full of fun and joie de vivre. A feeling that, while connecting with the people who live here, feels genuine.

Mountains, water, energetic places, cultural treasures - that is Austria for you. As well as cooling off in a crystal-clear lake, the gratifying feeling when conquering a summit, and a snack at a mountain hut. Austria is the freedom of an open-air festival, and the cosiness of a wine tavern. All places and moments, that make it easy to clear your head, to be amazed, to feel the vitality. The spark is quickly ignited. Anyone who is a guest here becomes part of this very special attitude to life.

Experience Austria's Nature

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In Harmony with Austria

When you spend your holiday in Austria, you will experience that one moment – the moment that you’ll remember for years to come, the moment you’ll return to in your head when life gets stressful.

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It's the small moments that make us happy: The pride on our best friend's face when finally reaching the summit. Or at night, falling asleep with achy legs but a smile on our face. That's what life in the outdoors is all about.

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[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "imageobject", "url": "/static/img/icon/recipe.png", "contenturl": "/static/img/icon/recipe.png", "caption": "favourite austrian recipes", "isfamilyfriendly": true }] favourite austrian recipes.

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Orbits and Kepler’s Laws

Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

The story of how we understand planetary motion could not be told if it were not for the work of a German mathematician named Johannes Kepler. 

Kepler's three laws describe how planets orbit the Sun. They describe how (1) planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun as a focus, (2) a planet covers the same area of space in the same amount of time no matter where it is in its orbit, and (3) a planet’s orbital period is proportional to the size of its orbit.

Who Was Johannes Kepler?

Johannes Kepler was born on Dec. 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Württemberg, which is now in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

As a rather frail young man, the exceptionally talented Kepler turned to mathematics and the study of the heavens early on. When he was six, his mother pointed out a comet visible in the night sky. When Kepler was nine, his father took him out one night under the stars to observe a lunar eclipse. These events both made a vivid impression on Kepler's youthful mind and turned him toward a life dedicated to astronomy.

Kepler lived and worked in Graz, Austria, during the tumultuous early 17th century. Due to religious and political difficulties common during that era, Kepler was banished from Graz on Aug. 2, 1600. 

Fortunately, he found work as an assistant to the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe (usually referred to by his first name) in Prague. Kepler moved his family from Graz, 300 miles (480 kilometers) across the Danube River to Tycho's home.

Kepler and the Mars Problem

Tycho was a brilliant astronomer. He is credited with making the most accurate astronomical observations of his time, which he accomplished without the aid of a telescope. He had been impressed with Kepler’s studies in an earlier meeting. 

However, some historians think Tycho mistrusted Kepler, fearing that his bright young intern might eclipse him as the premier astronomer of his day. Because of this, he only let Kepler see part of his voluminous collection of planetary data.

Tycho assigned Kepler the task of understanding the orbit of the planet Mars. The movement of Mars was problematic – it didn’t quite fit the models as described by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle (384 to 322 B.C.E.) and Egyptian astronomer Claudius Ptolemy (about 100 C.E to 170 C.E.). Aristotle thought Earth was the center of the universe, and that the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars revolved around it. Ptolemy developed this concept into a standardized,  geocentric model (now known as the Ptolemaic system) based around Earth as a stationary object, at the center of the universe.

Historians think that part of Tycho’s motivation for giving the Mars problem to Kepler was Tycho's hope that it would keep Kepler occupied while Tycho worked to perfect his own theory of the solar system. That theory was based on a geocentric model, modified from Ptolemy's, in which the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn all orbit the Sun, which in turn orbits Earth. 

As it turned out, Kepler, unlike Tycho, believed firmly in a model of the solar system known as the heliocentric model, which correctly placed the Sun at its center. This is also known as the Copernican system, because it was developed by astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543). But the reason Mars' orbit was problematic was because the Copernican system incorrectly assumed the orbits of the planets to be circular.

Like many philosophers of his era, Kepler had a mystical belief that the circle was the universe’s perfect shape, so he also thought the planets’ orbits must be circular. For many years, he struggled to make Tycho’s observations of the motions of Mars match up with a circular orbit.

Kepler eventually realized that the orbits of the planets are not perfect circles. His brilliant insight was that planets move in elongated, or flattened, circles called ellipses. 

The particular difficulties Tycho had with the movement of Mars were due to the fact that its orbit was the most elliptical of the planets for which he had extensive data. Thus, in a twist of irony, Tycho unwittingly gave Kepler the very part of his data that would enable his assistant to formulate the correct theory of the solar system.

Basic Properties of Ellipses

Since the orbits of the planets are ellipses, it might be helpful to review three basic properties of an ellipse:

• An ellipse is defined by two points, each called a focus, and together called foci. The sum of the distances to the foci from any point on the ellipse is always a constant. 
• The amount of flattening of the ellipse is called the eccentricity. The flatter the ellipse, the more eccentric it is. Each ellipse has an eccentricity with a value between zero (a circle), and one (essentially a flat line, technically called a parabola).
• The longest axis of the ellipse is called the major axis, while the shortest axis is called the minor axis. Half of the major axis is termed a semi-major axis. 

After determining that the orbits of the planets are elliptical, Kepler formulated three laws of planetary motion, which accurately described the motion of comets as well.

Kepler's Laws

In 1609 Kepler published “Astronomia Nova,” which explained what are now called Kepler's first two laws of planetary motion. Kepler had noticed that an imaginary line drawn from a planet to the Sun swept out an equal area of space in equal times, regardless of where the planet was in its orbit. If you draw a triangle from the Sun to a planet’s position at one point in time and its position at a fixed time later, the area of that triangle is always the same, anywhere in the orbit. 

For all these triangles to have the same area, the planet must move more quickly when it’s near the Sun, but more slowly when it is farther from the Sun. This discovery became Kepler’s second law of orbital motion, and led to the realization of what became Kepler’s first law: that the planets move in an ellipse with the Sun at one focus point, offset from the center. 

In 1619, Kepler published “Harmonices Mundi,” in which he describes his "third law." The third law shows that there is a precise mathematical relationship between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the amount of time it takes revolve around the Sun.

Here are Kepler’s Three Laws:

Kepler's First Law : Each planet's orbit about the Sun is an ellipse. The Sun's center is always located at one focus of the ellipse. The planet follows the ellipse in its orbit, meaning that the planet-to-Sun distance is constantly changing as the planet goes around its orbit.

Kepler's Second Law: The imaginary line joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out – or covers – equal areas of space during equal time intervals as the planet orbits. Basically, the planets do not move with constant speed along their orbits. Instead, their speed varies so that the line joining the centers of the Sun and the planet covers an equal area in equal amounts of time. The point of nearest approach of the planet to the Sun is called perihelion. The point of greatest separation is aphelion, hence by Kepler's second law, a planet is moving fastest when it is at perihelion and slowest at aphelion.

Kepler's Third Law: The orbital period of a planet, squared, is directly proportional to the semi-major axes of its orbit, cubed. This is written in equation form as p 2 =a 3 . Kepler's third law implies that the period for a planet to orbit the Sun increases rapidly with the radius of its orbit. Mercury, the innermost planet, takes only 88 days to orbit the Sun. Earth takes 365 days, while distant Saturn requires 10,759 days to do the same.  

How We Use Kepler’s Laws Today

Kepler didn’t know about gravity, which is responsible for holding the planets in their orbits around the Sun, when he came up with his three laws. But Kepler’s laws were instrumental in Isaac Newton’s development of his theory of universal gravitation, which explained the unknown force behind Kepler's third law. Kepler and his theories were crucial in the understanding of solar system dynamics and as a springboard to newer theories that more accurately approximate planetary orbits. However, his third law only applies to objects in our own solar system. 

Newton’s version of Kepler’s third law allows us to calculate the masses of any two objects in space if we know the distance between them and how long they take to orbit each other (their orbital period). What Newton realized was that the orbits of objects in space depend on their masses, which led him to discover gravity.

Newton’s generalized version of Kepler’s third law is the basis of most measurements we can make of the masses of distant objects in space today. These applications include determining the masses of moons orbiting the planets, stars that orbit each other, the masses of black holes (using nearby stars affected by their gravity), the masses of exoplanets (planets orbiting stars other than our Sun), and the existence of mysterious dark matter in our galaxy and others.

In planning trajectories (or flight plans) for spacecraft, and in making measurements of the masses of the moons and planets, modern scientists often go a step beyond Newton. They account for factors related to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, which is necessary to achieve the precision required by modern science measurements and spaceflight. 

However, Newton’s laws are still accurate enough for many applications, and Kepler’s laws remain an excellent guide for understanding how the planets move in our solar system.

Johannes Kepler died Nov. 15, 1630, at age 58. NASA's Kepler space telescope was named for him. The spacecraft launched March 6, 2009, and spent nine years searching for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars in our region of the Milky Way. The Kepler space telescope left a legacy of more than 2,600 planet discoveries from outside our solar system, many of which could be promising places for life.

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