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Graz, Österreich - Things to Do in Graz

Things to Do in Graz

Graz, Österreich - Complete Travel Guide

Graz, Austria's second-largest city and the capital of Styria, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts one of Europe's best-preserved historic centers, where Renaissance courtyards and Gothic churches coexist with cutting-edge contemporary architecture. The Schlossberg hill dominates the skyline with its iconic clock tower, while the futuristic Kunsthaus (nicknamed the 'Friendly Alien') represents the city's forward-thinking cultural scene. As a vibrant university town with over 60,000 students, Graz pulses with youthful energy while maintaining its Austrian traditions. The city serves as a culinary capital, earning the title of UNESCO City of Design, and offers an exceptional quality of life with its pedestrian-friendly old town, excellent public transport, and proximity to wine regions and alpine landscapes. Graz perfectly embodies the Austrian lifestyle of gemütlichkeit (coziness) while embracing innovation and creativity.

Top Things to Do in Graz

Explore the Historic Old Town

Wander through Graz's UNESCO-listed Altstadt, featuring the magnificent Hauptplatz with its Renaissance facades and the Gothic Stadtpfarrkirche. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with traditional Austrian architecture, charming courtyards, and historic landmarks. Don't miss the Landhaus with its stunning Renaissance courtyard and the impressive Graz Cathedral.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider a guided walking tour (€15-25) for historical context. Best visited in the morning when light illuminates the facades beautifully. Many attractions offer combined tickets for €20-30.

Climb Schlossberg Hill and Visit the Clock Tower

Ascend the iconic Schlossberg for panoramic views of Graz and visit the famous Uhrturm (Clock Tower), the city's most recognizable landmark. You can hike up the winding paths, take the funicular railway, or use the glass elevator built into the rock. The hilltop also features fortress ruins, gardens, and several restaurants.

Booking Tip: Funicular costs €2.60 one-way, €4.10 return. The glass elevator (Schlossberglift) costs €1.10 each way. Consider the 24-hour Graz Card (€17) which includes public transport and discounts. Best visited during sunset for spectacular views.

Discover Contemporary Art at Kunsthaus

Visit the striking Kunsthaus Graz, an architectural marvel known as the 'Friendly Alien' for its biomorphic blue bubble design. This contemporary art museum showcases rotating exhibitions of international modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a media facade that creates light displays after dark.

Booking Tip: Admission €9 for adults, €7 with student discount. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Purchase tickets online to avoid queues. The building is most photogenic in the evening when the media facade is illuminated.

Experience Local Cuisine and Wine Culture

Immerse yourself in Styrian culinary traditions by sampling local specialties like Styrian pumpkin seed oil, Backhendl, and regional wines. Visit traditional Gasthäuser, modern restaurants, or the farmers' market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz. The surrounding wine regions produce excellent Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €45-65 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book wine tastings in advance, especially on weekends. The Saturday farmers' market (7am-1pm) is free to browse and perfect for sampling local products.

Visit Eggenberg Palace and Gardens

Explore the magnificent Baroque Schloss Eggenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring opulent state rooms, the famous Planetary Garden, and peacocks roaming the grounds. The palace houses important collections including the Coin Collection and Archaeological Museum. The formal gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Booking Tip: Palace tours cost €14 for adults, gardens €4.50. Guided tours available in multiple languages for an additional €3. Best visited in late morning or early afternoon. Combined tickets with other Graz museums available for €25-35.

Getting There

Graz is easily accessible by various transportation modes. The city has its own airport (Graz Airport) with connections to major European cities, located 10km south of the center with regular bus connections (€2.60). By train, Graz is well-connected to Vienna (2.5 hours), Salzburg (4 hours), and international destinations like Ljubljana and Budapest. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is just south of the city center. By car, Graz sits at the intersection of major highways A2 and A9, making it easily reachable from Vienna, Salzburg, or neighboring countries. Long-distance buses also serve Graz from various European cities.

Getting Around

Graz boasts an excellent public transportation system operated by Graz Linien, including trams, buses, and regional trains. Single tickets cost €2.60, while day passes are €5.10. The historic center is largely pedestrianized and easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Cycling is very popular with an extensive bike lane network and bike-sharing systems available. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, though often unnecessary given the compact city center. The 24-hour or 48-hour Graz Card (€17/€22) includes unlimited public transport plus discounts at museums and attractions.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Innere Stadt)
Geidorf (University District)
Lend (Trendy Neighborhood)
Jakomini (Near Train Station)
Gries (Local Atmosphere)
St. Peter (Quiet Residential)

Food & Dining

Graz's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Austrian cuisine with innovative modern cooking, earning recognition as a UNESCO City of Design partly for its food culture. Traditional Gasthäuser serve hearty Styrian specialties like Backhendl (fried chicken), Tafelspitz, and dishes featuring the famous dark green pumpkin seed oil. The city center offers everything from cozy wine taverns (Buschenschanken) to Michelin-starred restaurants. Don't miss the Kaiser-Josef-Platz farmers' market for local produce, or the trendy Lend district for international cuisine and hip cafes. Many restaurants focus on regional ingredients from surrounding Styria, known for its excellent wines, organic farming, and artisanal products.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Austria

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Restaurant Al Borgo

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Il Capo dei Capi - Ristorante & Pizzeria

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Pizzeria Osteria da Giovanni

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Ristorante La Tavolozza

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Cantinetta Antinori Vienna

4.5 /5
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Da Giulio Linz

4.7 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Graz is from late spring through early autumn (May to October), when weather is pleasant for walking and outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring the Schlossberg and outdoor dining, though it can be crowded and hot. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors in the surrounding countryside. Winter (December-February) can be charming with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions, though some outdoor activities may be limited. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Styriarte music festival in summer and Long Night of Museums in October.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Graz Card for significant savings on attractions and free public transport - it pays for itself after visiting 2-3 sites
Visit the Schlossberg via the glass elevator built into the rock face for a unique experience, then walk down through the gardens
Try a traditional Styrian pumpkin seed oil tasting at the Kaiser-Josef-Platz market - the dark green oil is a local specialty perfect as a souvenir

Explore Activities in Graz