Things to Do in Graz, Österreich

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 old towns, where Renaissance courtyards and Gothic churches sit alongside contemporary architectural marvels like the futuristic Kunsthaus. The Schlossberg hill dominates the cityscape with its iconic clock tower, offering panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs below. As a vibrant university town with six universities, Graz pulses with youthful energy while maintaining its cultural sophistication. The city serves as a gateway to the Styrian wine region and is renowned for its culinary scene, earning it recognition as a UNESCO City of Design. From exploring historic palaces and museums to enjoying the lively café culture and innovative dining scene, Graz offers an authentic Austrian experience away from the crowds of Vienna and Salzburg.

Top Things to Do in Graz

Explore Graz Old Town

Wander through one of Europe's best-preserved medieval city centers, featuring Renaissance courtyards, Gothic churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The historic center showcases over 1,000 years of architecture, from the Landhaus with its arcaded courtyard to the impressive Graz Cathedral. Don't miss the colorful facades of Herrengasse and the hidden courtyards that reveal themselves as you explore deeper into the old town.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot. Consider joining a guided walking tour (€10-15) for historical context, typically lasting 2 hours. Best explored in morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Visit Schlossberg and Clock Tower

Climb or take the funicular up Schlossberg hill to reach Graz's most famous landmark, the Uhrturm (Clock Tower), dating from 1560. The hill offers spectacular panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. Explore the remaining fortifications, enjoy the park-like setting, and visit the bell tower and cistern while learning about the site's defensive history.

Booking Tip: Funicular costs €2.50 one-way, or climb the 260 steps for free. Combined tickets with other attractions available for €8-12. Visit during sunset for best photos, but arrive early as it gets crowded. Open year-round.

Tour Eggenberg Palace

Discover this magnificent Baroque palace, Austria's most significant palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace houses impressive state rooms with original 17th-century decorations, extensive gardens, and several museums including the Alte Galerie with its collection of medieval art. The palace grounds feature peacocks roaming freely and beautifully maintained formal gardens.

Booking Tip: Entry €12-16 for palace and gardens, guided tours €4 extra. Closed Mondays. Book online for slight discounts. Allow 2-3 hours for full visit. Gardens are free to visit in winter months (November-March).

Experience Kunsthaus Modern Art

Visit this striking contemporary art museum, nicknamed the 'Friendly Alien' for its distinctive biomorphic architecture with blue acrylic glass skin. The museum showcases cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions and installations from international artists. The building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring a unique lighting system that creates spectacular displays on its exterior after dark.

Booking Tip: Admission €9, reduced rates for students €7. Closed Mondays. Special exhibitions may cost extra. Visit in evening to see the building's exterior light displays. Combined tickets with other museums available for €15-20.

Discover Styrian Wine Culture

Explore the renowned Styrian wine region surrounding Graz, famous for its crisp white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and the unique Gelber Muskateller. Visit traditional Buschenschanken (wine taverns) and modern wineries to taste local varieties while enjoying panoramic vineyard views. The region is also known for pumpkin seed oil, a local delicacy that pairs perfectly with wine tastings.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range from €45-85 per person including transportation and tastings. Book half-day tours for 4-5 winery visits. Best from May-October. Some wineries require advance booking. Local buses serve major wine villages for independent exploration.

Getting There

Graz is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Vienna (2.5 hours), Salzburg (3 hours), and international destinations like Ljubljana and Zagreb. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is well-connected to the city center by tram. Graz Airport, located 10km south of the city, offers flights to several European destinations, with airport buses running regularly to the city center for €2.50. By car, Graz sits at the intersection of major highways A2 and A9, making it accessible from all directions, though parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

Getting Around

Graz has an excellent public transportation system operated by Graz Linien, including trams, buses, and even a funicular to Schlossberg. Day passes cost €5.10 and provide unlimited travel within the city zones. The compact historic center is best explored on foot, as many areas are pedestrianized. Cycling is popular with an extensive bike path network and city bike rental stations throughout downtown. Taxis are readily available but more expensive, while ride-sharing services operate in the city. Most attractions within the old town are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

Innere Stadt (Old Town)

Lend District

Geidorf (University Quarter)

Jakomini

St. Leonhard

Gries

Food & Dining

Graz's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Austrian cuisine with innovative modern gastronomy, earning it recognition as a UNESCO City of Design partly for its food culture. The city is famous for Styrian specialties like pumpkin seed oil, which appears in everything from salads to ice cream, and hearty dishes like Styrian fried chicken and wild game. Traditional Gasthäuser serve authentic regional fare, while the city also boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy bistros. Don't miss the farmers' markets, particularly the Kaiser-Josef-Markt, for local produce and artisanal products. The student population ensures a vibrant café culture with numerous coffee houses perfect for people-watching and sampling Austrian pastries.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Graz is from late spring through early autumn (May to September), when temperatures are pleasant for exploring the historic streets and outdoor attractions like Schlossberg. Summer brings warm weather perfect for visiting the surrounding wine regions and enjoying outdoor dining, though it can be crowded with tourists. Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery as the surrounding hills change colors. Winter has its charm with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions, though some outdoor sites may have limited hours. The city's many museums and cultural attractions make it a year-round destination, but outdoor activities and wine tours are best enjoyed in warmer months.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Graz Card (24/48/72 hours for €17/28/35) for free public transport and discounts at major attractions - it pays for itself if you visit 3+ sites

Climb Schlossberg via the Kriegssteig path on the north side for a less crowded route with better views than the main tourist path from Schlossbergplatz

Visit the Landhaushof courtyard (free entry) during weekday lunch hours when it's less crowded - it's one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards in Central Europe

Things to Do in Graz