Graz, Austria: A City Worth Visiting?

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a hidden gem worth visiting for its rich history, culture, food, and nightlife. Located two hours from Vienna, Graz offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its well-preserved Old Town, a mix of architectural styles, and surrounding picturesque landscapes. The city boasts impressive institutions, including museums, galleries, and boutiques, as well as culinary delights ranging from traditional Styrian dishes to international cuisine. With its thriving university town vibe and array of attractions, Graz is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of culture, nature, and entertainment.

Graz's Old Town

The Old Town is easily accessible by foot, with the main street being a bustling shopping hub full of bakeries and beautiful architecture. The Mur River, with its bridge adorned with love locks, separates the Old Town from the rest of the city.

One notable landmark within the Old Town is the Uhrturm, a clock tower and one of the most famous landmarks in Graz. The Landhaus courtyard, with its arcaded inner courtyard, is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. The Burg, or the Double Winding Staircase, is another example of Gothic stone masonry.

The Old Town also houses the Cathedral, built by Kaiser Friedrich III between 1438 and 1464, and the Mausoleum, considered the most significant Habsburg tomb in terms of art history. The Glockenspiel, a pair of carved wooden figures in traditional costume, can be seen dancing to the sound of the Glockenspiel at 11 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm.

The city's food scene

Graz is known as Austria's culinary capital, and for good reason. The city is surrounded by lush farmland and vineyards, and its historic main square is a hub for foodies. The city's food scene is characterised by its use of local, sustainable produce, with an emphasis on organic, farm-to-fork dining.

Graz's restaurant scene reflects its rich cultural history, with a mix of traditional Austrian cuisine and international dishes. Aiola is a sophisticated restaurant with stunning views of the city and mountains, serving international cuisine with a local Styrian twist. Michelin-starred chef Paul Ivic has created an exquisite menu, including Styrian dishes like pumpkin soup with locally produced pumpkin oil and verhackertes, a pork spread.

For a taste of traditional Austrian food in an authentic setting, head to Gasthaus Glöcklbräu in the heart of the old town. Here, you can enjoy classic dishes like Backhendl (deep-fried chicken) and Käsespätzle (mac 'n' cheese with crispy onions). Wash it down with a refreshing Glöckl Bräu, the local beer.

Die Speis am Lendhafen is another excellent option, with a focus on sustainability and regional produce. The restaurant pairs Styrian tapas with international dishes, and has a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a summer evening.

Graz also has a thriving street food scene, with plenty of small food kiosks offering different types of sausages and other quick snacks. Standl 5 – Wurscht is a sustainable sausage stand located on the Hauptplatz, serving steirer hot dogs with mustard and freshly grated horseradish.

For those with a sweet tooth, Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax, the oldest bakery in Graz, is a must-visit. Indulge in chocolates, cakes, and the shop's signature Sissi-Busserl, bite-sized chocolate-drizzled macarons.

Graz also boasts the highest number of vegan restaurants per capita in the country, so vegans will have plenty of options to choose from. Die Eisperle, for example, is a multi-award-winning ice cream parlour serving pure vegan ice cream made from the freshest, high-quality produce.

Finally, no visit to Graz would be complete without trying the local pumpkin seed oil, known as Styria's "green gold". This delicate, nutty-flavoured oil is used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to desserts. You can find it at local markets and speciality shops, and it makes for a unique souvenir to bring home.

Kunsthaus Graz

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a popular tourist destination. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2003 and has plenty of impressive institutions and cultural attractions. One of its most notable landmarks is the Kunsthaus Graz, a modern-art gallery with a unique and distinctive design.

Architecture

The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the Grazer Kunsthaus or Graz Art Museum, is an architectural landmark in Graz. It was designed by Sir Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and built as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2003. The building is an example of blob architecture, featuring a skin made of iridescent blue acrylic panels that also function as photovoltaic panels. The design stands out from its surroundings, earning it the nickname the "Friendly Alien" in local vernacular. The building incorporates the facade of the Eisernes Haus, an iron-framed structure built in 1848.

Exhibitions and Collections

The Kunsthaus Graz specialises in contemporary art from the 1960s onwards. It does not maintain a permanent collection but instead focuses on presenting and procuring contemporary art productions. The museum showcases international exhibitions of multidisciplinary, modern, and contemporary art. The BIX facade on the eastern side of the building is particularly notable, consisting of 930 fluorescent lamps that can be individually adjusted to display films and animations, creating a "communicative display skin".

Visitor Information

The Kunsthaus Graz is located on Lendkai 1 in Graz, Austria. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission prices are €12.00 for adults, €5.50 for students and apprentices between the ages of 19 and 26, and free for children and teenagers under the age of 19.

The surrounding countryside

Graz is Austria's second-largest city and is surrounded by glorious countryside. The city is nestled in the Styria region of Austria, famed for its wine and produce. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of options for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and scenic views.

The Austrian Sculpture Park, located just outside the city, is a perfect example of the fusion of culture and nature that Graz has to offer. The park features interactive sculptures and provides a unique experience for visitors. For hikers and nature enthusiasts, the Bärenschützklamm gorge and Kesselfallklamm are ideal destinations, offering breathtaking natural scenery and challenging trails.

Graz is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The city's proximity to wine country and the Styria region makes it a convenient starting point for day trips and excursions. The city's central location and well-connected transportation system make it easy to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby towns.

The Old Town of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short walk from the main train station. The journey to the Old Town itself is pleasant, as the main street is a bustling hub filled with bakeries and beautiful architecture. Crossing the Mur River, one finds themselves in a stunning mix of architectural styles, reflecting the rich history of Graz. The Schlossberg, a hill dominating the Old Town, offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is another famous landmark and provides panoramic views of Graz from its peak.

In conclusion, the surrounding countryside of Graz, Austria, offers a wealth of cultural, natural, and scenic experiences. From the Austrian Sculpture Park to the stunning views from the Schlossberg, there is something for everyone looking to explore beyond the city limits of Graz. The city's convenient location and well-connected transportation system make it easy to access and explore the surrounding countryside.

The city's nightlife

Graz's nightlife scene is a blend of trendy clubs, intimate venues, and lively pubs, making it a perfect destination for night owls looking to experience the local culture after dark. The city's young spirit and diverse crowd are reflected in its variety of clubs and pubs, each offering a unique experience. From the energetic beats of electronic music to the laid-back ambiance of rock bars, there's something for everyone in Graz.

Popular Nightlife Spots in Graz

• PPC Club - A vibrant nightclub and party venue in the city center, known for its diverse musical offerings, from rock to electronic to alternative.
• Postgarage - A nightclub and gig venue with two floors and three dance floors, known for its eclectic music scene and cutting-edge events.
• Die O Bar Am Mariahilferplatz - A great little bar in the middle of the Altstadt, serving exceptional drinks and providing friendly service.
• M1 Martinibar | Cafe | Rooftop - A famous rooftop terrace offering a 360-degree view of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
• WunderBar Lounge & Shisha - An underground club with beautiful rooms, lights, and decorations, featuring current songs and original Balkan-Rock music every Friday.
• The Pub - A British-inspired pub with one of the city's largest selections of Scotch, offering a dimly lit, slightly dingy atmosphere.
• Kulturhauskeller - A popular student bar with a great music selection, known for its crowded and lively atmosphere.
• The Churchill Bar - A sophisticated bar serving classic cocktails with a modern twist, combining historical elegance with contemporary charm.
• Mausefalle - A renowned venue in Graz's nightlife scene, featuring a modern club with an upscale ambiance on one side and a traditional Austrian disco on the other.
• Rock-Bar Nachtexpress - A reliable spot for lively party nights and a rockin' atmosphere, playing music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
• Explosiv - A versatile venue catering to various music tastes, including punk, metal, hip-hop, and more. It offers top-notch lighting and sound systems for explosive concerts.
• Die Thalia - A popular party location in the city center known for its rotating dance floor and creative party ideas. It attracts a long line of partygoers who dance to mainstream beats, techno, and house music.
• Club Wakuum - A vibrant spot near the Mur River, offering an eclectic mix of music, from party tunes to classical and indie rock. It's renowned for hosting numerous concerts and performances by up-and-coming artists.
• Club Q - A prominent spot for metal, hard rock, and industrial music enthusiasts, serving as a meeting point for various subcultures in Graz's nightlife scene.
• Freiblick Tagescafé - A unique dining experience with stunning views of the city, offering vegan breakfast options and a generous vegan breakfast plate.
• Tribeka - A popular coffee spot in Graz with four locations, known for its good coffee and delicious cinnamon rolls.

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