Ruqayyah Snyder
Graz, the capital of Styria in the southeast of Austria, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Known as the culinary capital of Austria, Graz offers a plethora of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to traditional Austrian fare. The city boasts stunning architecture, ranging from the iconic Kunsthaus to the historic Schlossberg, providing a unique blend of old and new. With its accessible location, just a few hours by train from Vienna and other major cities, Graz is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of culture, nature, and culinary delights. Whether you're exploring the historic old town, strolling through parks, or savouring local wines, Graz promises an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Graz is the capital of Styria (Steiermark) in the southeast of Austria, about 95 miles (155 km) southwest of Vienna, the capital of Austria. |
| Travel | Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities. It is a 2-hour train journey from Vienna and a 3-hour train journey from Linz. |
| Language | The official language of Austria is German, but most Austrians speak English fluently. |
| Weather | Choose the mid-seasons (spring or autumn) for mild temperatures. Visit in winter to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. |
| Duration of stay | Stay for at least two days to enjoy the city center, and ideally three to take your time. |
| Transport | Graz is a walkable city. You can also get around by streetcar or tram. Public transport is free in the hypercenter. |
| Food | Graz is the culinary capital of Austria. Try traditional Austrian food at Glöcklbräu in Glockenspiel Platz. |
| Attractions | Visit the historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the iconic landmarks, local markets, museums, galleries, and festivals. |
| Architecture | Graz boasts breathtaking Renaissance, Baroque, and modern architecture, hidden courtyards, and medieval buildings. |
| Notable buildings | Schloss Eggenberg, Graz Castle, Kunsthaus, and the Styrian Arsenal. |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Graz's historic centre, with its picturesque squares and medieval buildings
- Visit the city's museums, galleries, and exhibitions
- Enjoy the local food scene, from farmers' markets to gourmet restaurants
- Take a trip to the nearby wineries and sample Austrian wines
- Wander through the city's parks and green spaces
Explore Graz's historic centre, with its picturesque squares and medieval buildings
Graz is a historic city with buildings from the late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Its Historic Centre is compact and easy to navigate, with integration of varying designs and structures melded together in a small space by a hill and a park. The city's main thoroughfare, Herrengasse, is lined with modern stores and bars, palaces, alleyways, grand squares and preserved historic buildings.
The Graz Hauptplatz (Town Square) is a great place to start your exploration of the city. It is marked by a statue of Archduke Johann of Austria, who helped develop Graz over 50 years. The square was the city's first marketplace during the medieval era and is now dominated by the magnificent 19th-century Rathaus. Be sure to also check out the Painted House at number 7, adorned with Baroque frescoes in 1742, the Luegghaus façade on the bottom corner of Sporgasse, and the Glockenspielhaus at Glockenspielplatz 4, where you can catch a performance when the Glockenspiel strikes at 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm.
The Schlossberg, a fortress dating back to the old town's early days, offers panoramic views of the city's historic centre and is home to the emblematic Clock Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Graz, mentioned in documents as early as 1265. The Uhrturm (clock tower) offers a view of the city's beautiful centre and its interesting sites, including the Zeughaus, which holds the world's largest medieval armoury.
Graz Cathedral, the Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury), the Graz Museum Schlossberg, and Burggarten are also architectural and old town sites of significance. The Schloss Eggenberg, a unique castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily reached by tram from the city centre. The castle is an important great house in Styria, with a complex symbolic representation of the universe. It boasts impressive Baroque interiors, magical gardens and parks, and priceless collections of the Universalmuseum Joanneum.
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Visit the city's museums, galleries, and exhibitions
Graz is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of museums, galleries, and exhibitions to explore. The city's history dates back to the 15th century when it was chosen as the residence of the Habsburgs, the powerful royal family of Austria. This history is reflected in its many museums and galleries, which offer a fascinating insight into the city's past and present.
One notable museum is the Styrian Armoury, which houses the world's largest collection of historic weapons. Here, you can expect to find thousands of pieces, including arquebuses, muskets, pistols, cannons, swords, and halberds, as well as armours of various sizes. The Alte Galerie, located within the Schloss Eggenberg complex, is another must-see. This gallery showcases old master paintings and is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, which also includes the Archaeology Museum and Coin Cabinet, offering a panoramic view of Styrian culture through the centuries.
For those interested in unique and unusual exhibits, the Lock and Key Museum Schell Collection and the Johann Puch Museum are worth visiting. The Diocese Museum, located in the diocese seminary, displays ecclesiastical treasures throughout the year and features a special Christmas exhibition during the festive season. Graz is also home to a museum dedicated to the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with rooms dedicated to his various careers and some left unchanged from his childhood.
The Graz Museum Schlossberg provides an in-depth look into the history of the city and offers a stunning view of Graz. This museum is notable for its accessibility features, providing barrier-free access and additional offerings for blind and visually impaired visitors. The "Garden of Wonders" within the museum grounds offers a tranquil space to relax and reflect.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that most museums in Graz are closed on Mondays, and it is recommended to spend at least two to three days in the city to fully explore its offerings.
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Enjoy the local food scene, from farmers' markets to gourmet restaurants
Graz is a food lover's paradise, offering everything from local farmers' markets to gourmet restaurants. Known as Austria's culinary capital, the city boasts an impressive food scene that celebrates fresh, regional produce and innovative culinary creativity.
Farmers' Markets
Graz is home to numerous farmers' markets, including the famous Kaiser-Josef Market, the oldest and largest market in the city. With over 300 urban farmers, Graz has the most market days in Europe. The markets are a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, with colourful displays of sunflowers, pumpkin seeds, freshly baked bread, local meats, cheese, juicy apples, and brilliant red tomatoes. The Lendplatz Farmers Market is another popular spot, known for its fresh-pressed pumpkin seed oil, a local delicacy used in salads, on fruit, or even poured over vanilla ice cream.
The Stadtbauernladen is a must-visit for those seeking the highest quality produce, with its simple slogan, "Take only the best." Here, you'll find a curated selection of award-winning products from Austria and neighbouring countries like Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Graz's markets are a true farm-to-table experience, with many residents knowing their local farmers and vendors by name.
Gourmet Restaurants
Graz also offers a diverse range of dining options, from cosy cafes to upscale restaurants. Eckstein by Albert is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of the city, known for its delightful atmosphere and exceptional food. The city also caters to various dietary preferences, boasting the highest number of vegan restaurants per capita in the country.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the local food scene, food tours led by Graz locals, such as Manuela Pucher of Testesser, provide a wealth of information and insights into the region's culinary delights. These tours often include visits to speciality shops, restaurants, and local producers, allowing visitors to discover the unique flavours of Graz and the surrounding Styrian food region.
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Take a trip to the nearby wineries and sample Austrian wines
If you're a wine lover, you're in luck! Graz is located in the Styria region, known for its wineries and vineyards. In fact, Styria is the smallest wine-growing area in Austria, but don't let that fool you—the region boasts a variety of terroirs that give rise to many styles of wine, from crisp, fresh classics to refined fine mineral wines.
There are plenty of wineries near Graz that you can visit for tastings and tours. Here's a suggested itinerary for a wine-filled day trip from Graz:
Sabathi Winery
Located along the beautiful Southern Styrian Wine Route, the Sabathi winery offers complimentary tastings, including generous servings of their grand crus. You can email them in advance to request a visit and tasting, but they also seem to accommodate walk-ins. Their Muskateller wine comes particularly recommended.
Rebenhof Winery
The Rebenhof Winery is another great option, serving delicious flammkuchen alongside their wines. The winery is located in South Styria, a region known for its undulating landscapes, fine food and wines, and easy-going people.
Kögl Buschenschank
Not only is Kögl a wonderful winery, but it's also an inn located in Ratsch an Weinstrasse. It's a great place to stop for a rest and enjoy some wine and food (typically cheese, meat and vegetable platters, as hot meals are not served at these taverns). The friendly locals are always up for a chat!
When to Go
If you're planning your trip in advance, it's worth noting that wineries in Styria are best visited during the spring season, from March to May. The weather is cool but pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. However, if you're looking for lower tariffs, the summer rainy season months are ideal for arranging a tour.
So, whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to sample some local flavours, be sure to include a trip to the nearby wineries when visiting Graz, Austria!
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Wander through the city's parks and green spaces
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and laid-back atmosphere. While the city offers a plethora of attractions, its parks and green spaces stand out as serene escapes in the heart of this bustling urban centre. Here is a guide to wandering through Graz's picturesque parks and exploring its natural beauty.
The Augarten
Located on the banks of the Mur River, the Augarten is one of Graz's most important and beloved open spaces. This park offers a tranquil retreat from the city, featuring playgrounds for children, a dog meadow, and vast green areas. Visitors can relax on the beach, soak in the sun, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The Augarten also has a small sales stand where you can purchase refreshments after a leisurely stroll.
Schlossberg
The Grazer Schlossberg is more than just a park; it's a natural spectacle and a viewpoint offering breathtaking sights. As the highest park in Graz, reaching 123 meters above the main square, it provides a unique perspective of the city. Visitors can choose to hike up or take the convenient Schlossbergbahn to the top for a nominal fee.
Eggenberg Palace and Gardens
A true cultural monument of the Romantic era, the Eggenberg Palace and its surrounding gardens are a must-see. The palace, dating back to 1625, features a unique symbolic representation of the universe in its architecture. The gardens, with their old trees, are among the most valuable garden monuments in the country. Don't miss the planet garden, the rose garden, and the free-roaming peacocks!
City Park
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the City Park is a nature reserve and historical monument. Spanning approximately 22 hectares, it is the largest public park in Graz. Here, you'll find over 2000 trees, a children's playground, and countless chestnut trees. The park also boasts monuments and sculptures honouring notable figures from the past. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing walk or a quiet escape from the city.
Botanical Garden
Operated by the Institute of Botany at the Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, this botanical garden is a living museum. Visitors can explore plants from four different climatic zones housed within three distinct greenhouses. With special exhibitions and guided tours, it's an excellent place to learn about the natural world. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.
Graz's parks and green spaces offer a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil escapes to natural spectacles. Whether you're seeking relaxation or exploration, these green oases within the city will leave you with lasting memories of Graz's natural beauty.
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