Ruqayyah Snyder
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a vibrant, charming, and historic destination. With its rich cultural heritage, Graz offers a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. The city boasts a blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, with picturesque squares, winding cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards. Known as the Culinary Capital of Austria, Graz is a food lover's paradise, offering fresh, locally sourced cuisine and a lively market culture. The city also has a trendy, creative side, recognised as a UNESCO City of Design, with modern attractions like the Kunsthaus Graz, a stunning example of contemporary architecture. With its blend of old and new, Graz is a must-visit destination in Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Known as | "Culinary Capital", "City of Design", European Capital of Culture (2003), UNESCO City of Design (2011) |
| Population | 280,000-289,000 |
| Location | Southeast Austria, 155 km southwest of Vienna |
| Transport | Easy to get around on foot or by streetcar/tram. Jakominiplaz station is the city's hypercentre. |
| Best time to visit | Mid-seasons (spring or autumn) for mild temperatures, or winter for Christmas atmosphere |
| Food | Local produce, flowers, fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, cured ham, smoked sausages, crusty farmhouse bread, juice |
| Attractions | Schlossberg, Clock Tower, Old Town, Mur Island, Kunsthaus Graz, Eggenberg Palace, The Flight Graz 4D, Der Steirer, Augarten Park, Stadtpark, Burggarten, Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz, Kaiser Ferdinand II's tomb, Graz Burg, Double spiral staircase, Cathedral, Opera House, Bauernmarkt Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Landeszeughaus, Graz Armoury, University of Graz |
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What You'll Learn
Local produce
Graz is known as the culinary capital of Austria, and for good reason. The city is brimming with regional specialities and fresh produce from its many farmers' markets.
Graz is home to over 300 urban farmers and 14 farmers' markets. The largest of these is the historic Kaiser-Josef-Platz market, located behind the Opera House. Here, you can find local produce, flowers, fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh juice and crusty farmhouse bread. The market is open from 6 am to 1 pm, Monday to Saturday, so be sure to arrive early to see it in full swing.
For a true taste of Styria, head to Der Steirer for local tapas and the region's signature dish, "Backhendl". Or, for a more upscale dining experience, try Landhauskeller, located inside a stunning Renaissance courtyard, where you can savour refined Austrian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
If you're looking to put together a picnic, Augarten Park, Stadtpark, and Burggarten are all great spots to enjoy the outdoors while indulging in some local treats. Stop by one of the many farmers' markets, like the one at Lendplatz, to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, cured ham, and smoked sausages.
With its abundance of local farmers and markets, Graz offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's culinary delights and discover why it has earned its title as Austria's culinary capital.
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Handicrafts and souvenirs
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming place with a rich historical heritage, a thriving cultural scene, and stunning panoramic views. Known as the "culinary capital" of Austria, Graz spoils visitors with regional specialities and fresh produce from its many farmers' markets.
Graz is also a great place to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. The city's main square is lined with street food stalls and shops selling a variety of handicrafts and quirky souvenirs. You can also wander through the historic old town, with its picturesque squares and narrow streets, to discover hidden courtyards and unique boutiques.
One of the most popular spots for handicrafts and souvenirs is the Kaiser-Josef-Platz market, located behind the Opera House. Here, you'll find local produce, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as handicrafts such as wooden toys, pottery, and embroidered linens. The market is open from 6 am to 1 pm, Monday to Saturday, so be sure to go in the morning to browse the stalls and soak in the lively atmosphere.
For quirky souvenirs and excellent people-watching, head to Mariahilferstrasse, a lively shopping street in the city centre. Nearby, the shop Kwirl features products from local designers with a focus on sustainability. If you're looking for unique handicrafts and souvenirs, Graz's many museums and cultural centres often have gift shops featuring local artisans. The Joanneumsviertel, for example, is a major cultural centre in the city's historic core, housed in a group of transformed historic buildings, with several museums and galleries showcasing regional art and culture.
Finally, don't miss the opportunity to explore Graz's vibrant student scene and creative energy. The Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately known as "The Friendly Alien," is a stunning example of contemporary architecture and a symbol of the city's innovative spirit. The surrounding neighbourhood is one of Graz's trendiest, with design stores and hip coffee shops. The Kunsthaus Café is a popular gathering spot for the city's creative crowd, students, and lovers of contemporary art.
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Traditional clothing
Traditional Austrian clothing for women consists of a Dirndl, which is a fitted bodice with a knee or full-length skirt, layered with a decorative apron. For men, the traditional outfit is Lederhosen, which are knee-length leather shorts often paired with braces. You can occasionally spot locals wearing these outfits, mostly at themed restaurants or working as tour guides.
In general, Austrians dress in a sophisticated and fairly conservative way, and revealing clothing is generally frowned upon. The colours Austrians typically wear include black, maroon, navy blue, white, and beige shades. Older women tend to wear knee-length skirts with sleeved blouses, while men usually wear trousers with polo shirts and casuals.
If you are visiting Graz, you may want to consider the weather and activities you plan to do when deciding what to pack. Thermal underwear and a waterproof insulated jacket are essential if you are visiting during the freezing winter months. If you are visiting during the spring, expect rain and bring an umbrella, trench coat, and hat. Comfortable walking shoes are also important, as Austria is a very walkable country.
If you are interested in purchasing traditional Austrian clothing, there are a few boutiques in Graz that may be worth visiting. Sunsetstar, located at Freiheitspl. 1, 8010 Graz, offers a unique selection of clothing and accessories for men and women, including rockabilly and punk-inspired styles. For exclusive women's wear, Bebe-boutique in the city centre carries designer brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace. SUSISECONDS, located at Stubenberggasse 5, 8010 Graz, is a vintage store with a range of second-hand designer and branded clothing at affordable prices.
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Art and design
Graz is a city rich in art and design, with a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The city has been recognised by UNESCO as a "City of Design" and is known for its creative scene and innovative architectural projects.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Graz is the Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the "'Friendly Alien' by locals. This extraordinary building, inaugurated in 2003, is an example of contemporary architecture with its futuristic design and biomorphic form. It hosts a variety of temporary and rotating exhibitions showcasing modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography, video art and installations. The museum's layout encourages exploration with an open floor plan, and it also offers educational programs for all ages.
The Old Town of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its historic buildings, narrow streets, charming squares, and hidden courtyards. The terracotta rooftops and intricate façades of the beautiful buildings contrast with the modern architecture of the city. The Schlossberg is a popular viewpoint, offering stunning views of the city's iconic clock tower and the charming Old Town below.
For those interested in design, Graz offers unique and unusual experiences. The Murinsel, a bug-blue glass structure coiled within the river, is a distinctive feature. It serves as a connection between the riverbanks and a venue for musicians and performing artists during the summer. The Lend district, with its artsy cafes and charming outdoor seating, is another popular destination.
Graz also boasts a vibrant art scene, with street art, murals, and unique stained glass artwork. The Stadtpfarrkirche, located in the heart of the Old Town, contains a peculiar addition to its ornate stained glass work: the faces of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The Graz Opera is another notable attraction, offering a range of classical operas and modern productions.
Whether it's admiring the innovative architecture, exploring art galleries, or discovering hidden design shops, Graz provides a wealth of artistic and design-focused experiences for visitors to enjoy.
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Local delicacies
Graz, Austria's 'culinary capital', is celebrated for its fresh, simple cuisine sourced from the region's local farms. The city is known for its innovative culinary creativity and traditional foods.
Graz offers a wide range of local delicacies, including fresh fish, local meats, and produce. The city's farmer's markets, such as the Kaiser Josef Markt, Lendplatz, and Kaiser Josef Platz, are the best places to find local food. Here, you can find juicy berries, fresh green beans, sunflowers, and dark green pumpkin oil.
For a unique dining experience, try the Brettljause, a wooden sharing platter featuring a selection of local Styrian delicacies. This platter typically includes Volcano ham, a cured ham from the volcanic region around Auersbach, and Liptauer dip made from cream cheese. You can also find the Verhackert soft pate, made with pork lard and freshly grated horseradish.
When in Graz, be sure to try the local tapas, including the region's signature dish, Backhendl. Wash it all down with a glass of Champagnee Renette apple cider (apple wine), produced in Styria for generations.
For dessert, indulge in the Käferbohnensalat, a small salad dish known locally as bug bean salad. This delicious treat is made with runner beans, pumpkin seed oil, apple cider vinegar, and onions.
In addition to food, Graz offers a variety of local crafts, including carvings, purses, candles, ceramics, and scented oils, many of which are made from recycled materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Graz is home to over 300 urban farmers and 14 farmers markets, so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fresh produce, local cheeses, cured ham, smoked sausages, and crusty farmhouse bread. Head to the city's main squares for street food stalls offering sandwiches, salads, Asian cuisine, hot dogs, and burgers. For quirky souvenirs, visit Mariahilferstrasse, a lively shopping street in the city centre. For products from local designers with a sustainable edge, check out Kwirl.
Graz is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and charming alleyways. Some iconic landmarks include the Clock Tower, the Kunsthaus Graz (affectionately known as "The Friendly Alien"), the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Schlossberg, and the Eggenberg Palace.
Take a stroll through the Old Town to admire the intricate facades of beautiful buildings and discover hidden courtyards. Enjoy a glass of wine or sample fresh local dishes at Kaiser-Josef-Platz. Take a ride on the Schlossberg funicular or lift to the top of Schlossberg for stunning views of the city. Explore the main square and wander through Sporgasse, a charming cobblestone street lined with colourful old-world buildings. Visit the world's largest historical armoury on Herrengasse.
Graz, known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, offers an array of excellent food served in cool restaurants, street stalls, and authentic eateries tucked away in quiet courtyards and lively squares. Some recommended restaurants include Der Steirer for local tapas, Landhauskeller for refined Austrian cuisine, and dreizehn by Gauster for a memorable dinner in one of Graz's most charming squares.
