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Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming destination with a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. Known as the Culinary Capital, Graz offers a rich historical heritage, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning panoramic views. The city is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, including Vienna and Linz, and is also within driving distance of the Slovenian border. With its old town recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Graz boasts countless museums, castles, palaces, churches, and modern architectural marvels. The city's main square, Hauptplatz, features the striking Rathaus, while the iconic 28-metre-high clock tower atop the tree-covered hill of Schlossberg offers panoramic views of the historic centre. Beyond the city, visitors can explore the wineries and sample Austrian wines, visit the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Piber, and even tour Arnold Schwarzenegger's childhood home, now a quirky museum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern part of Austria, around an hour’s drive from the Slovenian border |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, 2 hours from Vienna, 3 hours from Linz |
| Best time to visit | Spring, summer, and winter |
| Transport | Foot, streetcar, or tram |
| Attractions | Schlossberg, Clock Tower, Eggenberg Palace, Graz Cathedral, Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, The Flight Graz 4D, Styrian Armoury, Old Town, Hauptplatz, Jakominiplaz station, Lipizzaner Stud Farm, Wineries, Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum |
| Food | Local tapas, Backhendl, Veal schnitzels, Styrian fried chicken, Styria's pumpkin seed oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Graz's historical old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the city's main square for street food and shopping
- Take in the view from the top of the iconic clock tower
- Discover the city's rich history at the armoury and museums
- Enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife at hip pubs and restaurants
Explore Graz's historical old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming city with a rich historical heritage, a thriving cultural scene, and stunning panoramic views. The Historic Centre of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent place to start exploring the city.
Graz's old town is a living heritage of a central European urban complex, influenced by the presence of the powerful Habsburg royal family, who chose it as their residence in the 15th century. The old town is characterised by its well-preserved buildings, including many from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, reflecting the city's importance as an administrative and military centre.
Schloss Eggenberg, located at the western edge of the old town, is a beautiful Baroque castle surrounded by gardens. The castle, built after 1625, served as the residence of Duke Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, one of the most notable political figures of the 17th century in Austria. The castle's architecture and exterior ornamentation showcase the influences of late Italian Renaissance and Baroque art.
The old town also boasts the world's largest historical armoury, with around 32,000 objects housed in a 17th-century mansion on Herrengasse. The Uhrturm, or clock tower, is another notable landmark in the old town, standing at 90 feet (28 metres) tall. It once formed part of a vast castle on Schlossberg, destroyed by Napoleon's troops.
Graz's old town has a unique flair, with high influences from the Balkan and Italian regions, setting it apart from other Austrian cities. The city's main square is a bustling hub of activity, with street food stalls offering a variety of cuisines. The nearby Sporgasse is a charming cobblestone street lined with colourful old-world buildings and picturesque storefronts.
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Visit the city's main square for street food and shopping
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its culinary delights and historical architecture. The Hauptplatz, or the main square, is the heart of the city, with the town hall and the Archduke Johann fountain at its centre. The square has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was a bustling centre of commerce and trade, with weekly markets and fairs. Today, it remains a vibrant and lively place, offering a range of attractions for visitors.
The Hauptplatz is a great place to indulge in some street food and shopping. The square is often filled with stalls selling a variety of goods, from traditional Austrian foods to crafts and souvenirs. The surrounding area is also home to many unique boutiques and shops, offering a diverse range of products. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and sample some authentic Austrian cuisine, the Hauptplatz is the perfect destination.
The town hall, located on the southern side of the square, is a striking example of Renaissance-style architecture. The interior features a stunning two-storey session hall with original late 19th-century furnishings, including a coffered ceiling, a gallery, panellings, a chandelier, and a wall clock. The town hall has played a significant role in the city's history, serving as a centre of administration and even as a prison in the past.
In addition to its historical significance, the Hauptplatz is also known for its lively atmosphere and regular events. The wide-open space in front of the town hall is often used for public gatherings, cultural performances, and festivals. The square is illuminated in the evenings, showcasing the impressive colourful façades of the surrounding buildings. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area or indulge in some people-watching while savouring a delicious street food snack.
Graz is renowned for its excellent food, and the Hauptplatz is a great place to sample some of the city's culinary delights. Visitors can indulge in traditional Austrian dishes, such as Buschenschank and Backhendl, or try unique local specialties like Styrian pumpkin seed oil. The city is also known for its wineries, offering a variety of Austrian wines to complement the delicious local cuisine. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, a visit to Graz's main square is a must.
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Take in the view from the top of the iconic clock tower
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming city offering a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. The city boasts a rich historical heritage, a thriving cultural scene, and panoramic views.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Graz is the Uhrturm, or the Graz Clock Tower. Standing tall at 90 feet (28 metres), the clock tower is a remnant of a vast castle on Schlossberg, which was destroyed by Napoleon's troops. The clock tower and the neighbouring bell tower, the Glockenturm, were spared from destruction after the people of Graz paid a ransom.
The clock tower offers a wonderful view of the city's old town and is well worth the visit. To get to the top of the clock tower, you can take the Schlossbergbahn, a funicular railway with a 60% incline and a glass roof, offering a panoramic view of the old town during the ride. The funicular ride costs €2.50 and departs approximately every 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for the lift, which takes about a minute to reach the top.
Once you reach the top of the clock tower, you'll be greeted with a grand view of the city and beyond. The clock tower's unique mechanism, built in 1712 by Michael Sylvester Funck, still functions today, although it is now powered by electricity. The clock's hands might seem unusual, with the larger hand marking the hours and the smaller hand indicating the minutes. This peculiarity adds to the charm of the tower.
In addition to the stunning views, the area surrounding the clock tower is also worth exploring. The Schlossberg, or 'Castle Mountain', is a tree-clad hill that served as a fortress from 1125 to 1809 and was never conquered. Today, it is a public park with extensive views of the city, entertainment venues, cafes, and restaurants. The mountain also features a tunnel system, several kilometres long, that served as shelters during World War II air raids.
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Discover the city's rich history at the armoury and museums
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a melting pot of history, culture, modern architecture, and culinary delights. The city's rich history is evident in its well-preserved buildings, charming alleyways, and armoury.
Start your journey by visiting the world's largest historical armoury, the Styrian Armoury, which displays over 32,000 objects from the 15th to 18th centuries. This armoury is a living memorial to the city's conflict-ridden past, with objects such as pistols, guns, swords, cannons, and spears bearing witness to intense periods of conflict. The armoury is housed in its original 17th-century location, providing a fascinating insight into how an armoury would have functioned during its heyday.
Next, explore the Joanneum Universal Museum, founded in 1811, which includes the Styrian Armoury as one of its departments. The museum offers a blend of fine art, archaeology, and insights into the history of Styria. Here, you can admire masterpieces of fine art from the High Middle Ages to the late 18th century, including works by renowned artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The museum also showcases archaeological gems, such as the "Cult Wagon of Strettweg" and the "Mask of Kleinklein," providing a deeper understanding of Styria's history.
Continue your exploration of Graz's history by visiting the Eggenberg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This baroque palace boasts magnificent architecture, including 365 rooms on each floor, 24 state rooms, and a stunning planetary room at its core. The palace, dating back to 1625, is themed around measurements of time and features four towers, each crowning a corner. The surrounding park, where peacocks roam and flowers bloom, adds to the palace's allure.
Graz also offers a unique blend of historical and modern sights. The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the "Friendly Alien," is a futuristic museum that combines modern art with innovative design. Its wild, biomorphic structure, created by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, stands out against the city's traditional gabled houses. Inside, you'll find impressive exhibitions showcasing international contemporary art alongside regional and local themes.
Finally, don't miss the opportunity to explore Graz's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the historic buildings, and discover charming squares. The Old Town, with its well-preserved architecture, provides a glimpse into the city's past as a residence of the powerful Habsburg royal family during the 15th century.
With its diverse attractions, Graz promises visitors a journey through time, offering insights into its rich history, cultural scene, and architectural marvels.
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Enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife at hip pubs and restaurants
Graz, Austria's culinary capital, is a city for gourmets, gastronomes, and grazers. The city boasts a wide variety of restaurants, speciality shops, local producers, traditional foods, and innovative culinary creativity.
Graz is known for its excellent food and drink offerings, with a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The city's main squares are home to numerous street food stalls serving up sandwiches, salads, Asian cuisine, hot dogs, and burgers, while food lovers can also enjoy speciality shops and local producers offering traditional foods and innovative culinary creations.
For a unique dining experience, head to The Long Table, where diners enjoy an incredible outdoor meal in the historic centre of Graz, a World Heritage Site. With long lines of white-linen-covered tables adorned with candelabras and centrepieces of local flowers, the setting is as impressive as the food. This event brings together 750 guests for a five-course meal prepared by the city's top chefs, with each dish showcasing local ingredients from the Styria region. The evening is accompanied by carefully selected wines, with over 1000 bottles consumed throughout the night.
Graz also offers a range of nightlife options to suit all tastes. The city has a remarkable variety of bars and clubs, catering to different music preferences and atmospheres. Whether you're looking for traditional Styrian venues, Irish or English pubs, classy or relaxed spots, or something a little more unique, Graz has something for everyone. The city also has clubs where you can dance the night away to current tunes with beautiful room decor, lights, and decorations.
For a more relaxed evening, Graz's rooftop terraces offer stunning 360-degree views of the city, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying a cocktail or two.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many attractions to visit in Graz, including the famous Uhrturm (Clock Tower) on Schlossberg, the Graz Cathedral, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, and the Kunsthaus Graz museum building. The city also has countless other interesting museums, beautiful castles, palaces, and churches, as well as modern architectural buildings.
Graz is known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, so you can indulge in the delicious local food and drinks. The city also has a lively nightlife with many hip pubs, cool scene bars, and top restaurants. If you love shopping, there are numerous shopping streets in the city center, such as Herrengasse, Schmiedgasse, Sporgasse, and Stempfergasse.
The best way to get around Graz is on foot because most attractions are within easy walking distance. The public transport is also good, and the trams are free for journeys in the city center.
The best time to visit Graz is during the spring and summer seasons. However, the city is also worth seeing in the winter when the Christmas markets open.
