Lexi Webster
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, modern design, and culinary delights. With its relaxed atmosphere, Graz is best explored by foot or streetcar, allowing visitors to discover hidden gems around every corner. The best time to visit Graz is during the mid-seasons of spring and autumn, when mild temperatures create a pleasant ambiance for sightseeing. However, winter travellers can also enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and lower hotel prices. Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, making it a convenient stop on any Austrian itinerary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Mid-seasons (spring or autumn) for mild temperatures, or winter for Christmas atmosphere |
| Number of days to stay | At least 2 days to enjoy the city centre, 3 days to take your time |
| Language | German, but most Austrians speak English |
| Transport | Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, e.g. 2 hours from Vienna, 3 hours from Linz |
| Accommodation | Minihotel Graz, Augarten Art Hotel, Schlossberghotel, Hotel Gollner |
| Food | Der Steirer, Landhauskeller, Rossian, dreizehn by Gauster |
| Attractions | Schlossberg, Uhrturm, Styrian Arsenal, Graz Town Hall, Main Square (Hauptplatz), Old Town (Altstadt), Eggenberg Palace, River Mur, Murinsel |
| Shopping | Mariahilferstrasse, Lendplatz farmers' market, Kaiser Josef Markt |
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What You'll Learn
Graz in spring or autumn for mild temperatures
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming destination to visit all year round. However, spring and autumn offer mild temperatures that make exploring the city and its surroundings more pleasant.
Springtime arrives early in Graz, and by the end of March, the area is lush and green. The rainy season in Graz is from late spring to early summer, so visiting in spring is ideal if you want to avoid the rain. The mid-seasons also offer a break from the intense year-round sunshine, so be sure to pack sunscreen regardless of when you visit.
Autumn in Graz is also delightful, with the fall foliage providing a vibrant display of colour. The temperature starts to drop from September onwards, and by the end of November, winter is setting in. The annual Truffle Festival, usually held from late October to early November, is a highlight of the autumn calendar. Created to celebrate the seven different varieties of truffles found in the forests in and around Graz, the festival includes guided hikes, an international truffle market, and partnerships with restaurants in Graz to feature truffles in their menus.
Another autumn highlight is the Klanglicht light and sound festival, held for several nights in late October. The festival involves artists from Austria and around the world, who use Graz's historic buildings as a façade for a captivating light and sound experience.
Graz is known as the "culinary capital" of Austria, and its restaurants, inns, and cosy cafes are not to be missed. The city is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and villages, which provide opportunities for day trips to explore the scenic countryside and visit local wineries. The Schilcher Wine Route, which winds its way around the hills, is a great way to admire the views and learn about and taste local wines and produce.
Whether you choose to visit Graz in spring or autumn, you can look forward to mild temperatures and unique seasonal experiences in this charming Austrian city.
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Graz in winter for Christmas atmosphere
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, transforms into a Christmas wonderland each winter, with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and a lively atmosphere. The city's streets are filled with the sounds of joyous laughter, music, and the tempting aromas of punch and gingerbread. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your winter visit to Graz for a magical Christmas experience.
Christmas Markets
With 15 Christmas markets scattered across the city, Graz offers a delightful array of festive treats. Stroll through the markets and discover traditional handicrafts, handmade decorations, unique souvenirs, and, of course, culinary delights. Warm up with a cup of punch or indulge in some gingerbread as you explore the stalls. Don't miss the main Christmas market in the city's Main Square, where you'll find Graz's official Christmas tree, adorned with approximately 25,000 lights, creating a dazzling display.
Festive Lights and Nativity Scenes
Graz truly shines during the Christmas season, with twinkling lights illuminating every corner. The historic squares shimmer in festive splendour, and the giant Advent calendar projected onto the facade of the City Hall adds to the magic. Keep an eye out for the impressive 35-ton ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard, a highly anticipated event each winter.
Explore the City's History
Take some time to explore Graz's rich history by visiting the old bastion, where you can learn about its past as an administrative and military centre. Discover the remnants of its royal history, such as the 15th-century city castle, which once housed the powerful Habsburg family. The castle is located near the iconic Uhrturm (Clock Tower), which offers breathtaking views of the city.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Graz is known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, and for good reason. Sample the local cuisine at restaurants like Der Steirer, which serves local tapas, or dreizehn by Gauster, located in one of the city's charming squares. Don't miss the opportunity to wander through the Kaiser Josef Markt, a historic farmers' market offering fresh, locally sourced produce.
Getting Around
Graz is a walkable city, and all of its Christmas markets are within easy walking distance. However, if you want to explore more of the city, the Graz Card offers free use of public transport, including the funicular to Schlossberg, and discounts on various attractions.
With its festive atmosphere, beautiful lights, and abundance of Christmas markets, Graz is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. So, bundle up, grab a cup of something warm, and explore all that this charming Austrian city has to offer during the winter season!
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Graz's culinary highlights
Graz is known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, celebrated for its fresh, simple cuisine sourced from the region's local farms. The city is filled with speciality shops, local producers, traditional foods, and innovative culinary creativity.
Graz is divided by the river Mur into two distinct halves. The West Bank is home to trendy neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries, where you’ll find many design stores and hip coffee shops. Lendplatz hosts a farmer's market with a variety of delicious local treats and fresh produce. For quirky souvenirs and excellent people-watching, head to Mariahilferstrasse, a lively shopping street in the city centre.
For breakfast, take the funicular (or the elevator) to the top of Schlossberg and eat at aiola upstairs, with a panorama of Graz’s historic centre. Walk over to the famous 90-ft (28-m) Uhrturm, the clock tower that once stood as part of a vast castle on Schlossberg. Der Steirer, a restaurant serving local tapas, is also located on Schlossberg and is known for its Backhendl, the region's signature dish.
For dinner, head to Landhauskeller, located inside a stunning Renaissance courtyard, for refined Austrian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Dreizehn by Gauster, located in one of Graz’s most charming squares, is another excellent choice for a memorable dinner. The high-standard restaurant has a hip bar and Mediterranean flair.
If you're looking to explore outside the city, head to western Styria, just 40 minutes from Graz, and visit a buschenschank for a brettljause. A buschenschank is a small winery that serves its own wine and homegrown food, presented on a wooden platter. Buschenschank Dokter is a family-owned farm and wine tavern that has been producing wine and growing food for over 200 years.
Graz also offers a truffle festival from 23 October to 5 November, where you can enjoy culinary delicacies that revolve around truffles from Alba, Istria, and other truffle hotspots, as well as the Graz truffle.
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Graz's historical centre
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and unique local elements. The city is easily navigable on foot or by streetcar, and its compact city centre is filled with restaurants, shops, and historic sites.
Graz's historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg are recognised by UNESCO for bearing witness to the living heritage of a central European urban complex influenced by the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by aristocratic families. The old town, which dates back to the Middle Ages, features a blend of architectural styles and artistic movements from neighbouring regions of Central and Mediterranean Europe, including Germanic, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences. The city has absorbed these influences due to its location in a cultural borderland between Central Europe, Italy, and the Balkan States.
The historic centre boasts many monumental buildings, ranging in style from Gothic to Contemporary. Notable sites include the Grazer Burg castle, which houses a unique double spiral staircase, a 15th-century city castle with a thick stone gateway, and the Uhrturm clock tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The Hauptplatz, the city's main square, is framed by ornate buildings such as the Graz Town Hall, the Archduke Johann Fountain, and Gustav Troger's bronze punk statue.
Graz's culinary scene is also worth exploring, with fresh, simple cuisine sourced from local farms. The city's main square, Hauptplatz, is a great place to start your exploration, with its stately town hall and nearby Glockenspielplatz, home to the Glockenspiel carillon. For dinner, Landhauskeller, located inside a Renaissance courtyard, offers refined Austrian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
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Graz's unique local experiences
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, offers a plethora of unique local experiences for travellers. The city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, rich history, culture, and panoramic views. Here are some of the unique local experiences you can have in Graz:
Explore the Old Town and Hauptplatz
Stroll through the charming Old Town of Graz and take in the beautiful architecture, friendly atmosphere, and unique local elements. Hauptplatz, the main square, is a great place to start your exploration as it is within walking distance of many attractions, including the historic old town, the opera house, and the small, 15th-century city castle.
Visit the Schlossberg and Clock Tower
Take the funicular or elevator to the top of Schlossberg for breathtaking views of the city. Don't miss the famous 90-foot (28-metre) Uhrturm, the clock tower that once stood as part of a vast castle on Schlossberg. Schlossberg also offers a slide that sweeps you down the mountain for a fun and unique experience.
Indulge in the Local Cuisine
Graz is known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, celebrated for its fresh and simple cuisine sourced from local farms. Explore the Kaiser Josef Markt, a historic farmers' market offering fresh produce. You can also enjoy local tapas and the region's signature dish, "Backhendl", at restaurants like Der Steirer. For a memorable dining experience, visit "dreizehn by Gauster" in one of Graz's charming squares.
Experience the Local Wine Culture
Graz is located in the Styria region, known for its wine. Visit a "buschenschank", the local term for a tavern attached to a small winery, and enjoy the unique atmosphere while tasting their wine. You can also explore the South Styrian wine road and discover the region's wine offerings.
Discover Unique Neighbourhoods
Graz is divided into two distinct halves by the River Mur. Cross the river and explore trendy neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries on the West Bank, known for their design stores and hip coffee shops. Mariahilferstrasse, a lively shopping street, offers quirky souvenirs and excellent people-watching opportunities.
Enjoy Panoramic Views
For a different perspective of the city, try The Flight Graz 4D, a 4D virtual adventure that showcases 25 of Graz's most beautiful sights and buildings from a bird's-eye view.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Graz is during the mid-seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is mild. Alternatively, visit in winter to experience the Christmas atmosphere. Hotel prices are generally the lowest between December and February.
It is recommended to stay in Graz for at least two days to enjoy the city centre, and three days to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities. It takes around two hours from Vienna and three hours from Linz.
Graz has a lot to offer, from exploring the Old Town and strolling through the city's neighbourhoods to visiting museums and historical sites, such as the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower. Graz is also known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, so be sure to sample the local cuisine and visit the farmers' markets.
There are various accommodation options in Graz to suit different budgets. Recommended hotels include Minihotel Graz, Augarten Art Hotel, and Schlossberghotel. Staying close to Jakominiplaz station, the city's hypercentre, can be convenient for getting around.
