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Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a great destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. With a history spanning 900 years, the city boasts a rich architectural heritage recognised by UNESCO, including Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque structures. The entire historic centre of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of various architectural styles. Beyond its old-world charm, Graz also embraces modernity, earning titles like the UNESCO City of Design and European Cultural Capital. The city offers a unique local experience, from exploring neighbourhoods and discovering street art to indulging in the region's renowned cuisine at restaurants and bustling farmers' markets. Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, making it a convenient addition to any Austrian itinerary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City size | Austria's second-largest city |
| History | 900 years old |
| Location | Easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities |
| Language | German, but most Austrians speak English |
| Tourist destination | Relatively new |
| Tourism | Graz is a well-kept secret |
| Culture | Blend of old and new |
| Cuisine | Culinary Capital of Austria |
| Attractions | Schlossberg, Graz Town Hall, Graz Cathedral, Graz Castle, Eggenberg Palace, The Uhrturm, The Old Bastion, The Governor's Room, Graz Armory, The Main Square, The Old Town, Lendplatz, Kaiser Josef Markt, Schlossberg Slide, The River Mur, Mur Island |
| Accommodation | Minihotel Graz, Augarten Art Hotel, Schlossberghotel, Hotel Gollner |
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What You'll Learn
- Graz is a great place to experience authentic Austrian culture
- It's a city with a unique blend of old and new
- Graz has a rich history, including being the residence of the powerful Habsburgs
- The city is known for its culinary delights, with fresh, local produce
- It's easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities
Graz is a great place to experience authentic Austrian culture
Graz's history spans 900 years, and this is evident in its well-preserved old town, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's name derives from the Slavic word "gradec", meaning "small town", and it received its town rights in 1240. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Graz played a significant role as an administrative and military centre, with many buildings from this period still standing, such as the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower and the Styrian Arsenal. The city also boasts a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classic, and Art Nouveau.
To experience authentic Austrian culture, visitors can explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit museums such as the Graz Armory, and enjoy the local cuisine. Graz is known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, and foodies will delight in the fresh, simple dishes sourced from local farms. Be sure to try the region's signature dish, "Backhendl", and explore the vibrant farmers' markets, such as the iconic Kaiser Josef Markt.
Graz also offers unique local experiences, such as the "buschenschank", a tavern attached to a small winery, where you can sample the new wine allowed to be sold by Emperor Joseph II in the 1780s. The city is also home to quirky pop-up art installations, charming squares, and trendy neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries, where you'll find design stores and hip coffee shops.
With its relaxed atmosphere, Graz invites visitors to stroll through its historic centre, taking in the natural beauty and discovering hidden gems around every corner. The river Mur divides the city into two distinct halves, with the southern side celebrated for its playful personality. Graz truly offers a snapshot of what life in Austria is like for most, making it a great place to immerse yourself in authentic Austrian culture.
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It's a city with a unique blend of old and new
Graz is a city with a unique blend of old and new. Its history spans 900 years, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The entire historic centre of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its harmonious blend of architectural styles through the ages. The city's old town boasts charming narrow streets that wind through a stunning array of architectural gems, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classic, and Art Nouveau styles.
The River Mur neatly divides the city into two distinct halves, with the West Bank home to trendy neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries, where you’ll find many design stores and hip coffee shops. The 'south' side of the city is seen as more 'playful' by locals, and the contrast between the two sides is welcomed and celebrated.
Graz has a strong Mediterranean vibe, with its relaxed atmosphere and unique local elements. It 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 bustling farmers' markets, such as the iconic Kaiser Josef Markt, where locals can be seen strolling through the streets and indulging in delicious food on restaurant patios.
Graz also has a modern persona, recognised as a UNESCO City of Design, European Cultural Capital, and Austria's Culinary Capital. The city hosts plenty of cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Austrian Film Festival in March, the electronic music Springfestival in May, and the Steirischer Herbst contemporary art festival in October.
Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, with a journey time of 2 hours from Vienna and 3 hours from Linz.
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Graz has a rich history, including being the residence of the powerful Habsburgs
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, has a rich history. The city's name derives from the Slavic word "gradec", meaning "small town" or "fortress". During the 12th century, Graz became an important commercial centre under Babenberg rule. Later, the city came under the rule of the Habsburgs, a powerful royal family. From the 14th century, Graz served as the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The royalty lived in the Schlossberg castle, ruling over Styria, Carinthia, parts of modern-day Slovenia, and parts of Italy.
Graz played a significant administrative and military role during this period. The city's design and planning in the 15th and 16th centuries were influenced by Italian Renaissance architects and artists, resulting in the construction of notable buildings such as the Landhaus, designed by Domenico dell'Allio and used as a governmental headquarters. The University of Graz, one of the oldest in Austria, was also founded during this time, in 1585.
Graz's history is closely tied to the Habsburgs, with many important architectural monuments attributed to their rule. The city's fortress on Schlossberg Hill, which has existed since medieval times, was further fortified at the end of the 16th century under Habsburg rule. The Styrian Arsenal and the Clock Tower on Schlossberg are also reminders of the city's past significance. In 1619, Emperor Ferdinand II of the Habsburgs ascended to the imperial throne, moving the capital to Vienna, which ended Graz's status as the imperial residence.
Despite the transfer of the court to Vienna, Graz continued to flourish. Italian craftsmen and artists remained in the city, contributing to its architectural development and the construction of numerous palaces. The economic and cultural growth of Graz was also fostered by Archduke Johann of Austria, a member of the Habsburg dynasty closely associated with the city. The Landesmuseum in Graz, also known as the Joanneum, was established at his initiative.
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The city is known for its culinary delights, with fresh, local produce
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known as the "Culinary Capital" and offers a wide range of culinary delights, from speciality shops to local producers, traditional foods, and innovative culinary creativity. The city's restaurants serve up delicious meals made with fresh, local produce, and its farmers' markets are a food lover's paradise.
Graz has a thriving food scene, with restaurants, gourmet shops, food tours, farmers' markets, and culinary events. The city's culinary offerings cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, from traditional Austrian dishes to innovative culinary creations. One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine is to stroll through the streets and explore the various restaurants and cafes. The city's main square, Hauptplatz, is a great place to start, with its impressive Town Hall and charming Old Town (Altstadt) area.
Graz is known for its fresh, local produce, sourced from the region's farms and small-scale producers. The Lendplatz Market, located on the west bank of the Mur River, is a bustling hub of urban farmers and local producers, offering a variety of fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, fruits, juices, and seafood. The Kaiser Josef Markt, a historic farmers' market, is another iconic institution, where locals stock up on fresh produce, breads, pastries, and smoked meats.
For a unique dining experience, visitors can head to the top of Schlossberg, where they can enjoy breakfast with a panoramic view of the city's historic centre. The Gut Schlossberg, located at the foot of Schlossberg, offers a wide selection of local products sourced from nearby producers, as well as a tasting room and a restaurant serving delicious local dishes. The city also has several speciality shops, such as the Styrian food speciality store Stadtbauernladen, where visitors can find unique culinary crafts produced and refined by local farmers.
In addition to its fresh produce and speciality shops, Graz also offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. The city's culinary scene is known for its simplicity and focus on fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're looking for traditional Austrian cuisine or innovative culinary creations, Graz has something to offer every food lover. So, whether you're a gourmet, gastronome, or just looking to graze, Graz is definitely worth a visit for its culinary delights.
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It's easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities
Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, including Vienna and Linz. The journey from Vienna to Graz takes approximately 2 hours, while the journey from Linz to Graz takes 3 hours. The main terminal in Graz is conveniently located close to the city centre, and the interior is decorated with abstract graphics, with an undulating metal wave platform shelter. The Graz train station is served by the ÖBB Railjet, a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The Railjet trains are modern and spacious, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of Railjet trains: the Railjet Comfort, the Railjet Business, and the Railjet First Class. The Comfort class offers standard seating, while the Business class offers more spacious seating and complimentary drinks and snacks. The First Class offers the most luxurious experience, with extra-wide seats, complimentary meals, and access to a private lounge.
Graz is Austria's second-largest city, known for its relaxed atmosphere and unique local elements. The city has a rich history, having served as the residence of the powerful Habsburg royal family in the 15th century. The city boasts a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classic, and Art Nouveau. Graz is also a UNESCO City of Design, with innovative and futuristic buildings like the Kunsthaus and the Mur-Insel.
The city is also walkable, with a relaxed atmosphere and unique local experiences to discover. Graz has a thriving food scene, including the highest number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Austria, such as Mangolds and Die Eisperle. For those looking for traditional cuisine, there are taverns serving classic regional dishes like backhendl (fried chicken) and beetle beans. The city also has a variety of accommodation options, from the central Minihotel Graz to the luxurious Schlossberghotel, which blends modern and historic elements.
Graz is also known for its modern art and design, with galleries and exhibitions that are accessible to everyone. The Minorite monastery, for example, houses a cutting-edge gallery called Kultum. The Kunsthaus, with its unique shape and dark-belly interior, has become a beloved symbol of the city. The top floor offers a great view of the old city.
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Frequently asked questions
Graz is a city with a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other Austrian cities. It has a blend of old-world charm and modern attractions, with a strong Mediterranean vibe. It is also known as the "Culinary Capital" of Austria, with fresh, simple cuisine sourced from local farms.
Graz has plenty of attractions, including museums, the historic city centre, and natural beauty spots. The city is divided by the River Mur, with the south side considered more "playful" and trendy by locals. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, which includes the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower, and the Styrian Arsenal. Graz also has a lively shopping street, Mariahilferstrasse, and a floating cafe on the river called Murinsel.
Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities. It is a 2-hour train journey from Vienna and a 3-hour journey from Linz.
While it is possible to visit Graz in one day, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in the city to fully explore its main attractions and discover its unique local experiences.
A "buschenschank" is a tavern attached to a small winery, found in Austria's Styria region. They first emerged in the 1780s when Emperor Joseph II allowed wineries to sell their own wine, but not food, to protect the business of restaurants.
