Graz
About Graz
Graz, Austria's second-largest city and the capital of Styria, is a UNESCO World Heritage city that beautifully balances Renaissance and Baroque architecture with bold contemporary design. The futuristic Kunsthaus and the Murinsel island on the Mur River sit alongside centuries-old red rooftops and Italian-influenced courtyards.
Known as Austria's "Culinary Capital," Graz boasts a vibrant food scene driven by Styrian pumpkin seed oil, local wines, and farm-fresh produce. With a large student population, it has an energetic, youthful vibe rarely found in Austrian cities.
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Quick Tips
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards accepted widely. Market stalls and small Buschenschank (farm taverns) may be cash-only.
- Transport: Trams and buses cover the city well. Buy a 24-hour ticket or walk — the Old Town is compact. Bikes are popular and rental stations are everywhere.
- Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10%.
- Pumpkin seed oil: Styria's liquid gold. Try it drizzled on salads, vanilla ice cream, and soups. Buy a bottle at the Kaiser-Josef-Markt to take home.
- Free walking tours: Daily free guided tours depart from the Hauptplatz tourist office. One of the best ways to understand the city's layered history.
Interesting Places to Visit
Schlossberg & Clock Tower (Uhrturm)
The iconic hilltop fortress ruin with the famous Uhrturm — the symbol of Graz. Climb the 260 steps, take the funicular, or ride the glass elevator through the rock. Panoramic views of the red-rooftop skyline.
Kunsthaus Graz
The "Friendly Alien" — a biomorphic blue building on the Mur River that houses contemporary art exhibitions. Its bioluminescent facade lights up at night. A symbol of Graz's 2003 European Capital of Culture designation.
Eggenberg Palace
A magnificent Baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 365 windows, 31 rooms per floor, and 24 state rooms represent the calendar. Peacocks roam the stunning English-style gardens.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
A floating steel-and-glass platform in the middle of the Mur River, designed by Vito Acconci. Houses a café and small amphitheater. Beautiful at night when illuminated.
Landhaus & Armoury (Landeszeughaus)
The Landhaus features a stunning Renaissance arcaded courtyard. Next door, the Landeszeughaus is the world's largest historical armoury, with 32,000 pieces of armour and weapons from the 15th–18th centuries.
Hauptplatz & Farmers' Markets
The main square is the heart of Graz, with daily farmers' markets selling Styrian produce. The nearby Kaiser-Josef-Markt has the best selection of local cheeses, breads, and pumpkin seed oil.
Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum
A late-Gothic cathedral with a rare 15th-century fresco of the "Scourges of God." Adjacent is the elaborate Mannerist Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II — one of Austria's most impressive tombs.
When to Visit
Graz enjoys a mild climate influenced by the Mediterranean, making it one of Austria's sunniest cities:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Pleasant and uncrowded. Temperatures reach 12–22°C. The city's many gardens and courtyards come alive. Ideal for exploring the Old Town on foot.
- Diagonale Film Festival (March)
- Spring markets with Styrian asparagus
- Perfect weather for Schlossberg hikes
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Warm and sunny (22–30°C). Outdoor dining along the Mur, open-air festivals, and day trips to the Styrian wine country. University students leave, giving the city a relaxed feel.
- La Strada street theater festival (August)
- Styriarte music festival
- Outdoor swimming at Schwarzl See
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Harvest season (8–18°C) is perhaps the best time for foodies. New wine (Sturm), pumpkin dishes, and chestnut roasting. Golden light and fall foliage across Schlossberg.
- Aufsteirern folk festival (September)
- Steirischer Herbst arts festival
- Wine harvest at nearby Buschenschank taverns
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Cold but festive (−2 to 5°C). Multiple Christmas markets spread across the city. Graz's Advent calendar lights up the Landhaus facade with 24 illuminated windows.
- Christmas markets at Hauptplatz and Franziskanerplatz
- Ice World (Eiskrippe) nativity at Landhaus
- Cozy Buschenschank evenings with Glühwein
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Graz is Austria's culinary capital for good reason. Styrian cuisine celebrates local, seasonal ingredients:
Der Steirer$ – $$
The quintessential Styrian restaurant. Everything comes with pumpkin seed oil. Try the Backhendl (fried chicken) salad and Styrian beef. Central location on Belgiergasse.
Frankowitsch$
A Graz institution since 1932. Famous for open-faced sandwiches (belegte Brote) with creative toppings. Stand at the counter like a local and pair with a glass of Styrian wine.
Glöckl Bräu$ – $$
Brewpub on the Glockenspielplatz with house-brewed beers and hearty Styrian fare. Try the Brettljause (cold meat and cheese board) on the terrace while watching the Glockenspiel.
Eckstein$$
Modern Styrian cuisine with creative seasonal menus. Known for innovative use of pumpkin seed oil and local ingredients. Excellent lunch deals and a lovely courtyard.
Mangolds$
Popular vegetarian and vegan buffet restaurant near the university. Pay by weight. Fresh salads, warm dishes, and homemade desserts. Always busy at lunch — a local favorite.
Fast Food Amir$
Best falafel and shawarma in Graz, according to locals. Huge portions at tiny prices on Jakominiplatz. Perfect for a quick, filling meal on the go.
Aiola Upstairs$$ – $$$
Atop the Schlossberg with the best panoramic views in the city. Mediterranean-Austrian fusion, great cocktails. Worth the climb or elevator ride for a sunset dinner.