Graz is the capital city of the state of Styria and Austria's second largest city after Vienna. Surprisingly, Graz is still not counted among the most popular Austrian travel destinations but this southern city is well worth a visit!
The "university town" lies on the River Mur and has rich history dates back as AD 800. Its old city centre (the Altstadt) is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Besides the grand institutions and fascinating Baroque and Renaissance architecture, Graz has a lot to offer - a vibrant nightlife, attractive parks and gardens, unusual galleries and museums, picturesque churches, world-class restaurants, unconventional design and a laid-back atmosphere. In 2003 Graz was named the ‘European Capital of Culture’, became a City of Culinary Delights in 2008 and the ‘City of Design’ in 2009.
Getting here and around
Graz lays on the eastern edge of the Alps and accessible by different means of transport. Once you're here, it is easy to get around on foot but I listed other options below too.
You can fly to the Graz Airport (GRZ) or as it is locally called the Flughafen Graz which is southern Austria's primary international airport.
If you want to travel within Austria, trains are the best option as they are not just affordable, fast and comfortable but also super panoramic. For schedules and prices check this site and buy your tickets on the official OBB website. Coaches are also available from the bigger Austrian and German cities.
You can also arrive by car because the Austrian road system has good quality, and goes through scenic mountains, though it can take longer to get to your destination. Graz is an hour drive from both the Slovenian and the Hungarian border. Don't forget to pay the road toll, buy your vignette here.
The public transport system is well-developed - several tram and bus lines are available. You can buy single trip tickets for 2.50 EUR or a 24-hour ticket for 5.50 EUR here, from the diver or from ticket machines.
If you want to cycle around the city, you'll find several bike rentals around the city, for example next to the Central Station.
What to do and what to see here
Graz Old Town is a great starting point for your tour. It is in the heart of the city and most of the main attractions is in a walking distance and can be explored on foot in just a few hours.
Altstadt von Graz and the Rathaus
The picturesque old town is on the UNESCO heritage list with its medieval red-roofed buildings. Wander around the cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, the beautiful Baroque churches and Renaissance houses. The Hauptplatz (Main Square) is home to local events and markets like the Christmas market in winter. The elegant Renassaince Rathaus (City Hall) stands tall in the Hauptplatz since the middle of the 16th century and the official residence of the Mayor of Graz. To explore more from the Old Town, walk along Herrengasse or Sporgasse to marvel at the store windows, explore lovely cafes and interesting architecture. Don't miss the incredible paintings of Roman gods on Herzogshof (Painted House)!
Landhaus
The Grazer Landhaus is the first Renaissance building in Graz and maybe the most stunning. It is unusual to stumble upon a Venetian-style building in Austria. The exterior might not even catch your attention at first, though the arched windows and loggia are quite beautiful, but the main allure is the arched courtyard inside. Three floors of galleries with balustrade, linked by a raised walkway, a fountain with bronze cupola is truly amazing. You can also look inside the Baroque assembly hall and the Knight's Hall which ceiling is full of stuccos. Today the building is home to the provincial parliament of Styria but still can be accessed by the public (Monday-Friday from 10.00-18.00) - the courtyard is even home to several events.
Styrian Armory
This provincial armory was constructed in 1642 to arm and defend the citizens from the Ottoman Empire. The Styrian Armory (Landeszeughaus) with its 32,000 items is the world's biggest historical armory and the only originally preserved one in the world! The exhibits ranging from the 15th to early 19th century and completely fill four floor! The different collections include fire arms, canons, swords, pikes and spears, shields and armors. Buy the entry ticket for 9,50 EUR here.
Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel is a clock with carillon on Glockenspielplatz. It was built in 1905 by Gottfried Maurer to lure more people into his tavern. It chimes three times a day (11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm) - as the clock strikes the hour, a dancing couple in traditional costume pirouette as the 24 bell ring. There are three different melodies: Alpine folk and yodeling songs, Christmas carols and contemporary melodies.
Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum
Graz Cathedral (Domkirche) is a former castle church from the 15th century, built for Emperor Frederik III. This important landmark has a simple Gothic exterior but rich Gothic and Baroque interior with chandeliers, colored marble altar and frescoes. The Cathedral is open daily and free to enter. The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is right next to it with frescoes and the red marble sarcophagus of the emperor's mother, Maria of Bavaria. For a 6 EUR entrance fee, you can climb to the top of the tower and view the city from above.
The Stairs of Reconciliation
The Doppelwendeltreppe or double spiral staircase is located in the Burg, the official headquarter of the regional government. This engineering wonder consist of two opposing stone spiral stairs which meet on each floor then part again. It is often called a symbol of eternity and also known as the Stairs of Reconciliation for if you go separate ways, you will reunite.
Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax
To take a little break, head to the bakery on Hofgasse. This bakery can be dated back to 1569 and was the official bakery of the House of Habsburgs! This traditional bakery offers a great collections of pastries, breads, mouthwatering cakes and cookies.
Schlossberg and the Clock Tower
Graz most iconic duo is towering above the city and easily visible from a distance. The name Schlossberg literally means 'castle-mountain'. The 473-meter-tall tree-covered hill served as a fortress once but today it is transformed into a public park with amazing view to the terracotta roofs of the Old Town. It is free to walk around in the park and there are several attractions like 94-meter-deep Türkenbrunnen (Turkish Cistern), the Chinese Pavilion, the 35-meter-tall Glockenturm (Bell Tower) from the 16th century with its huge 8 ton bell or the open-air theatre originally used as the fortress's cellars. At the top of the hill there are cafes and restaurants offering a nice view to with a refreshing drink.
The Clock Tower (or the Urhturm as locally called) is the city's best known landmark. The clockwork of the 28-meter-tall tower is still working but has been replaced with electronic mechanism - though it can be quite confusing, as the hands are swapped. Interestingly, while there's the Bell Tower ringing its bell two times a day, the Clock Tower has even more! There are three bells ringing from the Urhturm - the fire bell was alarming the city in case of a fire, the 'Armesünderglocke' war ringing during executions, and the oldest bell of Graz strikes the hours since 1385.
There are several ways to get up and down the hill. You can take the 10-minute walk up to the 260 steps of the stairs starting from the Schlossbergplatz. If you don't feel like walking, ride the funicular for 2.50 EUR, which will take only 3 minutes. You can use the lift for 1.70 EUR or even a slide inside the mountain for 5 EUR. The slide is the tallest underground slide in the world with its 64 meters. Find your ticket combination here. In the mountain, there are also rails for the Fairytale Express - this 30 min ride to the land of fantasy and fairytales is specialized for children and starts from 6.50 EUR. This ride goes through the same tunnels that the citizens used as a bomb shelter during World War II.
The Murinsel
This little artificial structure floats in the middle of the River Mur. The Murinsel is accessible from both banks of the river and works as an amphiteatre, cafe a playground and a gift shop. The giant sea shell-shaped island lights up radiantly blue at night.
Kunsthaus Graz
This futuristic alien or heart-shaped building seems to be out of place among the traditional buildings of Graz. The Kunsthaus is nicknamed 'Friendly Alien' and function as a modern art museum. Nearly 1000 fluorescent light create strange patterns on the museum at night, powered mostly by solar panels. The Kunsthaus has a little balcony to look out to the city and admire the structure from above. Tickets are available for 9.50 EUR here. Also, check out the different Love Locks on the bridge next to the museum!
Tribeka
To finish your route, have a coffee at Tribeka close to the Kunsthaus. Austria has its own coffee culture and long tradition of coffeehouses as they were important meeting places. If you wanna try the Austrian coffee, choose the Kleiner/Großer Brauner (black coffee with a bit of milk) or Melange (coffee + frothed milk + steamed milk + cocoa powder).
We would've loved to see more of this charming city. If you want to spend more time in Graz, check out out travel guide for hotel recommendations and to find out what else is waiting for you here.
Find the places we've mentioned in this post here:
So, there is our 1 day itinerary to Graz. We hope it will help you navigate yourself through the city!
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