Graz is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Styria. At its heart is Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square. Shops and restaurants line the narrow surrounding streets, which blend Renaissance and baroque architecture. A funicular leads up Schlossberg, the town hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across the River Mur, futuristic Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary art. ― Google
Area: 127.6 km²
Population: 303,270 (Jan 1, 2024)
District: Statutory city
Elevation: 353 m (1,158 ft)
May to September – Warm, sunny, outdoor cafés open
October – Golden leaves & wine harvest season 🍷🍇
December – Quaint Christmas markets in Old Town 🎄
Spring (April-May) – Great for walking & exploring parks 🌷
From Vienna:
Train: ~2.5 hours (direct)
Bus or car: ~2.5–3 hours
From Salzburg: ~4 hours by train
By Air:
Graz Airport (GRZ) – Small but efficient
20 mins by train or taxi to city center
Schlossberg Hill & Clock Tower (Uhrturm) – Iconic viewpoint over Graz 🕰️
Old Town (Altstadt) – UNESCO World Heritage Site with red roofs & narrow alleys
Murinsel (Island in the Mur) – Floating café & modern art spot on the river
Kunsthaus Graz – “Friendly Alien” museum of contemporary art 👽
Eggenberg Palace – Grand Baroque palace with lush gardens
Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum – Stunning Gothic + Baroque combo
Landhaus Courtyard – Renaissance arcades in the heart of town
Double Spiral Staircase – Magical and Instagram-worthy 🌀
Botanical Gardens – Glass architecture and exotic plants
Styria Armory (Landeszeughaus) – World's largest historic arms collection ⚔️
Ride the Schlossberg funicular or climb the stairs for epic city views
Sip local wine and snack on Styrian tapas 🍷
Cycle along the Mur River 🚴♀️
Stroll Herrengasse – Main street lined with shops and beautiful facades
Take a tram ride through the old town (Line 1 or 7 are scenic)
Attend a street performance or student-led concert 🎶
Relax at a riverside café on Murinsel
Luxury:
Schlossberghotel – Art-filled boutique with rooftop pool
Grand Hôtel Wiesler – Historic glam meets modern edge
Mid-range:
Hotel Daniel Graz – Trendy and eco-conscious
Hotel Gollner – Family-run and close to everything
Budget:
a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof – Hostel-hotel hybrid
JUFA Hotel Graz – Clean, family- and group-friendly
Must-try Styrian specialties:
Backhendl – Crispy fried chicken 🍗
Steirischer Wurstsalat – Cold sausage salad
Käferbohnensalat – Styrian beans with pumpkin seed oil
Zotter Chocolate – Local artisanal chocolate 🍫
Pumpkin Seed Oil (Kernöl) – Graz's liquid gold
Where to eat:
Der Steirer – Local cuisine & wine bar 🍷
Aiola Upstairs – Great food + city views from Schlossberg
Frankowitsch – Famous for open-faced sandwiches
Operncafé – Historic café with a stylish twist
Gasthaus Stainzerbauer – Cozy and traditional Austrian
Graz is a UNESCO City of Design – expect quirky art, innovative spaces
Strong student presence from 4 major universities – vibrant, youthful vibe
Locals are relaxed, friendly, and proud of their Styrian roots
The pace is slower than Vienna – perfect for strolling and people-watching
Graz has a strong green culture – expect lots of bike lanes and fresh markets