Popular Cities Graz
Graz is a city that captivates at first glance with its charming old town and, on closer inspection, impresses with an astonishing variety of culture, history and modern architecture. As Austria's second-largest city, Graz combines traditional flair with an urban way of life and is – for good reason – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Particularly fascinating is the contrast between historic buildings and contemporary landmarks, which makes the city a versatile travel destination.
Whether for a short trip, a longer stay or as a stopover on the way south: Graz offers numerous attractions, culinary highlights and attractive excursion destinations in the surrounding area. When planning your trip, please bear in mind the applicable toll regulations (vignette requirement, distance-based toll and special toll) in Austria. Detailed information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide.
Attractions in Graz
Graz Old Town & Hauptplatz: Historic Centre
The old town of Graz is the heart of the city and ranks among the best-preserved historic centres in Central Europe. Since 1999 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressing with its harmonious blend of architectural styles. Strolling through the old town, you will encounter buildings from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods that create a unique cityscape.
The Hauptplatz forms the central meeting point and is an ideal starting point for your sightseeing tour. Here you will find the imposing Town Hall, whose magnificent façade immediately catches the eye. Numerous cafés and restaurants around the square invite you to linger, allowing you to watch the lively hustle and bustle of the city at a relaxed pace. Particularly charming are the narrow side alleys, which often lead to hidden courtyards. These are frequently accessible to the public and offer a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy streets. The Herrengasse, one of the most important shopping streets, is also close by and combines shopping with a historic ambience.
Anyone who takes the time to explore the old town without a fixed plan will continually discover new details – from ornate façades to small boutiques and traditional shops.
Schlossberg and Clock Tower: The Landmark of Graz
The Schlossberg rises up in the middle of the city centre and is one of the most famous landmarks of Graz. Visible from afar, the Clock Tower defines the cityscape and is a popular photographic subject. A distinctive feature of the Clock Tower is its swapped hands: the large hand shows the hours, while the small hand indicates the minutes. The climb up the Schlossberg is always worthwhile, as a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire city awaits you at the top. At sunset in particular, the setting here is truly unique, delighting locals and visitors alike.
You can reach the Schlossberg in several ways. The sporty option is via the Schlossberg steps, while the Schlossbergbahn funicular offers a relaxed alternative. For maximum comfort, a modern lift is also available, taking you directly into the heart of the hill. At the top you will find not only viewpoints but also green spaces and dining options that invite you to take a break. The Schlossberg is therefore not only an attraction but also a place to relax in the middle of the city.
Kunsthaus Graz: Where Modern Meets Tradition
The Kunsthaus Graz is one of the most striking buildings in the city and forms a deliberate contrast to the historic old town. Due to its extraordinary shape, it is often referred to as the "Friendly Alien". The futuristic architecture immediately draws attention and makes the building a popular photographic subject. The Kunsthaus was opened in 2003 as part of the European Capital of Culture year. Since then it has developed into an important centre for contemporary art. Inside, rotating exhibitions by international artists present modern art in various forms.
A special highlight is the media façade, which is illuminated at night and displays visual installations. This means the appearance of the building changes regularly, continually creating new impressions. The Kunsthaus is not only exciting for art enthusiasts but also for visitors who have a passion for modern architecture. It symbolises the innovative side of Graz and complements the historic cityscape in an impressive way.
Murinsel: Unique Architecture on the Water
The Murinsel is an artificially created platform in the middle of the River Mur, connecting both banks. It was also built in 2003 and is today a permanent feature of the cityscape. The construction is reminiscent of a shell or a floating object and has a particularly futuristic appearance. The island serves not only as a bridge but also as a meeting point and event venue. Inside there is a café where you can take a break and enjoy the view of the river. In addition, regular cultural events are organised here.
The Murinsel is especially charming in the evening hours. The lighting creates an atmospheric ambience that invites you to linger. It also offers photographers an interesting perspective on the city. A visit to the Murinsel can be ideally combined with a stroll along the Murpromenade.
Schloss Eggenberg: Baroque Architecture with Symbolism
Schloss Eggenberg is one of the most important Baroque palace complexes in Austria and is located a little outside the city centre. The complex is surrounded by an expansive park and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace impresses not only through its architecture but also through its symbolic design. The 365 windows represent the days of a year, while the 24 state rooms represent the hours of a day. This thoughtfully conceived structure makes the building particularly fascinating.
Inside, you can visit splendidly furnished rooms, including the famous Planet Hall. This is artistically designed and ranks among the highlights of a guided tour. The palace park also invites you to go on extended walks. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter free-roaming peacocks there. Schloss Eggenberg is therefore an ideal destination for culture and nature lovers alike.
Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum: History of the Habsburgs
The Graz Cathedral is a significant Late Gothic building and was constructed in the 15th century. It is characterised by its simple yet nonetheless impressive architecture. Particularly worth seeing are the ornate frescoes and the interior, which exudes a calm and solemn atmosphere.
Directly next to the cathedral stands the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, which is considered one of the most important Mannerist buildings in Austria. The combination of cathedral and mausoleum forms an impressive architectural ensemble. The mausoleum captivates with its dome and elaborately designed interiors. It offers an interesting insight into the history of the Habsburgs and their influence on the region. A visit is worthwhile not only for history enthusiasts but also for everyone with a passion for architecture and art.
Landeszeughaus: A Unique Weapons Collection
The Landeszeughaus in Graz houses the world's largest historic armoury. With over 30,000 exhibits, it offers a comprehensive insight into the military history of the region. The collection includes armour, weapons and equipment from various eras. Particularly impressive is the authentic presentation, which conveys a sense of how the armoury was used in former times.
Walking through the rooms feels as though you are stepping back in time. The collection is not only extensive but also exceptionally well preserved. The Landeszeughaus is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history or looking to experience an extraordinary attraction.
Culinary Highlights in Graz
Graz is often referred to as Austria's capital of culinary pleasure, and this title is well deserved. The city places great emphasis on regional produce and sustainable cuisine. The numerous farmers' markets offer fresh food directly from local producers. The Kaiser-Josef-Markt in particular is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Here you can discover typical specialities such as pumpkin seed oil or scarlet runner beans.
The restaurant scene in Graz is equally diverse. From traditional inns to modern restaurants, there is something for every taste. The combination of regional ingredients and creative cuisine is what makes the city's culinary appeal. A visit to Graz is therefore always a culinary journey of discovery as well.
Excursion Destinations Around Graz
South Styrian Wine Road: Pleasure & Landscape
The South Styrian Wine Road is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Austria and can be reached from Graz in around 45 minutes. The landscape is characterised by gentle hills, vineyards and small villages. The region is ideally suited for day trips during which you can visit various wineries and taste regional wines. Many estates also offer guided tours where you can learn more about viticulture.
In addition to the culinary offerings, the area also impresses with its scenic beauty. Numerous viewpoints offer a sweeping view over the hills as far as Slovenia. The region is especially a highlight in autumn, when the grape harvest begins and the landscape glows in warm colours.
Lipizzaner Stud Farm Piber: Experience Tradition Up Close
The Lipizzaner Stud Farm Piber is the home of the famous Lipizzaner horses that perform at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It is located about an hour from Graz and is a popular excursion destination. Visitors gain exciting insights into the breeding and training of the horses. During guided tours you can learn more about the history and special characteristics of this traditional breed.
A special experience is seeing the animals up close. The stud farm is a rewarding destination especially for families and animal lovers. The combination of nature, tradition and history makes the visit particularly varied.
Schöckl: Nature & Views
The Schöckl is Graz's local mountain and a popular destination for outdoor activities. It is an attractive excursion destination both in summer and in winter. In summer, numerous hiking trails invite you to explore. Mountain bikers will also find plenty to enjoy here. At the top, a breathtaking view over the region awaits you. In winter, the Schöckl transforms into a small ski area. It is also a popular spot for winter hiking. Thanks to its proximity to the city, the Schöckl is ideal for a spontaneous trip into nature.
Best Time to Visit Graz
The best time to visit Graz depends greatly on what activities you are planning. In general, however, the city is worth a visit all year round. Spring is considered particularly pleasant, as temperatures are mild and nature around Graz begins to bloom. At this time the city is less crowded, which has a positive effect on waiting times at attractions. In summer, Graz shows its most vibrant side. Numerous events, festivals and open-air activities create a special atmosphere. However, this is also the peak travel season, which means it can get busier.
Autumn is ideal for those who enjoy good food and drink, particularly due to the proximity to the South Styrian Wine Road. The landscape glows in warm colours and culinary offerings take centre stage. In winter, things are quieter, which is especially appealing for visitors planning a relaxed city break. Christmas markets and a wintry atmosphere lend Graz a special charm.
Getting to Graz
Graz is well connected to the Austrian motorway network and can be comfortably reached by car. The most common routes are via the A2 (Südautobahn / South Motorway) or the A9 (Pyhrnautobahn). If you are driving yourself, please note that a vignette requirement or distance-based toll (depending on vehicle class) applies on motorways and expressways in Austria. In addition, so-called special toll charges may apply on certain routes, for example for tunnels or mountain passes.
Find out about the toll regulations (vignette, distance-based toll, special toll) with us before your trip, to avoid unnecessary costs or fines and to arrive in a relaxed manner:
Which category does your motor vehicle fall into? Find out more in the article on vehicle classes in Austria
Special toll in Austria: A list of routes subject to special tolls
Plan your trip to Graz stress-free and secure your digital vignette with us in advance. This way you are on the safe side when driving on the roads and don't need to worry about toll-liable or toll-free routes.
The Europamaut Team wishes you a wonderful journey!
We wish you a safe journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by e-mail.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Graz
How many days should I plan for Graz?
For the most important attractions, two to three days are usually sufficient. If you are also planning excursions to the surrounding area, a stay of four to five days is recommended.
Is Graz suitable for a short trip?
Yes, Graz is an excellent choice for a short trip. Many attractions are centrally located and easily reachable on foot.
Do I need a vignette to travel to Graz?
Yes, to use motorways and expressways in Austria you need a valid vignette or must pay a distance-based toll (depending on vehicle class).
What is the difference between a vignette and a special toll?
The vignette covers general use of motorways and expressways. A special toll is charged additionally on certain route sections such as tunnels and must be paid in addition to the vignette.
