Graz is the 2nd city of Austria - 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.
Graz, is a charming, relaxed, and surprisingly cool city. Not only is it a UNESCO City of Design, but it was also declared the European Capital of Culture in 2003 and a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
Its well-preserved old town is one of the best in Central Europe, consisting of over 1,000 Gothic and contemporary buildings. With six universities, there’s also a young population to ensure the city remains hip and interesting.
Whatever architecture style you favour, Graz is a beautiful city to wander around, get lost amongst the side streets, and simply take in the unique buildings around you.
Here are a few things to do in Graz, Austria.
Kunsthaus Art Museum
The Kunsthaus Graz is an extraordinary art museum opposite the Mur River. Affectionately known to residents as the Friendly Alien, the bizarre blue building is an example of provocative blob architecture. The modern museum embraces and houses all artforms created since the 1960s, from architecture and design to new media, film and photography.
Another unique aspect is that there are no permanent exhibitions whatsoever. The museum’s purpose is to showcase
Visit the Schlossberg
Enjoy the view from the Schlossberg in the middle of the old town. Over 1,000 years ago the small fort that stood on a rock ledge here gave the city its name. Derived from the Slavic word ‘Gradec’, Graz means “little castle”. After 1544, according to plans drawn up by Domenico dell’Allio, it was extended into a huge Renaissance fortress, now listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest fortification of all time. Even Napoleon found it impossible to capture a
Graz Museum at the Schlossberg
With the most beautiful view of Graz, the exhibition tells everything about the eventful history of Schlossberg with fascinating exhibits of its historical context. In the subterranean vault, a multimedia Schlossberg model provides insights into the interior of the mountain with its kilometre-long system of tunnels.
Graz Cathedral
Saint Giles’ Cathedral is a charming gothic jewel of the Old Town, built in the mid-1400s by Frederick III. Don’t be fooled by the modest facade, as the interiors will amaze you. The lavish Baroque setting is complemented by mediaeval frescoes, an ornate high altar, and a 5,345-piece cathedral organ. Joined to the cathedral is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. The Tomb Chapel features stunning sculptures and works of art.
The Styrian Armoury
Situatuated in Innere Stadt, the Styrian Armoury, is the largest in the world with over 32,000 items, including tools, suits of armour, and weaponry. Styria continuously defended itself against the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 18th centuries. The equipment used by troops from this era is now stored and displayed here across five levels of the museum.
Crossing The Mur River
Graz is separated in two by the River Mur. To celebrate the city being named the European Capital of Culture in 2003, an artificial floating island called Murinsel was constructed.
Murinsel can be accessed from both sides of the river via footbridges. Designed by artist Vito Acconci, the structure has been described as “a bowl that morphs into a dome that morphs into a bowl”.
Shopping
The shops and boutiques are an assortment - a choice from casual outfits to elegant robes, affordable second-hand accessories can be found next to expensive jewellery, and traditional costumes compete for attention with flashy designer fashion. Around the Main Square you will find a number of charming lanes lined with shops and boutiques. In the Middle Ages Graz was an important trading centre and this old tradition is reflected in today’s great number of stores.
Delicious cuisine of Austria’s culinary capital
You will find a huge variety of unique dining experiences, both of local Styrian dishes and of international cuisines. Its vibrant culinary landscape is the result of the efforts of trailblazing cooks such as Katharina Prato.
Unesco World Heritage Site
The historic centre of the city of Graz became a UNESCO world heritage in 1999. In 2010, Eggenberg Palace received the same honour. The Old Town and the palace represent different artistic and architectural influences. It’s not often that you find a city whose century-old history is so consistently reflected by its buildings – without giving it the dusty air of a museum. The most talented architects and artists from different regions have visibly expressed themselves in this city, creating a brilliant synthesis.
The urban structure of “The City of Graz – Historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg” is a prime example of a harmonious combination of different architectural styles from consecutive eras. Every era is represented by typical buildings, many of them true masterpieces. The outer appearance of the Old Town and the palace tells the story of their joint historic and cultural development. However, all of this is just dry theory compared to the spectacular reality you can experience with each step throughout the city – which makes a visit to Graz an absolute necessity.
Weather
Graz is quite protected from prevailing winds from the Atlantic and the centre of Europe, enjoying a position in a sheltered basin, exposed only to the south. As a result of this situation, the climate can feel distinctly Mediterranean, with more sunshine than other parts of Austria
