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Things to Do in Graz, Austria
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Graz, Austria
Things to do in Graz, Austria, include exploring the Schlossberg, a hill with a clock tower that offers 360-degree views of the city. Do not miss the Graz Cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles. Contemporary art is displayed at the Kunsthaus Graz, just a 5-minute walk from the central main square.
1. Schlossberg
Impressive views and mysterious tunnels await you. Climb up and discover secrets in every step of this hilltop fortress.
Quick facts: Schlossberg offers a panoramic view from its 473 meters high, overlooking the city. It features a fortress that endured several centuries and conflicts.
Highlights: Walking around the Clock Tower, with its huge reversed hands, is a unique experience that delights visitors. Additionally, the secret tunnels underneath fascinate those who explore every corner.
2. Graz Cathedral
Discover an architectural gem combining Gothic and Baroque. Immerse yourself in vibrant frescoes and an altar that dazzles the eye.
Quick facts: The cathedral displays a captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Its bell tower reaches 56 meters and its interior houses 15th-century frescoes that tell impressive visual stories.
Highlights: A fascinating detail is the intricate scenes painted on the ceiling that seem to float above your head. Additionally, the altar with inlays of multicolored marble draws attention for its brightness and meticulousness.
3. Kunsthaus Graz
This unconventional art museum dazzles with its glowing, bubbly design. Explore cutting-edge digital art inside an architectural marvel like no other.
Quick facts: The building looks like a giant blue alien blob with 1,290 acrylic panels covering its surface. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions that attract thousands of visitors each year.
Highlights: Its facade changes colors at night thanks to a lighting system with 800 embedded LEDs. Visitors can walk inside the 'Friendly Alien,' exploring interactive installations and digital artworks that blend architecture and tech.
4. Murinsel
A walk across a bridge that floats over the river. Enjoy coffee, art, and the sound of waterfalls in a unique setting.
Quick facts: A floating artificial island on the Mur river connects both banks with a unique pedestrian bridge. The structure, shaped like a shell, includes an amphitheater and a café with views over the water.
Highlights: The island has a 47-meter-long steel structure and an artificial waterfall that sounds like a real river as it falls. Its futuristic design lights up at night, creating a light show reflected on the river.
5. Eggenberg Palace
Explore a palace that blends art and astronomy in every corner. Enjoy stunning frescoes and gardens embroidered with cosmic precision.
Quick facts: This palace has 365 windows, representing each day of the year, a detail that immediately catches the eye. It also has 24 decorated rooms, each symbolizing an hour of the day with a different themed decoration.
Highlights: A tour reveals frescoes that narrate the history of the cosmos, with an astronomical clock that marks celestial events throughout the year. In addition, the baroque garden features plants arranged according to astronomical patterns that delight nature and art lovers.
6. Styrian Armoury
Explore the largest collection of ancient armor and weapons in the world. Live the history of soldiers and nobles through their nearly intact armor.
Quick facts: This collection contains more than 32,000 pieces of armor and weapons, making it the largest of its kind in the world. Guarding these historical pieces was a priority for the city during Turkish invasions and European conflicts.
Highlights: Visitors can see complete armor for different types of soldiers, including nobles and common infantrymen, some with unique ornamental details. A curious fact is that the weaponry was so well preserved that many pieces are in almost intact condition, allowing an authentic glimpse into the military life of the past.
7. Universalmuseum Joanneum
Explore over 4 million unique objects in a cultural and scientific journey. Discover ancient fossils and historical machinery that still works.
Quick facts: It has more than 4 million objects in its collection, making it one of the largest museums in Austria. It houses everything from medieval art to natural science and technology in different locations.
Highlights: The museum includes an impressive fossil collection with pieces up to 250 million years old. At one of its sites, you can see an ancient water wheel that still works and produces electricity.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kernölamandl
Kernölamandl is a unique sweet treat made with pumpkin seed oil, a specialty of Styria, where Graz is located, giving it a rich, nutty flavor distinct from typical desserts.
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel, though famous across Austria, has a special place in Graz's culinary scene as a beloved dessert featuring thin layers of pastry wrapped around spiced apple filling with raisins and cinnamon.
Gibanica
Gibanica is a traditional Styrian layered cake combining cheese, apples, poppy seeds, and walnuts, reflecting the diverse agricultural richness of the Graz region.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Backhendl
Backhendl, crispy fried chicken, is a classic savory dish in Graz, prized for its crunchy coating and juicy meat, often served with potato salad or lemon wedges.
Steirisches Wurzelfleisch
Steirisches Wurzelfleisch is a traditional Styrian boiled pork dish cooked with root vegetables, famed for its hearty and comforting qualities in Graz's local cuisine.
Grazer Krauthäuptelsalat
This cabbage salad is a staple in Graz, known for its tangy dressing and crisp texture, often accompanying many traditional meals in the region.
Traditional Beverages
Sturm
Sturm is a semi-fermented grape must drink popular in Graz during the early wine harvest season, providing a sweet and mildly alcoholic taste.
Grazer Bier
Grazer Bier refers to the local craft beers brewed in Graz, celebrated for their quality and variety that reflect the city’s vibrant brewing tradition.
Kräuterlikör
Kräuterlikör is a herbal liqueur commonly consumed in Graz, famous for its blend of Alpine herbs and spices proven to aid digestion.
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Most popular day trips
Schloss Eggenberg
Baroque palace with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Murinsel
Modern artificial floating island on the Mur River with cafes and playground.
Styria Open Air Museum
Museum showcasing Styrian rural life with historic buildings and crafts.
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Getting there
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Take the Shuttle Bus or taxi from Graz Airport for quick access to city center.
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Comments (7)
Most museums have free entry on Sundays, saved me a decent amount of cash. Also avoid eating right by the main square, not worth the markups for restaurants there.
Stayed for three nights and felt that was just right. Graz is relaxing but not packed with nonstop things to do. Great for a slower city break.
Wasn't expecting much but Graz ended up being a hidden gem. The locals were friendly and the prices were reasonable. Perfect for a weekend trip.
If you're into art, the Kunsthaus is cool, but honestly I felt it was overpriced for what it is. Still, the architecture around town got me every time.
Try the local Styrian pumpkin seed oil here, they put it on everything. Also, buy the 24-hour city transport pass if you plan to move around a lot,it’s way cheaper than single tickets.