11 EPIC Things to do in Graz, Austria

Looking for the best things to do in Graz, Austria? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined all of the best things to do in Graz, as well as the best places to eat and useful logistics on how to make the most of your time in Graz.

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, and is known as Austria’s Capital of Delight. It’s a beautiful city with unique architecture, lots of things to do, and amazing local culinary experiences.

I recently spent four days in Graz, in partnership with Tourism Graz, and loved every moment of it. Graz is a unique city, which deserves to be explored at a slow pace, creating meaningful connections and stories.

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover the best that Graz has to offer!

About Graz

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, and the capital of the southern province of Styria. It’s known for being a young student city, as well as the culinary capital of Austria.

The historic centre of Graz (Altstadt) is one of the best preserved city centres in Europe, and was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999.

In 2003 Graz was designated the Cultural Capital of Europ, and it became a City of Culinary Delights in 2008. It’s a city that offers plenty of activities, both within the city and in the surrounding countryside.

How to get to Graz

Graz can easily be reached by bus, train or plane. 

There are direct flights from many European airports, primarily in Austria (Vienna), Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Hamburg), Spain (Barcelona and Tenerife), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam).

You can also reach Graz by train, with trains regularly running from many Austrian and German cities. 

There are more bus connections, with Flixbus and Eurolines buses arriving in Graz from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Germany, although they usually take longer than trains.

Where to stay in Graz

In Graz we stayed at Hotel Gollner Graz, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Run by the Gerlach Family, Hotel Gollner is a family-run hotel that has been run by the same family since the 1960s. Over the years it has undergone renovations and expansions, but is still run with the same love, care and dedication.

The rooms are modern and spacious, and the position of the hotel is great. Located just a 12-minute walk away from the main square of Graz, Hotel Gollner Graz is also has a bus and tram stop right next to it, so you can easily travel around the city.

Best things to do in Graz, Austria

Climb up Schlossberg Hill

I couldn’t write a compilation of the best things to do in Graz, and not start with Schlossberg Hill. Located in the centre of Graz, Schlossberg is a 473 metre tall hill that offers beautiful views over the rooftops of Graz.

The hill is a public park, with numerous ways to reach its peak. There is a longer path that gradually makes its way through the trees up until Uhrturm, and a steeper path up involving 260 steps up a panoramic staircase.

For those who don’t fancy walking, there are also a funicular and an elevator that can take you to the top of the hill. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by a beautiful garden and sweeping city views.

At Schlossber you can spend some time walking around the colourful rose garden, sitting on the benches to enjoy the view, or learning more about the resident historical landmarks, like Uhrturm clock tower, the Gothic Gate and fort.

Admire Uhrturm clock tower

This 28-metre clock tower is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Graz. Thanks to its strategic position at the top of Schlossberg, you can spot it peeking above the rooftops from many places in Graz.

Uhrturm dates back to the 13th century, but it didn’t look like it currently does until the 16th century.

One particularity of this clock tower is that the hour hand on the clock is longer than the minutes, a conscious choice so that they could be seen from a distance.

While you can spot Uhrturm clock tower from many areas of Graz, the best view of it is up close from the top of Schlossberg Hill.

Slide back down the hill!

Schlossberg isn’t just about views and historical monuments, it’s also a pretty fun place for families! If you don’t fancy walking back down the hill or taking the funicular, you can actually slide back down the hill!

Inside Schlossberg you will find “The Slide”; the highest underground slide in the world! It’s 64 metres tall, 175 metres long, and lasts around 40 seconds. It’s a pretty unique way to get back down the hill!

Enjoy the beautiful architecture

Given that in 1999 Graz’s historic centre was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, wandering around the city centre and taking in the beautiful architecture is a must-do in Graz!

Throughout the city you will find a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with beautiful buildings with pastel colours, detailed decorations and terracotta roofs.

Wandering through these cobbled streets feels like walking through a movie set. Herrengrasse is the main street in Graz, lined with shops, bars and restaurants, this is where you will find some of the most distinctive architecture of the city.

Just off Herrengrasse you will find Landhaus, the Graz regional parliament building, with its elegant courtyard of arcades and arched windows.

Another beautiful architecture element you need to visit in Graz is the Musical Clock at Glockenspiel Platz Square. Every day at 11AM, 3PM and 6PM two statues emerge from the clock to dance to the melody of 24 bells.

It might not be an element of Renaissance architecture, but another spot in Graz I found fascinating is Murinsel. This contemporary floating structure is located in the middle of the Mur River, and is home to a café and theatre.

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.

Visit Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum Graz 

Located right next to each other, the cathedral and mausoleum in Graz are some of the most iconic and significant buildings in Graz.

The cathedral has a fairly sober exterior, but the interior is a grand combination of Gothic architecture and Baroque furnishing. There are beautiful decorations inside that you could spend hours admiring.

Graz Cathedral dates back to the 1400s, when it was first erected by Emperor Frederick III, a relic of Graz’s days as an imperial city. Over the centuries it changed owners and style, until its final look today.

Just next door, you will find the Graz Mausoleum, with its distinctive turquoise domes and beautiful facade. 

Discover the Double Spiral Staircase

There may be beautiful architecture all over Graz, but the Double Spiral Staircase was probably my favourite sight. 

This unique staircase is known as the “staircase of reconciliation”, as there are two opposing stairways that briefly merge, part ways and then rejoin on each floor.

Located in the Burg of Graz, the official headquarter of the regional government, this architectural masterpiece dates back to 1499, and is a must-see in Graz.

Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Austria’s culinary capital

Graz is known as Austria’s culinary capital, so it’s only normal that one of the main Graz tourist attractions is the food! In Graz you will find a huge variety of unique dining experiences, both of local Styrian dishes and of international cuisines.

I was only in Graz for four days, but I had the pleasure of eating at some truly amazing restaurants.

Aiola Upstairs

Located at the top of Schlossberg Hill, at Aiola Upstairs you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the unparalleled views over Graz.

Besides the amazing venue and views, at Aiola Upstairs you can taste tasty dishes that combine regional and international cuisine.

For example, here you can have Styrian corn-fed chicken breast, served with Chanterelle mushrooms, a seasonal food in Graz in summer.

Or a fillet of arctic char, served with fregola, a typical Sardinian type of pasta, which perfectly shows the international fusion of dishes at Aiola Upstairs.

Gut Schlossberg

Located at the base of Schlossberg hill, Gut Schlossberg is both a local restaurant and shop. Here you can purchase local products from small-scale producers, as well as trying some delicious local recipes.

Here we had Käferbohnensalat (a delicious bug beans salad) and a chanterelle mushrooms gulasch worth knödels and polenta. The outdoors seating is a lovely spot to eat in the sunshine on a summer trip to Graz.

Gasthaus Glöcklbräu

Dating back to 1860, this local brewery serves a variety of Austrian beers, as well as local dishes like pretzels and schnitzel.

At Gasthaus Glöcklbräu you will find a lovely outdoors beer garden, as well as a huge indoor venue, perfect for events or large parties of any sort.

If you’re looking for a traditional Austrian meal and beer, this is the place for you!

Die Eisperle

Fun fact; Austria has the most vegan restaurants in Austria in relation to its population! So we couldn’t help but try some delicious vegan ice cream from Die Eisperle, the first vegan ice cream parlour in Graz.

They have a few venues around the city centre, all serving the same delicious flavours. I had a lime and basil ice cream, which was the perfect refreshing snack to have while exploring Graz!

Die Speis am Lendhafen

Located in a little square, overlooking the beautiful church Mariahilferkirche, Die Speis am Lendhafen was one of my favourite restaurants in Graz.

Not only is the food delicious, but the owners have a strong focus on sustainability; 2/3s of the food they serve comes from within 50km of Graz, or at most from within Austria.

We tried a variety of both Austrian and international dishes, like caprese salad and pasta.

Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax

Founded in 1569, Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax is the oldest operating bakery in Graz. It’s famous for its unique wooden shop facade on Hofgasse Street, but don’t let that deceive you, it’s not only the shopfront that’s amazing!

Here you can try all sorts of Austrian and Styrian pastries and desserts, like a Mozart Kugel. These are round sweets made of pistachio, marzipan and nougat, and are covered with dark chocolate. 

You might have seen these chocolates sold in souvenirs shops in Austria, with images of Mozart drawn over the wrapping paper. Needless to say, the handmade version by Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax was so much tastier (and bigger)!

Street Food Market in Hauptplatz

Located in Hauptplatz, the main town square of Graz, you will find an amazing street food market. There are a few different stands, all selling different types of cuisine, ranging from traditional Austrian wurscht to Asian noodles.

We tried a traditional wurscht with mustard and horseradish from Standl 12: Weil’s Wurscht, and it was pretty delicious! Plus, the location in front of Rathaus Town Hall and the colourful medieval houses of the main square is simply stunning.

Buschenschank Dokter

Buschenschank Dokter isn’t located in Graz, but in the surrounding countryside. Located just 40 minutes drive from Graz city centre, this beautiful winery is the perfect place for a Sunday lunch with friends.

A Buschenschank is a type of Austrian tavern where winemakers can serve their wine and food, but only cold food. We had an amazing platter with a variety of cheese, ham, salami, spreads, bug bean salad and bread.

When you combine the delicious food to the gorgeous venue, you have an all-round winner. You can sip your wine while nibbling on cheese and cold cuts, and enjoying the view over the lush green vineyards and surrounding countryside.

Café Energieschiff Mochart

Located near Graz, Café Energieschiff Mochart is a unique venue for a Sunday brunch in the countryside.

This café is actually part of a sustainable energy enterprise, and is shaped like a ship to symbolise the transition into a new era of energy and technology. 

They have a lovely outdoors seating area with a pond and garden island, and they serve a variety of brunch dishes. I had the eggs and ham pictured below, all cooked with fresh local ingredients and with a focus on sustainability.

Buy local delicacies from local producers

As the culinary capital of Austria, Graz has a lot to offer in terms of food even beyond bars, restaurants and cafes. In Graz you don’t necessarily have to eat out to taste fresh Styrian products, you can also buy them from local producers.

Here are some of the places where you can purchase from local producers in Graz.

S’Fachl

The concept of s’Fachl is super cool, and something I wish more cities adopted. It’s a shop located in the city centre of Graz, where local producers can rent a box (fachl in German) to place their products and sell to new clients.

It’s a great way for local producers to reach new customers, without having to open their own shop in Graz, and the expense that would entail.

They sell both local food products and handmade objects like jewellery, kitchen utensils and more.

If you’re on the hunt for local Styrian products like pumpkin seed oil or kaeferbohnen (also known as bug beans), you can purchase them here and know they come from small local producers, and will taste much better than mass produced ones in supermarkets.

Farmers Market in Kaiser Josef-Platz

In Graz you will find local farmers markets dotted all over the city, but one of the biggest and most important ones is the one in Kaiser Josef-Platz. Here local farmers sell all sorts of fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese etc).

While the market is on every morning, there are more stalls present on weekends. It’s a great place for Graz locals to do their daily or weekly food shop, and have the guarantee that it was produced locally.

Even as a tourist, it’s a lovely market to walk around, trying local delicacies like a seasoned crumbly Styrian cheese, fresh berries or local juices, and generally soaking in the market atmosphere.

Pipifein

If you like spirits, you need to pay a visit to Pipifein. Located just outside Graz, this family run brewery produces both gin and rum.

The owners are a friendly father and son, who have a true passion for the liqueur they produce. You can purchase online and have their bottles delivered, buy them in store or even drink and eat at their venue.

Rosenzopf Beekeepers

If you like honey, you need to pay a visit to Rosenzopf Beekeepers. They produce different types of honey and honey based products, thanks to the bee hives they have placed strategically in different settings and surroundings.

My personal favourite was the chestnut honey (it was the award winning one after all!), but you can also get honeys that are more flower or wood based. 

The owners are lovely, and happily shared with us information on how bee hives work and the life of bees.

Visit the famous Hauptplatz

Hauptplatz is the historical town square in the city centre of Graz. It’s lined with medieval buildings and is home to the Rathaus Town Hall, as well as a fountain dedicated to Archduke Johann.

If you’re still wondering what to do in Graz, a stop at this central town square is a must.

Here you can soak in the lively city vibe, enjoy the beautiful facades and architecture around you, and even take in the views of Uhrturm clock tower in the distance. Don’t forget that in Hauptplatz you will also find the street food market!

Whether you fancy a traditional wurscht, or an Asian noodle dish, you can grab some food, take a seat in the main square, and watch Graz life go by as you enjoy your street food meal.

Visit Kunsthaus Graz

Known as “The Friendly Alien”, Kunsthaus Graz is the Art Museum of Graz. With its unique design and modern architecture, the building itself has become an attraction and landmark in Graz.

It was built in 2003, when was Graz was nominated European City of Culture. Inside you will find both international contemporary art and work by local and regional artists.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Graz, especially for art lovers.

Meet the horses at the Stud Farm at Piber Castle

There are many exciting things to do in Graz, and the region surrounding is equally beautiful. In the region of Graz you will find rolling green hills, forested areas and farms. A must-visit amongst these is the Stud Farm at Piber Castle.

A Stud Farm is an establishment for the selective breeding of livestock. The Stud Farm at Piber Castle is dedicated to the breeding and training of the famous Lipizzan white horses, which are then sent to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

You can join a guided tour of the Stud, visiting the stables, meeting the horses, and learning about the breeding and training process.

Learning how much care goes into raising the Lipizzan horses, and how much thought and science goes into the breeding process, was simply fascinating.

Did you know they can trace back each horses’ pedigree? To ensure that there is never any inbreeding amongst the herd. And every horse is trained for 5 – 6 years before it’s ready to join the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Visiting Stud Farm is without a doubt one of the best things to do around Graz, especially if you’re travelling with children. That said, even adults are sure to enjoy the contact with these beautiful horses and foals!

Final thoughts on Graz, Austria, things to do 

There you have it, the ultimate guide about what to do in Graz! Have you been to Graz, Styria, before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

It was my first time in Graz, and I have to say I quickly fell in love with the city. I found it to be a very laid back city, with friendly locals, beautiful architecture and tasty food.

They call Graz the Capital of Delight, or Austria’s Culinary Capital, and it’s easy to see why. In Graz you can taste a huge variety of delicious dishes, both based on regional products and recipes and more international cuisines.

But it goes beyond just the food, Graz is a city with an incredible energy, and a strong focus on sustainability. This is clearly visible even in the small things, like free water fountains dotted around the city.

If you’re looking to get a taste of authentic Austrian and Styrian lifestyle, Graz is a great place to do so. You could spend a few days exploring Graz, or choose to travel deeper and fully immerse yourself in the Styrian capital.

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