Austria’s Cultural Gem
Graz, the capital of Styria, is Austria’s second-largest city and a hidden treasure trove of culture and history. With its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz blends Renaissance and Baroque architecture with modern design. Known for its vibrant student population, culinary scene, and relaxed atmosphere, Graz offers a perfect mix of tradition and innovation.
Essential Graz Information
- Language: German (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Timezone: Central European Time (CET) UTC+1 (UTC+2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
- Visas: Part of the Schengen Area (allowing border-free travel in 26 European countries)
- Tipping: 5-10% is customary in restaurants if service charge is not included
Where to Stay in Graz: Top Neighborhoods for Tourists
Innere Stadt (Old Town)
The heart of Graz and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Innere Stadt is home to most of the city’s historic sights, including the Hauptplatz and Schlossberg. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance.
Lend
Just west of the Old Town, Lend is a hip and diverse neighborhood known for its trendy bars, cafes, and multicultural atmosphere. It’s home to the Lendplatz market and offers a more local experience with good access to the city center.
Geidorf
A residential area north of the center, Geidorf is home to the University of Graz and offers a quieter, more local experience. It’s known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, making it ideal for families or those seeking a peaceful stay.
St. Leonhard
An upscale residential district east of the center, St. Leonhard offers a mix of beautiful villas, parks, and quieter streets. It’s well-connected to the city center and provides a more relaxed atmosphere away from the tourist hustle.
Jakomini
Southeast of the Old Town, Jakomini is a diverse district offering budget-friendly accommodations and good shopping options. It’s home to the Jakominiplatz, a major public transport hub, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
Must-See Sights in Graz
- Schlossberg: A hill in the city center offering panoramic views, home to the iconic Clock Tower and a network of tunnels.
- Kunsthaus Graz: A modern art museum known as the “Friendly Alien” due to its unique blob-like architecture.
- Hauptplatz: The main square of Graz, surrounded by historic buildings and home to the Rathaus (City Hall).
- Eggenberg Palace: A stunning Baroque palace on the outskirts of Graz, with beautiful gardens and state rooms.
- Murinsel: An artificial floating platform on the Mur River, featuring a cafe and an amphitheater.
- Graz Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral with a unique fresco depicting the plagues that once threatened the city.
- Landeszeughaus: The world’s largest historic armory, housing an impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor.
Discover Graz’s Hidden Gems
- Botanical Garden: A peaceful oasis with over 10,000 plant species, including four climate zones in modern greenhouses.
- Austrian Sculpture Park: An open-air museum showcasing contemporary sculpture in a beautiful park setting.
- Kastner & Öhler Rooftop: A department store with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the Old Town.
- Graz Tram Museum: A small museum dedicated to the history of Graz’s public transport, with vintage trams on display.
- Burgruine Gösting: Ruins of a medieval castle on the outskirts of Graz, offering beautiful views of the city.
Food Highlights: Must-Try Styrian Dishes
- Styrian Fried Chicken: Crispy chicken served with pumpkin seed oil and potato salad.
- Käferbohnen: A salad made with local runner beans, pumpkin seed oil, and apple cider vinegar.
- Kernöl: Styrian pumpkin seed oil, used in many local dishes and salads.
- Schilcher: A unique rosé wine made from the Blauer Wildbacher grape, native to Western Styria.
- Apfelstrudel: A traditional Austrian apple strudel, often served with vanilla sauce.
7 Essential Tips for Visiting Graz
- Graz Card: Consider purchasing this card for free public transport and entry to several museums.
- Schlossberg Funicular: Take the funicular or glass elevator up the Schlossberg for stunning city views.
- Farmers’ Markets: Visit the Kaiser-Josef-Markt or Lendplatz market for fresh local produce and specialties.
- Bike Rental: Graz is very bike-friendly; consider renting a bike to explore the city.
- Free Walking Tours: Join a free walking tour to get oriented and learn about the city’s rich history.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Try the local pumpkin seed oil, a Styrian specialty used in many dishes.
- Day Trips: Consider day trips to nearby attractions like the South Styrian Wine Road or Zotter Chocolate Factory.
How to Get to Graz
Air: Graz Airport (GRZ) is located about 9 km south of the city center, serving both domestic and international flights. The 630 and 631 bus lines connect the airport to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 20 minutes.
Rail: Graz Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station, well-connected to other Austrian and European cities. Direct trains connect Graz to Vienna (2.5 hours), Salzburg (4 hours), and other major cities in the region. The station is linked to the city center by tram lines 1, 3, 6, and 7.
Bus: Graz is well-connected by bus to many European cities. The main bus station (Zentral Omnibus Bahnhof) is located near the main train station, offering services to destinations throughout Austria and internationally.
Nearby Destinations and Itineraries
- Vienna, Austria’s capital, is only a two and a half hour train ride away. The rail journey itself is a UNESCO heritage sight, and runs through stunning valleys
- Why not visit Graz as part of a scenic journey through the Alps, read our itinerary here
