Graz travel guide

Graz Tourism | Graz Guide

You're Going to Love Graz

A world-class cultural center, a scenic gem with fabulous urban vistas, a modern architectural marvel, and simply a lovely place to spend time, Graz offers everything you could hope for from a central European city.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Graz

1. The Beautiful Setting

Built around the river Mur and a rocky bluff that was easy to defend, Graz looks the part, especially when you take the funicular railway to the summit of the rock.

2. Fantastic Nightlife

The huge student community fuels one of Austria's liveliest music and clubbing scenes. Bars like Glöcklbräu will keep any night owl happy.

3. Plenty of Modern Art Galleries

Graz may look stately, but its heart is modern. You can find cutting-edge art at wonderful institutions like the striking Kunsthaus Graz and Atelier Jungwirth.

4. A Wide Range of Engaging Museums

Graz also offers museums for almost everyone, from the child-friendly exhibits at FRida & freD to the science-heavy Naturkundemuseum.

5. A World-Class Music Center

Catch sublime performances at the Opera Graz House, attend free evening chamber music shows at the Chamber Music Hall, or check out today's electronic music trends at the Springfestival.

1. The Beautiful Setting

Built around the river Mur and a rocky bluff that was easy to defend, Graz looks the part, especially when you take the funicular railway to the summit of the rock.

2. Fantastic Nightlife

The huge student community fuels one of Austria's liveliest music and clubbing scenes. Bars like Glöcklbräu will keep any night owl happy.

3. Plenty of Modern Art Galleries

Graz may look stately, but its heart is modern. You can find cutting-edge art at wonderful institutions like the striking Kunsthaus Graz and Atelier Jungwirth.

4. A Wide Range of Engaging Museums

Graz also offers museums for almost everyone, from the child-friendly exhibits at FRida & freD to the science-heavy Naturkundemuseum.

5. A World-Class Music Center

Catch sublime performances at the Opera Graz House, attend free evening chamber music shows at the Chamber Music Hall, or check out today's electronic music trends at the Springfestival.

What to do in Graz

1. Schloßberg: A Fortress On the Hill

Climb aboard the Schlossberg Lift and ride to the top of the Schlossberg hill and fortress. Located in the center of Graz, Austria, Schlossberg is a public park that houses entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes. If you want to walk, take a romantic stroll uphill through the colorful forest pathway overlooking the town. Once you reach the top, visit the Grazer Uhrturm clock tower and admire the magnificent mechanism that decorates the center of the park. When you are done touring, have lunch on the patio of the Starcke Haus restaurant to feel like you are dining in the clouds.

2. Landeszeughaus: The Styrian Armoury

Take a tour of the largest historic armory in the world. As you stroll the first floor, you'll be introduced to firearms from the 16th-18th century. Marvel at the 704 artillery and accessories accompanying the mortars, guns, and falconry. The unique pistols, Hussar armor, and Horseman's armor are just a few of the impressive items exhibited on the 2nd floor. Housed on the third floor you'll find armor from the German workshops, such as the 1814 Rossharnisch made from 42-carat gold. As you roam the fourth and last floor of this museum, you'll be fascinated by the barracks and ladders used pre-firearms.

3. Herz-Jesu-Kirche: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Located in the district of St. Leonhard Graz, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is the largest church in Graz. This Roman Catholic church was designed by Georg Hauberrisser between 1881-1887. Its neo-Gothic brick style architecture includes a tall nave, an under-church, and a tower that is 109.6 meters tall. Marvel at the magnificent neo-Gothic stained glass windows that serve as a historic reminder of the neo-Gothic influence in Austria.

4. Mausoleum of Ferdinand II: Home to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Chapel

Stroll over to the southern side of the Graz Cathedral and marvel at the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. Inside the mausoleum, you'll find the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Emperor's marble tomb sits under two marble slabs on the left side of the chapel's altar. Above the crypt, you'll be mesmerized by the oval dome lingering over the crypt. You'll swoon at the vibrant red marble sarcophagus decorated with the faces of the Emperor's parents Archduke Karl II and Maria of Bavaria.

5. Schloss Eggenberg: The Eggenberg Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating destination. Built in the 18th century, the Eggenberg Palace is furnished with a plethora of original furniture, tapestries, and decorations from the 17-18th century. This castle has 24 rooms with pristine antiquities. As you walk into the Planetary Room, explore the seven planets known in the 18th century and recorded on the wall. As you tour the corridors, you'll be mesmerized by the Osaka Folding Screen said to have been laid with Indian paper. Finally, venture through the rest of the palace rooms, such as the Rococo.

1. Schloßberg: A Fortress On the Hill

Climb aboard the Schlossberg Lift and ride to the top of the Schlossberg hill and fortress. Located in the center of Graz, Austria, Schlossberg is a public park that houses entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes. If you want to walk, take a romantic stroll uphill through the colorful forest pathway overlooking the town. Once you reach the top, visit the Grazer Uhrturm clock tower and admire the magnificent mechanism that decorates the center of the park. When you are done touring, have lunch on the patio of the Starcke Haus restaurant to feel like you are dining in the clouds.

2. Landeszeughaus: The Styrian Armoury

Take a tour of the largest historic armory in the world. As you stroll the first floor, you'll be introduced to firearms from the 16th-18th century. Marvel at the 704 artillery and accessories accompanying the mortars, guns, and falconry. The unique pistols, Hussar armor, and Horseman's armor are just a few of the impressive items exhibited on the 2nd floor. Housed on the third floor you'll find armor from the German workshops, such as the 1814 Rossharnisch made from 42-carat gold. As you roam the fourth and last floor of this museum, you'll be fascinated by the barracks and ladders used pre-firearms.

3. Herz-Jesu-Kirche: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Located in the district of St. Leonhard Graz, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is the largest church in Graz. This Roman Catholic church was designed by Georg Hauberrisser between 1881-1887. Its neo-Gothic brick style architecture includes a tall nave, an under-church, and a tower that is 109.6 meters tall. Marvel at the magnificent neo-Gothic stained glass windows that serve as a historic reminder of the neo-Gothic influence in Austria.

4. Mausoleum of Ferdinand II: Home to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Chapel

Stroll over to the southern side of the Graz Cathedral and marvel at the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. Inside the mausoleum, you'll find the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Emperor's marble tomb sits under two marble slabs on the left side of the chapel's altar. Above the crypt, you'll be mesmerized by the oval dome lingering over the crypt. You'll swoon at the vibrant red marble sarcophagus decorated with the faces of the Emperor's parents Archduke Karl II and Maria of Bavaria.

5. Schloss Eggenberg: The Eggenberg Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating destination. Built in the 18th century, the Eggenberg Palace is furnished with a plethora of original furniture, tapestries, and decorations from the 17-18th century. This castle has 24 rooms with pristine antiquities. As you walk into the Planetary Room, explore the seven planets known in the 18th century and recorded on the wall. As you tour the corridors, you'll be mesmerized by the Osaka Folding Screen said to have been laid with Indian paper. Finally, venture through the rest of the palace rooms, such as the Rococo.

1. Schloßberg: A Fortress On the Hill

Climb aboard the Schlossberg Lift and ride to the top of the Schlossberg hill and fortress. Located in the center of Graz, Austria, Schlossberg is a public park that houses entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes. If you want to walk, take a romantic stroll uphill through the colorful forest pathway overlooking the town. Once you reach the top, visit the Grazer Uhrturm clock tower and admire the magnificent mechanism that decorates the center of the park. When you are done touring, have lunch on the patio of the Starcke Haus restaurant to feel like you are dining in the clouds.

2. Landeszeughaus: The Styrian Armoury

Take a tour of the largest historic armory in the world. As you stroll the first floor, you'll be introduced to firearms from the 16th-18th century. Marvel at the 704 artillery and accessories accompanying the mortars, guns, and falconry. The unique pistols, Hussar armor, and Horseman's armor are just a few of the impressive items exhibited on the 2nd floor. Housed on the third floor you'll find armor from the German workshops, such as the 1814 Rossharnisch made from 42-carat gold. As you roam the fourth and last floor of this museum, you'll be fascinated by the barracks and ladders used pre-firearms.

3. Herz-Jesu-Kirche: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Located in the district of St. Leonhard Graz, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is the largest church in Graz. This Roman Catholic church was designed by Georg Hauberrisser between 1881-1887. Its neo-Gothic brick style architecture includes a tall nave, an under-church, and a tower that is 109.6 meters tall. Marvel at the magnificent neo-Gothic stained glass windows that serve as a historic reminder of the neo-Gothic influence in Austria.

4. Mausoleum of Ferdinand II: Home to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Chapel

Stroll over to the southern side of the Graz Cathedral and marvel at the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. Inside the mausoleum, you'll find the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Emperor's marble tomb sits under two marble slabs on the left side of the chapel's altar. Above the crypt, you'll be mesmerized by the oval dome lingering over the crypt. You'll swoon at the vibrant red marble sarcophagus decorated with the faces of the Emperor's parents Archduke Karl II and Maria of Bavaria.

5. Schloss Eggenberg: The Eggenberg Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating destination. Built in the 18th century, the Eggenberg Palace is furnished with a plethora of original furniture, tapestries, and decorations from the 17-18th century. This castle has 24 rooms with pristine antiquities. As you walk into the Planetary Room, explore the seven planets known in the 18th century and recorded on the wall. As you tour the corridors, you'll be mesmerized by the Osaka Folding Screen said to have been laid with Indian paper. Finally, venture through the rest of the palace rooms, such as the Rococo.

Where to Eat in Graz

Restaurant Florian is a lovely spot thanks to its rose garden (and Styrian cuisine), while Michelin-starred Aiola is another standout. Expect prices to range from EUR15 at mid-range places to over EUR50 at the best restaurants.

When to visit Graz

Graz in January
Estimated hotel price
£64
1 night at 3-star hotel
Graz in January
Estimated hotel price
£64
1 night at 3-star hotel

Graz has something to offer at almost any time. Christmas markets make it an enchanting festive destination while festivals, galleries, and museums light up trips at other times of year.

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Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Graz

Plane

Graz Airport (GRZ) offers plenty of connections to European aviation hubs. Take bus 630 or 631 to the city center (EUR2.20) or queue for a taxi (around EUR25).

Train

You can easily get from Vienna to Graz Hauptbahnhof by train (around EUR25), along with Munich or Salzburg. After arriving, take trams 1, 3, 6, or 7 to the Old Town.

Car

From Vienna: take the S6, then the S35. From Salzburg: take the A1 then the A9.

Bus

Both Eurolines and Westbus run international buses into Graz, with connections to Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin, among many other cities.

Plane

Graz Airport (GRZ) offers plenty of connections to European aviation hubs. Take bus 630 or 631 to the city center (EUR2.20) or queue for a taxi (around EUR25).

Train

You can easily get from Vienna to Graz Hauptbahnhof by train (around EUR25), along with Munich or Salzburg. After arriving, take trams 1, 3, 6, or 7 to the Old Town.

Car

From Vienna: take the S6, then the S35. From Salzburg: take the A1 then the A9.

Bus

Both Eurolines and Westbus run international buses into Graz, with connections to Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin, among many other cities.

Airports near Graz

Airlines serving Graz

Lufthansa
Good (7,177 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,356 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,821 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,671 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,843 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,958 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,682 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (847 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,554 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,552 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,943 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,364 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,898 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (395 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,324 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,308 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,224 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,338 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,237 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,917 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Graz

Innere Stadt - the Old Town is stunning. Set beneath the castle hill, this UNESCO-listed neighborhood is a place to wander around at your leisure.

Popular Neighborhoods in Graz

Schlossberg - towering over Graz, the castle hill is accessible via a funicular and commands magnificent views over the city.

Sankt Leonhard - the other side of the hill from the Old Town, Sankt Leonhard is pleasant and tidy, and a great base to explore the city as a whole.

Schlossberg - towering over Graz, the castle hill is accessible via a funicular and commands magnificent views over the city.
Sankt Leonhard - the other side of the hill from the Old Town, Sankt Leonhard is pleasant and tidy, and a great base to explore the city as a whole.

Where to stay in popular areas of Graz

Most booked hotels in Graz

Grand Hotel Wiesler
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
£71+
Das Weitzer
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£65+
Hotel Daniel Graz
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£56+
A&O Graz Hauptbahnhof
2 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
£18+
Ibis Budget Graz City
2 stars
Good (6.7, Good reviews)
£43+

How to Get Around Graz

Public Transportation

Single tickets on buses and trams cost EUR2.20, and 24-hour passes cost EUR5.

Taxi

Expect to pay a meter drop of EUR4 in Graz, followed by around EUR2 per mile.

Car

Car rental options include Hertz and Europcar, and rates should be around EUR20 per day.

Public Transportation

Single tickets on buses and trams cost EUR2.20, and 24-hour passes cost EUR5.

Taxi

Expect to pay a meter drop of EUR4 in Graz, followed by around EUR2 per mile.

Car

Car rental options include Hertz and Europcar, and rates should be around EUR20 per day.

The Cost of Living in Graz

Shopping Streets

Herrengasse is the most important shopping street in town, while Kastner and Öhler is the largest store, and is located just off the main square.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Graz include Billa, Lidl, and Spar, where you can expect to pay around EUR3.90 for a gallon of milk.

Cheap meal
£6.81
A pair of jeans
£67.95
Single public transport ticket
£1.82
Cappuccino
£2.26