The top things to do and see in Graz, Austria
(Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and take action, I'll be compensated.) If you are also interested in any PRINTS from any of my posts, be sure to check out my store where you can buy prints as posters, in metal/wooden frames or on canvas.
I must admit, Graz wasn’t on my radar until I started planning my road trip around Slovenia. I didn’t realize how centrally located Slovenia was to other countries around it like Austria, Italy, and Croatia. This prompted me to look at other cities just over the Slovenia border, like Graz.
My time in Austria has been limited with just a singular visit to Vienna back in 2009. I would love to return there one day but Graz gave me a taste of what Austrian culture is like.
Graz is the second largest city in the country and is located in the Austrian state of Styria. It has one of the best preserved city centers in Europe and is home to four colleges and universities, made up of over 60,000 students.
The superlatives for Graz are extensive, it was crowned the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003, and a City of Culinary Delights in 2008, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (city center) since 1999.
Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/500 s)
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
I spend two days, one night in Graz and if I could do it all over again, I would spend the whole weekend. The city is walkable but I would recommend experiencing it by bike (super bike friendly due to all the students). There are plenty of small alleyways that take you throughout the city, so getting lost is the best way to explore. I also liked its restaurants, including two amazing cafes that I fell in love with during my time there (more on that below). Check out the Google Map at the end of this post to see all the sites I will discuss.
Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/400 s)
Old Town Graz sits on the Eastern side of the Mur river. Like many old towns of this region, it features many classical looking buildings with colorful facades, meandering alleyways, and cafes and boutiques on the ground level. This is perfectly explored in the early mornings, after first light but before the town has woken up fully.
Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 100 mm, f/8, 1/320 s)
Rathaus der Stadt Graz is the Graz city hall, centrally located within the Graz old town. It towers over the city square where commuters catch their morning trams. It’s what you’d expect a grandiose city hall to be with architecture that exemplifies the entire city.
Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 55 mm, f/8, 1/25 s)
During my morning walk through the Old Town, I stumbled upon Bäckerei Sorger, a boutique like cafe with great breakfast. I didn’t realize at the time that this is more or less a ‘chain’, as there are many locations across the city, but it had the feel of a nice independent cafe. I was also blown away by the quality of the food. Highly recommend if you’re hungry in the morning!
The Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg) is located West of Graz central train station, built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a jewel of Austria’s past with its well maintained gardens, well preserved castle, and four museums. It has origins back to 1460, the site started construction by a financier named Balthasar Eggenberger. The history of the grounds is storied and extremely long and so any explanation of it within this blog would not do it any justice. You just have to go there for it! The great thing is, it is reachable by Tram!
Schloßberg, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/200 s)
The Graz Cathedral (also called the St. Giles’ Cathedral) is located in the historic city center of Graz. Although maybe not much to see from the outside, the interior is classified as Gothic in nature and was erected by Emperor Frederick III in 1438. The Gothic fresco ‘Gottesplagenbild’ ("God's Plagues"), is the centerpiece of the church interior.
Uhrturm, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 60 mm, f/8, 1/2000 s)
Kunsthaus Graz was built after Graz received the European Capital Culture of 2003 distinction. The art museum is absolutely unmistakeable on the Graz cityscape as it resembles more of an alien structure (nicknamed the ‘Friendly Alien’), than the traditional red tiered buildings that surround it. It was designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The art house actually doesn’t have collections of its own, but instead dedicates the space to temporary exhibitions.
Kunsthaus Graz, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 105 mm, f/8, 1/800 s)
Herz-Jesu Kirche is the largest church in Graz and is located just East of the center. It’s considered to be built in the Neo-Gothic style, featuring a 109.6 meter tall tower, constructed between 1881 and 1887. The stained-glass windows of this church are particularly striking as it is a rare feature in Austrian churches.
Chinese Pavilion, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/1000 s)
Mariatrost Basilica is located to the northeast of the Graz city center, and is a Baroque church sitting atop Purberg Hill and known for its bright canary yellow facade. It is a well-known pilgrimage destination in Styria and built in 1714.
Glockenturm, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/2000 s)
The Schloßberg (Castle Hill) is the name of the central hill that is juxtaposed to Graz’s old town that contains a number of the city’s landmarks. I will summarized a few of them here:
The most visible is the Uhrturm, an old medieval clock town sitting atop the hill. This clock tower stands 28 meters high whose clock hands are plated with gold. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Schloßberg with origins dating back to the 13th century. It was a part of a fortress and was actually hit by a shell from Napoleon’s invading army but did not sustain heavy damage in 1809.
After capture, the Clock tower was actually saved from being demolished since the citizens paid a ransom to the Napoleonic invaders for it to be spared.
Uhrturm, Graz, Austria (ISO 800, 45 mm, f/8, 1/1250 s)
The Chinese Pavilion, also on the Schloßberg, provides great views of the city below. It features a small, ornate hut that was built in 1890 with a stone bench and Gothic imagery.
Also on these grounds, is an open air venue for shows and concerts called the Kasemattenbühne. It has a retractable roof and can fit around 1300 patrons.
The Glockenturm is recognized by its plum colored roof and contains Liesl, the heaviest bell in Graz.
There are also a number of restaurants and cafes on the Schloßberg, perfect for a break between taking in the sights (and resting after a long but steady walk uphill to reach this point).
Kylo was a place I went to for lunch and a quick coffee. It’s just a short walk from the Graz Old Town and can be described as chic and cozy. The food was amazing as was the coffee and I wish I stayed in Graz longer to be able to sample more of the menu. Highly recommend!
I think Graz is a perfectly sized city for walking through and the food, landmarks, and history of the city make it such a pleasure to visit. I don't say this much about most cities I visit but I would actually love to see Graz again (as well as more cities in Austria as a whole).
