Things to Do in Graz: The Best Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Vacation in Graz

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before visiting Graz.

Where is Graz?

Graz is located in the southeast of Austria in the state of Styria.

For a trip to the capital Vienna, you’re looking at about 200 kilometers from Graz.

Salzburg takes a bit longer. The nearly 300 kilometers between Austria’s second-largest city and Salzburg can be covered in about three hours by car.

From Graz, you can also easily visit the neighboring countries of Hungary and Slovenia. For a day trip to either country, you only need to plan for about an hour’s drive each way.

Our Hotel Picks for Graz

Here are our hotel recommendations in Graz for every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Graz

#1 Who are you and why are you an expert on Graz?

I’m Janine and I moved to Graz for love. I’m originally from Düsseldorf, but I lived in the Ruhr region for many years. My boyfriend is a native Styrian who studied in Graz — he convinced me how livable the city is, and so one day we packed up and moved from Essen to Graz.

On my outdoor and travel blog Gepackt & Los! I share tips for travel routes, day trips, hikes, and long-distance destinations. In my hiking guide I write about the most beautiful hikes in Styria.

#2 If you had to describe Graz in three words, what would they be?

City. Country. River.

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city. You can reach more rural areas very quickly by public transit. And the beautiful Mur river flows right through the heart of the city.

#3 Why should everyone make a point of visiting Graz at least once?

Everyone goes to Vienna. That’s exactly why Graz is still an absolute under-the-radar pick when it comes to Austrian cities.

While Vienna and Salzburg are overrun with tourists, Graz is refreshingly authentic and a true off-the-beaten-path destination. Here you stroll through the city alongside locals and visit the same cafés they do.

#4 What does Graz have that you won’t find anywhere else?

The world’s tallest underground slide runs through the interior of the Schlossberg. And the Kunsthaus with its biomorphic shape — also known as the Friendly Alien — is completely one of a kind.

Things to Do in Graz: The Top Sights

#5 What are the must-see attractions when visiting Graz?

My personal top 5 highlights in Graz, in order, are:

• The Clock Tower: The tower on the Schlossberg stands 28 meters tall and makes a fantastic photo subject
• Kunsthaus Graz: Inside and out, it’s absolutely worth a visit
• Murinsel: The floating platform in the Mur river only opened in 2003
• Schloss Eggenberg: The palace is one of Austria’s most valuable cultural treasures
• Landeszeughaus: Graz is home to the world’s largest surviving armory

Honestly, the full list of what to do in Graz is much longer than that. It really depends on how much time you have.

#6 What can you do in Graz when it rains?

Graz’s museums are a great call when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Most of them are right in the city: Kunsthaus Graz, City Museum, Schlossberg Museum, Landeszeughaus, and many more.

I’d also really recommend the Botanical Garden. It’s part of the University of Graz and makes for a lovely escape to unwind, even on a grey day.

#7 What can you do with kids in Graz?

The museums mentioned above are definitely interesting for kids too.

But there’s also the children’s museum FRida und FreD with its hands-on exhibitions. Alongside rotating exhibits, there’s a lab where kids can experiment directly, and a participatory theater. The workshops and vacation programs are super popular with children.

#8 When you feel the urge to get out of the city, where do you go?

To the Rettenbachklamm gorge or to the St. Johann & Paul Church on the Plabutsch.

The Rettenbachklamm is perfect for anyone just looking to slow down. It’s completely untouched by development and makes a stunning impression with its small waterfalls.

The former pilgrimage church of St. Johann & Paul sits atop the wooded Buchkogel hill. Behind the church you’ll find a seating area with wooden lounge chairs — perfect for a leisurely picnic. There’s also a viewing platform, though the dense undergrowth doesn’t leave much to see.

What’s amazing is how quickly you can be out in nature by public transit — about 20 minutes. You can even walk from the city center to the local mountains Plabutsch and Platte and enjoy stunning panoramas over the city.

#9 Where do you recommend going to breathe, slow down, and just let your mind wander?

The Rettenbachklamm and the viewing platform behind the St. Johann und Paul Church come to mind immediately.

#10 Where is the most beautiful viewpoint in Graz?

From the Schlossberg, you get a gorgeous panorama over Graz and can see churches perched on hilltops in the distance. I’d recommend heading up to the Schlossberg right at the start of your visit to get your bearings.

The most beautiful views of the Schlossberg itself can be had from so many spots — anyone exploring the old town or the Lend neighborhood has an almost constant view of the city’s landmark.
A bit outside the city center, there are also great vistas from the local mountain Plabutsch or from the Platte.

#11 An amateur photographer asks you about cool spots to photograph in your city that they’d never find in a guidebook. Where do you send them?

My first tip: photograph the Murinsel from below. Right next to the water there’s a walkway that typical tourists completely overlook. From here you can get some truly unique shots.

The two cafés in the Kastner and Gigasport department store offer special views over the city that make for great photos.

Mariahilferplatz and Hauptplatz are also lively spots that invite you to capture the everyday scenes of Graz.

#12 What’s the craziest activity you can do in your city?

You can go stand-up paddleboarding on the Mur, Graz’s river. Right in the middle of the city, you paddle past cool landmarks while standing on a board. It sounds crazy and brilliant at the same time — and honestly, it is.

#13 What’s the best event of the year? What’s worth coming to Graz for?

Graz practically runs on events — something is happening here in every season. There’s a Mardi Gras parade, the Krampus run, music and sports events. The Lendwirbel is a particularly great experience — a neighborhood festival on a grand scale with a packed music program, held in the trendy Lend district.

#14 Is there a museum in Graz you absolutely cannot miss?

The Landeszeughaus is a real must when visiting Graz. It houses the world’s largest collection of historic weapons.

Your best bet is to visit as part of a guided tour. The reward awaits on the 4th floor, where you’ll have a wonderful view of the Schlossberg.

#15 Which neighborhood do you most enjoy strolling through and why?

The Lend district is a real hotspot. During the day there’s a market with fresh fruit and vegetables. In the evening, locals gather here for drinks to wind down the night.

In the Volksgarten you’ll find picnickers and yogis. There’s art to admire and views of the Schlossberg to enjoy.

Food and Drink in Graz

#16 What culinary specialty do you absolutely have to try in Graz?

Styria is a food lover’s paradise, and you’ll find culinary specialties in Graz as well — like Käferbohnensalat (scarlet runner bean salad), Kren (horseradish), Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil), and Schilcher (a local rosé wine) — that you really should try, even if you’re not quite sure what they are. By the time your trip to Graz is over, you’ll know!

#17 What are your three favorite restaurants and what should you definitely try there?

Area 5: High above the city’s rooftops, you can build your own dish from a set of components. My personal recommendation: pizza with scarlet runner beans.

Das Herzl: The location in the middle of a courtyard is beautiful. They serve great home-style cooking here.

Pierogi: A tiny little spot with Polish specialties — pierogis with various fillings, savory & sweet.

#18 Where can you get the best burger in town?

The best burger can be found at Swing Kitchen. They serve exclusively vegan burgers — and they’re seriously the tastiest in the city.

#19 Where can you get the best ice cream in town?

The best ice cream in Graz is on the Sporgasse. Graz is generally a great ice cream city, which is probably due in part to the many visitors who come here from Italy.

The Sporgasse is actually older than the city of Graz itself. So even if you’re not in the mood for ice cream, a walk along the Sporgasse is still totally worth your time.

#20 Where is the best place to have breakfast?

The Kunsthaus café offers a great breakfast with a wide selection, and you’re right in the middle of all the action. Sit outside and you can watch the city’s lively morning scene unfold.

As you’d expect from a café in an art museum, the interior is really stunning and creates a genuinely cozy atmosphere alongside delicious food.

#21 Where is the best place to go out in the evening?

Graz has a large student population, and that shows in the nightlife too. The numerous Irish pubs in the historic center are a particularly great option, stretching from Mariahilferplatz all the way to Lendplatz.

Where to Stay in Graz

#22 Which hotel do you recommend for visitors to Graz?

The modern Hotel Daniel or the more budget-friendly B&B Hotel Graz-Hbf. Both are located near Graz’s main train station.