Visiting Graz, Austria, was like uncovering a hidden gem. We were immediately struck by how effortlessly the city combined modern vibrancy with historical charm. Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a mix of Renaissance courtyards, Baroque palaces, and futuristic architecture — all set against the lush green hills that surround it. We couldn’t wait to explore all that this beautiful city had to offer.

Best Things to Do in Graz
There are a tremendous number of exciting things to see and do, from visiting historical old town to cultural attractions.
Hauptplatz – Graz Main Square
Our first stop was the historic Old Town, which has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and it’s easy to see why. We spent hours wandering its narrow, winding streets, marveling at the beautifully preserved buildings from different eras. One of the highlights was the Hauptplatz, the city’s main square. It’s a lively hub of activity, with locals enjoying coffee at outdoor cafés and street musicians adding to the atmosphere. Overlooking the square is the imposing Graz Town Hall, and nearby we spotted the iconic Clock Tower (Uhrturm) perched high on the hill of Schlossberg, our next destination.





Climb the Schlossberg
Climbing Schlossberg Hill was one of the most rewarding parts of our trip. We could have taken the funicular, but we opted to walk up the 260 steps through the park, taking in the views as we climbed. At the top, the 16th-century Clock Tower offers sweeping views over Graz, with its red-tiled roofs stretching out beneath the blue sky. It felt like we were looking at a painting.


We spent some time just relaxing, enjoying the panoramic views of the city, and even grabbed a coffee at a small café nearby and later we enjoyed lunch at that beautiful spot. Schlossberg is not only about the views — it’s a peaceful escape from the city below, with gardens, walkways, and ruins to explore.


Kunsthaus Graz – see the friendly alien
Next, we ventured to the Kunsthaus Graz, the city’s modern art museum, which stood in stark contrast to the historic buildings we had just seen. Its organic, futuristic design earned it the nickname “the friendly alien,” and its exhibitions of contemporary art were thought-provoking and engaging. The museum felt like a symbol of Graz’s ability to honor its history while still embracing the future.


Burg & Double Spiral Staircase
The Burg in old town of Graz, the official headquarter of the regional government, is a real treasure. Particularly remarkable is the double spiral staircase, seeming almost like an optical illusion is located in the first courtyard of the castle, and was built between 1438 and 1453. This “staircase of reconciliation,” as residents of Graz say, “if you go separate ways, you will ultimately reunite,” consists of two opposing spiral stairs, which merge briefly on each floor, part and then rejoin and travel two floors to the top of the tower.



Gösting Castle Ruins
From the Schlossplatz square in Gösting there is a footpath which takes you up the Gösting castle ruins. The medieval keep and a Romanesque twin chapel are the outstanding features of the old castle. Built between the 11th and the 15th centuries in a strategic position and once vital for the defence of the area, the castle could control all traffic into Graz, today this spot now provides a wonderful view of the city of Graz and beyond.

Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel is a lovely musical clock that was installed in 1903 and located in the Glockenspiel Platz. Three times each day, at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm, a carillon plays three different melodies and a pair of wooden folk dancers in beautiful traditional costumes dance in the gable windows.

Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan church is in one of the most beautiful and popular locations in Graz. Small, historic shops nestle against the exterior walls of this Gothic church and contribute to the square’s romantic image. Attached to the church is the Franziskanerkloster monastery, where a visit to the cloister, with its rose-covered courtyard, is well worthwhile. A place steeped in tranquillity and peace. Founded in 1239 the monastery is the oldest in Graz.
Cathedral
Dating back to the mid-15th century, Graz Cathedral, also called St. Giles’ Cathedral, is the cathedral church in Graz, dedicated to Saint Giles. Even though the Cathedral has a minimal exterior, it is topped with an ornate tower and golden spire. Its Baroque interior and magnificent medieval frescos, one of which has been preserved is the Gottesplagenbild (God’s Plagues). The Cathedral also feature a magnificent organ featuring 5,354 pipes
Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is the final resting place of Emperor Ferdinand II. Its tall, turquoise mausoleum towers can be easily seen from all over Graz’s historic center. Its located next to St. Catherine’s Church in Graz’s historic center. The two buildings, along with Graz Cathedral, the castle and the Old University, make up the historic Stadtkrone. The mausoleum features absolutely stunning frescos and stuccowork, and its oval dome of the Mausoleum was the first of its kind built outside of Italy



Island in the Mur
The Island in the Mur, or Murinsel, is a truly extravagant steel structure, an artificial floating island, located on the Mur Island and situated in the middle of the Mur River.

Restaurant Scene
Of course, no trip to Graz would be complete without experiencing the local dining scene. For lunch, we sought out a traditional Styrian meal at one of the many gemütlich (cozy) restaurants in the Old Town. We started with a bowl of pumpkin soup — Styrian pumpkin oil is a local specialty, and it added a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. For the main course, during our stay we sampled the Backhendl, crispy fried chicken served with a light salad. We also we delighted to try a hearty Styrian goulash. All these dishes were bursting with flavor and paired perfectly with a glass of local white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc from the nearby wine region.
In the evening, we explored the Lend district, known for its trendy bars and restaurants. We visited a more modern dining experience at a number of restaurants that combined traditional Austrian flavors with contemporary techniques. The highlight of the meals was the wide variety of dishes including the venison, served with root vegetables and a red wine reduction. To top off several of our meals, we shared a slice of the famous Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake, for dessert.
More to see
Graz was full of surprises, from its historical treasures to its vibrant art scene and fantastic cuisine. It felt like every corner we turned revealed something new — a hidden courtyard, a unique architectural detail, or a cozy café. Whether we were exploring the medieval streets or savoring Styrian delicacies, Graz captivated us at every turn. We left with a deep appreciation for this charming city and its ability to blend the old and the new so seamlessly.
When is a good time to go to Graz?
This is going to sound like a non-committal response but the best times to visit Graz are both the winter and summer. Be aware that in around June and August there are a number of large music festivals in Austria which cause some crowds. In the summer, days can be warm, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s. Fall is the cheapest time to visit and less crowded. If you want to avoid the winter cold and heat of the summer, then spring and autumn are great options. It really boils down to your interests.
How many days do you need to visit Graz
Graz is certainly a city with a rich history, captivating architecture and a vibrant culture. Whatever your interests, there is something for you here, whether exploring the historic streets of the Old Town, visiting museums and art galleries, or savoring traditional Austrian flavors.
This is a city where you should spend a few days to quietly feel its atmosphere, stroll through the Old Town and look at museums. A comfortable visit to Graz can be achieved in about three days as there are many things to see and do.
Is Graz Safe for Tourists?
Austria is generally very safe, and Graz in particular is no more dangerous than other European cities of the same size, and like everywhere else, you should take reasonable precautions like you would at home. Don’t flash your wallet and money, don’t go with strangers, and stay out of areas that you sense are less than desirable. We felt quite safe through the city even while out later into the evening.
Getting Around Graz
Getting to Graz is easy, and its core with many of the historical and cultural landmarks are easily accessible on foot. There is also a network of tram and bus lines that cover all of Graz. All of these are affordable and fast.