Graz Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, enchants with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and the futuristic Kunsthaus. Explore Schlossberg Hill for panoramic views, and savor local delicacies in bustling markets.
With 270+ hand-picked places to explore, Graz rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Graz
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Doppelwendeltreppe Graz — a striking example of late Gothic architecture within Graz's historic castle complex. Just as worthwhile is Schlossbergbahn Funicular Railway: ideal for families and sightseers, this funicular offers scenic rides with stunning views of Graz. Graz Burg completes the picture: start your day in Graz by exploring the historic Graz Burg, a key landmark steeped in history and architectural beauty.
Doppelwendeltreppe Graz
Graz • Monuments & Statues
A striking example of late Gothic architecture within Graz's historic castle complex.
Schlossbergbahn Funicular Railway
Graz • Famous Landmarks
Ideal for families and sightseers, this funicular offers scenic rides with stunning views of Graz.
Graz Burg
Graz • Historic Architecture
Start your day in Graz by exploring the historic Graz Burg, a key landmark steeped in history and architectural beauty.
Graz Cathedral (Domkirche St. Ägidius)
Graz • Historic Architecture
The Graz Cathedral features the striking 'Landplagenbild' fresco, a significant element of its Gothic architecture.
Museums & Culture in Graz
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Galerie Zimmermann Kratochwill: located on Opernring, this contemporary art gallery highlights innovative works from various artists. Locals will also point you to Glockenspielplatz — ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, this square features a unique clock tower with animated figurines. And for something different, there's Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II: located on Bürgergasse, this Baroque mausoleum reflects Graz's rich architectural heritage and historical significance.
Galerie Zimmermann Kratochwill
Graz • Art Galleries
Located on Opernring, this contemporary art gallery highlights innovative works from various artists.
Glockenspielplatz
Graz • Historical Sites
Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, this square features a unique clock tower with animated figurines.
Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
Graz • Historical Sites
Located on Bürgergasse, this Baroque mausoleum reflects Graz's rich architectural heritage and historical significance.
Schauspielhaus Graz
Graz • Theaters
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and theater lovers seeking a rich historical experience in Graz.
Best Things to Do in Graz
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Kletterhalle Graz — ideal for climbing enthusiasts and families seeking an active indoor experience in Graz. Planet Lollipop Graz earns its reputation too — located in Shopping City Seiersberg, this indoor amusement center focuses on interactive play and learning for children. Round out the shortlist with Boulderclub Graz — a great stop for climbers of all levels seeking a physical challenge in Graz.
Kletterhalle Graz
Graz • Sports
Ideal for climbing enthusiasts and families seeking an active indoor experience in Graz.
Planet Lollipop Graz
Graz • Indoor
Located in Shopping City Seiersberg, this indoor amusement center focuses on interactive play and learning for children.
Boulderclub Graz
Graz • Indoor
A great stop for climbers of all levels seeking a physical challenge in Graz.
Fairytale Forest Adventure
Graz • Family-Friendly
Ideal for families seeking an engaging outdoor experience with a touch of fairy tale magic.
Where to Eat in Graz
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Frankowitsch — famous for its modern twist on traditional Austrian open-faced sandwiches, Frankowitsch is a local favorite in Graz. Just as worthwhile is Restaurant Schlossberg: combine a scenic ascent with refined dining at Restaurant Schlossberg, where the views of Graz are as impressive as the cuisine. Aiola Upstairs completes the picture: an innovative menu showcases the best of local produce in a stylish setting.
Frankowitsch
Graz • Casual Dining
Famous for its modern twist on traditional Austrian open-faced sandwiches, Frankowitsch is a local favorite in Graz.
Restaurant Schlossberg
Graz • Fine Dining
Combine a scenic ascent with refined dining at Restaurant Schlossberg, where the views of Graz are as impressive as the cuisine.
Aiola Upstairs
Graz • Fine Dining
An innovative menu showcases the best of local produce in a stylish setting.
Die Hollerei
Graz • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Stop by for innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes after exploring Graz's historic sites and parks.
Graz After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Grazer Schlossberg: ideal for music lovers seeking stunning city views and an outdoor atmosphere. Locals will also point you to Stockwerk Jazz — an intimate venue dedicated to jazz, showcasing both emerging and established artists in Graz. And for something different, there's Bierbaron: one of Graz's largest selections of craft beers, featuring local and international brews.
Grazer Schlossberg
Graz • Live Music Venues
Ideal for music lovers seeking stunning city views and an outdoor atmosphere.
Stockwerk Jazz
Graz • Live Jazz Venues
An intimate venue dedicated to jazz, showcasing both emerging and established artists in Graz.
Bierbaron
Graz • Craft Beer Bars
One of Graz's largest selections of craft beers, featuring local and international brews.
Bierbaron Graz
Graz • Craft Beer Bars
A relaxed spot to unwind, Bierbaron Graz is perfect for craft beer lovers after a day of exploring the city.
Where to Stay in Graz
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Augarten Art Hotel — schönaugasse offers a contemporary backdrop for this luxury hotel featuring a diverse art collection. Boutique Hotel Domizil earns its reputation too — decor reflects Graz's cultural heritage, offering a cozy atmosphere and personalized service. Round out the shortlist with Hotel Das Habakuk — a relaxing spot that combines easy city access with peaceful mountain surroundings, ideal for a rejuvenating stay.
Augarten Art Hotel
Graz • Luxury Hotels
Schönaugasse offers a contemporary backdrop for this luxury hotel featuring a diverse art collection.
Boutique Hotel Domizil
Graz • Bed & Breakfast
Decor reflects Graz's cultural heritage, offering a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.
Hotel Das Habakuk
Graz • Spa Hotels
A relaxing spot that combines easy city access with peaceful mountain surroundings, ideal for a rejuvenating stay.
Hotel Wiesler
Graz • Luxury Hotels
Historic elements merge with contemporary art in this elegant accommodation in Graz.
Shopping in Graz
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Humana Second Hand & Vintage — a vast selection of sustainable vintage clothing and accessories awaits at this popular Graz shop. Just as worthwhile is Andräplatz Farmers Market: andräplatz hosts a lively farmers market where local produce and specialties come together on Saturday mornings. Bauernmarkt am Hauptplatz completes the picture: ideal for families and couples seeking a taste of local culture, Bauernmarkt am Hauptplatz offers a lively shopping experience.
Humana Second Hand & Vintage
Graz • Vintage & Thrift Shops
A vast selection of sustainable vintage clothing and accessories awaits at this popular Graz shop.
Andräplatz Farmers Market
Graz • Markets
Andräplatz hosts a lively farmers market where local produce and specialties come together on Saturday mornings.
Bauernmarkt am Hauptplatz
Graz • Markets
Ideal for families and couples seeking a taste of local culture, Bauernmarkt am Hauptplatz offers a lively shopping experience.
Boutique Second Hand
Graz • Vintage & Thrift Shops
A carefully curated selection of high-quality vintage fashion awaits at this chic second-hand shop in Graz.
Parks & Green Spaces in Graz
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Schöckl Mountain Trail: schöcklstraße leads to a popular hiking destination with impressive views over Graz. Locals will also point you to Buchkogel Nature Reserve — panoramic views of Graz can be enjoyed from various lookout points throughout the reserve. And for something different, there's Plabutsch: enjoy sweeping views of Graz from one of the area's highest points, Plabutsch.
Schöckl Mountain Trail
Graz • Hiking Trails
Schöcklstraße leads to a popular hiking destination with impressive views over Graz.
Buchkogel Nature Reserve
Graz • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Panoramic views of Graz can be enjoyed from various lookout points throughout the reserve.
Plabutsch
Graz • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Enjoy sweeping views of Graz from one of the area's highest points, Plabutsch.
University of Graz Botanical Garden
Graz • Botanical Gardens
Located on Holteigasse, this botanical garden is a scientific institution rich in plant diversity.
66 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Graz that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Graz list:
- Der Steirer· Secret Foodie Spots
- Eggenberg· Hidden Neighborhoods
- Die Genussbar· Secret Foodie Spots
- The Alchemist's Hideaway· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- Philomela's Secret Kitchen· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Graz?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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