Graz

Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Finn Weber
17/09/2025
A scenic aerial view of Graz, Austria featuring red rooftops, the Mur River, and lush greenery.
Dragan Cenic, Pexels

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, presents a compelling fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary design. Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a City of Design, it offers a rich culinary experience rooted in local, sustainable produce from the Styria region.

For socializing, the historic Old Town and its many charming courtyards buzz with cafes and bars, attracting a diverse crowd. Across the Mur River, the revitalized Lend and Gries districts offer a more bohemian vibe, known for their independent shops, street art, and creative spaces. The Murinsel, an distinctive floating island on the Mur River, also provides a unique spot for drinks.

Top 7 Things to do in Graz

In Graz, visitors can immerse themselves in historical landmarks, marvel at unique modern architecture, and savor the local culinary delights.

1. Explore Schlossberg and Uhrturm (Clock Tower)

Ascend the Schlossberg, Graz's prominent hill, to visit the iconic Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, a symbol of the city. The tower, dating back to the 13th century, features unique reversed clock hands. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Graz and its surrounding Styrian countryside. For an active descent, consider using the 170-meter indoor slide built within the mountain.

Cost: Access to Schlossberg and the Uhrturm is free. The Schlossbergbahn funicular costs approximately €3.20 for a single adult ride, and the Schlossberg lift is about €2.50 for adults. Walking up the stairs is free.

Transport: The Schlossberg funicular departs from Kaiser Franz Joseph Square (Schlossbergplatz) and takes minutes. The Schlossberg lift (elevator) is located inside the mountain, accessible from Schlossbergplatz. Alternatively, you can climb the 260 steps (Felsensteig stairs) to the top. Many central tram lines (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) have stops near Schlossbergplatz.

2. Visit the Styrian Armory (Landeszeughaus)

Step into the past at the Landeszeughaus, the world's largest preserved historical armory. Across four floors, you will discover approximately 32,000 pieces of weaponry, tools, and suits of armor from the 15th to 18th centuries, offering insight into Styria's history of conflict.

Cost: Entrance fees apply. Guided tours, available in German and English, are required for visits from November to March and are offered at specific times during other months.

Transport: The Armory is centrally located on Herrengasse, within easy walking distance of Hauptplatz. Public transport users can take tram lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 to the Hauptplatz/Graz Congress stop.

3. Explore Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg)

Discover Eggenberg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant Baroque palace. This 17th-century complex features opulent state rooms with original furnishings, tapestries, and over 600 ceiling paintings, including the notable Planetary Room. Wander through its extensive, elegant gardens, and explore additional collections such as the Alte Galerie, Coin Cabinet, and Archaeology Museum.

Cost: An entrance ticket provides access to the palace and its museums, often including a guided tour of the State Rooms.

Transport: Take tram line 1 from Graz Jakominiplatz to Graz Schloss Eggenberg; the journey takes about 16-24 minutes and costs approximately €3. Alternatively, a bus from Jakominiplatz also serves the palace. Taxis are available for around €14-€17.

4. Visit Kunsthaus Graz (The Friendly Alien)

Experience contemporary art at the Kunsthaus Graz, an architectural marvel known locally as the 'Friendly Alien' due to its distinctive, futuristic, and organic shape. Designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, this building contrasts strikingly with Graz's historic surroundings and hosts regularly changing exhibitions focused on modern artistic themes.

Cost: An entrance ticket is required for the museum. Audio guides may be available for an additional cost.

Transport: The Kunsthaus is easily accessible by foot from the city center. Public transport options include tram lines 1, 4, 6, or 7 to the Südtiroler Platz/Kunsthaus stop. The cost for a tram ride is around €3.

5. Walk across Murinsel (Island in the Mur)

Cross the Murinsel, an artificial floating island designed by New York artist Vito Acconci for Graz's 2003 European Capital of Culture designation. Resembling a giant seashell, this steel and glass structure acts as a pedestrian bridge connecting both banks of the Mur River. It features a café-bar where you can enjoy refreshments with river views and an amphitheater for cultural events.

Cost: Access to the Murinsel is free. Costs apply for purchases at the café-bar.

Transport: The Murinsel is in Graz city center, near Hauptplatz, and easily reachable by foot. Public transport options include tram lines 1, 4, 5, or 7 to the Kunsthaus stop (Südtiroler Platz), which is a short walk away. A single public transport ticket costs approximately €3.

6. Witness the Graz Glockenspiel

Gather in Glockenspielplatz to witness the delightful Glockenspiel performance. Three times a day, at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, a young maiden and a strapping lad emerge from their gable hideouts, dressed in traditional Styrian costumes, and dance to the melodies played by 24 bells.

Cost: Watching the Glockenspiel is free.

Transport: The Glockenspiel is located in Glockenspielplatz 4, in the city center, easily accessible by foot from Hauptplatz.

7. Embark on a Culinary Tour

As Austria's 'Culinary Capital,' Graz offers an exceptional food experience. Join a guided culinary tour to sample local, sustainable produce from the Styria region, including wines and pumpkin seed oil. These tours often feature multiple stops, from rustic farmers' markets to specialized eateries, allowing you to taste various local specialties and learn about their origins.

Cost: A guided culinary tour typically costs around €95.00 per adult, often including several food and wine tastings.

Transport: Meeting points for culinary tours are typically centrally located, such as Gut Schlossberg or Parkhotel Graz, both within walking distance of major public transport hubs like Hauptplatz or Jakominiplatz. You can also contact Graz Tourismus for exclusive group tours on other days.

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