Graz

Europe

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Austria

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Graz

Graz is a city in southern Austria. In the center of this city lies Hauptplatz, the main square of the medieval old town. Shops and restaurants line the narrow streets around it, blending Renaissance and Baroque architecture with an area of 127.6 km² at an altitude of 353 m.

One of the most used transportation options is the train heading to Schlossberg, the city hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across from it is the Mur River, Kunsthaus Graz, which is futuristic with its display of contemporary art.

A famous building is a provincial armory in the area which is a historical collection of weaponry since the end of the Middle Ages, to be precise at 1551. This armory holds more than 30,000 collections.

In this city, many buildings are full of details, from the roofs of houses to delicate balconies. Old buildings line the streets with decorations such as statues and wall paintings.

Geographically, Graz is close to Vienna, 145 km away. Graz is a very safe city for everyone who comes, at the mouth of the Mur River, in southeastern Austria.

From Vienna to Graz, you can take a train for 2.5 hours or 2 hours by car. The nearest major city is Maribor in Slovenia, 50 km away. Graz is the capital and largest city in the state of Styria.

Get to Know Graz

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Graz

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Graz

A guide to Graz's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Walking

Train

In Graz, there is a bus service that operates according to schedule, making it a reliable transportation option.

Practical Tips for Graz

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the famous tourist attractions in Graz?

Upon arriving in Graz, tourists can immediately enjoy its beauty in every corner of it. The first must-visit destination is Schlossberg, commonly known as Castle Hill, located in the center of Graz. The hill has an altitude of 473 meters above sea level.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, tourists can see the beauty of a park with a clock tower and surrounded by a 400-meter-long fortress. There are many cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues at this altitude. Tourists can overlook the old town of Graz from the top of the hill.

Another equally fascinating tourist destination is Alstadt von Graz or the Old Town of Graz, one of the destinations in Austria listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is filled with buildings with ancient architecture. Tourists can explore this area on foot.

Among the ancient buildings still standing are Rathaus or the Town Hall, built in 1893. Additionally, there is the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) with its famous Gothic style since the mid-17th century.

How many days should you travel to Graz?

Traveling to Graz can be tailored to each individual's precision, but if you want to enjoy all the destinations, it will take quite a long time. If you only have limited time, you need to schedule at least two days to enjoy the beauty of Graz.

During the day, tourists can explore ancient buildings to witness the heritage and cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theaters. Meanwhile, you can spend time in the entertainment hub at night, which are bars and clubs.

How to get to Graz from the airport?

There are several options to reach the city center of Graz from the airport. The distance between the airport and the city center is about 9 km and can be reached in 18 minutes by car.

If you are using a car from the airport to B67 in Feldkirchen bei, continue to Graz Grieskai and Karlauergürtel/B67c to Lazarettgürtel/B67. The second option is to take a train that takes about 51 minutes, but transit is required first.

When is the best time to visit Graz?

The best times to visit Graz are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). There are also a lot of events held in this season and tourists can watch them.

From March to December at Hasnerplatz, an antique market is held where tourists hunt for ancient items.

Graz also often holds walking events to the center of historic buildings. The event usually starts at 14.30 to 16.00 with the start at Graz Region Tourist Information, Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz. The ticket price for adults is €12.00 and for children (5 - 15 years) €7.00

What is a must-try local dish in Graz?

When visiting Graz, you should not miss their local dishes, including Kaiserschmarrn or Emperor’s Mess. This dish is usually served as a dessert because it is sweet, with a crispy outer texture but soft inside. This specialty dish can be enjoyed with a sweet sauce dip, making it even more delicious.

Another must-try specialty is the authentic Apfelstrudel. This dish is usually made spontaneously, so the crunchiness and sweet taste are delightful.

The next dish is Vanillekipferl, a crescent-shaped cookie with small sizes and indentations. Vanillekipferl is a famous Austrian specialty.