by Mfield, Matthew Field (cropped) / [CC BY-SA 3.0
A Fascinating Blend of Old-world Charm and Cutting-edge Design
Table of Contents
A. About Graz
Nickname: The Green Heart of AustriaGraz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a vibrant blend of rich history and modern culture. Nestled along the Mur River, it boasts a stunning mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture, with UNESCO recognizing its Old Town as a World Heritage Site. The iconic Uhrturm on Schlossberg Hill watches over the city, a symbol of its medieval past and resilience.
Known as a cultural capital, Graz offers an array of museums and galleries, including the Joanneumsviertel, where art, science, and history come together. The striking Kunsthaus, or "Friendly Alien," adds a contemporary twist to the city’s traditional skyline. Beyond its architecture, Graz is also a city of innovation and education, home to several universities and a thriving tech scene.
Graz is called the "Green Heart of Austria" because of its abundance of green spaces, parks, and its deep connection to nature, which is rare for a city of its size.
The city’s blend of old-world charm, cutting-edge design, and vibrant street life makes it a unique destination in the heart of Europe.
➕ The Good
One of Graz’s charms is its pedestrian-friendly zones, especially in the picturesque old town, where strolling is relaxing and traffic-free.
Furthermore, safety is a key strength, allowing visitors to explore worry-free.
Adding to this is the city’s impressive cleanliness, with well-maintained, litter-free streets.
Additionally, the warmth of the local people enhances Graz’s hospitable atmosphere, making travelers feel welcome.
Finally, its reliable public transport ensures getting around is easy and convenient.
➖ Negative Aspects
Graz is not a very affordable destination, with relatively high costs for accommodation, dining, and services compared to many other cities. It may not be the best choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Furthermore, Graz's rather small size limits its range of activities and attractions.
B. Best Things to Do in Graz in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In its entirety, there are over twenty-five noteworthy landmarks and points of interest to be found within the city of Graz.
The following selection of sights and attractions significantly bolster the overall rating of this crucial category, amounting to a respectable score of 5.30 out of 10.
# HISTORIC CENTRE 7
The heart of Graz, the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Its narrow streets and squares reflect centuries of history, including landmarks like the Hauptplatz and the Graz Cathedral.
City District 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1999
by Gerald Senarclens de Grancy / CC BY-SA 3.0
# SCHLOSS EGGENBERG 6
This stunning Baroque palace, located just outside the city center, was built in the 17th century as a symbol of power for the Eggenberg family.
It features grand rooms, impressive frescoes, and beautiful gardens, including a planet-themed design representing the universe.
Palace 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1999
by Ralf Roletschek / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Landhaus und Landeszeughaus 5
The Landhaus, with its stunning Renaissance courtyard, is home to the Styrian regional government. The adjacent Landeszeughaus, or Armoury, holds the world's largest historic armory, displaying thousands of weapons and suits of armor from the 16th and 17th centuries.
by Chb / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Kunsthaus 5
Known as the "Friendly Alien" for its modern, biomorphic design, this contemporary art museum stands out against the historic backdrop of Graz. It showcases cutting-edge international art exhibitions and is a symbol of modern architectural innovation.
Contemporary Art Museum | Modern Architecture Opened: 2003
by Isiwal / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Schlossberg with Clocktower 5
Overlooking the city, Schlossberg is a hill that once housed a fortress, now offering panoramic views of Graz. The iconic Clocktower, a symbol of the city, dates back to the 13th century and remains a beloved landmark.
by C.Stadler/Bwag / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Hauptplatz 4
This main square in the heart of Graz is a bustling hub surrounded by Baroque and Renaissance buildings, featuring a statue of Archduke Johann and offering access to the city's shopping streets.
by Ralf Roletschek / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Grazer Dom 4
The Gothic Graz Cathedral, built in the 15th century, is known for its frescoes, including the famous "Landplagenbild" depicting the city's historical plagues and tragedies.
by Isiwal / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Murinsel 4
An artificial floating island on the Mur River, designed by artist Vito Acconci, houses a café, an amphitheater, and a playground, connecting the city’s cultural and recreational spaces.
by Leonhard Lenz / CC BY-SA 0.0
# Mariahilferkirche 4
This beautiful Baroque church, located near the Mur River, features a grand high altar and is a symbol of the city’s religious heritage.
by Isiwal / CC BY-SA 4.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Graz
#11 | Universalmuseum Joanneum 4
This cultural complex is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, combining contemporary architecture with historical elements. It hosts the Neue Galerie Graz, the Museum of Natural History, and the Styrian State Library, offering a range of art, science, and cultural exhibitions. The underground exhibition spaces and the striking glass facade connect the past and present of Graz’s cultural life.
by Andreas Praefcke/ CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Basilika Mariatrost 4
This Baroque basilica is located on a hill in the Mariatrost district, featuring two prominent towers and an opulent interior. It’s a popular pilgrimage site, dating back to the 18th century, with elaborate frescoes and statues. Visitors must climb 216 steps to reach the church, offering spiritual and scenic experiences.
by Ralf Roletschek/ CC BY-SA 3.0
– GrazMuseum 4
GrazMuseum is a central museum dedicated to the history and evolution of the city, offering interactive exhibits in a historic setting.
– Rathaus 4
Graz's City Hall, built in the late 19th century, is located in Hauptplatz, the central square. The Neo-Renaissance architecture showcases the city’s political and cultural importance. It houses the municipal government and is a prime example of historicist architecture in Austria.
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Graz
Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum (Austrian Open Air Museum) 6
Austria's largest open-air museum, located near Graz, showcases traditional rural buildings from different regions of Austria.
Visitors can explore over 100 authentic farmhouses, mills, and workshops, providing insights into Austria’s rural life and heritage. The museum also organizes traditional craft demonstrations and festivals.
Open-Air Museum Distance from Graz: 21 km
by Palickap / CC BY-SA 4.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Graz (including close-by excursions)
We suggest dedicating two full days to exploring Graz, during which we highly recommend visiting these ten must-see landmarks that are certain to leave a lasting impression: