by Mfield, Matthew Field (cropped)  / [CC BY-SA 3.0

A Fascinating Blend of Old-world Charm and Cutting-edge Design

A. About Graz

Nickname:The Green Heart of Austria

Graz, 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. Whether you're exploring its historic landmarks or enjoying its modern cultural scene, Graz offers an inviting, enriching experience.


The Good: 

One of its most charming features is the fair amount of pedestrian-friendly zones, particularly in its picturesque old town. Strolling through these car-free areas allows visitors to take in the beauty of the city at a relaxed pace, free from the hustle and bustle of traffic.

Safety is undoubtedly one of Graz's strongest points. Visitors can feel at ease as they explore, knowing they are in a secure, worry-free environment. Complementing this sense of safety is the city's notable cleanliness. The streets are well-maintained and free of litter, adding to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the experience.

The warmth of the local people further enhances the welcoming atmosphere of Graz. Friendly and approachable, the residents contribute to the city’s hospitable vibe, ensuring that travelers feel at home during their stay.

When it comes to food, Graz offers a delightful culinary scene that blends traditional Austrian cuisine with international influences.

Finally, getting around the city is a breeze thanks to Graz’s reliable and well-organized public transport system.

➖ The Not-So-Good: 

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 2024 (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 3.5 out of 5 stars

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 3.1 out of 5 stars

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 2.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Historic Building

by Chb / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Kunsthaus 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

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 2.5 out of 5 stars 

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.

Hill and Clocktower  

by C.Stadler/Bwag / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Hauptplatz 4 2 out of 5 stars

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.

Square  

by Ralf Roletschek / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Grazer Dom 4 2 out of 5 stars

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.

Church  

by Isiwal / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Murinsel 4 2 out of 5 stars

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.

Artificial Floating Island

by Leonhard Lenz / CC BY-SA 0.0

 

# Mariahilferkirche 4 2 out of 5 stars

This beautiful Baroque church, located near the Mur River, features a grand high altar and is a symbol of the city’s religious heritage.

Baroque Church

by Isiwal / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II 4 2 out of 5 stars

This impressive 17th-century mausoleum, adjacent to Graz Cathedral, combines Mannerist and Baroque styles, housing the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II and his family.

Mausoleum  

by Marco Almbauer / Public domain

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Graz

#11 | Universalmuseum Joanneum  4 2 out of 5 stars

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.

Cultural Complex

by Andreas Praefcke/ CC BY-SA 3.0

#11 | Basilika Mariatrost  4 2 out of 5 stars

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.

Church | Viewpoint

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 3.1 out of 5 stars

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:

🌍 HISTORIC CENTRE 7

🌍 SCHLOSS EGGENBERG 6

Landhaus und Landeszeughaus 5

Kunsthaus 5

Schlossberg with Clocktower 5

Austrian Open Air Museum (21 km from Graz) 5

Hauptplatz 4

Grazer Dom 4

Murinsel  4

Mariahilferkirche  4