Graz in 3 Days
Austria's "Culinary Capital"
Trip Highlights
Explore Schlossberg, Graz' city mountain
Walk the world's largest historic armoury
Taste your way through southern Austria at a farmers' market
Watch the sunset on the river from inside an architectural marvel
Visit the "friendly alien", the architectural sensation Kunsthaus Graz
Morning
Graz is striking from all angles, but the best views are experienced from above. There’s no better place to start exploring Austria’s second-largest city than on top of Schlossberg, a tree-covered hill in the city’s centre.
Take the funicular (or the elevator) up to Schlossberg’s southern ridge and grab breakfast at restaurant aiola upstairs. This modern eatery has an acclaimed menu and offers an incredible panorama over Graz’s historic centre. Gaze over the mix of Baroque steeples and terra-cotta roofs, and you’ll notice the Mediterranean flavour that makes Graz so charming.
Walk over to Graz’s landmark - the Uhrturm - a 90-foot (28-meter) clocktower. It used to be part of a sprawling castle on Schlossberg, destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. Another impressive reminder of Graz’s court is the old bastion, which is only a 5-minute walk north. You can get close to historical canons and enjoy more views across the river Mur, which runs past Schlossberg.
While up there, check out the new virtual adventure, The Flight Graz 4D, which takes you on a 10-minute flight over Graz's city centre. You will see more than 25 of the most beautiful sights, squares and buildings of the Styrian capital from a bird’s eye perspective – a very unique way of experiencing the city!
Descend Schlossberg via the winding stone stairway that snakes down from the clocktower, or take the 574-foot-long (175 meters) slide, which sweeps you all the way down the mountain.
Lunch
Once you’re back in the city, cross the river and head to restaurant Der Steirer for local tapas and probably the best Backhendl in town. Graz is known for its fresh and simple cuisine from the surrounding region’s agriculture, making its name the “Culinary Capital.”
Afternoon
Graz is home to the world’s largest historical armoury, with around 32,000 objects. The collection of arms is still housed in the original 17th-century mansion on Herrengasse, Graz’s main shopping street. Inside, rows and rows of shining suits of armour make it look like the museum is home to a silent army. You’ll also find tons of chainmail, daggers, swords, cannons, and even the body of armour for a warhorse. After spending an hour or two in this metallic time capsule, anyone will be ready to storm a medieval fortress.
Next, head to Graz’s bustling main square and up Sporgasse. It’s a winding cobblestone street lined with colourful old-world buildings and some of Graz’s most picturesque store-fronts. A treat waits for you at the very top, at the foot of Schlossberg: The Gut Schlossberg provides a wide selection of local products sourced directly from producers. Shop around and sample some delicacies!
Dinner
For dinner, head to Landhauskeller – a restaurant inside a stunning Renaissance courtyard called Landhaushof. The menu is full of refined Austrian cooking like Tafelspitz and a local fillet of trout, and on warm nights, you can eat under the stars. Take time to soak in the atmosphere: the arcades around you are illuminated to show their intricate masonry.
Morning
The people of Graz get up early to be first in line at Kaiser Josef Markt. This historic farmers’ market spreads out underneath the opera house and is one of the city’s most iconic institutions. Wander the stands with fresh produce, meat, and warm country bread fresh out of the oven. Are you getting hungry? Breakfast awaits you at one of the huts near the back: Rossian has farm-fresh eggs and a menu that changes daily.
Once you’ve filled up on Graz’s culinary offerings, walk past the opera house down Burggasse street. At the top, you’ll find a small, 15th-century city castle with a thick stone gateway. This stronghold used to connect to the court on top of Schlossberg, and today, it houses the provincial government.
While most of the castle is closed to visitors, you shouldn’t miss the Doppelwendeltreppe. This double spiral staircase comprises two parallel spiral stairs that fuse on each floor, part, and join together again. If your head starts to spin from going in circles, walk over to the castle garden. It’s a secret hideaway for many city dwellers and has a picturesque Orangerie you can admire from the outside.
Lunch
For a bite among locals, walk two minutes to Cafe Promenade. It’s beautifully set below an alley of chestnut trees inside a park pavilion. The menu mixes Styrian comfort food with modern international flavours.
Afternoon
The river Mur divides Graz into an East and a West bank. The West Bank is home to artsy, up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries, where you’ll find design stores and hip coffee shops. Closest to the city centre is Mariahilferstrasse, a shopping street for quirky souvenirs and great people-watching. The nearby shop Kwirl features products from local designers with a sustainable slant.
At sundown, Graz’s Mediterranean side takes over. The streets fill with warm yellow lights and people drinking and eating outside. One of the most gorgeous spots to watch the sunset is actually in the river: the Murinsel (Mur island) is a floating, conch-shaped construction in the water with a sleek cafe. Grab a drink, sit back, and watch the sun go down over the river.
Dinner
We’re back on dry land for dinner. Restaurant dreizehn by Gauster is located at Franziskanerplatz, one of Graz’s most charming squares. The combination of a high-standard restaurant, a hip bar and the Mediterranean flair on the square makes dreizehn a number one place to eat in Graz.
Morning
Start your day at Lendplatz within the Lend neighbourhood and stroll through the farmers market selling delicious local treats and produce. Stop for coffee at Paul&Bohne (page in German), which caters to coffee connoisseurs, students, and young creative types.
Take tram line 1 or 7 directly to the western edge of Graz and get off at Schloss Eggenberg. You might already spy the white and yellow facade of Graz’s preeminent palace through the alley of trees. Eggenberg Palace isn’t just a gorgeous relic of 17th-century Baroque architecture but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the stunning gardens, joined by beautifully coloured free-running peacocks, and explore the lavish staterooms and the Alte Galerie, home to several significant works by the Dutch masters of the 17th century.
Lunch
Make your way back to the city centre and head to the Kunsthauscafé (page in German) at the Kunsthaus Graz museum for some delicious local refreshments and the city’s best coffee before exploring the architectural sensation Kunsthaus Graz.
Afternoon
With the Kunsthaus Graz museum building, the British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier created something entirely new: a wild, biomorphic structure that somehow contrasts and mirrors the gabled houses of the city. Locals call it the “friendly alien” thanks to its unusual shape and the 1,066 acrylic glass elements that form its skin. The exhibitions are just as noteworthy as the building, showcasing a combination of international contemporary art and regional and local topics and objectives.
Dinner
Cross the river and stop by the Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II on your way to the admirably rustic restaurant Gasthaus Stainzerbauer. The menu is traditional Austrian: order a veal Schnitzel prepared in concentrated butter and, of course, the obligatory Styrian fried chicken.
Once a month, you can sample one of Graz’s most iconic flavours at Stainzerbauer. Try a variety of pumpkin seed oils, Styria’s flagship food product. Explore the nutty taste of this dark oil on anything from salads to soup and ice cream.