Graz in Summer
A creative and culinary city

Stroll through the streets, be open to discoveries, track down small design stores, visit unusual cafés and use a sculpture park as a photo stage.

For those wanting to take in the stunning panorama of Graz and get their bearings, the Schlossberg is the perfect starting point. A climb of 260 steps or a ride on the Schlossberg funicular will transport you from the Old Town to this beloved viewpoint. Here, the city’s iconic clock tower keeps watch over Graz, offering spectacular vistas of the charming city below.

Up here, begin your day in the culinary capital with a leisurely breakfast at aiola upstairs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the city, where you can admire not only the rooftops of the Old Town and the ornate façades of beautiful buildings, but also uncover hidden courtyards tucked away from the main streets. Kaiser-Josef-Platz is a popular spot to sip a glass of wine or sample fresh local dishes straight from the market.

Facts about the city
Inhabitants:approx. 289,000
State capital:of the province of Styria
Area:127 km², 40% of which is green space
Altitude:365 m
Viewpoint:Schlossberg
Local mountain of Graz:inside:Schöckl (1,445 m)

On the 6th floor of the Kastner & Öhler department store, you can enjoy the best view of Graz's old town from the roof terrace in the café-lounge "Das Freiblick".

Graz from all perspectives

Top highlights

Tours

"The friendly alien"

Kunsthaus Graz

The people of Graz affectionately refer to the Kunsthaus Graz as "The Friendly Alien." Like a giant droplet, it landed in the city in 2003, when Graz was the European Capital of Culture. This strikingly modern building has since become a symbol of the university city, dazzling visitors with both its controversial exterior and the thought-provoking exhibitions it houses. Through one of the so-called "nozzles" – the building’s trunk-like openings – visitors are treated to a view of the clock tower. In this way, the architects have deliberately created a link between two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The light façade facing the city centre allows artists and curators to communicate and interact with the urban space.

The Kunsthaus Café is a popular gathering spot for Graz’s creative crowd, students, and, of course, lovers of contemporary art.

From traditional to avant-garde: A fascinating journey through the museums

Sights in Styria

Top events

Experience culinary delights in Styria!

Eating and drinking in Graz

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Experience culture, mobile on the road

Graz Card

With the Graz Card, you can enjoy full mobility and cultural highlights all in one. Travel comfortably by train, tram or bus to museums and sights - ideal for exploring with the whole family! Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Highlights:

  • Free travel in fare zone 101, including the airport

  • Free travel on the Schlossbergbahn and Schlossberg lift

  • Free admission to many museums

  • Free tour of the old town

  • Discounts in and around Graz

  • 2 children's tickets up to 15 years per adult ticket included

FAQ

The mixture of historical and modern sights makes Graz a special city that offers art and culture as well as innovation.

  • Schlossberg and Clock Tower: The landmark of Graz offers a fantastic view over the city. The Schlossbergbahn cable car or the Schlossberg lift will take you to the top in comfort.

  • Old Town of Graz: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town impresses with its historic buildings, narrow streets and charming squares.

  • Mur Island: A modern architectural project on the Mur - half island, half-bridge - with a café and amphitheatre.

  • Kunsthaus Graz: Known as the "Friendly Alien", this futuristic building combines modern art with innovative design.

  • Eggenberg Palace: A magnificent baroque palace with beautiful gardens, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Main square and town hall: The heart of the city with impressive architecture and lively hustle and bustle.

The diversity of culture, history, modern architecture and excellent cuisine makes Graz a fascinating city.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The old town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved historic buildings and charming alleyways.

  • City of Design: Graz has been recognised by UNESCO as a "City of Design" and is known for its creative scene and innovative architectural projects such as the Kunsthaus and the Mur Island.

  • Culinary delights: Graz is known as the "culinary capital" of Austria and spoils you with regional specialities and fresh products from the farmers' market.

  • Student city: With several universities and technical colleges, Graz has a lively student scene that characterises city life.

  • Eggenberg Palace: The baroque palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens.

As the "culinary capital" of Austria, Graz offers an impressive selection of first-class restaurants, inns and cosy cafés. Here are some recommendations for culinary experiences in the city:

  • Der Steirer: An inn that offers Styrian cuisine in a modern style.

  • The Gasthaus Die Herzl: Offers Styrian cuisine in a rustic ambience.

  • Aiola Upstairs: Offers not only regional specialities but also a breathtaking view over the city.

  • The Genießerei am Markt offers regional products in a modern ambience.

  • Frankowitsch is an institution in Graz and is known for its legendary bread rolls.

  • The Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax is the oldest bakery in Graz and is known for its handmade baked goods.

  • Kaffee Weitzer: A stylish café in the historic hotel of the same name.

  • "Omas Teekanne" is a cosy café with a view of the clock tower.

An overview of the current Events in Graz can be found on the official website of Graz Tourism. There you will find, among other things:

  • The Styrian Autumn Festival, which presents international art and culture.

  • The styriate - The Festival of Early Music in Eggenberg Castle

  • The Graz Opera is one of Austria's leading opera houses and offers a varied program ranging from classical operas and operettas to modern productions.

  • Aufsteirern: This festival of Styrian folk culture not only offers music and dance but also numerous stalls with traditional delicacies from the region.

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