Graz – a hospitable city and famous winter resort in Austria is always happy to see the smiling and wondered faces of tourists. We prepared a shortlist of things to do in Graz, which we hope will help tourists easily navigate in Graz and know what to try and see in this amazing city.
Graz, a charming and welcoming city in Austria, is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful winter landscape. This hospitable city is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From historic castles and museums to picturesque canals and delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in Graz.
One of the most popular attractions in Graz is the Schlossberg, a historic hilltop castle that offers breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can climb the clock tower, visit the church, or simply enjoy the lookout point. The Old Town is another must-see destination, with its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
For those who love history, the Landhaus is a must-visit. This impressive building from the 16th century is the seat of the Styrian government and is open to visitors. The Lendkanal is a great spot for a relaxing stroll and offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Art lovers will appreciate the Universalmuseum Joanneum, one of the oldest museums in Austria, which has a wide variety of exhibits, including art, natural history, and cultural artifacts. The Glockenspiel Tower is another great spot for a panoramic view of the city. The Graz Cathedral is an impressive Gothic-style cathedral is one of the city’s most important religious sites.
The Graz Opera House is a beautiful building that offers guided tours. And the Graz Museum of Contemporary Art features a wide variety of contemporary art from both local and international artists.
Finally, Graz is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes such as Kaiserschmarrn and Styrian pumpkin seed oil. With so much to see and do, Graz is the perfect winter destination for any traveler.
Shortlist of 10 things to do in Graz
- Visit the Schlossberg: This historic hilltop castle offers stunning views of the city and is home to a variety of attractions, including a clock tower, a church, and a lookout point.
- Explore the Old Town: Graz’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with charming cobblestone streets, beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Landhaus: This impressive building from the 16th century is the seat of the Styrian government and is open to visitors.
- Take a stroll through the Lendkanal: This picturesque canal is lined with trees and offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Visit the Universalmuseum Joanneum: This museum is one of the oldest in Austria and has a wide variety of exhibits, including art, natural history, and cultural artifacts.
- Climb the Glockenspiel Tower: This tower is located in the heart of the Old Town and offers a panoramic view of the city.
- Visit the Graz Cathedral: This impressive Gothic-style cathedral is one of the city’s most important religious sites.
- Take a tour of the Graz Opera House: This beautiful building is home to the city’s opera company and offers guided tours.
- Visit the Graz Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum features a wide variety of contemporary art from both local and international artists.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: Graz has a great culinary scene and is known for its hearty Styrian cuisine, including dishes such as Kaiserschmarrn and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
Popular guided tours in Graz
Graz hotels map
Graz offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular hotels in Graz include Hotel Wiesler, a 4-star hotel located in the city center, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the city. Another notable hotel is the 4-star Hotel Mercure Graz, located near the main train station and offering comfortable rooms and a fitness center. For those looking for a more unique experience, the 4-star Hotel Daniel Graz, features a modern design and offers rooms with city or garden views.
Which season is the best for visiting Graz?
Summer (June to August) is a great time to visit Graz, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is alive with festivals and outdoor events. The Old Town is particularly beautiful during this time, with its charming cobblestone streets and colorful flower displays. Visitors can also take advantage of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants to enjoy a meal or drink al fresco.
Winter (December to February) is also a great time to visit Graz, as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland. The Schlossberg and the city center are beautifully decorated with lights, and the city’s Christmas markets are a highlight. Visitors can also go ice skating on the city’s frozen canals, or take a ski trip to one of the nearby mountains.
Autumn (September to November) is also a great time to visit Graz as the city is surrounded by beautiful colorful forest and the weather is still nice. The leaves of the trees change color and the city becomes a magical place during this time. This is also a time when many of the city’s wine festivals take place, making it a great time for wine enthusiasts to visit.
Spring (March to May) is also a great time to visit Graz, as the city begins to wake up from its winter slumber. The weather is milder, and the city’s parks and gardens begin to bloom. Visitors can take advantage of the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and cycling.
In conclusion, Graz is a city that can be visited all year round and each season has its own charm and attraction.
5 dishes to try in Graz, Austria
- Kaiserschmarrn: A traditional dish that is often served as a dessert, Kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake that is typically served with a sweet fruit compote.
- Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil: Styria is famous for its pumpkin seed oil, which is a staple in the local cuisine. The oil is used in a variety of dishes, from salad dressings to pasta dishes, and even as a dip for bread.
- Backhendl: Fried chicken, also known as Backhendl, is a popular dish in Graz. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, and then deep-fried to perfection.
- Käferbohnen: A hearty bean stew, Käferbohnen is a traditional dish that is often served with dumplings or bread. The stew is made with a variety of beans, bacon, and spices, and is a perfect comfort food on a cold winter day.
- Topfenstrudel: A sweet pastry dish, Topfenstrudel is made with cottage cheese, raisins, and a variety of spices. It is typically served as a dessert, and is often accompanied by a vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream.
These are some of the traditional dishes that are worth trying while visiting in Graz. Styrian cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting, and delicious plates. Each dish has its own unique taste and history which makes the experience of trying them even more enjoyable.
Popular flights to Graz, Austria
Graz Airport (GRZ) is located in the southeast of Austria, and serves the city of Graz. It has one terminal and handles around 1.5 million passengers annually. The airport offers flights to several destinations within Europe, including cities such as Vienna, Frankfurt, and Munich. There are also seasonal flights to destinations like Palma de Mallorca and Antalya.
Here you can see the most popular cheap flights to Graz. For more details and directions to Graz visit this directory page about flights to Graz.
