Graz
Graz is Austria’s second largest city and the capital of Styria. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, but Graz is also known as a university city and for its art and design scene.
Elke Kahr, Mayor of Graz and politician of the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ), has been awarded the 2023 World Mayor Prize for her selfless dedication to her city and its people, as city councilor and mayor.
Tip: Take the “Altstadt Tram” in the city center free of charge between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz plus one additional stop in both directions.
Walking Tour Suggestion
Start at the arcaded Landhaus courtyard. During the advent time, you can find a nativity set made of ice in this courtyard of the Italian Renaissance.
Continue on Schmiedgasse and look out for the rings where horses were hooked up in the 16th century.
Walk to the Hauptplatz where you can see the City Hall and many beautiful façades and arcades. The statue of Erzherzog Johann is in the middle of the fountain.
Walk up Sporgasse and marvel at the elaborate stucco façade of the Luegg Haus. Can you spot the mouths and noses hidden among fruit and flower garlands?
Then, enter the Gothic arcaded Hof des deutschen Ritterordens. It is paved entirely with “Murnockerl”, the Graz name for the cobblestones smoothed round by the river Mur, which were used as paving material for streets and courtyards.
Leave the courtyard and turn into Hofgasse to look for a wooden shop-façade crowned with a gilded double headed eagle. This is the Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax.
Cross the Freiheitsplatz and Karmeliterplatz to get to the Schlossberg. Enter the tunnel to walk through the mountain. During World War II, an extensive system of tunnels was built inside the mountain. There is also an underground event hall in here.
Take the stairs or the elevator inside to the top where you can see the traditional landmark, the Uhrturm (clock tower). Do you notice that the long and short hand of the clock face are switched?
Take the Schlossbergrutsche, the highest underground slide worldwide (2nd highest overall) to get down again!
Curious sights and more interesting architecture
Ringing bells (at 11am, 3pm, 6pm): Listen to the melodies of the 19th century Glockenspiel and watch the figures dancing.
Upscale department store: Marvel at the beautiful, golden-covered stucco sparkles from pillars in the entrance hall of Kastner & Öhler. Enjoy the view of the famous red roof landscape from the rooftop terrace.
Hidden gem in the Grazer Burg: Find out why the Doppelwendeltreppe is called “reconciliation stairs”.
The mausoleum, together with the Dom and Katharinenkirche church, define one of the city’s magnificent views. Emperor Ferdinand II lies in this impressive tomb.
Two dictators in a church: Find the portraits of Hitler and Mussolini watching the thorn coronation of Jesus Christ on a window on the left at the altar in Stadtpfarrkirche.
“The Friendly Alien”: The Kunsthaus Graz is an architectural landmark and a museum for contemporary art, and that’s what it looks like.
Artificial floating island: The Murinsel is located in the middle of the Mur river. The café there is equally distant from both shores.
In case of rain, check out any of the museums in the Joanneumsviertel.
Food & Drink
MAKAvA is a climate-neutral and vegan “delighted ice tea” invented in Graz and made in Austria.
Murelli lemonades with different flavors.
Feinkost Mild: best sandwiches in town.
Frankowitsch: delicatessen open sandwiches.
Der Steirer: Styrian tapas (and local goods).
Die Eisperle: vegan ice cream.
Ernst Fuchs Bar: named after the Austrian painter, architect and visionary Prof. Ernst Fuchs, who personally designed the interior of this fancy bar.
Breakfast places:
Martin Auer: bakery, look for the branches that also offer breakfast if you’d like to sit down.
Café Fotter: also known as “Hörsaal F” (lecture hall F) and popular among students.
For more vegan and vegetarian options:
Mangolds: buffet restaurant, café, outstanding eco lifestyle shop.
Ginko Greenhouse: vegan café.
Traditional Styrian cuisine:
Landhauskeller (a little bit fancier)
The shops ’s Fachl and VisitGRAZ Shop on Herrengasse sell local goods and more. For (Styrian) sweets, check out Süßer Steirer and Ferdinand Haller.
The Lendviertel on the other side of the river is the place to be. Farmers markets by day, trendy meeting place by night. Hot spots are Die Scherbe and The Hungry Heart (take away).
Festivals we recommend: Elevate (music, arts and political discourse) and La Strada (street art, puppet theater, nouveau cirque and community art)
Nearby: Enjoy an unforgettable day at the chocolate factory Zotter Experience World in Bergl near Riegersburg castle.