Welcome to Graz
Nestled in the heart of Styria, Graz is Austria's vibrant second city, a captivating blend of historic grandeur and avant-garde innovation. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its Old Town is a living museum of red-tiled roofs and Renaissance courtyards, while futuristic marvels like the Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately known as the 'Friendly Alien,' punctuate the skyline with playful modernity. This is a city of contrasts, where the medieval Clock Tower on the Schlossberg hill keeps time above a dynamic student population that infuses the streets with youthful energy. With a compact, walkable center and a reputation as a culinary capital, Graz invites deep exploration. Visitors are well catered for, with a choice of 46 hotels offering an average nightly rate that makes an immersive stay surprisingly accessible. Whether you're cycling along the Mur River or getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys, Graz reveals itself not as a mere stopover, but as a destination with a distinct and welcoming soul.
Overview
Graz, the capital of Styria, boasts a history stretching back to Roman times, though its golden age came under Habsburg rule, leaving a legacy of impeccably preserved Renaissance architecture. The city's significance is twofold: it is a guardian of Central European cultural heritage and a forward-looking hub of design and science, designated a UNESCO City of Design. The city is famously divided by the Mur River, with the enchanting Grazer Altstadt (Old Town) on the east bank, dominated by the Schlossberg castle hill. Across the river, the Lend district buzzes with alternative culture and trendy cafes. Graz is renowned for its four universities, which create a lively, intellectual atmosphere, and as the gateway to the lush Styrian wine country. It's a city famous for its commitment to sustainability, its pioneering modern art installations integrated into the historic fabric, and its title as Austria's culinary capital, where traditional taverns sit alongside innovative kitchens.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
The ideal times to visit Graz are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). These shoulder seasons offer mild, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the beautiful blossoming or changing colors of the city's many parks. Summer (July-August) is peak tourist season, with warm temperatures perfect for cafe culture and river activities, but also larger crowds. This period hosts major events like the Styriarte festival of classical music and the Aufsteirern folk culture festival. Winter (December-February) is cold and can be gray, but the Christmas markets on Hauptplatz and around the Schlossberg create a magical atmosphere. While some attractions may have shorter hours, the off-peak season offers a more local experience and lower accommodation prices. Late autumn and early spring can be unpredictable with rain.
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Graz experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and often overcast, while summers are warm and moderately humid, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
Seasons
Spring
💨 Humidity: moderate
A season of awakening, with temperatures rising quickly from cool to pleasantly mild. Blossoms appear, but rain showers are common, especially in April and May.
Summer
💨 Humidity: moderate
Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor dining and exploring. Heatwaves can occur, but evenings are usually cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible.
Autumn
💨 Humidity: moderate
Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage, especially on the Schlossberg. Days become shorter and cooler, with increasing fog and rain towards November.
Winter
💨 Humidity: moderate
Cold and often gray, with occasional snow that rarely lingers in the city center. Perfect for cozy coffee houses and festive Christmas markets.
Monthly Weather Details
January Weather
Best for: indoor activities, museums, Christmas markets (early Jan)
February Weather
Best for: indoor cultural sights
March Weather
Best for: early spring walks, avoiding crowds
April Weather
Best for: sightseeing as gardens bloom
May Weather
Best for: outdoor cafes, park visits
June Weather
Best for: festivals, river activities
July Weather
Best for: summer festivals, evening strolls
August Weather
Best for: cycling, open-air events
September Weather
Best for: wine tasting, ideal sightseeing
October Weather
Best for: fall foliage, culinary tours
November Weather
Best for: museum visits, pre-Christmas atmosphere
December Weather
Best for: Christmas markets, cozy dining
🎒 What to Pack
All Year Round
- comfortable walking shoes
- layered clothing
- umbrella or rain jacket
- adapter for Type F power outlets
🚗 Getting Around
Graz is exceptionally walkable, with most major attractions in the compact Old Town and along the river. For longer distances, the public transport system (Graz Mobil) is efficient and affordable, comprising trams and buses; a 24-hour network ticket costs around €5.50. The Schlossberg can be ascended on foot via paths and stairs, or by the modern Schlossbergbahn funicular or the panoramic lift. Biking is hugely popular, with an extensive network of cycle paths including the scenic Murradweg; rental stations are plentiful. Taxis are readily available but expensive for European standards; ride-sharing apps like Bolt operate in the city. From Graz Airport (GRZ), the bus line 630/631 connects to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 20-30 minutes for a few euros. A car is unnecessary for city exploration and can be a hindrance due to limited parking.
🎯 Top Attractions
Graz Old Town
Charming historic district with well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, vibrant cafes, and lively cultural attractions.
Kunsthaus Graz
An iconic modern art museum known for its striking architecture and impressive exhibitions of contemporary art.
Schlossberg
The iconic hill and park in the city center, crowned by the Uhrturm clock tower and offering fantastic views.
Graz Clock Tower
Iconic landmark on Schlossberg hill offering views over the city.
Murradweg
A popular cycling path along the Mur River.
Grazer Altstadt
The historic old town with charming architecture.
Graz Historic Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, and vibrant shopping streets.
Schlossberg Castle Hill
The city's central park and landmark, offering panoramic views, the famous clock tower, and walking paths.
Hauptplatz (Main Square)
The bustling heart of Graz, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and home to vibrant markets.
Murinsel
A unique floating island in the Mur River, combining a café, amphitheater, and impressive modern architecture.
Schloss Eggenberg
A stunning palace complex featuring beautiful gardens and museums, ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Graz Cathedral
A gothic architectural masterpiece with impressive interiors, perfect for those interested in culture and history.
🏘️ Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt (Old Town)
The historic heart and UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of cobbled streets, grand squares like Hauptplatz, and major landmarks including the Clock Tower and Graz Cathedral.
Lend
The vibrant, creative district across the Mur River, known for the Kunsthaus Graz, the Murinsel, trendy cafes, alternative boutiques, and a thriving nightlife scene.
Gries
A historically working-class area now undergoing gentrification, with a multicultural atmosphere, the main train station, and the Augarten art park.
Geidorf
A quiet, upscale residential area north of the Old Town, home to the University of Graz, the beautiful Stadtpark, and elegant 19th-century architecture.
St. Leonhard
A family-friendly district southeast of the center, featuring the renowned Universitätsklinikum (hospital), the Hilmteich lake, and the Schlossberg's eastern slopes.
Jakomini
A central, mixed-use district surrounding Jakominiplatz, the main public transport hub. It's a practical area with good access to everything.
Waltendorf
A leafy, affluent suburb on the eastern hills, offering stunning panoramic views over the city, villas, and a more secluded feel.
Puntigam
Located south of the center, this area is known for the famous Puntigam brewery and offers more affordable housing and a suburban feel.
🍽️ Local Cuisine
Styrian cuisine is the star in Graz, celebrated for its high-quality regional produce. Signature dishes include 'Backhendl' (crispy fried chicken), 'Schweinsbraten' (roast pork) with bread dumplings, and the iconic 'Käferbohnensalat' (a salad made with the local scarlet runner beans). Pumpkin seed oil, a dark, nutty oil, is a culinary treasure drizzled over salads and soups. The city is dotted with traditional 'Buschenschanken' (wine taverns) serving cold cuts and local wine. For a quick bite, try a 'Leberkässemmel' (a savory meatloaf in a roll). Dining ranges from affordable student Mensas and street food at the Kaiser-Josef Market to mid-range Gasthöfe and high-end gourmet temples. A typical main course in a mid-range restaurant costs €12-€20. Tipping is customary; round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service. Reservations are recommended for popular spots, especially on weekends.
💡 Local Tips
🚗 Day Trip Ideas
Styrian Wine Road (Südsteiermark)
Rolling hills covered in vineyards, known as 'Styrian Tuscany.' Visit picturesque villages like Gamlitz or Leutschach for wine tasting and stunning scenery.
Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg)
A magnificent Baroque palace and park on the western edge of Graz, a UNESCO site with opulent state rooms, a museum, and peaceful gardens.
Riegersburg Castle
A formidable 17th-century fortress perched on a volcanic rock, offering dramatic views, history museums, and falconry displays.
Thermal Springs of Bad Blumau
A whimsical, colorful thermal spa complex designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, perfect for relaxation and architectural wonder.
The Lipizzaner Stud Farm at Piber
The breeding home of the world-famous white Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Tours and demonstrations available.
The Hochschwab Alps / Grüner See (Green Lake)
A stunning natural park for hiking. In spring, the Green Lake floods a park with crystal-clear, emerald water from melting snow.
🛡️ Safety Tips
Graz is an exceptionally safe city with low violent crime rates. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your belongings in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and in busy cafes to guard against petty theft like pickpocketing. There are no specific neighborhoods to avoid, though it's wise to be alert in quieter areas late at night. Common scams are rare, but be wary of overly persistent street performers or petition-signers who may distract for theft. The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance is 112. Tap water is safe to drink. Healthcare is excellent; EU citizens should carry an EHIC/GHIC card. For non-EU travelers, travel insurance is recommended. The city is very pedestrian-friendly, but always obey traffic signals, as trams have the right of way and are quiet.
💰 Budget Guide
Graz is moderately priced for Western Europe. A budget traveler can manage on €50-€70 per day by staying in hostels (€25-€35/night), eating at market stalls or bakeries, using public transport passes, and enjoying free attractions like walking the Old Town and hiking the Schlossberg. Mid-range travelers should budget €100-€150 per day for a comfortable hotel (€80-€120/night), meals at traditional Gasthöfe (€15-€25 per main), museum entries, and occasional taxis. A luxury daily budget of €200+ covers boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and premium experiences. Money-saving tips include purchasing the Graz Museum Pass for combined entry, dining at lunch for cheaper 'Mittagsmenü' specials, using the excellent and affordable public transport, and exploring the many free parks and viewpoints. Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.