The 7 essential things to do in Graz

Visit Graz: what are the best things to do and to see in this unmissable city of Austria, rich in culture and history?

Discover the Styria region, the second largest province of Austria . His capital, Graz, will surely be a great discovery! It is one of the largest cities in Austria in terms of number of inhabitants. A European city of culture in 2003, the city is full of exceptional museums, and its surroundings offer landscapes of hills, valleys and mountains. In fact, Graz is located in a plain that is demarcated to the west by the last foothills of the alpine massif, north and east by the hills of Styria. Whether you are museum or hiking, you will find your happiness!

Are you wondering what to do in Graz? This is it!

1. Eggenberg Castle

Inscribed to UNESCO’s world heritage, it is the largest castle in Styria. Built in 1625 by Hans Ulrich Von Eggenberg , Imperial Councillor Ferdinand II , its construction was organized around time and seasons: 4 towers for the 4 seasons, 365 windows for days, 31 rooms for each floor for months, 24 display rooms for hours, etc.

If you are wondering what to do in Graz, know that here you will also find several museums including the archaeology museum or the Mint’s office, as well as a large park.

2. Murinsel, or the island on the Wall

Not to be missed if you are going to visit Graz: the island on the Wall! Designed at the time Graz participated in the competition of the European Capital of Culture in 2003, the island is in fact a work of art made by artist New York Vito Acconci . This unusual building in the form of a giant shell, serves to connect the two banks of the Wall (the Graz River), and contains a coffee and amphitheatre.

3. Graz libraries

Graz is made famous by the quality of his higher education. There are three major universities: Karl-Franzens-Universität, Technische Universität, Fachhochschule Joanneum. It is in these universities that the important libraries of the city are located. The abbey of Admont is when it is famous to own the world’s largest monastic library with more than 200,000 books.

4. The "Styrian Tuscany"

From visit Graz, don’t hesitate to push a little further south, where the vineyard extends, nicknamed the “Toscane de Styrie”. You will discover paths that climb through vineyards, woods and meadows. This part of the Stytrie attracts many visitors, wine lovers and gourmets. In fact, you can taste delicious traditional wines, cheeses or cakes in the famous " Buschenschenken" (traditional taverns), without forgetting the "Kürbiskernöl", a squash oil with dark colour and a pronounced taste, a must in regional cuisine.

5. The Schlossberg

Nothing like discovering Graz in a different way (or rather from an angle of view): view from above! Head to the Schlossberg, a hill peaking at 123 meters and overlooking the city. Formerly a castle at the top of the mountain, hence its name “Schlossberg” which means “Mountain of the Castle”. But today, you will only be able to observe 2 buildings, which have become the symbols of the city: the Tour de l’Horloge (Urhtum) and the Tour de la Cloche (Glockenturm).

To get there, 3 choices are available to you: On foot from the Schlossbergplatz square, the 260 steps (around 30 minutes), by elevator, inside the hill, or by funicular, from the Place de l’Empereur François-Joseph to the top (tariff: 2.20€). Once at the top, you will discover a beautiful park, as well as many restaurants and souvenir shops.

6. The Landeszeughaus Museum

Don’t miss visiting the Landeszeughaus, a must-see museum in the city that houses the largest collection of weapons and armour in the world! Canons, swords, armor, hallebardes, helmets, there are for all tastes!

7. Saint-Gilles Cathedral of Graz

If you are travelling in the historic centre of Graz, stop at the Cathedral of Saint-Gilles de Graz. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the most important monuments of Graz, whether at the cultural or artistic and historical level. Its exterior is at first rather austere, but you will discover the famous fresco "Les plagues" which represents the 3 plagues (the plague, the locusts and the Turks) that fell on the Styria during the year 1480. Inside, head to the chorus, where the famous and impressive organ is located, composed of over 5,350 pipes.

How to get to Graz?

International flights serve the city of Graz. You can fly to Graz Airport in Thalerhof, with tickets sometimes cheaper than the capital, Vienna. To reach downtown, you can take a shuttle, taxi or train. You can also, for more dates, go to Vienna, Salzburg or Linz by plane and take the train or bus to Graz (between 2h30 3h30 ride)? If you want to fly there, you will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses .

From France, the bus is an economical but long and less comfortable way of transport to Austria. Some connections benefit from very advantageous rates, provided they book their tickets well in advance.

Where to stay in Graz?

If you choose to visit Graz, know that as in all cities in Austria, accommodation in Graz can be quite expensive and assaulted during holiday periods. We strongly advise you to book as soon as possible to prevent the best accommodation from being taken. There will be for all budgets, from the youth hostel to the luxury 4* hotel! You can find a cheap hotel in Graz by searching for this Compare hotels .

You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of Graz, which combines futuristic architecture and historical buildings, all in a green setting, making a unique place.

Are you still wondering what to do in Graz?