Graz, Austria is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do for tourists and visitors. As we look at some of the best things to do in Graz, what makes the city for me is the good blend between the infrastructure of a developed city and a relatively local vibe to it.
Despite being the second-largest city in Austria, it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle feel of say Vienna. Graz is not as touristic comparatively, and this might just be where the charm is.
Best Time to Visit Graz
Graz is a great city to visit all year round, but there are certain seasons when things might be better than others. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy some of the cheapest things in Graz then late spring or early fall will suit you best!
In the summer months, things are more expensive and busier. In winter, some places might close earlier and you have shorter daylight hours.
Top Things to Do in Graz
Whether you are looking to explore Graz’s history or simply enjoy its beauty, there is something for everyone in this city. Here are the 17 best things to do in Graz, Austria.
Schlossberg Castle
This majestic castle is one of the most popular things to do in Graz. It was built as a fortress during the Middle Ages and has since been renovated into an incredible structure that houses museums, restaurants, gardens, and more!
The Schlossberg is also home to some breathtaking views of the city below. You can take a lift up to the top or climb your way there on foot for free! This is a great place to admire the sky colors during sunset and it can be a quiet place to hang out at night as well.
Schlossberg Tunnel
If you are not a fan of stairs, then the Schlossberg Tunnel is a great alternative to get up to the castle. The Tunnel was built in the 1800s as a way to connect the upper and lower parts of the castle.
It’s now open to the public and makes for a fascinating stroll through the passage. There is only one pathway open, it is well lit and fitted with metal grill platings.
The entrance is right next to the lift that brings you up to the castle. However, this has no entrance fee, so it’s a great free thing to do in Graz!
Graz Clock Tower
This tower was built in 1560 and is one of the most iconic things about Graz! It’s a great place to take photos or just enjoy some fresh air on top of the hill above Schlossberg Park.
The clock tower has been used for many things throughout history including as an observatory where people could see stars during nighttime hours when there wasn’t any light pollution yet.
Kunsthaus Graz
The Kunsthaus Graz, aka the “Friendly Alien,” is one of the coolest buildings you’ll see in the city. Its futuristic design, a giant blue blob with acrylic glass panels, looks like it floated in from another world. What’s interesting is that it’s smack in the middle of Graz’s historic old town; so the mix of old and new here is just distinctively.
Built on the right bank of the Mur River, the Kunsthaus was designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. It’s bold, quirky, and intentionally stands out from the red-roofed, traditional buildings around it. But somehow, it still manages to fit in, snuggling up next to the historic Eisernes Haus, a cast-iron structure from 1848 that’s now part of the museum complex.
The Kunsthaus isn’t just cool to look at. Its facade lights up at night with messages and patterns, while the “nozzles” on top bring in natural light and even frame views like the iconic Graz Clock Tower.
Inside, there’s a restaurant, a media lounge, and a moving walkway (yes, like an airport travelator!) that takes you into its exhibit spaces, showcasing contemporary art from the last 40 years. The restaurant was showcasing a pretty attractive weekday lunch menu at when I visited (although I did not end up eating here because I was in a hungry mood for a buffet)
Basically, it’s a museum, an architectural statement, and a local landmark all rolled into one. With it’s convenient location, this is an easy must-visit.
Old Town Graz
This is the historic district of Graz and it’s definitely the highlights! It has many beautiful buildings, churches, and cobblestone streets.
Be sure to stop by the Glockenspiel in Hauptplatz which chimes every hour and plays traditional Austrian music. You will also find some of the great food that Graz has to offer! There are many restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Old Town.
Joanneumsviertel Museum
The Joanneumsviertel is a cultural hotspot in Graz that beautifully blends history and modern design. It brings together historic museum and library buildings into one sleek, contemporary space. This spot will be particularly attractive for art, history, and culture buffs.
The complex includes the early Baroque building on Raubergasse, home to the Natural History Museum and the CoSA – Center of Science Activities. Another highlight is the neo-Baroque building on Neutorgasse, where you’ll find the Neue Galerie Graz. Plus, the Styrian State Library is here, adding a literary twist to this cultural hub.
The heart of the Joanneumsviertel is its modern Visitor Center. It connects all the buildings and houses the museum shop. The escalator here takes you down to the exhibition and event spaces underground.
When walking around, don’t forget to check out the beautiful courtyards and the Joanneumsviertelplatz, which host some of Styria’s biggest art and culture festivals.
Graz Opera House
The Graz Opera House is the second-largest in Austria. If you’re into music or theater, this place should be on your list. It’s where legends like Robert Stolz and Karl Böhm, both born in Graz, got their big breaks.
The building itself is gorgeous. It opened in 1899, rocking a fancy Baroque vibe thanks to famous architects Fellner and Helmer. The outside got a bit of a makeover after WWII, but the interior is just stunning with gilded details, fancy stucco, and ceiling paintings.
There’s also a cool modern touch, like the glass bridge connecting the stage area to a newer section. Right next to it, you will even find this massive 54-meter sculpture called the “Light Sword,” inspired by Franz Kafka.
Stadtpark
Graz Stadtpark is a lush green escape in the heart of the city, perfect for relaxing, socializing, or exploring. It’s like a natural island surrounded by the UNESCO-listed cityscape. You can see kids playing and people hanging out under the trees in the day. By evening, the park becomes a popular spot for after-work drinks at its cafés.
Stretching over 22 hectares from Graz Opera to Schlossberg, the park has an interesting mix of monuments and statues to explore. Don’t miss the Stadtpark fountain with its sculpture by Jean-Baptiste-Jules Klagmann.
If you’ve got nuts in your pocket, you might make friends with the park’s squirrels—affectionately called “Stadtpark-Hansi” by locals.
As with many beautiful parks, there’s plenty of relaxing things to do here – take a stroll through the wide avenues, chill on the lawns or grab some refreshment at the cafes/kiosks. It’s truly Graz’s green lung and outdoor living room.
Karl-Franzens-Universität Botanical Garden
I consider this a bit of a hidden gem in Graz that combines striking architecture and lush, exotic flora. Nestled in a district of beautiful art nouveau mansions, the futuristic greenhouses resemble a giant armadillo and house plants from four different climate zones, making it a fun spot to explore nature.
The greenhouses, opened in 1995, are actually quite a design marvel. The curved, double-walled acrylic glass structure allows 98% light transmission, which is an international record.
Just follow the wooden pathways inside and it will take you through tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, and arid zones. You’ll find everything from orchids and mangroves to citrus trees, cacti, and South American flora, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 24°C and humidity up to 80%.
The original early 20th-century glasshouse is apparently still standing nearby; that gives you a contrast to the modern greenhouses. The gardens are open to the public, so pop in for a nice peaceful escape when you are in the area.
Murinsel
A cool-looking and artificial “island” in the Mur river that is designed by New York artist Vito Acconci. The Murinsel is fun to visit as it serves as an anchor for the Graz design scene. The contemporary venue also features a cafe, theater, and a great view of the Mur river.
The Murinsel hosts events throughout the year so if you’re in Graz during summer or autumn then be sure to check out the event schedule!
The island/building also lights up at night and its architecture really stands out with the lighting amidst the dark surrounding.
Eggenberg Palace
This is a beautiful palace that was built in 1625 by Count Eggenberg. It’s now used as a museum and is one of the most popular things to see in Graz!
The palace has many different rooms and exhibits on display including armour, paintings, furniture, and more! There is also a huge park with a garden, mini-maze, and playground that is home to some beautiful peacocks.
Graz Cathedral
This cathedral was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest things to see in Graz! It’s a great place if you’re interested in history or just want some quiet time on your own 😉
The cathedral has many things going for it including being home to some beautiful artwork such as stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings by local artists.
Mausoleum Kaiser Ferdinands II.
A beautiful mausoleum that was built in 1634 for Emperor Ferdinand II who died at the age of 59 years old after ruling over Austria for almost 30 years!
The mausoleum is very ornate and contains many things on display including paintings, sculptures, and more!
The most impressive as[ect has to be the building architecture seen from the outside. There is an imposing feel when looking up at the mausoleum from the steps right below the entrance.
Landeszeughaus
This is the largest and oldest armory in Europe! It was built in 1642 and has been used for many things over the years including as a museum.
The Landeszeughaus contains around 32,000 items on display including armor, weapons, tools, and furniture! Marveling through all the different variations in the arsenal is one of the most intriguing things to do in Graz.
Thalersee
Thalersee is a beautiful lake located outside the city center of Graz. It’s perfect for a day out with friends or family when the weather is good.
It is about a 20-minute drive from the Old Town. You can also get there with public transportation, although it does usually involve quite a few changes.
Where to stay in Graz
Although Graz is not as popular compared to other Austrian destinations like Vienna and Salzburg, it still receives a good number of tourists each year.
There are many different types of accommodation in Graz to suit everyone’s needs! Here are some well-rated options that you can consider.
– Hotel Grazer Hof
– Pension Schlossberg
– Botel Wient
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