A practical city guide to the best things to do in Graz, Austria, based on our visit. Includes Schlossberg, Schloss Eggenberg, the Styrian Armoury, Old Town sights, Graz Card tips, transport advice and how to plan a relaxed two or three-day stay.
- Overview
- How to Get to Graz
- Getting Around Graz
- Is the Graz Card Worth It?
- Guided Tours in Graz
- Things to Do in Graz
- 1. Start at Hauptplatz der Stadt Graz
- 2. Go Up to Freiblick Tagescafé at Kastner & Öhler
- 3. Visit Graz Museum for Local Context
- 4. Ride or Walk Up to Schlossberg
- 5. Step Inside the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
- 6. Watch the Glockenspiel from Glöckl Bräu
- 7. Walk into the Grazer Landhaus Courtyard
- 8. Explore the Styrian Armoury
- 9. Wander Along Sporgasse
- 10. Decide Whether to Skip the Doppelwendeltreppe
- 11. Take Tram 1 to Schloss Eggenberg
- 12. Cross the Murinsel
- 13. See Kunsthaus Graz at Night
- Top Restaurants and Places to Eat in Graz
- Where to Stay in Graz
- How Long Do You Need in Graz?
- Best Time to Visit Graz
- Final Thoughts
Overview
Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of Styria, a region known for its rolling hills, vineyards and distinctive culinary traditions. Its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting centuries of Habsburg influence, Renaissance architecture and its important position as a crossroads between Central Europe and the Balkans.
For travellers, Graz offers a different experience from Austria’s more famous destinations. It combines a beautifully preserved Old Town with excellent museums, hilltop views, grand palaces and a surprisingly modern creative side, all within a compact and walkable city. Unlike some larger European cities, it rarely feels overwhelming, making it ideal for a relaxed two- or three-day break.
Graz was one of those cities that quietly grew on us.
What we liked most was how manageable the city felt. Graz has the confidence of a historic European city, but without the pressure of somewhere that feels too large or too crowded. The Old Town is walkable, the trams are easy to use, and the main sights fit together naturally over two or three days.
For us, Graz worked well as a slower city break: a place for museums, courtyards, rooftop views, relaxed lunches, riverside walks and a good amount of simply sitting in the sun.
How to Get to Graz
Travelling to Graz by Train
We travelled to Graz by train from Hallstatt, and it was one of the more scenic rail journeys of our Austria trip passing through Vienna. If you enjoy slow travel, this is a lovely way to arrive, especially as the landscape shifts from lake and mountain scenery into the softer, greener feel of Styria.
Graz Hauptbahnhof is the city’s main railway station and a useful transport hub, with tram connections into the Old Town and onwards to areas such as Schloss Eggenberg. If you are travelling around Austria by rail, Graz connects well with Vienna and other major cities, making it easy to include in a wider itinerary.
Travelling to Graz by Air
Graz also has its own airport, which is conveniently close to the city. Graz Airport is connected to the city by public transport, including train services to Graz Main Station, with the airport railway station located a short walk from the terminal.
This makes Graz a practical option not only as part of an Austria rail trip, but also as a standalone city break if flights work for you.
Getting Around Graz
Graz is a very walkable city, especially once you are in or near the historic centre. We found that most of the main places we wanted to visit were either within walking distance or easy to reach by tram.
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel Graz, just a few minutes from the main train station and directly in front of a tram stop. That worked really well for us. Staying near Graz Hauptbahnhof might not sound as atmospheric as staying right in the Old Town, but in practical terms it made arrivals, departures and tram journeys very easy.
The trams are the next best thing after walking. They are frequent, simple to understand and especially useful if you are heading to Schloss Eggenberg or moving between the station and the Old Town.
The Free Old Town Tram Zone
One useful thing to know is that Graz has a free Old Town Tram zone, known locally as the Altstadt-Bim. This does not mean that all of tram line 1 is free from end to end. Instead, several tram lines are free within the marked central zone.
You do not need a special ticket within this free zone, and the relevant tram stops are marked with “Altstadt-Bim” stickers. This is handy if you are moving around the historic centre, but for journeys outside the free zone, you will need a valid ticket.
Public Transport Tickets
Graz works on an honour-based public transport system. In practice, this means you do not necessarily pass through ticket barriers before boarding, but you are still expected to have the correct ticket in place.
Make sure you buy and validate your ticket where required before travelling outside the free tram zone. Ticket checks can happen, and it is not the kind of thing you want to deal with during a relaxed city break.
Is the Graz Card Worth It?
For us, the Graz Card made a lot of sense.
The full Graz Card includes public transport in Zone 101, the Schlossberg lift, the Schlossbergbahn funicular, selected museum entries, a free guided walking tour and various discounts. The 2026 prices are:
| Graz Card | Price |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | €32 |
| 48 hours | €42 |
| 72 hours | €47 |
There is also a Graz Card Light, which includes many of the museum and attraction benefits but does not include public transport. This may suit people who already have a separate transport pass or plan to walk almost everywhere.
The value becomes clearer if you plan to visit several paid attractions. For example, a Joanneum 24-hour museum ticket costs €20 for adults, while a 48-hour ticket costs €26. The Schlossberg lift is €2.50 per adult per ride, and the Graz Card also covers public transport, including the funicular. If you visit Schloss Eggenberg, the Styrian Armoury, Kunsthaus Graz and use public transport across a couple of days, the card can quickly become worthwhile.
For our style of travel, the biggest advantage was not only the saving, but the convenience. We did not have to think too much about individual attraction tickets or whether to take the tram.
Another nice bonus is that Graz Tourism sometimes runs accommodation offers such as “stay 3 nights, pay for 2” at selected hotels, with a Graz Card Light included. It is worth checking the official Graz Tourism website before booking, as these offers can change.
We stayed two nights because of our wider itinerary, and that felt good enough to see many of the main sights. That said, we would agree that three nights is a better length of stay if you want to slow down, include more museums, enjoy proper meals and avoid rushing Schloss Eggenberg.
Guided Tours in Graz
Graz is easy to explore on your own, but a Graz guided tour can be a great way to understand the city’s history and architecture, especially if it’s your first visit. Alternatively you can consider this Graz Schlossberg and Old Town – Audio Guide and Self Guided Tour as a budget option.
The local tourist board offers English-language walking tours, and the full Graz Card includes a guided city tour. You can also book private, small-group or food-focused tours online.
Popular options include:
- Food tour – a great way to discover Styrian cuisine and local specialities.
- Old Town walking tour – a good introduction to Graz’s UNESCO-listed centre.
- Schlossberg tour – ideal for learning more about the Uhrturm and former fortress.
Things to Do in Graz
Graz is not a city where you need to chase sights from one end to the other. The Old Town has a natural rhythm to it: start around Hauptplatz, wander into courtyards and side streets, climb or ride up to Schlossberg, then cross the Mur to see the more contemporary side of the city.
What we enjoyed was the contrast. One moment you are looking at Renaissance courtyards and old shopfronts, the next you are standing beside the Kunsthaus or walking across the Murinsel. Graz feels historic, but not frozen in time.
Below are the main things we visited and what we thought of each one.
1. Start at Hauptplatz der Stadt Graz
Hauptplatz is a sensible place to begin your time in Graz.
Most tram routes pass through or near here, and it acts as one of the main transport points in the Old Town. More importantly, it gives you an immediate feel for the city: the colourful façades, the Town Hall, the fountain, the food stalls, the cafes and the general sense of people moving through the square without it feeling too chaotic.
We arrived here on a sunny day, which probably helped, but the atmosphere was lovely. The fountain in the centre adds that very European old-town feeling, and the surrounding architecture gives you plenty to look at while you pause for a few minutes.
The Town Hall has an impressive façade, though unfortunately it is not somewhere you can casually visit inside. We simply sat on the fountain steps for a little while and let the city settle around us.
It is not a place you need to over-plan. Just start here, take a slow look around, and then let the streets lead you onwards.
2. Go Up to Freiblick Tagescafé at Kastner & Öhler
One of the less obvious things to do in Graz is to visit Kastner & Öhler, the large department store near the Old Town.
On the surface, it is a smart city department store with fashion, homeware and plenty of things to browse. But the real reason to come here is the rooftop café, Freiblick Tagescafé.
From the terrace, you get a lovely view across the rooftops of Graz, with Schlossberg and the Uhrturm rising above the city. It is one of those places where you suddenly understand the shape of Graz better: the Old Town below, the hill above, and the mountains in the distance.
We really enjoyed stopping here. Even if you are not planning a full meal, an apple juice and a cake on the rooftop gives you that extra little lift you did not know you needed.
We will cover our dining experience properly in our separate places to eat in Graz article, but as a sightseeing stop, this is an easy one to include.
3. Visit Graz Museum for Local Context
The Graz Museum is a good place to start if you want to understand a little more about the city before exploring further.
The museum covers Graz’s identity within Austria and Europe, with references to religion, political change, Napoleon’s presence in the city and the Second World War. It is not a huge, overwhelming museum, which makes it quite manageable early in your visit.
We found it useful rather than essential. If you have the Graz Card, it makes sense to pop in and use it as a gentle introduction to the city. If you do not have the card and are not particularly interested in history, this is one we would probably place lower on the list.
That said, it gives context to what you see later, especially around Schlossberg and the way Graz sees itself historically.
Quick Facts
4. Ride or Walk Up to Schlossberg
Schlossberg is one of the defining places in Graz. You can consider this Graz Schlossberg and Old Town – Audio Guide and Self Guided Tour as an option when exploring Graz.
The hill rises above the Old Town and gives you panoramic views across the city, the Mur River, the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, the mountains beyond. You can also spot Schloss Eggenberg from up there, which helps connect the wider geography of the city.
We loved this area. Partly because of the views, partly because of the gardens, and partly because we were simply happy to sit in the sun. After living in the UK, those sunny European hilltop moments always feel like a small luxury.
You can walk up if you want the exercise, but there are two easier and more interesting options: the Schlossberg lift and the Schlossbergbahn funicular.
4.1. Schlossberg Lift vs Schlossbergbahn Funicular
There are two main ways to reach the top without walking: the glass lift inside the hill and the classic funicular.
The Schlossberg lift entrance is near Schlossbergplatz, behind the Graz Museum area. It takes you up through the hill in a glass lift, which feels quick and slightly unusual. In the tunnel area, there are also family-friendly attractions such as a fairy-tale train, a slide and other activities aimed more at children.
The Schlossbergbahn funicular is the more traditional option. It climbs the hill slowly, with views back towards the city and the river as you move upwards. The entrance is not far from the Murinsel.
Our suggestion would be to go up one way and come down the other. That way, you experience both without overthinking which one is better. The lift is quicker and more dramatic; the funicular is slower and more peaceful.
Both are included with the full Graz Card.
4.2. See the Uhrturm
The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is the symbol of Graz.
It dates back to the city’s historic Schlossberg fortifications and is visible from many parts of the Old Town. One of the interesting details is that when Napoleon’s forces demolished much of the fortress after occupying Graz, the citizens paid to save the clock tower and bell tower. After seeing how present the Uhrturm still is in the city’s identity, that story makes complete sense.
You cannot go up inside the tower, but you do not really need to. Its power is in how it sits above Graz, appearing between streets, behind rooftops and across the skyline.
We found ourselves noticing it constantly from below, and then again from close up on Schlossberg. It is one of those landmarks that gradually becomes more meaningful the longer you spend in the city.
4.3. Visit Graz Museum Schlossberg
While you are on Schlossberg, the Graz Museum Schlossberg is a good addition.
It explains more about the historical importance of the hill, the fortress and the city’s topography. It is not a museum that needs hours, but it adds context to what you are seeing outside.
What we actually liked most, though, was the space around it. There were sun loungers, open views and a relaxed hilltop atmosphere that made us want to stay longer than planned. We came up to Schlossberg twice during our stay, but only visited the museum once. That probably says it all: the museum is useful, but the terrace itself is the real experience.
Quick Facts
5. Step Inside the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is one of the most atmospheric places we visited in Graz.
Historically, it was commissioned in the early 17th century by Archduke Ferdinand, who later became Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II. It forms part of what is sometimes called the Graz City Crown, alongside the cathedral and nearby historic buildings.
Inside, the mood is solemn and still. When we visited, a young woman was playing the violin, and it created one of those travel moments that you could never have planned properly. The music filled the space gently and made the whole visit feel more reflective.
The tomb area is particularly striking, with religious motifs, angels and saints worked into the design. We did not enter the adjoining church, but the mausoleum itself left a strong impression on us.
It is not a long visit, but it is one of the places where Graz’s imperial and religious history feels very tangible.
Quick Facts
6. Watch the Glockenspiel from Glöckl Bräu
The Graz Glockenspiel is one of the city’s well-known attractions.
Three times a day, at 11am, 3pm and 6pm, the shutters open and a carved wooden couple in traditional Styrian dress turns to the sound of the bells. The show is simple: the figures rotate, the music plays, and after a few minutes it is over.
This is where expectations matter. It is charming enough, and because it is so central, it makes sense to see it. But we would not plan our whole day around it.
What worked well for us was having lunch at Glöckl Bräu, which sits right below the Glockenspiel. This meant we could enjoy our meal and still catch the show without standing awkwardly in the square waiting for it to begin.
The actual performance is sweet but very short. Stop by if you are nearby, or time it with lunch or a drink, but do not build it up too much in your head.
7. Walk into the Grazer Landhaus Courtyard
The Grazer Landhaus courtyard is one of those places that is easy to miss if you are not paying attention, but it is absolutely worth stepping into.
The Landhaus was the former seat of the Styrian provincial estates and is considered one of the important Renaissance buildings in Central Europe. The courtyard is the highlight, with its arcades, ornate windows, three-storey structure and bronze fountain.
It feels elegant rather than showy. We liked the symmetry of the courtyard, the columns and the central fountain with its angelic details.
It is also very conveniently located next to the Styrian Armoury, so it makes sense to combine the two. You do not need long here, but do allow yourself a few minutes to stand in the courtyard and look up.
8. Explore the Styrian Armoury
The Styrian Armoury, or Landeszeughaus, is one of Graz’s major attractions, and it is not like the armouries you might find in a castle.
This is not a display of decorative ceremonial armour. It was a real armoury, built for practical defence and stocked with weapons, armour and military equipment that could actually be used. That is what makes it so impressive.
The collection is enormous, spread across four floors, with thousands of pieces arranged in dense rows. You see helmets, breastplates, swords, muskets, pikes, ammunition and all kinds of military equipment. The sheer volume is the point.
Do not come expecting delicate embroidery or highly personalised armour. Come to see scale. Come to understand how exposed this region once felt and how seriously it prepared for conflict.
The Styrian Armoury is now recognised as being of European heritage significance, and for us it was one of the most memorable museum experiences in Graz.
If you only visit a handful of paid attractions in the city, this should probably be one of them.
Quick Facts
9. Wander Along Sporgasse
Sporgasse is one of Graz’s most enjoyable streets for a slow wander.
It is lined with cafes, bakeries, shops and old façades, and it has that slightly lived-in Old Town feel that makes window shopping genuinely enjoyable. You will also find tourist shops selling souvenirs and memorabilia, but the street still feels atmospheric rather than purely commercial.
One stop to look out for is Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax, an old bakery that feels like something of a local institution. Even if you do not buy anything, the frontage alone is lovely to see.
At one end of the street, you will find the Luegghäuser building, known for its striking floral façade. It is one of those details that makes Graz rewarding to explore on foot. You turn a corner, look up, and suddenly the city gives you another small visual surprise.
10. Decide Whether to Skip the Doppelwendeltreppe
The Doppelwendeltreppe, or double spiral staircase, is often mentioned in Graz guides.
It is located in Graz Castle, not to be confused with Schlossberg, and consists of two staircases that separate and reconnect as they rise. Architecturally, it is clever, and some people will enjoy seeing it for that reason.
We have to be honest, though: it did not do much for us.
It is essentially two staircases intersecting at points before finishing at the top. There is not much decoration, atmosphere or wider experience around it. We visited because it appears on many lists of things to do in Graz, but we left feeling that it was skippable.
If you are nearby and curious, pop in given that it’s free anyway. But if your time in Graz is limited, we would not prioritise it.
11. Take Tram 1 to Schloss Eggenberg
Schloss Eggenberg was one of the places we were most looking forward to seeing in Graz.
It is slightly outside the Old Town, but very easy to reach by tram. Tram 1 takes you towards the Schloss Eggenberg stop, making it a straightforward half-day trip from the centre.
Schloss Eggenberg is part of Graz’s UNESCO World Heritage listing, together with the historic centre. The palace is closely tied to the Eggenberg family, one of the most influential noble families in the region, and its design is full of symbolism, especially around time, astronomy and the universe.
The guided tour of the state rooms is included with the relevant ticket access, and if you have the Graz Card, this adds to the overall value. The state rooms can only be visited on a guided tour, so it is worth checking times and arriving early enough to secure a place.
What makes the interiors special is how well preserved they are. In the later years, the upper floors were not lived in in the same way, which helped protect original wall surfaces and decorative elements. You are not just seeing restored rooms; in places, you are seeing something much closer to what was actually there.
The rooms that stood out most to us were the Planetary Room, the Gallery Room, the Gambling Room and the Japanese Cabinet. The Japanese Cabinet was particularly interesting because of the rare depictions of Osaka, which made it feel distinct from the usual palace interiors you see elsewhere in Europe.
Schloss Eggenberg is not just another palace stop. It gives Graz a wider historical depth beyond the Old Town, and it is well worth making time for.
Quick Facts
12. Cross the Murinsel
Murinsel, or Mur Island, is one of the more contemporary landmarks in Graz.
It was created for Graz’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2003 and designed by New York artist Vito Acconci. The structure sits in the River Mur, connected to both banks by footbridges, and functions partly as a bridge, partly as a floating platform, and partly as a café and performance space.
It is not something that needs a long visit, but it adds a very different texture to the city. After spending time among courtyards, churches and historic façades, crossing onto this shell-like structure in the river reminds you that Graz has a more modern design identity too.
During the day, you can stop for a coffee. At night, it lights up, which makes it worth passing by again if you are walking along the river after dinner.
13. See Kunsthaus Graz at Night
Kunsthaus Graz is another example of the city’s modern side.
We are not huge contemporary art people, so we did not go mainly for the exhibitions. What drew us in was the building itself, especially its unusual shape and illuminated media façade.
The Kunsthaus opened in 2003 and its BIX media façade faces the Mur and the city centre. At night, the building lights up and can display messages or visual patterns, making it feel very different from the historic architecture around it.
Even if you do not plan to visit the museum inside, it is worth seeing from the outside, especially after dark. Graz does this contrast quite well: old town, Renaissance courtyards, imperial mausoleums, and then suddenly this strange, glowing “friendly alien” beside the river.
Top Restaurants and Places to Eat in Graz
Food was definitely part of how we enjoyed the city. Graz has a relaxed café culture, traditional beer halls, rooftop terraces and enough casual places to make eating out feel easy rather than overly planned.
A few places to mention at this stage:
Freiblick Tagescafé
Located on the rooftop of Kastner & Öhler, Freiblick Tagescafé is a great place for views over the Old Town, Schlossberg and the Uhrturm. It works well for coffee, cake, drinks or a slower lunch with a view.
Glöckl Bräu
Glöckl Bräu is a practical and atmospheric place to eat if you want to combine lunch with the Glockenspiel. Sitting just below the clock show meant we could enjoy the spectacle without standing around waiting for it.
Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax
This historic bakery Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax on Sporgasse is worth stopping by while exploring the Old Town. Even if you only look at the shopfront or pick up something small, it adds to the character of wandering through Graz.
Where to Stay in Graz
For a short stay, we would focus less on finding the prettiest street and more on convenience.
Graz is walkable, but its trams make a big difference, especially if you are arriving by train, carrying luggage or planning to visit Schloss Eggenberg.
Near Graz Hauptbahnhof
We stayed near Graz Hauptbahnhof at the Radisson Hotel Graz, and it worked very well for us. The hotel was only a few minutes from the station and directly in front of a tram stop, which made getting around simple.
This area is especially practical if you are arriving late, leaving early or using Graz as part of a wider rail itinerary. You may not get the same Old Town atmosphere immediately outside your door, but the convenience is hard to argue with.
Old Town
If this is your first time in Graz and you want atmosphere from the moment you step outside, staying in or around the Old Town is a good option. You will be close to Hauptplatz, Sporgasse, the Landhaus, the Styrian Armoury, the Glockenspiel and the river.
This is probably the better choice if your priority is slow wandering, cafes and evening walks rather than transport logistics.
Near the River Mur
The area around the Mur gives you easy access to both historic Graz and the more contemporary side of the city, including Murinsel and Kunsthaus Graz. It can be a good middle ground if you want to be near the Old Town but not necessarily right in the middle of it.
How Long Do You Need in Graz?
We stayed two nights, and that was enough to see a lot of the city.
However, three nights would be more comfortable. With three nights, you can visit Schlossberg without rushing, include Schloss Eggenberg properly, see the Styrian Armoury, enjoy the Old Town, make time for cafes and still have space for a slower evening by the river.
Two nights works if you are organised and happy with a full sightseeing day. Three nights gives Graz the pace it deserves.
Best Time to Visit Graz
Weather Forecast by Month in Graz
Climate data is based on long-term monthly averages and should be used as a planning guide rather than a live forecast.
We visited in spring and had a beautifully sunny day, which made a big difference to how we experienced the city. Schlossberg, rooftop cafes, courtyards and riverside walks all benefit from good weather.
Spring and early autumn would be our preferred times to visit. The city is pleasant for walking, the light is softer, and you can enjoy the outdoor spaces without the heavier summer heat.
Winter could also be atmospheric, especially around Advent and Christmas markets, but some museums and attractions may have reduced opening hours or guided-tour-only access, so check before planning your days.
Final Thoughts
Graz surprised us in a quiet way.
It does not shout for attention like Vienna, and it does not have the immediate postcard drama of Hallstatt, but that is part of what made it enjoyable. The city felt liveable, walkable and layered.
One minute we were sitting on the steps of a fountain in Hauptplatz, the next we were looking over red rooftops from Schlossberg, and later we were crossing a futuristic island in the Mur.
For us, Graz works particularly well if you enjoy slower city breaks with a mix of history, architecture, museums and good food. It is also a strong stop on a wider Austria rail itinerary, especially if you are travelling between the Alps, Vienna, Slovenia or Hungary.
We left feeling that two nights had given us a good introduction, but three would have been better. Graz is the kind of place where the extra day would not be about ticking off more sights, but about enjoying the city with a little more breathing room.
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