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Graz
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Graz, Austria blends a UNESCO-listed old town, Schlossberg views, modern art, Styrian cuisine and lively cultural life in a compact city setting.

Historic Core and Schlossberg

Graz, the capital of Styria in south-eastern Austria, combines an exceptionally well-preserved historic centre with a confident contemporary cultural scene. The city's story is written in the arcades and courtyards of the Altstadt, where Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings line narrow lanes around Hauptplatz and Herrengasse. Above them rises the Schlossberg, a wooded hill crowned by the Uhrturm, whose clock face has become Graz's defining symbol. Paths and a lift lead upwards for broad views across the red-tiled roofs and the Mur valley.
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Architecture and Cultural Life

Graz's historic centre and nearby Schloss Eggenberg are recognised together as a UNESCO World Heritage property, while the city also embraces striking modern design. The Kunsthaus Graz, known locally as the friendly alien, provides an arresting contrast to the old town, and the Murinsel forms a futuristic platform across the river. Museums, design spaces and performance venues give the city a cultural character that extends beyond its monuments. The annual Diagonale film festival and Styrian autumn arts programme are among the events that reinforce this reputation, though Graz's galleries, theatres and concert halls remain active throughout the year.

Styrian Flavours and Urban Rhythm

Graz is also a gateway to Styrian food and wine. Farmers' markets, particularly the Kaiser-Josef-Markt and Lendplatz market, display pumpkins, apples, cured meats, cheeses and the region's nutty pumpkin-seed oil. Cafés occupy quiet squares and historic courtyards, while the districts around Lend and the river offer a younger, more experimental atmosphere. The central city is compact enough to explore on foot, with cycle routes and trams extending the experience towards Schloss Eggenberg, green residential quarters and the banks of the Mur.

When is the best time to visit Graz?

Best: May–June, September · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January639
February631
March1246
April1957
May (best)2466
June (best)2771
July2876
August2771
September (best)2261
October1649
November1042
December536

Getting to and around Graz

How to get there

Graz Airport, west of the city, handles regional and selected international services and is connected to the centre by public transport and taxi. Graz Hauptbahnhof is the main railway gateway, with Austrian Federal Railways services linking the city to Vienna, Salzburg, Klagenfurt and other destinations; international connections also serve neighbouring countries, usually with changes depending on the route. Long-distance coaches provide another option, while motorways connect Graz with Vienna, Slovenia and western Austria. Vienna International Airport offers a wider range of intercontinental flights, but it is outside Graz and requires onward rail or road travel. Timetables change, so check current connections before departure.

Transportation

Graz's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, with pedestrianised streets and lanes around Hauptplatz, Herrengasse and the Schlossberg. Graz Linien operates trams and buses serving the centre, railway station, residential districts and attractions such as Schloss Eggenberg. Cycling is practical on many routes, particularly beside the Mur, although cyclists should follow marked lanes and local traffic rules. Taxis are available, and cars are less convenient in the central pedestrian areas, where parking is restricted and short-stay zones apply. A local tram or bus is generally more useful than hiring a car for ordinary sightseeing within the city.

Best attractions in Graz

Graz's sightseeing begins in the UNESCO-listed historic centre, where Hauptplatz, Herrengasse and a network of courtyards reveal medieval foundations, Renaissance residences and Baroque interiors. The Schlossberg provides the city's defining panorama, with paths, gardens, the Uhrturm and remnants of its former fortress above the roofs. Across the Mur, the Kunsthaus Graz presents contemporary art in a distinctive biomorphic building, while the Murinsel creates an equally striking architectural pause on the river. Schloss Eggenberg, on the western edge of the city, combines formal gardens with richly decorated state rooms and collections associated with the Styrian Joanneum. The cathedral, mausoleum and Landhaus add depth to the central cultural circuit, while farmers' markets at Kaiser-Josef-Platz and Lendplatz offer an everyday view of regional life. Museums, design spaces and riverside walks make Graz rewarding beyond its best-known monuments.

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Best landmarks in Graz

The Schlossberg and its Uhrturm form Graz's principal civic symbol, linking the city to the fortress that once controlled the hill and to the local campaign that preserved the clock tower after Napoleonic demolition. In the Altstadt, the Landhaus presents an elegant Renaissance courtyard, while the Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II express the city's Catholic and Habsburg history through different architectural periods. The Burg's famous double spiral staircase reflects the former princely residence, and the painted façade of the Gemaltes Haus adds a vivid Renaissance detail to the central streetscape. Beyond the old centre, Schloss Eggenberg's ordered Baroque complex reflects dynastic ambition and court culture. The Kunsthaus Graz and Murinsel represent the city's contemporary architectural identity, deliberately set against historic roofs, churches and civic buildings.

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Explore Graz on the map

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Neighbourhoods in Graz

Best restaurants in Graz

Graz's food culture is rooted in Styria, a fertile region known for pumpkin-seed oil, apples, fresh vegetables, cured meats, cheeses and wines from the surrounding hills. Traditional menus may include Styrian fried chicken, hearty soups, dumplings and seasonal game, while country-style inns around the city and region serve local produce in unhurried surroundings. In the centre, historic courtyards, small restaurants and cafés provide settings for dishes that range from rustic Styrian cooking to contemporary interpretations. Kaiser-Josef-Markt and Lendplatz are useful places to encounter regional ingredients, with stalls selling bread, fruit, cheese, charcuterie and prepared snacks. Graz also has a strong café tradition, and its younger districts support international cooking and modern vegetarian options without displacing local specialities. Menus change with the season, particularly during the harvest period for apples, pumpkins and grapes.

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Best bars in Graz

Evenings in Graz tend to unfold through small bars, cafés, cultural venues and neighbourhood meeting places rather than a single concentrated club district. The historic centre has wine bars, traditional pubs and late-opening cafés close to Hauptplatz and the university quarter, while Lend and the areas around the Mur offer a younger mix of bars, independent music spaces and informal venues. Local wine from Styria features prominently, alongside beer and non-alcoholic options, and the city's student population supports a regular programme of concerts and cultural events. The Schauspielhaus Graz and other performance venues add theatre and music to the evening choices, while the Kunsthaus and festival programme occasionally extend into after-dark events. Nightlife varies by season and university calendar, so the atmosphere may range from a quiet courtyard drink to live music and dancing rather than a large-scale club scene.

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Best nightclubs in Graz

Evenings in Graz tend to unfold through small bars, cafés, cultural venues and neighbourhood meeting places rather than a single concentrated club district. The historic centre has wine bars, traditional pubs and late-opening cafés close to Hauptplatz and the university quarter, while Lend and the areas around the Mur offer a younger mix of bars, independent music spaces and informal venues. Local wine from Styria features prominently, alongside beer and non-alcoholic options, and the city's student population supports a regular programme of concerts and cultural events. The Schauspielhaus Graz and other performance venues add theatre and music to the evening choices, while the Kunsthaus and festival programme occasionally extend into after-dark events. Nightlife varies by season and university calendar, so the atmosphere may range from a quiet courtyard drink to live music and dancing rather than a large-scale club scene.

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Best shops in Graz

Graz shopping ranges from traditional food markets and independent specialist shops to mainstream retail along Herrengasse and the streets around Hauptplatz. Kaiser-Josef-Markt and Lendplatz are the most useful places to browse Styrian produce, including pumpkin-seed oil, honey, cheese, cured meats, bread, fruit and seasonal vegetables. Delicatessens and food shops offer packaged regional products, while selected craft and design businesses reflect the city's connection with contemporary culture and the Joanneum's museum tradition. The old town's passageways and courtyards contain small fashion, book, jewellery and gift shops, and the district around Sporgasse is particularly suited to browsing historic streets alongside everyday retail. Authentic purchases may include local edible specialities, ceramics, textiles and design objects; buyers should distinguish regional products from generic souvenirs and check food-import rules when travelling internationally.

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Graz essentials

Currency and Payment
Austria uses the euro, with the currency code EUR. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, museums and many restaurants, and contactless payment is common, but smaller cafés, market stalls and some traditional businesses may prefer cash or have minimum card payments. ATMs are readily found in central districts and at transport hubs; use bank-operated machines where possible and check the terms shown by your card provider. Keep some euros available for markets, public transport contingencies and small purchases. Tipping is customary for good service, usually by rounding up or adding a modest amount rather than leaving money on the table without explanation.
Safety
Graz is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary urban precautions remain sensible. Keep wallets, phones and bags secure in crowded trams, at railway stations, in markets and during festivals, and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars. Schlossberg paths can be uneven or slippery in poor weather, while cycling routes require attention at crossings and shared pedestrian areas. At night, remain aware of surroundings around transport hubs and quieter streets, particularly when travelling alone. Austria's pedestrian crossings and traffic rules should be respected carefully. Check weather conditions before walking in exposed areas, and seek local advice if seasonal weather affects trails or transport.
Emergency Situations
Austria's European emergency number is 112. For direct assistance, call 133 for police, 122 for the fire service and 144 for an ambulance; operators can provide guidance in emergency situations, and international visitors should state their location clearly. Graz has hospitals and pharmacies, with emergency departments available for urgent medical needs, while the European Health Insurance Card can help eligible visitors access necessary state healthcare under applicable conditions. Keep travel insurance details and identification accessible. For non-urgent medical advice or a lost document, contact the relevant service or your embassy rather than using emergency lines, and ask accommodation staff for help communicating locally if necessary.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet people politely in shops, cafés and smaller establishments, and wait to be invited before using first names in formal interactions. In restaurants, say whether the bill is together or separate and pay staff directly when tipping; modest rounding is normal, while larger gratuities are not obligatory. Keep voices low on public transport and allow passengers to leave trams before boarding. Ask before photographing people, market traders or private interiors, and observe silence and appropriate dress in churches and memorial spaces. Do not walk in cycle lanes or assume that a pedestrian crossing removes the need to check traffic. Respect marked access rules in historic courtyards and museums.
Local Tips
The central Altstadt is the natural orientation point, but Lend across the Mur offers markets, independent businesses and a more contemporary atmosphere, while Geidorf and St Leonhard provide cafés and access to quieter residential streets. Visit a farmers' market for Styrian pumpkin-seed oil, seasonal fruit and regional cheeses rather than treating food shopping as a purely souvenir activity. The Schlossberg can be reached by foot, lift or funicular, making it possible to choose between a climb and an easier ascent. Graz's city centre has many courtyards and passageways that are easy to miss from the main streets, and tram information is useful when visiting attractions beyond the pedestrian core.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[hah-loh]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[owf vee-der-zay-en]
YesJa[yah]
NoNein[nine]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[bih-teh]
Thank youDanke[dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie geht es dir?[vee gayt es deer]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[goot oont deer]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen[ikh mer-kh-teh bih-teh dee shpy-zeh-kahr-teh zay-en]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[ikh es-seh kine flysh]
Cheers!Prost![prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch würde gerne bezahlen, bitte[ikh voo-der gehr-neh beh-tsah-len bih-teh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![hil-feh]
Go away!Gehen Sie weg![geh-en zee vekh]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsai]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt[ikh hah-beh meekh feh-rihrt]
I'm illMir ist schlecht[meer ist sh-lekht]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[ikh mer-kh-teh kow-fen]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[ikh sh-ow-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[vee feel koh-stet es]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[kern-ten zee den prise zehn-ken]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[vee shpeht ist es]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[es ist iyn oor]
Half past (10)Halb elf[halb elf]
MorningMorgen[mawr-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[nakh-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[gehs-tern]
TodayHeute[hoi-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[mawr-gen]
1Eins[ines]
2Zwei[tsvai]
3Drei[dry]
4Vier[feer]
5Fünf[foontf]
6Sechs[zeks]
7Sieben[zee-ben]
8Acht[ahkt]
9Neun[noyn]
10Zehn[tsayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?[vo ist iyn/dehr]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[vas ist dee ah-dreh-say]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?[kern-en zee meer das tsai-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[vahn kommt dehr nykh-ste (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)[i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nakh)]

History of Graz

Roman Roots and Medieval Emergence

The Graz area was settled before the Middle Ages, and Roman occupation shaped the wider region, although the modern city's development belongs chiefly to the medieval period. The name Graz is generally linked to the Slavic term gradec, meaning a small castle, a reference to the fortified hill now called the Schlossberg. By the twelfth century, a market settlement had formed below the hill, benefiting from routes between the Alpine interior, the eastern plains and the Adriatic world. Graz received town privileges in the late thirteenth century and expanded around what became the central Hauptplatz. The surviving street pattern and several medieval buildings reflect this gradual growth rather than a single planned foundation.

The Habsburg Residence

Graz became particularly important under the Habsburgs, who made it a residence of the Inner Austrian line from the fourteenth century. The city served as a political and administrative centre for territories including Styria, Carinthia and Carniola, and the court encouraged building, education and artistic patronage. The Burg complex, the cathedral and the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II preserve traces of this period, while the Landhaus courtyard reflects the influence of Renaissance Italy on local architecture. In the sixteenth century, fortifications on the Schlossberg were strengthened as Ottoman expansion and regional conflict altered the strategic importance of the city. Graz's historic centre still bears the imprint of its role as a princely residence.

Reformation and Counter-Reformation

Religious change strongly affected Graz during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Protestant ideas gained support among sections of the population and the estates, but the Habsburg rulers pursued Catholic reform with increasing determination. Archduke Ferdinand, later Emperor Ferdinand II, made Graz a centre of Counter-Reformation policy before moving his court to Vienna in 1619. Jesuit education and Catholic institutions expanded, while Protestant preachers and civic opponents faced pressure, exile or conversion. The cathedral, the Jesuit church and the mausoleum complex are visible results of this confessional transformation. The period also helped shape Graz's Baroque cultural identity, linking religious authority, court politics and urban architecture.

Fortress, Expansion and Modernisation

The Schlossberg was long regarded as the city's defensive stronghold, but Napoleon's forces captured Graz in 1809 and compelled the demolition of most of its fortress. The Uhrturm and the Glockenturm survived after local citizens secured their preservation, leaving the hill with its characteristic mixture of ruins, gardens and civic symbolism. During the nineteenth century, Graz expanded beyond its medieval core as industry, railways and population growth transformed the urban landscape. The railway connection to Vienna in 1844 strengthened trade and mobility, while new boulevards, institutions and residential districts developed around the old town. Graz increasingly became a regional centre of administration, manufacturing, education and commerce.

War, Reconstruction and Cultural Renewal

The twentieth century brought political upheaval, economic change and the destruction associated with the Second World War, although much of Graz's historic centre survived. The post-war decades saw modern housing, transport infrastructure and industrial development reshape the city beyond its old core. In 1999, the historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, followed by Schloss Eggenberg in 2010 as an extension of the property. Graz's designation as European Capital of Culture in 2003 accelerated investment in contemporary cultural architecture, including the Kunsthaus Graz and the Murinsel. These additions did not replace the historic city; they established a deliberate dialogue between its medieval, imperial and modern identities.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Graz, Austria

Discover Graz with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars, hotels, and more, all in one place.

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Evendo is the ultimate app-based travel guide to Graz, Austria. Discover top attractions, local tips, and book hotels, tours, and experiences seamlessly.

  • History of Graz and travel essentials
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  • 'Near Me' feature to find attractions around your current location
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Planning a trip to Graz, Austria? Let Evendo be your personal travel guide and unlock the full potential of your journey. Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and exquisite cuisine. With Evendo, you can explore famous attractions like the stunning Schlossberg, the artistic Kunsthaus Graz, and the historic Graz Cathedral.

Visit renowned landmarks such as the picturesque Hauptplatz, the iconic Clock Tower, and the charming Eggenberg Palace. Savor the best of Graz's culinary scene with recommendations for top restaurants like Aiola Upstairs, Der Steirer, and Restaurant Schlossberg. Evendo offers detailed information on all the must-see attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, and more, ensuring you won't miss a thing.

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Download Evendo now and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Graz. Whether you're exploring the city's history, indulging in its culinary delights, or discovering hidden gems, Evendo is your all-in-one travel companion for Graz and beyond.

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