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capital of Styria, Austria
Europe > Central Europe > Austria > Styria > Graz

Graz is the capital of Styria (Steiermark) and the second largest city of Austria. Graz maintains a balance between its illustrious past and modern present and features spectacular architecture from all periods, while the warm and sunny climate influenced by the closeness to the Mediterranean and positioned in a valley makes it a pleasant city to visit most of the year. The City of Graz, Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg, is a world heritage site.

Understand

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The landmark of Graz: The clock tower

Graz has a population of just over 300,000 (2024). It has been a vital urban centre for both Styria, Austria and Slovenia, and has produced a number of talents in many fields, ranging from the inventor Nikola Tesla to the former California Governator and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Some 40,000 of the city's population is made up of students, as Graz is home to six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla. The first university was founded in 1585 (Karl-Franzens-Universität). Graz is also known for the Magna Steyr (formerly called Steyr-Daimler-Puch) automobile and truck manufacturing plant located there.

History

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The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city centre is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. The name "Graz" is derived from the Slovenian word gradec, which means small castle. Graz was first mentioned with its German name in 1128 when the dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a commercial centre. During 15th century Graz became the capital of Inner Austria (referring to Styria, Carinthia and Carniola) under the Habsburgs.

Due to its importance as a strategic position, Graz was often assaulted by Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The fortress on the Schlossberg (the picture to the right shows the clock tower, which is on top of the hill) never fell to the Turks (the only place in this region).

During World War II, Graz was part of Nazi Germany (along with the rest of Austria). At the end of the war, Graz was surrendered to Soviet troops largely intact; the historic old town was not seriously hit during Allied bombing raids on the city. In 2003 Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe.

Tourist information

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Get in

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By plane

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The single-runway Graz Airport is immediately south of the city

1 Graz Airport (GRZ  IATA, Flughafen Graz). It is a relatively minor regional airport around 9 km south of the city centre. Scheduled flights operate to Graz from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Vienna and Zurich, connecting to intercontinental hubs of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, while in the summer there are charters to many holiday destinations around the Mediterranean. Graz Airport (Q178162) on Wikidata Graz Airport on Wikipedia 

From the airport you have several possibilities to reach the centre:

  • by taxi: approximate fare to the center is between €35-39.
  • by bus: the bus station is directly in front of the arrival zone. Bus lines 630 and 631 are going to Jakominiplatz (the central point of public transportation) from approx. 05:20 to 23:45, travel time is 20 minutes. Fare is €3.10 for a single ticket (2024).
  • by train: to reach the train station you have to walk ~5 minutes (easy to find, just head straight out the airport and continue to the east). Line S5 connects to Graz Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) from 04:47 (Saturdays and Sundays 05:17) to 22:47 (Sundays: 21:47). Travel time is 15 minutes.

Other nearby airports are in Maribor, Klagenfurt, and a little farther away in Linz, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Vienna International Airport. Railjet express trains and FlixBusses connect Vienna Intl. Airport with Graz. Some run direct, others require a transfer at Wien Hbf station. Travel time around 3 hr.

The spectacular main hall of the Graz Central Station

By train

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2 Graz main station (Hauptbahnhof) is on the western edge of the city centre, at the end of the Annenstrasse. Graz has frequent connections to Vienna with direct trains every hour. Connections to Salzburg and most other Austrian Cities and Munich are also reasonably frequent. Night trains serve destinations as far as Zurich, and there are two direct day services each day to Zagreb. There are also less frequent services to Slovenia and Hungary. To reach the old town, take tram line 1, 4, 6 or 7, or simply walk down Annenstraße for about 20 minutes and cross the bridge. You can obtain a map from the Tourist Information in the Hauptbahnhof.

It is worth noting that the direct services from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open! From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

By car

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The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mi Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna (Wien) is 127 mi up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware that there are lots of tunnels on the S6.) Some might also find the 5 mi (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, 15 mi (24 km) to the north of Graz, unnerving. Toll charge: Gleinalm Tunnel: cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t: €7.95 | with caravans/trailers: €9.95 | Motorhomes over 3.5 t: €11.50. It is possible to avoid the tunnel by travelling on the rather longer route via Bruck an der Mur.

By bus

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Graz does not have a dedicated bus terminal. Private and public operators all operate from separate terminals:

  • Eurolines[dead link] operates from Hauptbahnhof tickets to many destinations throughout Europe.
  • Linie G1 - Dr. Richard [formerly dead link] offers busses from Vienna to Graz.
  • Regional Buses run frequent services from terminals at Andreas-Hofer-Platz. (City Bus 40, 67 or three minutes walk from Hauptplatz), Hauptbahnhof (Tram 3, 6 as well as 1, 7 evenings and Sundays, City Buses 50, 52, 53, 58, 63, 85) and some others, with many destinations throughout Styria. Many buses also pass Jakominiplatz.

For travels to Austrian or Slovenian destinations check out , they will find you routes with public buses, trains, and trams to your desired destination. (Although in Carinthia and Tyrol it is limited to trains.)

Get around

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The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot and is reachable with a 20 min walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town.

For other needs, public transportation options exist:

By tram

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All tram tickets can be bought inside the tram. Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams. You can also buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk (Tabak) in the centre of the square. If you buy tickets from the kiosk, make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of €60; if you buy it inside the tram, it is already validated).

Ticket prices: You can buy hourly (€3.10), 24 hours (€6.80), weekly (€19.50), monthly, or 10-trip (€25.20) tickets. Coins, credit cards, debit cards all work at the vending machine in the tram. They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immediate surroundings including the airport). Children (6 to 14) get 50% discount, Youth (15 to 18) 35% on hourly and 24-hour-tickets.

Trams running through the old city (Altstadt) are free, usually one stop in all directions from Hauptplatz (Main Square) and Jakominiplatz.

By bus

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Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz, Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz. The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out .

Keep in mind that bus tickets have to be bought in advance (via a vending machine, kiosk or the ticket app GrazMobil (iOS, Android)) and punched when entering to validate them. The tickets for trams and buses are the same, so you can start your journey with one means of transport and switch to another one as much as you like during your ticket's validity.

Bus and tram services operate from 05:00 to midnight during the week. Trams usually stop around 23:30 from Jakominiplatz in all directions. Nightbuses operate only on Fridays and Saturdays and before public holidays. They leave from Jakominiplatz in all directions at 00:30, 01:30 and 02:30.

By bicycle

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Graz is a city of cyclists, featuring an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this using a bike to get around (at least the central areas of Graz) is one of the best choices. It also helps that it does not rain a lot in Graz. Bikes may be rented, although if you are staying a bit longer buying a used one (and maybe reselling it) from one of the many bike stores may be cheaper (get one of the great restored vintage bicycles from Rebikel, Keplerstraße 55). Bike theft is a common problem in Graz, so take care that your bike is properly locked (if possible against a bar) when you are not using it. Also, if you are inexperienced bicycling around trams, take extra caution (especially noting that getting your wheel stuck in a tram rail could knock you down, with trams potentially coming right behind and beside you!). Counter-flow cycling (cycling in the "wrong" direction of a one-way street) is allowed almost everywhere in Graz - watch out for "one-way street"-signs with a small additional "ausgenommen Radfahrer" ("except cyclists") sign.

An online map of Graz for cyclists is available here: . You can get a big map for cyclists from the Tourist info office (Herrengasse 16), at "Mobil Zentral" (Jakoministraße 1) or at the "Radstation" (Cycling station) next to the central railway station.

Rental bicycles are available for example at the "Radstation" (German only) next to the central railway station (leave the station through the main exit, turn right, walk approx. 200 m) or from one of the shops of "Bicycle" (German only).

By taxi

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Taxis are available 24 hr a day. You can hail one on the street, go to a taxi rank or order one by phone. The taxi ranks with the best chances of getting a taxi day or night are "Hauptplatz" (Right side of City Hall) or "Hauptbahnhof". There is a base rate of €4.90 for all rides (2023). Avoid taxis in the early morning and early evening when traffic congestion can make a taxi ride very expensive. A ten-minute taxi ride usually costs about €12. Taxis can be booked at the same price as on the street by calling 0316-878, 0316-889, 0316-222, 0316-2801.

By car

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If you can avoid it, just avoid it. Graz has areas with an inscrutable one-way system which makes it easy to get lost. Parking space in central areas are rare and subject to a fee from Monday to Friday (09:00 to 20:00, in front of Hauptbahnhof to 20:00) and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines placed in every street. A ticket for half an hour costs €1 ("blue zones", "green zones" are a bit cheaper). The maximum parking duration in blue zones is three hours and in green zones one day. There are a lot of 'ticket-police' around so don't even try to park without a valid ticket (fine €25). There are a number of underground car parks in the city centre for example under the Karmeliterplatz which is called Pfauengarten Parkgarage which is open 24 hr a day. A ticket for one hour costs €2, a 24-hr ticket costs €12, other are as much as €4 per hour.

  • The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site.
  • 1 The Schlossberg (Schloßberg). the castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular (Schloßbergbahn) (10-day and tourist tram/bus ticket covers the ride), and elevator (Schloßberglift) (€2) will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views. Alternatively, you can climb the 260 steps from Schloßbergplatz to the Graz clock tower. (updated May 2023)
  • 2 Clock Tower (Uhrturm). On the top of the Schloßberg, the symbol of Graz. 
  • 3 Glockenspiel, Glockenspielplatz. It comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00. 
  • 4 Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg) (Tram 1 direction Eggenberg/UKH), ☏ +43 316 583264-0. 10:00-17:00. Guided Tours: Tu-Su and public holidays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. Early Baroque architecture with lavish state rooms. There is a €2 fee for entering the park surrounding the castle, which they likely will not charge if you say you intend to take the castle tour. The castle guided tour is highly recommended though, as it contains dramatic wall and ceiling paintings, elaborate ceramic stoves, and inlaid wood floors. Eggenberg Castle is closed from 1 January till 23 March. €13, free entry to the museum with Steiermark-Card or GenussCard. Eggenberg Castle, Graz (Q203797) on Wikidata Eggenberg Palace, Graz on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2018)
  • Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.

Churches

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  • The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.
  • There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the Romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz with 109.6 m is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur t there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas, situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

Museums

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The Kunsthaus Graz at night
  • 5 Kunsthaus (Tram 1,4,6,7 direction Hauptbahnhof). Graz's newest exhibition place. It's worth a visit, even if you only look at its design from the outside. It's right across the river from Hauptplatz at the Suedtirolerplatz. (You will definitely notice the blue bubble.) €3 with euro<26 card. Kunsthaus Graz (Q597137) on Wikidata Kunsthaus Graz on Wikipedia 
The Murinsel
  • 6 Murinsel. It was built as a temporary project during 2003 for the Cultural Capital of Europe (Graz 2003) celebrations. People liked it enough so it stayed. Designed by the New York artist Vito Acconci, this accessible artificial island in the river, contains a stage for performances and a coffeehouse. Murinsel (Q872931) on Wikidata Murinsel on Wikipedia 
  • 7 Joanneum Museum of Styria (Steiermärkische Landesmuseum Joanneum), Raubergasse 10, ☏ +43 316 8017-9716. (cheaper with euro<26 card) 
  • 8 Armory Zeughaus, Herrengasse 16, ☏ +43 317 8017 9810. Apr - Oct: daily 10:00-18:00; Nov - Mar: M-Sa 10:00-15:00, Su 10:00-16:00. Contains an amazing collection of arms and armor, from large two-handed swords and maces to the more modern pistols. Originally the local armory was built to readily equip the people in the event of an attack, and so the weapons you'll see here were made for use, not show. English tours are available; inquire early in the day to see what time one will be offered. If you are incredibly enthusiastic about weapons and ask nicely, your guide might treat you to further description of the use and care of the weapons after your tour is completed. Pictures are not allowed, but postcards with pictures of the main pieces can be bought in the gift shop. Be warned, this building gets extremely warm in the summer (especially on the upper floors). Weapons enthusiasts may wish to go early in the day, or you may find your interest waning rapidly as the puddles form around your feet. Note without a guide it is just row upon row of armour with no information at all on any items in any language. Adults €8, groups €5.50, students €3. 
  • Walk around the centre of the town and explore the many courtyards and narrow streets discovering many interesting shops, restaurants and cafés as well as the impressive architecture.
  • Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under an archway on the left where a road meanders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg. From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up inside the mountain at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels (Eichkätzchen) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn, a cable car which you'll find at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking.
  • Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch, a hill on the western edge of Graz, and hike up it. It's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map.
  • Take bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of Gösting castle and enjoy the view over the city.
  • Swim. Normally after May, the water in the outdoor swimming pools very quickly warms-up enough to enjoy swimming:
    • Eggenberger Bad, Janzgasse 21
    • Augartenbad, Schönaugürtel 1, right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge.
    • Bad Strassgang, Martinhofstraße 3.
    • Margarethenbad, Grillparzerstraße 10.
    • Ragnitzbad, Pesendorferweg 7.
    • Stukitzbad, Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a.
  • Boat or skate on the Hilmteich or Thalersee (just outside Graz), depending on the season.
  • A nice trip for a lovely day leads to the Austrian Sculpturepark. Remarkable pieces of art from numerous national and international artists in a pretty park. You can enter for free, but you better bring something to drink and a snack. Reachable by a free shuttlebus in summer to Schwarzlsee or with regional bus 630 from Jakominiplatz. You can also go by bike, it's a nice ride passing by the airport.
  • Football: SK Sturm Graz play soccer in Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. Their home ground Liebenauer or Merkur Arena (capacity 16,000) is two km south of city centre.
Grazer AK share Liebenauer Arena. They play in 2. Liga the second tier
  • Every summer, the AIMS (American Institute of Music Studies), the leading European summer vocal program brings future opera and concert performers together. Locals and visitors enjoy opera and operetta concerts, song recitals and other musical programs in concert halls, castles, courtyards, churches and other venues. The AIMS Festival in Graz features operatic and symphonic works and culminates with the annual Meistersinger Vocal Competition presented with full orchestra.
  • See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus [dead link]. Prices: [dead link].
  • During summer months, in the centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz, along the Herrengasse, you'll come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.
  • KIZ RoyalKino, Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 10, ☏ +43 316-826133. It has Hollywood films in English language and with German subtitles. Take tram number 4, 5 or 13 and get out at Finanzamt. If you are at Jakominiplatz it's a five-minute walk there. Alternative films can also be found at the Rechbauerkino, Rechbauerstraße.
  • Several music, art & street festivals take place in Graz every year.
    • Lendwirbel is a large, free street festival in the district of Lend, which lasts several days in May and includes live music, workshops, djing, art installations, performances, political discussions.
    • La Strada is an international festival for street art, puppet theater, new circus and community art during a whole week in August. There are both paid and free program points.
    • Steirischer Herbst is an interdisciplinary festival for contemporary art during 4 weeks in September and October. There are both paid and free program points.
    • Grieskram is a free street festival in the district of Gries, which lasts a day in October and includes live bands, djing, street food, flea market.
    • Elevate is an interdisciplinary festival with a strong focus on cultural and socio-political topics in March. In addition to performances, concerts, installations and DJ sets, the interdisciplinary program offers workshops, film screenings, lectures and discussions.
    • Zinzengrinsen is a free street festival in the street Zinzendorfstrasse, which lasts a day in July and includes live music, & street food.
    • Augartenfest is a free park festival lasting a day in July. It includes sport worshops, several stages with live music, sport performances, dance performances and much more.
    • Diagonale is the festival of Austrian film during 4 days in March/April.
  • On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only.
  • The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.

Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil) in g.g.A. quality. This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer) market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets.

There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are:

  • Herrengasse - the most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
  • numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse".
  • in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. Doesn't offer cheap prices. There is an underground car-park right underneath.
  • Steirerhof, Jakominplatz 12. Named after the demolished hotel that used to occupy the site. ☏ +43 316-83 55 70
  • Mariahilferstraße Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 1970s retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover
  • City Park shopping mall on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55"

Bigger shopping complexes found outside the city centre are:

  • Shopping City Seiersberg - A huge build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the centre lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket.
  • Shopping Center West - It's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the centre. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64.
  • Murpark - Only mayor shopping centre in the east of Graz. Only shopping centre in Graz to have direct access by tram. Take tram 4 to end of line in Liebenau.

Restaurants have cheap lunch deals ("Mittagsmenü") (12:00-15:00) or a dish of the day ("Tagesempfehlung") that are usually very good, fresh and have the best value.

The Spar supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.

Breakfast

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If you don't like a boring hotel breakfast, go out for breakfast or brunch.

  • Bäckerei Sorger. nice for inexpensive breakfast with many locations in and arount Graz (Jakominiplatz, Sporgasse, Südtiroler Platz, etc.) 
  • Martin Auer. Graz's biggest coffee house chain. Locations: Stubenberggasse, Hans-Sachs-Gasse, Dietrichsteinplatz, Schillerplatz, Zinzendorfgasse, etc. 
  • Tribeka, Kaiserfeldgasse 6. 
  • Café Kaiserfeld, Kaiserfeldgasse 21. 
  • Cafe Mitte, Freiheitsplatz 2. 
  • Aiola Upstairs, Schloßberg. 
  • Klyo, Schlossbergplatz. 
  • Parks, Zinzendorfgasse 4. 
  • Purberg, Hilmteichstraße 70. 
  • Omas Teekanne, Nikolaiplatz 1. 
  • Kaffee Weitzer, Grieskai 12. 
  • Kunsthauscafé, Südtiroler Platz 2. 
  • Die Scherbe, Stockergasse 2. 

Street food

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All these are in the city centre:

  • 1 Sausage-stand at Franziskanerplatz, Franziskanerpl.. Sausages with mustard, ketchup and/or horseradish are best here. Try "Krainer" or "Käsekrainer", which are very popular sausages in Styria. (updated Jun 2022)
  • 2 Cook Moon, Franziskanerpl. Stand 16. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 3 Wilding - Burger - Hot Dog - Fries - since 1991, Dietrichsteinpl. 1. (updated Sep 2022)

Budget

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City centre

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  • 4 Sägewerk, Schlögelgasse 1 (between Dietrichsteinplatz and Kaiserjosef-Platz), ☏ +43 316-820258. They serve excellent and cheap pizza. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 5 Euro-Kepap, Franziskanergasse 2. There are a lot of Döner Kebab sellers in Graz. Another good one is Pamukale at Dietrichsteinplatz. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 6 Muckis Weinstube Franziskanerkeller, Kapaunpl. 5. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 7 Maggie´s Leberkas Stadl, Neue-Welt-Gasse 6. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 8 Continuum, Sporgasse 29. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 9 Area 5, Jakominipl. 12. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 10 Mumbai Cuisine, Stremayrgasse 6, 8010 Graz, ☏ +43 67762666938. Nice portions, good flavours, pretty fast. Would recommend. €10/main. (updated May 2023)

Around the university

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  • 11 Posaune, Zinzendorfgasse (at roundabout next to KF University). Same company as Sägewerk. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 12 Grammophon, Maiffredygasse 12 (near Music University). Same company as Sägewerk. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 13 Eschenlaube, Glacisstraße 63 (near the technical university), ☏ +43 316 810457. Tu-Sa 12:00-01:00. Location for students and relaxed people. Periodical live music events. (updated May 2023)
  • 14 3 Goldene Kugeln, Heinrichstraße 18. Fast cuisine of breaded chicken. Large portions, very reasonable prices. Other branches are outside the city center at Griesplatz (next to the telecom tower), Heinrichstrasse (near K.F. University), Riesplatz, Bahnhofgürtel (near Hauptbahnhof), Leonhardstrasse (Near University of Music and Dramatic Arts), Citypark and Murpark. (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range

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  • 15 Schlossberg Biergarten, Schloßberg 6a. Good portions of classic beer garden food with good beer and a spectacular view above the town. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 16 Schloßberg-Restaurant, Schloßberg 7/8, ☏ +43 316 823050. Restaurant on top of the Schlossberg; great views of the city. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 17 Don Camillo, Neue-Welt-Gasse 3, ☏ +43 316 845496. Has really good pasta & pizza for €11-13. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 18 Ginko, Grazbachgasse 33 (near the Dietrichsteinplatz). Open M-F until 21:00, Saturdays until 19:00, Sundays closed. Vegetarian restaurant and take away, menu changes daily, has a buffet, take whatever you want and pay per 100 g. Excellent quality food, cakes and cookies, coffee, tea, wine. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 19 Gloeckl Braeu, Glockenspielplatz 2-3, ☏ +43 316 814781. It is possible to sit outdoors and the food is reasonable priced but very tasty! Try the fillet steak or Styrian seasonal specialties! (updated Sep 2022)
  • 20 Die Herzl, Prokopigasse 12, ☏ +43 316 82430. Very reasonably price good portions of classic local dishes. Simple décor. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 21 Brandhof, Gleisdorfer Gasse 10, ☏ +43 316 824255. (near Opera house and Kaiser-Josef-Platz). Also a location for people to want to drink or eat something after an opera event. (updated May 2023)
  • 22 Gösser Bräu, Neutorgasse 48, ☏ +43 316 829909. Tratitional Austrian restaurant (try a goulash). (updated May 2023)
  • 23 Vina, Kalchberggasse 7, ☏ +43 676 5772587. Excellent Vietnamese food. (updated May 2023)
  • 24 Brot & Spiele, Mariahilferstrasse 17, ☏ +43 316 715081. They offer American and Asian style food for reasonable prices (go for the steaks) 
  • 25 Torona, Prokopiegasse 2 (Bermuda Dreieck). M-F from 16:00, Sa from 09:00 serving Spanish breakfast. A Spanish bar specialising in Pinchos (northern Spanish skewers), 13 Spanish red and white wines and cava, San Miguel, wide range of sherrys and Spanish brandy. 
  • 26 Pension Gasthof Zur Steirerstubn, Lendplatz 8, ☏ +43 316 716855. Offers Styrian specialties and reasonable prices. Nice traditional furniture. 
  • 27 Römerstube, Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103, ☏ +43 316 472066. Also has 3 skittle alleys (nine-pin bowling), costing €12 per hour. 

Splurge

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  • 28 Landhaus Keller, Schmiedgasse 9, ☏ +43 316 830276. Upscale restaurant which features Styrian traditional dishes, which are heavy on the pumpkin and pumpkin seed. White tablecloths and nice lighting complement the excellently prepared food. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 29 Zur Goldenen Birn, Leonhardstraße 8. The best restaurant in Graz according to Gault & Millau in 2023. (updated Nov 2024)
  • 30 Artis, Schmiedgasse 18. Fine dining, one of the highest rated restaurants in Graz. (updated Nov 2024)

Drink

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Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town, along the Mariahilferstrasse in district Lend as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town and Mariahilferstrasse have a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students.

  • Kombuese Small, wooden bar in the Stadtpark, near Kuenstler Haus (Erzherzog Johann Allee 2) . Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, after 22:00 - best times after 01:00 in the morning. Cheap beer, a few but very good sandwiches, sells also cigarettes. What's special about this place is that you can see people of all ages and styles. No-one will care who you are or what you look like, it s all about having this one thing in common: having fun here and now without other concerns. Different DJs every night, especially Friday and Saturday everyone dances until very early in the morning! It usually gets very crowded after 01:00 but if you relax and get into the mood, you will always find your space in there.
  • [dead link] The Office Pub, ☏ +43 316 890838, . Trauttmansdorffgasse 3. Bus stop: Line 30 at Palais Trauttmansdorff. Open every day from 17:00 to 02:00 (or later) Where the ex-pats get together in Graz! An authentic style English pub, right in the center of Graz, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Premier League football - all the big matches live. English speaking staff. Pub Quiz every Tuesday, live music. Serves home made chili, curry, soup or toasted sandwiches. Free Internet and Darts! 
  • Parkhouse, ☏ +43 316 827434. Stadtpark 2. Located in the centre of the municipal park, this is a popular place with students and a lovely outside seating area. Has laid-back electronic music, concerts and live-DJs in summer. Probably the best place to go for a relaxed drink in spring & summer when it's warm. Open daily from 11:00 to 04:00. 
  • Babenbergerhof, Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed - anyone from about 20–85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors - you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music.
  • Forum Stadtpark, Stadtpark 1, ☏ +43 316 827734, fax: +43 316 827734-21, . Tu-F 10:00 to 18:00, Sa Su 14:00 to 18:00. 
  • Bierbaron, ☏ +43 316 321510. Heinrichstr. 56. A student pub. (updated Nov 2024)
  • Theatercafe, ☏ +43 316 825365. Mandellstr. 11. very famous, old (it opened back in 1885) cafe. Popular with people who have a late-nite drink after being in the opera. There is a piano in the cafe offering anyone the opportunity to play if he/she wants to. Famous for its excellent scrambled eggs. Open until the early morning hours. Except during the summer months, cabaret and small stage performances organised by the theater promotion group Hin und Wider Hosts every friday a karaoke night from 23:00 and occasionally clubbings on saturday from 23:00. (updated Nov 2024)
  • Eschenlaube, ☏ +43 316 810457. Glacisstrasse 63, - nice cosy, pub offering Asian, Moroccan, Italian and Styrian food. Open from 11:30 to 01:00. 
  • Brot und Spiele, Mariahilferstraße 17, ☏ +43 316 715081. 10:00 to 02:00. Very relaxed pub offering different kind of steaks and burgers and a small variety of Mexican/Asian food both in a smokers and non-smokers area. Offers at least 20 pool tables, and several snooker tables. 
  • Die Scherbe, ☏ +43 316 760654. Stockergasse 2, - nice cosy bar / pub with two floors (usually there more people in the downstairs where smoking is allowed). Good, cheap & big salads. Great food overall. - open till 02:00am. (updated Apr 2017)
  • Drei Affen (Three Monkeys), Elisabethstraße 31 - Some kind of bar/pub. If you don't know where to go after 04:00 this is the place where all people and students go who want to stay out till 08:00. Don't go there before 01:00, as it will be empty. Entry Fee usually €3. (Opening times Su-Tu usually till 03:00, W-Sa at least till 06:00, when it's crowded it can be open till 09:00)
  • Piere's, Lendplatz - Cheap bar offering the local brew Gösser and a nice variety of whiskies. Piere himself will tend bar. Super friendly guy! Fairly close to the redlight part of town if that's your thing.
  • Gatto im Museum, Paulustorgasse 13a. Has a beautiful, large garden. Venetian / Austrian kitchen, reasonable prices. Inside you'll find one or the other curiousity. Concerts and DJ evenings are held on an irregular basis. (updated Nov 2024)
  • In the old town you'll also find a few Irish pubs. Whereas the most Irish of them is O'Carolan's right next to the main square (Hauptplatz) others include Flann O'Briens and Molly Malone's. The Office is a very laidback and unique new addition to the Irish/British pub scene in Graz. The Office features regular live music and jam sessions, as well as the odd bit of Karaoke, and darts (steel - you know, the real ones from England) every Sunday.

Cafés

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Graz has a lot of cafés all around the town, very concentrated in the city center and university district and you get tasty coffee almost everywhere. Prices are the same in most cafes, they just get slightly more expensive in Herrengasse or on Schlossberg. The most common coffee beverages are a "Verlängerter" (a small Americano with milk; €2.20-2.40), a cappuccino (€2.40-2.60), a caffe latte (coffee with lots of steamed milk; €2.60-2.90). It is common that you get a glass of tap water to your coffee, if not don't hesitate to ask for it.

  • Café Tribeka, ☏ +43 316 72 34 69, fax: +43 316 723669, . Grieskai 2. Coffee-to-Go, free WLAN access. The best and finest coffee in town! 
  • Café/Bar Ritter, Rittergasse 2, 8010, ☏ +43 316 325777. open till late. A nice, café/bar with good cakes and tramezinis and lots of newspapers and magazines. 
  • The Beanery, Zinzendorfgasse 20, 8010, ☏ +43 316 321416. Daily 07:00-19:00. Small, cozy cafe, with just a few tables. In the afternoons, can become quite crowded with students. Local newspapers and magazines available; average cafe prices for coffee. Food: bagels, small sandwiches, muffins. (updated Apr 2017)

Jazz clubs

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Cocktail bars

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  • Cohibar, Leonhardstr. 3, ☏ +43 316 337470. 17:00 to 02:00 during work days, 17:00 to 03:00 on Friday and Saturdays.. Cuba-style cocktail bar. Serves tapas and has Latin-live music on Sunday. Offers free salsa dancing classes every Monday. Cocktails are around €6. 
  • Ernst-Fuchs Bar, Sackstrasse 3. inside the hotel "Erzherzog Johann", serves excellent cocktails for an international crowd. (updated Nov 2024)
  • Katze Katze, Schmiedgasse 9. A relativly posh, large bar split between an inner courtyard and a small seating area inside. Creative, modern cocktails, good quality. (updated Nov 2024)
  • The Churchill Bar, Heinrichstraße 21. Good cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. (updated Nov 2024)

Clubs

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Clubs usually open around 22:00 and get crowded by midnight. All have entry fees (mostly €10-20) depending on the event. Sometimes it is cheaper or even free before 22:30 or 23:00. A beer will usually cost you between €5-6. Most places are open till 05:00.

  • Postgarage, Dreihackengasse 42 (close to Griesplatz). A popular dance & alternative live music club with two floors. Has live music, live DJs, rock, hip-hop, drum & bass, techno depending on the event. Entrance fees are around €8; often free entrance till 23:00. (usually €1 student discount). They have two floors, mostly there is different music on each floor and you have to pay separate. You reach the small 2nd floor via the door close to the park. The bigger dancehall (1st floor) has its entrance on the street. (updated Jan 2022)
  • PPC, Neubaugasse 6, ☏ +43 664 4515038. A club with two floors. Has Live-DJs, Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Techno depending on the event. Usually open between We and So. Also popular with younger people. (updated May 2023)
  • Club Circle Thalia, Opernring 5a. (updated Nov 2024)
  • Mausefalle, Girardigasse 1. (updated May 2023)
  • Dom im Berg (DIB), Schlossbergplatz. opens 22:00-23:00. This is a big hall in Schlossberg. There are few events, but it is a really good place to dance - most events are clubbings.You reach it with the tunnel or lift going up Schlossberg. Entrance fees around €10. (updated May 2023)

Concerts

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  • Musichouse, Mondscheingasse 9, 8010 Graz, has weekly concerts (punk, rock, indy, ...)
  • Club Wakuum, Griesgasse 31, 8020 Graz, a small club and venue to support musicians, has every Thursday, Friday & Saturday concerts.
  • Explosiv, Bahnhofgürtel 55a, youth center and concert hall, hosts serveral concerts everys week. (metal, rock, ....)
  • Sub, is a self-organized, non-commercial and non-profit association, offering a venue for small concerts and other events.


You'll have plenty of opportunities to drink beer (Bier) or wine (Wein) but perhaps the best one would be sitting, on a sunny day, in one of the many open-air bars.

The largest styrian beer brands are Puntigamer (brewery is in Graz), Gösser, Murauer. But you'll also find lots of possibilities to drink other Austrian (Stiegl, Ottakringer, Schladminger) and international beers.

Styrian wine is one of the best wines in the world. Especially the white wine. Try a glass of Welschriesling if you get the chance.

Sleep

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Budget

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All budget choices are quite far out of the city center.

  • 1 JUFA Hotel Graz City (Youthhostel Graz), Idlhofgasse 74 (Bus stop Lissagasse / Jugendhotel - Route 31,32,33. Close to Hauptbahnhof; 30-min walk to the city centre), ☏ +43 5 7083-210. Safe but not very nice neighbourhood. €89. (updated May 2023)
  • 2 ibis budget Graz City, Neubaugasse 11, Lendplatz (Bus stop Kunsthaus. Close to Kunsthaus / Mariahilferplatz; 10-min walk to the city center, safe.). Quite nice bars around (Die Scherbe, PPC). €49 (2 persons: €55). (updated May 2023)
  • 3 a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof, Eggenberger Str. 7, ☏ +43 3165701623700. €23/night (6-bed dorm). (updated May 2023)

Mid-range

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Splurge

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Connect

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As of Sep 2021, Graz has 4G from 3 Mobile, and 5G from A1 and T-Mobile.

Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope

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Consulates

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Go next

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  • Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre. Only 2½ hours from Graz by train.
  • Take a trip through winding mountain passes on the 41 km long Semmering Railway, which runs from Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz. A World Heritage site. Ticket information from ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen - the Austrian national rail network). If you are limited in time and can't be bothered to stop at various points along the railway, just plan to take a direct train between Vienna and Graz, as it will pass through the entire stretch without stopping. From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.
  • Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university.
  • 1 Schöckl (Schöckel). Drive to the Schöckl, a 1445 m high mountain to the east of Graz. It has a funicular (gondelbahn) so you can drive to the lower station and go up in that if you do not fancy walking. There is a restaurant at the top and extensive views. You can walk down, even back to Graz, via Stattegg-Fuß der Leber and take city Bus 53 to Graz-Andritz and tram 4 or 5 to the city centre, if you have a map. Take Bus 250 (Usually labeled St. Radegund) from Jakominiplatz or Andreas-Hofer-Platz to Seilbahn Talstation. Fare: €5.40. Duration: 40 min. You'll then be at the foot of the mountain, at the cable car station. Schöckl (Q1750156) on Wikidata Schöckl on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Austrian Open Air Museum (Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum), Stübing (a few miles North of Graz), ☏ +43 3124 53 700, . Old farm buildings brought from all over Austria in a woodland setting. Open 1 Apr – 31 Oct, 09:00-17:00 (tickets sold till 16:00) closed on Mo (except on holidays), walk yourself or guided tours. 
  • 3 Loipersdorf (60 km to the east of Graz), ☏ +43 33 82 82 04 -0, . Has a spa where you can spend a day, swimming, sun-bathing, and being pampered. 
  • 4 Riegersburg (45 miles to the east of Graz), ☏ +43 3153 8346. An ancient castle, perched on a 482-m-high crag, that withstood the Turks. Open daily from 09:00-17:00. The lift operates from 9:00-18:00 (last descent). Various entry concessions, adult €9.50, child €7. The lift is €2 each way. Riegersburg Castle (Q872115) on Wikidata Riegersburg Castle on Wikipedia 
  • 5 Bärenschützklamm, ☏ +43 3867 8044. [Closed, reopening in late fall 2023 at the earliest]. A walk up a gorge between crags and over waterfalls starting from Mixnitz, 40 km north of Graz, which can reached by road or rail. Or Pernegg an der Mur. €5. Bärenschützklamm (Q1019169) on Wikidata Bärenschützklamm on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 6 Kesselfall. A waterfall near Semriach, about 25 km north of Graz. Kesselfall Semriach (Q108144711) on Wikidata 
  • 7 Lurgrotte (A cave near Semriach.). 
  • 8 Schwarzl Freizeitzentrum (Schwarzl Leisure Center), Thalerhofstraße 85, Unterpremstätten (8 km south of Graz), ☏ +43 3135 53577-0. A leisure centre where you'll be able to water ski, swim, dive, surf, sail, mountain bike, beach volleyball, go-kart, fish, and ice skate in season, all at the Schwarzlsee. 
  • 9 Herberstein Zoo and Herberstein Castle (about 50 minutes by car to the east of Graz, close to the Stubenberg See.). The Herberstein Zoo (Herberstein Tierwelt) is very well designed and has the largest cheetah park in Europe. It includes a remodeled ski-lift, forcing the cheetah to catch their food, which is hauled by the ski-lift at fast pace. Schloss Herberstein (Q17591775) on Wikidata Schloss Herberstein on Wikipedia 
  • 10 Piber Federal Stud (about 40 km to the west of Graz). The Piber Federal Stud (Bundesgestüt Piber) is a stud farm dedicated to the breeding of Lipizzan horses, located at the village of Piber, near the town of Köflach in western Styria, Austria. Lipizzan Stud Piber (Q675567) on Wikidata Piber Federal Stud on Wikipedia 
  • 11 Zotter Chocolate Factory. For chocolate lovers, this is a dream come true: spend around 2 hours walking through the Zotter chocolate factory on your own, passing dozens of chocolate dispensing stations. Eat as much as you want. Entrance fee: 21.90€ (2024) Lipizzan Stud Piber (Q675567) on Wikidata Piber Federal Stud on Wikipedia 
Routes through Graz
Villach ← Klagenfurt ←  W  NE  → Hartberg → Wiener Neustadt
Becomes ← Liezen ←  N  S  → → becomes A1 → Maribor


This city travel guide to Graz is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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