Travelers flock to Graz because it is well-known for its historical sights, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
Many of the main attractions in Graz are found in the city's old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also several sights elsewhere in town and even in the surrounding area.
Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Graz, the Burg, which is a castle built in the 1400s with an impressive double spiral staircase, Eggenberg Castle, the clock tower, the Joanneum Museum of Styria, and the Opera House.
There are some beautiful churches spread throughout the city. The oldest one is the Leechkirche and the highest one is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche. It was designed by the architect Georg Hauberrisser in a Gothic Revival style. There are some Baroque churches on the other side of the Mur River.
Shopping is a fun activity in Graz as well and one popular purchase is the unique pumpkin seed oil the area is famous for. The best place to purchase this is at the Kaiser-Josef-Platz market or any other farmers market. Some other great markets around town include the shopping street of Herrengasse, Steirerhof, and the City Park Shopping Mall.
The city's large student population means it has a very lively nightlife. Many of the area's bars are centered around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University area. In the university area you'll find most of the bars frequented by students, but in the old town area there is more diversity. Both areas are appealing for their own reasons.
Other activities around town include climbing up the SchloBberg and enjoying a meal in the fresh air at the top, visiting the ruins of the Gosting castle, or taking a boat on the Hilmteich or Thalersee. Plenty of other activities can be found, too, even if you only have 24 hours in Graz.
Museums and Attractions:
Graz stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town welcomes many guests each year. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Graz. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Graz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide for $198 details
- Graz Funicular Ride and Schlossberg Picnic Experience for $116 details
- Schlossberg Private Guided Tour for $207 details