Are you thinking about visiting Graz, Austria? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Graz worth visiting?
Graz is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Graz has one of the largest and most impressive old towns in Europe. At its heart is Hauptplatz, which is the medieval square. There are also many great restaurants and charming shops. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the old town, which, despite its size, is best explored on foot.
Graz, Austria
Reasons to Visit Graz
Historical Sights
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.
Museums
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.
Food
There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.
Nightlife
The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.
Shopping
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.
Is Graz worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Graz is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 23°C (73°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (84°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Graz, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, admire the historic sights, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Graz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Is Graz worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Graz. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums.
Autumn Weather in Graz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| November | 7°C (44°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| December | 2°C (36°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Is Graz worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Graz. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Graz can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (34°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Graz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 1°C (34°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| February | 3°C (38°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Graz worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Graz, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to admire the historic sights and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Graz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
Related
What is Graz most famous for?
Graz is most famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. People visit this impressive city for its great historical sights. It's also known for museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as cultural, historical, beautiful, and medieval.
What is the most famous sight in Graz?
The most popular sight in Graz is The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Graz on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower and other attractions here.
How touristy is Graz? Is it a popular city to visit?
Graz is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Graz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $204
- Schlossberg Private Guided Tour: $214
- Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
- Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Graz city tours: $14
- Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
- Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
- Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
How long should I spend in Graz?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Graz is two to three days. Since Graz has a variety of activities such as historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Graz? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Graz?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.