Graz – Capital of Styria | City Guide with Local Tips

Graz is located in southern Austria, not far from the border with Slovenia. It is a very large city by Austrian standards, with about 300,000 inhabitants. The city’s name comes from the Slavic word “Gradec,” which means “small castle.”

The city bears the influence of nearby Italy and Slovenia, with many buildings showcasing Italian Renaissance architecture and a notable Slovene community. For a time, Graz held even greater significance for Slovenes than Ljubljana.

The heart of the city is a maze of historic buildings and charming narrow streets. Graz’s Old Town exudes a unique charm, earning it a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The city offers a wonderful combination of new and old, ancient and modern. It has plenty of activities and a youthful vibe thanks to its many universities, which attract numerous students from all over Austria and abroad.

In this article, we have gathered the most important information for planning your visit to the city. 

• The Story of the City
• The Old Town
• The Castle Hill and Clock Tower
• Graz Castle and the Double Spiral Staircase
• The Jewish Community of Graz
• Eggenberg Palace
• Murinsel – Island on the Mur River
• Main Museums
• The Graz Armoury
• The Graz Art Museum
• Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
• Recommended Hotels in Graz
• Shopping in Graz
• Public Transportation
• The Weather
• How to Get from Vienna to Graz Quickly by Public Transport
• Additional Essential Information

 

The Story of Graz

Graz began as a small medieval village on the ruins of an ancient settlement near the Mur River. The town grew in the 12th century under the House of Babenberg and later the House of Habsburg, benefiting from its central location in the Holy Roman Empire, which made it a strategic hub for the surrounding regions.

From the 14th century, members of the Habsburg family lived on Castle Hill (Schlossberg), ruling over “Inner Austria,” which included Styria, Carinthia, Slovenia, and parts of Italy. They remained in the city until the empire’s fall. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Graz faced repeated invasions from Hungarian and Ottoman forces. Despite these attacks, both Riegersburg Castle and Schlossberg’s stronghold never fell.

Only Napoleon’s army succeeded in taking control of the city in the early 19th century, after the emperor ordered a total surrender while Vienna was under heavy attack. Following Austria’s defeat and the agreement signed at Schönbrunn Palace in 1809, much of the fortified Schlossberg was dismantled.

At the start of World War II, many residents supported Nazi ideology. The Jewish community suffered greatly—some escaped, while others were deported to concentration and extermination camps. Allied bombing destroyed about 15 percent of the city’s buildings.

After the war, Graz slowly recovered and once again became a key Austrian center. Its Old Town, which sustained little damage during the conflict, is now considered one of the best-preserved city centers in Central Europe.

Today, Graz is a vibrant, youthful city, home to around 60,000 students across six universities.

This is what the City of Graz looks like

 

 

The Old Town of Graz

One of the most touristy places in Graz is, of course, the Old Town area. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undoubtedly a very special place. The narrow streets and numerous ancient buildings give the Old Town a very picturesque look. The influence of the Italian building style is evident in the diverse buildings found in this area.

The best way to get an impression of the Old Town is to simply walk along the main pedestrian street (Herrengasse) past beautiful shops and magnificent buildings like the “Painted House” (Gemaltes Haus) from the 18th century, decorated with spectacular murals. From the main pedestrian street, you can enter the side alleys between the ancient buildings and pass through well-kept courtyards and ancient squares.

The most important places in the Old Town include the Main Square (Hauptplatz), where the statue of Archduke Johann of the House of Habsburg, who lived in the city in the 18th and 19th centuries and contributed to its industrial development, is located. Important buildings are the Town Hall (Rathaus) built in the 19th century, the Luegg Haus from the 17th century, and the ancient Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) west of the main square.

In addition, in the Old Town area, there are several museums such as the Graz Museum (Stadtmuseum Graz), a museum about the composer Robert Stolz (Robert Stolz Museum), and the European Armoury Museum, (Zeughaus) which we will elaborate on later.

 

The Castle Hill and the Famous Clock Tower

The central symbol of Graz and one of its most popular attractions is undoubtedly the green hill located right in the heart of the Old Town. On top of the hill, called Schlossberg, are the remains of the ancient castle that served as the residence of the Habsburg family. In the area where the castle stood, a huge green park was built in the mid-19th century, and in its center are the Clock Tower (Uhrturm), the Bell Tower (Glockenturm), and the Turkish Fountain (Türkenbrunnen). These towers survived after the city’s residents paid a ransom to Napoleon’s army not to damage them.

The park offers stunning views of the Old Town and the city’s surrounding neighborhoods. There are also two small cafés, a restaurant, and an event stage hosting summer concerts.

Beneath the hill lies a large network of World War II tunnels built to protect residents from Allied bombings. Some are still open to visitors, including one expanded in 2000 and converted into a fully equipped concert hall for up to 600 people (Dom im Berg).

You can reach the top of the hill on foot by climbing 260 steps or walking a steep path, or you can take the funicular (Schlossbergbahn), which reaches the summit in a few minutes. A ride costs €3.20 for adults and €1.60 for children. In recent years, an elevator (Schlossberg Lift) was added, connecting the tunnels below to the park above. The elevator ride takes about 30 seconds and costs €2.50 for adults and €1.80 for children.

The elevator and funicular depart from the square at the foot of the hill called Schlossbergplatz.

The Fairty Tale Train

There is also a children’s train that runs through the tunnels, the “Fairy Tale Train” (Die Grazer Märchenbahn). This train travels for about 30 minutes through the various tunnels, which are illuminated with colorful lights and equipped with mirrors and paintings. The temperature inside the tunnels ranges from 8-12 degrees, so it is important to dress accordingly. The ride costs €8.90 for a child under 14 and €11.50 for an adult.

The Highest Spiral Slide in the World

Another exciting attraction on Castle Hill is a spiral slide in the heart of the mountain. The slide is located inside the hill itself and is considered the highest slide of its kind in the world. It reaches a height of 64 meters and its total length is 170 meters. On the way down, you can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour! More information on the thrilling slide in Graz.

Please note: You need to be at least 1.30m to enter this attraction. The slide costs €6.50 per person.

 

Graz Castle and the Double Spiral Staircase

Graz Castle (Grazer Burg) is situated in the eastern part of the Old Town, not far from the city’s cathedral. Built in the 15th century by Duke Frederick V, the castle served as the residence of the dukes during the 16th and 17th centuries. When Duke Ferdinand II was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, he moved to Vienna, and the castle gradually lost its importance, falling into neglect. It wasn’t until the 20th century that it became the seat of the regional government.

During World War II, the castle suffered partial damage from bombings and required extensive renovations. As part of this restoration, two new buildings were added next to the original structure, collectively known as the New Castle. Today, Graz Castle houses the government offices of Styria.

You can enter certain parts of the castle and walk around its courtyard. The main attraction in the castle, which can be reached easily and for free, is the double spiral staircase. These stairs are very strange and look like two separate flights of stairs that are partially connected and ultimately lead to the same place.

Address: Hofgasse 15, 8010 Graz

Map:

 

The Jewish Community of Graz

Jews have lived in the Graz area since the Middle Ages, though for many years they faced restrictive decrees. For centuries, they were forbidden from settling permanently or engaging in trade. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Jews were allowed to reside temporarily in Graz.

In 1867, Jews were granted full equal rights throughout Austria, and the Jewish community in Graz was officially established in 1869. The community initially numbered around 250 members, growing to 1,200 by 1880. The first synagogue was built in 1892, and around the same time, a variety of Jewish institutions were founded in Graz and neighboring towns. By 1932, approximately 2,500 Jews lived in the Graz area.

After the war, a few dozen survivors returned and re-established the destroyed community. During this period, a small prayer house and a ceremonial hall at the cemetery were established. In 2000, the construction of the central synagogue of Graz was completed.

The synagogue building is very modern and can be easily identified by the giant glass dome on its top. The Jewish community continues to exist to this day and has several dozen Jewish members who live in the city and nearby towns. On holidays and Sabbaths, prayers are held in the synagogue, and sometimes community meals are held.

Official Website

Email: office@juedischegemeindegraz.at

Address: Synagogenplatz, Grieskai 58, 8020 Graz

Map:

 

Eggenberg Palace – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

About a 40-minute walk west of the Old Town is a magnificent Baroque palace – Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg). This is the most magnificent Baroque palace in the entire state of Styria. The palace was designed by the regional governor Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, and the central motif in its design is the Gregorian calendar.

The palace has 365 windows (like the days of the year), 31 rooms on each floor (the maximum number of days in a month), 24 magnificent guest rooms (like the hours of the day), 52 doors (like the weeks in a year), and 4 towers (like the seasons). Around the palace, there are wonderful and beautifully maintained gardens.

Inside the palace, there are several history and art museums. You can only enter the palace with a guided tour.

This is what Schloss Eggenberg looks like

Additional Essential Information for Your Visit

Palace Opening Times:

From March 28 to October 31.

Tour Times:

Tuesday to Sunday and holidays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. Group tours are possible only by prior arrangement.

Garden Opening Times:

• April to October: Every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• November to March: Every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• January 1st only: from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Palace Entrance Fee:

The entrance ticket for the palace tour also grants admission to 16 other museums throughout Graz and the surrounding area (within 24 or 48 hours of purchase). You can see the full list here.

• Adult: €20
• Pensioner: €17
• Family (2 adults + children under 14): €40
• Child (6 to 18): €5
• Child under 6: Free

Garden Entrance Fee:

• Adult: €3
• Pensioner: €2.50
• Family (2 adults + children under 14): €2.50
• Child (6 to 18): €0.50
• Child (under 6): Free

Official Website

Address: Eggenberger Allee 90, 8020 Graz

Map

 

Murinsel – Island on the Mur River

The island on the Mur River (Murinsel) is an artificial island floating in the middle of the rushing Mur River. The island was planned and designed by the artist Vito Acconci after Graz was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2003. The shape of the island resembles a giant soup bowl. Two bridges connect the river banks to the island, allowing passage from one side to the other. In the center of the island, there is a kind of amphitheater for performances. In addition, there is a café and a small playground for children.

This is what Murinsel looks like

 

Main Museums

The Styrian Armoury – The Largest in the World

The Armoury collection (Landeszeughaus), housed in an impressive historic building in the heart of Graz, is the largest of its kind in the world. The museum displays around 32,000 weapons, suits of armor, and various armaments used in battles and military parades.

The abundance of ancient weapons in Graz reflects the region’s turbulent history. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, Styria was frequently a battlefield. Local residents and soldiers from across the empire had to defend the area against repeated Ottoman and Hungarian invasions. To prepare for these fierce conflicts, a vast arsenal was maintained in the city.

During World War II, the collection was moved to secure locations throughout Styria, protecting it from extensive bombings. After the war, the weapons were returned to the original Armoury building, which survived the conflict intact.

Additional Essential Information for Your Visit

Opening Hours:

• November 1st to April 1st: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is by guided tour only (the English tour is at 12:30 PM only).
• April 2nd to October 31st: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is also possible without participating in a guided tour.
• The Armoury is closed on Christmas and at the beginning of the new civil year.

Cost:

• Adult: €13
• Pensioner: €11
• Child (6 to 18): €3
• Child under 6: Free
• Family (2 adults + children under 14): €26
• Audio guide in English: €3

Official Website

Address: Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz

Map:

The Graz Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz)

The museum was established in 2003 as part of the celebrations of Graz’s victory as the European Capital of Culture and quickly became one of the city’s symbols. The museum displays various exhibitions of modern art from the mid-20th century to the present day.

The exhibitions deal with topics such as architecture, design, new media, internet art, photography, and film. All the exhibitions in the museum are changing, so you can always find something new and interesting there.

This is what the Graz Art Museum looks like

Additional Essential Information for Your Visit

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday, holidays – from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Guided Tours:

• Guided tours take place on: Sunday at 2:00 PM (English tour), Saturday at 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM (German). Holidays at 11:00 AM (German). You can book a guided tour in advance for another time.
• Architecture tour: Sundays at 2:00 PM (English), Tuesday to Sunday, holidays at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM (German). You can book a guided tour in advance for another time.
• Closed on Christmas and at the beginning of the new civil year.

Museum Café Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Friday and Saturday: from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Cost:

• Adult: €13
• Pensioner: €11
• Children under 19: Free
• Student: €6.50
• Audio guide: €3

Official Website

Address: Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz

Map:

Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum

There is hardly anyone who does not know Arnold Schwarzenegger. The small museum located in the village of Thal, near the borders of the city of Graz, is actually Schwarzenegger’s childhood home. The museum presents the life and work of the talented man and provides a glimpse into the world of the most famous Austrian in the world (in a positive way, of course).

This is what the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum looks like

Additional Essential Information for Your Visit

Opening Hours:

• Summer: March to October, Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last admission at 5:30 PM.
• Winter: November to February, Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last admission at 4:30 PM.

Entrance Fee:

• Adult: €14.90
• Pensioners: €11.90
• Children (5-14): €7.90
• Guided tour: €20
• Audio guide in English/German: €2

Official Website

How to get to the Schwarzenegger Museum?

You can reach the museum by public transport from the center of Graz. From Jakominiplatz in the heart of the city, take bus number 40 and get off at the Gösting stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the Daungasse/Wasserturm stop. At this stop, take another bus, number 48, to the Thalersee stop (a small lake) and then walk along the path that leads towards the golf course. From there you will see the signs directing you to the museum.

Address: Linakstraße 9, A-8051 Thal

Map:

 

Shopping in Graz

Whether you are coming for a short visit or for several days, it’s nice to combine history and scenery with shopping for brands and bargains. Throughout the city, there are several large shopping malls worth knowing. We have chosen the three most recommended ones:

Shopping City Seiersberg

In the suburbs of the city is a huge shopping complex, the largest in Styria and the third largest in all of Austria. The shopping city is divided into 5 shopping centers with about 180 various shops such as Calzedonia, Bershka, Mango, H&M, Decathlon, Primark, Zara, and more.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday closed.

Official Website

How to get there by public transport?

From the center of Graz, at Jakominiplatz station, take line 32 to Seiersberg. From there, take line 78 which reaches the entrance to the shopping city. Another option is to take tram number 5 to its last stop called Puntigam and from there change to bus number 78.

Address: Shopping City Seiersberg 1/9, 8055 Seiersberg

Map:

CityPark Graz

This mall was the first to be established in Graz and is located not far from the Old Town. The mall has about 100 shops with brands like H&M, Tom Tailor, Nanu-Nana, Douglas, Humanic, Müller, and more.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday closed.

Official Website

How to get there by public transport?

Bus line number 35 goes from Jakominiplatz station to the mall. Get off at the Kreisverkehr Fabriksgasse stop. Bus lines 31, 32, 33 also depart from Jakominiplatz station and arrive near the mall. Get off at the Lissagasse stop. Line 39 departs from Jakominiplatz and arrives at the Karlauer Kirche/CITYPARK stop.

Address: Lazarettgürtel 55, 8020 Graz

Map:

Kastner & Öhler

In the Old Town, not far from the beautiful Schlossberg hill, there is a huge and well-kept department store. This store has clothing for women, men, and children, cosmetics, housewares, gifts, and more. The selection is large and the quality is definitely good.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday closed.

Official Website

Address: Sackstraße 7-13, 8010 Graz

Map:

 

Public Transportation

Public transport in Graz is very efficient and has a very modern bus and tram system that also operates late at night (the night service is on weekends and holidays).

The most basic ticket is for one hour, during which you can ride as many buses and trams as you want in the city center area (zone 101). You can, of course, purchase a ticket for 24 hours, 72 hours, a week, etc.

You can purchase tickets at the following places:

• Ticket machines on the trams and busses (a one-hour ticket or a 24-hour ticket).
• Ticket machines at bus and train stations – Hauptplatz, Jakominiplatz.
• At the small kiosks called Tabak/Trafik (a pack of 10 tickets, weekly and monthly tickets).

Please note: During the summer, children up to the age of 15 can travel on public transport for free. In addition, if you purchase a 72-hour ticket, there is a benefit of free travel for two children up to the age of 15 when they travel together with the ticket holder. The 72-hour ticket also provides discounts on admission to attractions in the city.

You can either use Google Maps to navigate through the city or download a separate app to see the timetables of the public transport lines and plan your route efficiently and simply. The most popular app is called GrazMobil.

• Link to download for Android
• Link to download for iPhone

You can use the city’s interactive map to navigate between the various attractions.

 

The Weather in Graz

The weather in this area is sunnier than in Vienna or Salzburg and also a little less rainy. In winter, temperatures range from 0 to 5 degrees, and in summer, temperatures reach 25 degrees during the day. On top of Schlossberg hill, it can feel cooler because the hill is exposed on all sides. Dress in layers and bring clothing suitable for wind and rain.

 

Recommended Hotels in Graz

Throughout the city, there are many very nice hotels and guesthouses. If you are coming to the city and plan to sleep there, you should check out the following hotels and guesthouses:

• Augarten Art Hotel – A 4-star hotel located near the city center. The hotel focuses on art and has many works of art inside. The hotel includes an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness room. The hotel has large rooms and apartments that are also suitable for families. Click here for photos, reviews, and booking.
• Hotel Daniel –A modern, design-focused hotel near the main train station, offering stylish rooms and a praised breakfast. It features a sauna, 24-hour lounge, and bike rentals for exploring the city. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Click here for photos, reviews, and booking.
• PLAZA INN Graz Messe – A modern hotel located next to the fairgrounds. The hotel rooms are modern and there is a good restaurant on site. Click here for photos, reviews, and booking.
• Hotel Gollner – A few hundred meters from the Graz Opera House is this modern hotel. It is a 4-star hotel with beautifully designed rooms and good service. Click here for photos, reviews, and booking.
• B&B Graz – The guesthouse is located about 10 minutes from the Old Town. The rooms are suitable for a couple, 3, 4, or 8 people. The rooms are quiet, the staff is friendly, and there is an option for breakfast (at the nearby cafe). Click here for photos, reviews, and booking.
• Das Weitzer – This hotel is one of the city’s most renowned and ideal for exploring the Old Town, thanks to its central location near major attractions. The rooms are stylish and well-equipped, and the hotel features a fitness room and sauna. Breakfast is served in a magnificent dining room. Click here for photos, reviews, and booking

If you haven’t found a hotel here that meets your requirements, you can search among many other hotels in the comprehensive database of the Booking.com website. Click here for comprehensive information on the other hotels in the city.

 

How to get from Vienna to Graz quickly by public transport?

The distance between Vienna and Graz is about 200 kilometers, and the travel time between the cities is about two to two and a half hours. You can easily get from Vienna to Graz by public transport. There are frequent trains and buses that operate every day and connect the cities.

• Train: The fast regional train (RJ) to Graz departs twice an hour from Vienna Hauptbahnhof and arrives at Graz Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs €41 one way. Booking in advance may get you the special “Sparschiene” price. You can see the updated schedule and book tickets in advance on the official website of the railway company.
  • Please note: On Friday or Sunday evenings, it is advisable to book tickets in advance as the train may be crowded because people are returning home from Vienna or arriving there for the start of the work week.
• Bus: FlixBus runs a frequent service from Vienna Felberstraße, near Westbahnhof, to the center of Graz, terminating at Girardigasse. Buses depart hourly (12:30, 13:30, etc.), with a journey time of about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost between €19.98 and €30 one way, with discounted prices when booking in advance.
  • Please note: You must book your tickets in advance and present them to the driver when boarding the bus.
  • You can book tickets the official website of the Flixbus company.

 

Additional Essential Information for Your Visit

Official City Website

Address: Graz

Map: