Graz Guide: Why the "Culinary Capital" should be your next travel destination 🍷🏰

Let's be honest: When you think of a city break in Austria, you usually think of Vienna or Salzburg first. But we'll let you in on a secret: Graz is the cooler, more relaxed, and (in our opinion) tastier alternative.

The Styrian capital is a fascinating mix. Here, UNESCO World Heritage meets futuristic design, southern Italian lifestyle meets rustic charm, and imperial history meets a youthful student vibe.

Whether for a day trip or a whole weekend – here's why you should definitely put Graz on your bucket list.

1. The flair: A touch of Italy

The people of Graz like to call their city the northernmost city of the south. And as soon as you stroll down Herrengasse or get lost in one of the countless courtyards, you'll know why. The architecture is reminiscent of Italian palazzi, the red roof tiles gleam in the sun, and life unfolds outdoors. People sit in the outdoor cafes, sip a spritzer, and simply enjoy life. It's this unpretentious ease that makes Graz so special.

2. The Schlossberg: Love at first sight ❤️

No visit to Graz is complete without seeing the Schlossberg . It towers in the heart of the city and is practically the green living room of the people of Graz.

• The ascent: You can take the 260 steps of the rocky staircase for a sporty climb, travel comfortably by funicular railway, or use the lift inside the mountain.
• The clock tower: the city's landmark. Beware, confusion reigns: the hands are reversed! The large hand shows the hours, the small one the minutes. Why? In the past, knowing the hour was enough – the minute hand was added later.
• The view: From up here, the red rooftops lie at your feet. The perfect spot for a selfie or a romantic picnic.

3. Architecture: Alien vs. Renaissance 👽🏛️

Graz is a "City of Design" and loves contrasts. The Kunsthaus Graz , affectionately nicknamed the "Friendly Alien," sits right in the middle of the historic rooftops. It looks like a blue bubble from outer space and glows spectacularly at night. Just a few steps away, on the other side of the Mur River, you'll find yourself in the Landhaushof . It's considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. With its arcades, fountains, and cobblestones, you'll instantly feel like you're in Florence or Verona.

4. Culinary delights: Fried chicken, sweet rolls & bread rolls 🥨

Graz doesn't bear the title "Culinary Capital" for nothing. Here, everything revolves around good food.

• The "green gold": Pumpkin seed oil is indispensable here. It goes on salads, in soups, and (dare to try it!) even over vanilla ice cream.
• The bread roll cult: A stop at Frankowitsch in Stempfergasse is an absolute must. Here you can eat legendary filled rolls standing up and drink a small beer ("Pfiff") to go with them.
• Sweet indulgence: Visit the Edegger-Tax court bakery . The wooden facade is a work of art in itself, and inside you'll find the famous "Sissi kisses".

5. Hidden gems off the beaten track 🤫

• Double spiral staircase: A Gothic marvel is hidden away in Graz Castle. Two staircases run separately, meet, and then separate again. The people of Graz call it the "Reconciliation Staircase."
• Lendplatz & Kaiser-Josef-Platz: Visit the farmers' markets! In the morning you can buy fresh vegetables here, in the afternoon the market stalls transform into small bars where you can enjoy wine and snacks.

🕵️♂️ Discover Graz in a playful way – with our new scavenger hunt!

You're keen to explore Graz, but don't want to blindly follow a tour guide with an umbrella? You want to uncover secrets that even many locals don't know?

Then our interactive Graz scavenger hunt is just right for you!

We have put together a route that takes you from the best viewpoints on the castle hill directly into the most mysterious corners of the old town.

• 🏰 Figure out the code: What does the mysterious AEIOU , left behind by the Emperor, mean?
• 🔥 Find the panther: Where does the Styrian heraldic animal breathe fire?
• 🎭 Debunk illusions: Which house in Herrengasse only has painted-on windows?
• 📱 Your pace: Start whenever you want. Take breaks for coffee or spritzers wherever you like. All you need is your smartphone.

👉Get ready for 2 hours full of puzzles, fun facts and aha moments and book your Graz scavenger hunt now!

🍽️ Culinary delights: Where Graz tastes best

Graz is the official "Culinary Capital" of Austria. This isn't a marketing gimmick, but a fact you'll taste. Here are three places you shouldn't miss:

• The classic: "Der Steirer" (Belgiergasse). Here, tradition meets modernity. Be sure to try the Styrian Backhendl (fried chicken, but very good) or order "Styrian Tapas" to sample a variety of local cuisine. Enjoy it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc – delicious!
• The viewpoint: “Aiola Upstairs” (Schlossberg) Located right next to the clock tower. The cuisine is upscale, but the atmosphere is relaxed. The real star here is the terrace: Enjoy breakfast or dinner with the city spread out below. Reservations are a must!
• The coffee culture: “Tribeka” (multiple locations, e.g., Grieskai) Graz has a coffee culture almost as pronounced as Italy's. “Tribeka” (Drink better coffee) is the local favorite. Grab a cappuccino to go and sit in the sun on the Mur promenade.

🚗 Arrival & Parking: Stress-free entry to the city

Graz has a beautiful old town, but it can be tricky for drivers (many one-way streets and pedestrian zones).

• Pro tip (P+R): Don't bother with the stress of finding parking in the city center. Graz has excellent Park & ​​Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts (e.g., Webling in the south or Weinzödl in the north. You can find more information here ).
• The zones: If you do need to go into the city center: Pay attention to the "Blue Zones" (short-term parking zone, max. 3 hours) and the "Green Zones" (longer parking, cheaper, located a bit further out). You can find more information about fees and zone times here . In Graz, you can pay for your parking ticket at parking meters or easily with easypark .
• On foot & by tram: You don't need a car within the old town. Everything is within walking distance. A cool bonus: The old town tram is free between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz, as well as at one other stop!

🌲 The best day trip destinations around Graz

Do you have some extra time? Then get out of the city! The surrounding area is green, hilly, and full of surprises.

1. Chocolate heaven: Zotter chocolate Chocolate Experience (approx. 50-minute drive): A must-see for anyone with a sweet tooth. At the Josef Zotter chocolate factory, you can literally eat your fill. It's a "walking tour" through the production process, where you can sample chocolates at hundreds of stations – from the cocoa bean to the finished bar.
2. The local mountain: The Schöckl (approx. 30-minute drive). The people of Graz love their Schöckl (1,445 m). You can hike up or take a leisurely gondola ride. At the top, a breathtaking panorama and a thrilling summer toboggan run (the "Hexenexpress") await you.
3. Wine & panoramic views: Southern Styria (approx. 45-minute drive). Often called the "Tuscany of Austria." Rolling vineyards, poplar trees, and rustic wine taverns . They offer excellent wine and a "Brettljause" (cold platter), but no hot meals. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.

💡 Summary for your trip (Quick Check)

To ensure your Graz adventure goes smoothly, here's the most important information at a glance:

• Best time to travel: Spring to autumn (because of the outdoor cafes!). But Advent, with its ice nativity trail, is also magical.
• Time required: 1 day for the highlights, 2-3 days for the true Graz experience including excursions.
• Footwear: Comfortable! You'll be walking a lot on cobblestones and on the Schlossberg (Castle Hill).
• Don't forget: Charge your phone – you'll need it for all the photos and our scavenger hunt !

In short: Graz is small enough to reach everything on foot, but big enough to constantly discover something new. Pack your comfortable shoes and come to southern Austria – the clock tower is waiting!