Things to Do in Graz: Highlights & Insider Tips for 1–2 Days

Graz surprises. Austria's second-largest city packs a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, modern architectural icons, and a relaxed culinary culture into a compact area, making it perfect for a weekend trip. Whether you're looking for "Graz sights", "Graz sightseeing" or "things to do in Graz": The most important spots are easily reachable on foot, without stress and without a timetable. Our practical tip: We tested Graz over several visits in spring and autumn – main square in the morning light, Schlossberg before sunset, Murinsel in rainy weather. The tips here come from real tours, not from a travel guide. If you have little time: Schlossberg, Old Town, and Murinsel are the trio you should have seen.

Schlossberg & Clock Tower – Best View over the City

The Schlossberg is the landmark of Graz and worth the climb. The forested hill rises 473 m high in the middle of the city, its fortress ruins date back to the early Middle Ages. About 260 steps lead you up ("Kriegssteig"), alternatively, you can take the Schlossbergbahn (valley station Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, journey time 2 minutes) or the glass Schlossberglift, which takes you directly through the rock to the Clock Tower. Up here, the iconic 13th-century Clock Tower awaits with its striking dial (a Graz peculiarity: the large hand shows the hours, the small one the minutes) and a 360° panorama over the rooftops of the Old Town. Around the plateau you'll find several cafés and the Kasematten theater area, ideal for a break with a view. The best time for photos is early morning or just before sunset, when the light warmly colors the facades.

Graz Old Town & Main Square – UNESCO Flair

Narrow alleys, Renaissance courtyards, and colorful facades characterize Graz's Old Town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The Main Square is the best place to start: Look up: the stucco facades and gables tell more than any travel guide. Small detail, big story.

Kunsthaus Graz & Murinsel – Modern Icons

The Kunsthaus, affectionately called "Friendly Alien" by locals and even the architects themselves, is a statement on the banks of the Mur, directly opposite the Old Town. The blob-shaped glass and steel shell was designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and opened in 2003 as part of the Capital of Culture year. At night, the facade transforms into a giant media surface (BIX facade), creating a unique experience. And then there's the Murinsel: a floating platform on the Mur, designed by US artist Vito Acconci and also created in 2003. The construction connects the two banks as a café-stage with a semi-circular dome – kitschy-beautiful at dusk.

Both spots are within a few minutes' walk and perfect for anyone who likes architecture and design.

Route: Main Square → Murinsel → Kunsthaus → Schlossberg

This route combines the most important Graz activities on a compact route – all on foot, about 2 hours without breaks, and ideal for a first visit. In case of rain, a detour to the Kunsthaus is worthwhile (exhibitions change regularly). With children? The Schlossberglift makes the ascent relaxed. If you want to experience the route playfully: ixpirity's digital scavenger hunt through Graz guides you through these areas with riddles and stories.

If you prefer to discover Graz on your own, without a guided tour or a fixed appointment, ixpirity offers the perfect starting point. You start when you want, set your own pace, and only need your smartphone. Works solo from 1 person, can be used offline, and can be booked from €9.90.

Graz is not called the "Capital of Culinary Delights" for nothing. Styrian cuisine is the culinary trademark here: pumpkin seed oil (green-black, with PGI seal), fried chicken, Sulmtaler chicken, and Styrian scarlet runner beans can be found in almost every upscale restaurant.

At Kaiser-Josef-Platz and Lendplatz you will find the two most important and well-known regional markets. If you go on a Saturday morning, you'll be right in the middle of it, because half of Graz meets there between organic farmers and sparkling wine stands.

For a stop, we recommend the alleys around Stempfergasse and Färberplatz – here, small taverns, wine bars, and ice cream parlors line up.

Graz is relaxed for families: short distances, many parks, child-friendly museums. The Murinsel with its playground atmosphere is a hit with smaller children, the Schlossberg can be conquered by lift without stairs (stroller-friendly), and the FRida & freD Children's Museum at Augarten is always ready for a rainy day. At the Landeszeughaus – with over 32,000 historical armors, the largest of its kind worldwide – elementary school children marvel at authentic knights' gear. If you need exercise: the city park around the Burgtor and the Graz Augarten on the Mur offer space for running and picnicking. With older kids, our digital scavenger hunt through Graz is worthwhile – the riddle route combines the most important spots with short game tasks and works without a group leader.

Graz is easy to reach: by train from Vienna in about 2.5 hours, from Klagenfurt since the new Koralm Tunnel in less than 1 hour, from Munich in about 5 hours with a change. From the main station, take tram line 3, 6 or 7 to the city center (journey time 5–8 minutes). Graz is easily accessible by car, but for parking, find a garage in the center, as the Old Town is largely a pedestrian zone. Alternatively and, above all, more cheaply, you can park at a Park+Ride facility (e.g., Webling or Puntigam) and switch to the tram. For longer stays, the Graz City Card is worthwhile: it includes public transport, the Schlossbergbahn including the Schlossberglift, as well as admission or discounts to many museums and attractions. Hotels on the Main Square, Kaiser-Josef-Platz, or in Geidorf are perfectly located within walking distance.

Graz is compact, surprising, and wonderful to explore on foot. Whether it's the UNESCO Old Town, the Schlossberg panorama, or modern architecture on the Mur – the city rewards curious glances at every corner.