- Graz was the first city in Austria to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for its well-preserved city center.
- The city has maintained a sister-city relationship with the town of Thal, the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, which hosts a dedicated museum.
- Graz is often called the 'City of Design' due to its integration of modern architecture, such as the Kunsthaus, into its historic fabric.
- The city is home to one of the largest concentrations of students in Austria, supported by four major universities.
- The region surrounding Graz is famous for its 'Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil,' a protected regional specialty with a distinct nutty flavor.
About Graz
Graz serves as the capital of Styria and is distinguished by its UNESCO-listed Altstadt von Graz, which harmoniously blends medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. The city is dominated by the Schlossberg, a forested hill accessible by a funicular or stairs that houses the iconic Uhrturm clock tower. Visitors can experience contemporary art at the Kunsthaus Graz or explore the massive historical collection housed within the Styrian Armory. The city also features the extensive, ornate grounds of Schloss Eggenberg, providing a glimpse into regional aristocratic history.
Highlights of Graz
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This hilltop park offers panoramic views of the entire city and remnants of historical fortifications.
Historical places
The old town contains a dense concentration of preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings.
Historical places
This 13th-century clock tower remains the most recognizable landmark of the Graz skyline.
Historical places
The estate houses a preserved planetary room and extensive gardens reflecting 17th-century palace design.
Museums
Known as the Friendly Alien, this building is a masterpiece of blob architecture dedicated to contemporary art.
Museums
It holds the world's largest historic armory collection, featuring over 30,000 items from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Places of interest
This central square acts as the primary hub for local markets and major public events.
Places of interest
This facility documents the life and career of the famous actor and former governor of California.
Top things to do in Graz
The 269 highest-rated places in Graz, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Schlossberg is a forested public park located on a 473-meter hill rising directly above Graz's historic center. The hill...
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Places of interest
Graz's Hauptplatz serves as the city's central square, functioning as a primary hub for commerce and public assembly sin...
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Historical places
The Graz Uhrturm is a 13th-century clock tower situated atop the Schlossberg hill in central Graz. The current structure...
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Zoos
Herberstein Zoo is a 40-hectare wildlife park integrated into the historical landscape of the Feistritz Valley in Styria...
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Historical places
Riegersburg Castle is a 12th-century fortress constructed atop a dormant volcano rising 482 meters above sea level in St...
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Historical places
Schloss Eggenberg is a 17th-century palace located in western Graz, serving as the most significant Baroque complex in t...
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Graz on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Graz
May to September, when the mild Alpine climate allows for full enjoyment of the outdoor parks and the hilltop views.
2-3 days to explore the historic core, the major museums, and the nearby Schloss Eggenberg.
The city center is highly walkable, while an efficient tram and bus network serves the surrounding areas.
Stay in the Innere Stadt (District 1) to be within walking distance of primary landmarks, or choose the Lend district for a more modern, cafe-focused atmosphere.
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, the city offers high value for dining and transport compared to Vienna or Salzburg.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 269 curated attractions in and around Graz, ranked by traveller ratings.
Schlossberg is the highest-rated place to visit in Graz right now.
The largest category is temples, with 81 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vienna, Innsbruck, Ebbs.
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