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Austria
Things to do in Graz
200 attractions · Austria
Photo: Ralf Roletschek, CC BY-SA 3.0 at
Styria, Austria · 47.067, 15.433
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.
Good to know
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Graz was the first city in Austria to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for its well-preserved city center.
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The city has maintained a sister-city relationship with the town of Thal, the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, which hosts a dedicated museum.
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Graz is often called the 'City of Design' due to its integration of modern architecture, such as the Kunsthaus, into its historic fabric.
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The city is home to one of the largest concentrations of students in Austria, supported by four major universities.
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The region surrounding Graz is famous for its 'Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil,' a protected regional specialty with a distinct nutty flavor.
Plan your visit to Graz
Best time to visit
May to September, when the mild Alpine climate allows for full enjoyment of the outdoor parks and the hilltop views.
How many days
2-3 days to explore the historic core, the major museums, and the nearby Schloss Eggenberg.
Getting around
The city center is highly walkable, while an efficient tram and bus network serves the surrounding areas.
Where to stay
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.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, the city offers high value for dining and transport compared to Vienna or Salzburg.
Highlights of Graz
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Schlossberg
This hilltop park offers panoramic views of the entire city and remnants of historical fortifications.
Altstadt von Graz
The old town contains a dense concentration of preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings.
Uhrturm
This 13th-century clock tower remains the most recognizable landmark of the Graz skyline.
Schloss Eggenberg
The estate houses a preserved planetary room and extensive gardens reflecting 17th-century palace design.
Kunsthaus Graz
Known as the Friendly Alien, this building is a masterpiece of blob architecture dedicated to contemporary art.
Styrian Armory
It holds the world's largest historic armory collection, featuring over 30,000 items from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Hauptplatz der Stadt Graz
This central square acts as the primary hub for local markets and major public events.
An Arnold Schwarzenegger Exhibition
This facility documents the life and career of the famous actor and former governor of California.
Top things to do in Graz
The 200 most popular places in Graz.
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1
Parks Very popular
Schlossberg
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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2
Places of interest Very popular
Hauptplatz der Stadt Graz
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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3
Historical places Popular
Uhrturm
The Graz Uhrturm is a 13th-century clock tower situated atop the Schlossberg hill in central Graz. The current structure...
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4
Historical places Popular
Schloss Eggenberg
Schloss Eggenberg is a 17th-century palace located in western Graz, serving as the most significant Baroque complex in t...
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5
Museums Popular
Kunsthaus Graz
The Kunsthaus Graz is an amorphous, blue contemporary art museum designed by architects Colin Fournier and Sir Peter Coo...
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6
Places of interest Popular
An Arnold Schwarzenegger Exhibition
The Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum is located in the childhood home where the bodybuilder, actor, and former governor live...
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7
Venues Popular
Opera Graz
Opera Graz is the second-largest opera house in Austria, housed in a Neo-Baroque structure inaugurated in 1899. Designed...
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8
Parks Popular
Augarten
Augarten is a prominent urban park located along the Mur river in Graz, characterized by its combination of green recrea...
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9
Places of interest Popular
Murinsel Graz
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10
Parks Popular
Stadtpark Graz
Stadtpark Graz occupies the footprint of the former city fortification walls demolished in the mid-19th century. The par...
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11
Museums Popular
Styrian Armory
The Styrian Armory (Landeszeughaus) in Graz houses the world's largest historic collection of arms and armor in its orig...
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12
Historical places Popular
Altstadt von Graz
The Altstadt von Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a dense concentration of Renaissance and Baroque architect...
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13
Venues Popular
Merkur Arena
Merkur Arena is the primary football stadium in Graz, serving as the home ground for SK Sturm Graz and Grazer AK. It fea...
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14
Parks Popular
Karl-Franzens-Universität Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Graz functions as both a scientific research facility and a public recreationa...
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15
Temples Popular
Basilika Mariatrost
Basilika Mariatrost is a late Baroque pilgrimage church situated on the Purberg hill in the northeast of Graz. The twin-...
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16
Parks Popular
Karl-Franzens-Universität Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Graz, established in 1889, spans 2.8 hectares and functions as a significant c...
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17
Natural attractions Popular
Schlossbergbahn
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18
Temples Popular
Graz Cathedral
Graz Cathedral, also known as the Domkirche, is a 15th-century Gothic structure commissioned by Emperor Frederick III in...
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19
Venues Popular
ANNENHOF KINO
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20
Historical places Popular
Doppelwendeltreppe
The Doppelwendeltreppe, located within the Graz Burg, is a late-Gothic double spiral staircase built between 1499 and 15...
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21
Temples Popular
Herz-Jesu-Kirche
The Herz-Jesu-Kirche is the third-tallest church in Austria, characterized by its prominent 109.6-meter neo-Gothic spire...
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22
Museums Known locally
New Gallery Graz
The Neue Galerie Graz, part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, is a center for Austrian art spanning the 19th century to t...
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23
Venues Known locally
Seifenfabrik Veranstaltungszentrum
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24
Museums Known locally
FRida & freD
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25
Amusement parks Known locally
FLIP LAB
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26
Museums Known locally
Österreichischer Skulpturen Park
The Österreichischer Skulpturen Park is a 7-hectare open-air museum located near Graz, dedicated to contemporary Austria...
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27
Historical places Known locally
Grazer Landhaus
The Grazer Landhaus serves as the seat of the Styrian provincial government and assembly. Constructed between 1557 and 1...
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28
Places of interest Known locally
Grazer Burg
The Grazer Burg is a historic residence of the Inner Austrian Habsburgs, primarily known for its Late Gothic double-spir...
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29
Venues Known locally
Graz National Theatre
The Schauspielhaus Graz, located at Hofgasse 11, serves as the primary municipal theatre and a cornerstone of the Styria...
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30
Parks Known locally
Volksgarten Graz
Volksgarten Graz is a historic public park located in the Lend district, notable for its mature tree population and cent...
Around Graz
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Graz on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Graz?
Aventuro lists 200 curated attractions in and around Graz, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Graz?
Schlossberg is the most popular place to visit in Graz right now.
What kind of attractions does Graz have?
The largest category is temples, with 49 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck.
Explore more of Austria
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
