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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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Temples Known locally
Islamisches Kulturzentrum Graz
The Islamisches Kulturzentrum Graz, located at Laubgasse 24, serves as a primary religious and social hub for the Muslim...
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Places of interest Known locally
Bergkirche St. Johann und Paul
Bergkirche St. Johann und Paul is a historic hillside church situated on the Buchkogel in the Straßgang district of Graz...
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Parks Known locally
Auwiesen
Auwiesen is a protected landscape and recreational area located along the Mur River in the southern district of Graz, Li...
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Parks Known locally
Schloss Eggenberg: Schlosspark und Gärten
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35
Places of interest Known locally
Schloss Lustbühel
Schloss Lustbühel is a historic manor situated on the eastern outskirts of Graz, primarily operating as a popular Busche...
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Places of interest Known locally
Schlossberglift
The Schlossberglift is a glass-enclosed elevator system carved directly into the heart of Graz's Schlossberg mountain. I...
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37
Museums Known locally
Graz Museum
The Graz Museum is located within the historic Palais Khuenburg, a building dating back to the 17th century. It serves a...
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Museums Known locally
Museum für Geschichte
The Museum für Geschichte (Museum of History) in Graz is a specialized institution housed within the Palais Khuenburg, f...
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39
Historical places Known locally
Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel in Graz is a mechanical musical clock integrated into a gabled house at Glockenspielplatz 4. It was ins...
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40
Natural attractions Known locally
Rettenbachklamm
Rettenbachklamm is a dramatic, narrow gorge located on the eastern periphery of Graz, carved by the Rettenbach stream. T...
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Historical places Known locally
Mausoleum Kaiser Ferdinands II.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is an early Baroque funerary complex in Graz, Austria, commissioned by the monarch...
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42
Parks Known locally
Maria-Cäsar Park
Maria-Cäsar Park is a modern neighborhood green space located in the Graz-Gries district, specifically designed to serve...
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43
Places of interest Known locally
Fürstenstand - Aussichtsplattform Plabutsch
The Fürstenstand is a steel-structured observation platform located atop the Plabutsch mountain in Graz, providing an un...
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44
Temples Known locally
Grazer Kalvarienberg
The Grazer Kalvarienberg is a historic 17th-century religious complex situated on a hill in the western district of Graz...
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45
Temples Known locally
Mariahilferkirche
Mariahilferkirche is a significant Baroque church located in the Lend district of Graz, serving as the centerpiece of Ma...
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46
Natural attractions Known locally
Schwarzlsee
Schwarzlsee is a large recreational lake located in Premstätten, south of Graz, created as a former gravel pit. The site...
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47
Temples Known locally
Franciscan Church, Graz
The Franciscan Church in Graz is known for its fortified tower, which was originally part of the city's 15th-century def...
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Temples Known locally
Pfarrkirche Thal-St. Jakob
Pfarrkirche Thal-St. Jakob is an iconic religious site famous for its radical redesign by artist Ernst Fuchs, who transf...
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49
Parks Known locally
ORF Park
ORF Park is a public green space located in the St. Peter district of Graz, situated directly adjacent to the ORF Landes...
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Venues Known locally
Next Liberty Youth Theater
Next Liberty is a dedicated youth theater integrated into the Graz Opera House complex at Kaiser-Josef-Platz. It special...
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51
Historical places Known locally
Glockenturm
The Glockenturm, locally known as the Liesl, stands on the Schloßberg hill as one of the oldest structures in Graz. It h...
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Museums Known locally
Johann Puch Museum Graz
The Johann Puch Museum Graz is located on the historic site of the original Puch factory works in the Puntigam district....
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Venues Known locally
DAS LEBE - Theater Lechthaler-Belic
DAS LEBE - Theater Lechthaler-Belic is an intimate, privately-run performance space in Graz known for its focus on chamb...
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Temples Known locally
Stadtpfarrkirche zum Heiligen Blut
The Stadtpfarrkirche zum Heiligen Blut, or Graz Parish Church, is a prominent Roman Catholic church located on Herrengas...
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55
Venues Known locally
Das Kristallwerk
Das Kristallwerk is an industrial-chic event venue located in the historic industrial district of Graz-Gösting. Housed w...
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56
Museums Known locally
Osterreichisches Luftfahrtmuseum
The Österreichisches Luftfahrtmuseum is an aviation museum located adjacent to Graz Airport in Feldkirchen bei Graz, Aus...
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57
Parks Known locally
Alfred Zenz Lebens Park
Alfred Zenz Lebens Park is a therapeutic and meditative garden located in Raaba-Grambach, just outside of Graz. The park...
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Parks Known locally
Grazer Urwald
The Grazer Urwald is a protected woodland area located on the Messendorfberg, managed by the Austrian Nature Conservatio...
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Museums Known locally
Schell Collection
The Schell Collection in Graz is a specialized private museum focused on the history of locks, keys, and iron caskets. I...
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Places of interest Known locally
Grazer Märchenbahn
The Grazer Märchenbahn is a narrow-gauge electric railway located inside a man-made tunnel system within the Schloßberg...
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.
