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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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Places of interest Known locally
Stephanienwarte
Stephanienwarte is a historic observation tower located on the Platte ridge in the northeastern outskirts of Graz, Austr...
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62
Museums Known locally
Folk Life Museum
The Folk Life Museum (Volkskundemuseum) in Graz is housed within a historic Capuchin monastery dating back to 1605. It f...
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63
Parks Known locally
Eustacchio-Gründe
Eustacchio-Gründe is a public park and green space located along St. Peter Hauptstraße in the St. Peter district of Graz...
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64
Museums Known locally
HALLE FÜR KUNST Steiermark
HALLE FÜR KUNST Steiermark is Styria's central institution dedicated to contemporary art, situated at Burgring 2 in Graz...
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65
Natural attractions Known locally
Hilmteich
Hilmteich is a picturesque forested pond located in the eastern district of Graz, Austria, serving as a popular local re...
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66
Museums Known locally
Naturkundemuseum
The Naturkundemuseum in Graz is a specialized institution focusing on Styrian flora, fauna, and geology, housed within t...
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67
Historical places Known locally
Mariensäule
The Mariensäule, or Marian Column, stands as a prominent Baroque monument located at Am Eisernen Tor in central Graz. Er...
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68
Places of interest Known locally
Chinese Pavilion
The Chinese Pavilion is a historic gazebo located on the Schloßberg hill in Graz, Austria, originally constructed in the...
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69
Places of interest Known locally
Hackher-Löwe
The Hackher-Löwe in Graz is a historic monument commemorating Major Franz Xaver Hackher zu Hart, who successfully defend...
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70
Temples Known locally
Pfarrkirche St. Leonhard
Pfarrkirche St. Leonhard is a historic parish church located on Leonhardplatz in the eastern district of Graz, Austria....
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Playgrounds Known locally
Spielplatz Hilmteich
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72
Historical places Hidden gem
约翰大公喷泉
The Erzherzog-Johann-Brunnen, or Archduke Johann Fountain, stands as a central historical monument in the Hauptplatz of...
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73
Historical places Hidden gem
Türkenbrunnen
The Türkenbrunnen, or Turkish Well, is a historic 94-meter-deep well located on the Schloßberg in Graz, Austria. Commiss...
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74
Venues Hidden gem
KiStL – Komödianten in St. Leonhard
KiStL (Komödianten in St. Leonhard) is a small-scale, intimate theater venue located in the historic center of Graz. The...
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Venues Hidden gem
First club Grazer Magic Theater
First club Grazer Magic Theater is an intimate, specialized performance venue in Graz, Austria, located at Friedrichgass...
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76
Temples Hidden gem
Basilika und Stiftskirche Mariä Himmelfahrt
Basilika und Stiftskirche Mariä Himmelfahrt is the church of Stift Rein, the oldest operating Cistercian monastery in th...
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77
Places of interest Hidden gem
Rudolfswarte - Aussichtsplattform Buchkogel
Rudolfswarte is a prominent observation tower situated on the summit of the Buchkogel hill in the southwest of Graz, Aus...
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78
Parks Hidden gem
Spring Break Plaza
Spring Break Plaza, located at Parkring 20 in Graz, is an urban green space designed as a modern recreational area withi...
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79
Parks Hidden gem
Hundewiese Rosenhain
Hundewiese Rosenhain is a dedicated fenced dog park situated on the slopes of the Rosenhain hill in Graz, Austria, speci...
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80
Museums Hidden gem
CoSA – Center of Science Activities
CoSA – Center of Science Activities is an interactive science and technology exhibition space located in Graz, Austria,...
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81
Museums Hidden gem
Tramway Museum Graz
The Tramway Museum Graz is housed in a historic 19th-century tram depot located at Mariatroster Strasse 204 in Graz, Aus...
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82
Temples Hidden gem
Mariagrüner Kirche, Graz
Mariagrüner Kirche is a historic pilgrimage church located in the green northeastern district of Mariagrün in Graz, Aust...
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83
Temples Hidden gem
Parish Graz-St. Peter
Parish Graz-St. Peter is a contemporary church complex located in the eastern district of St. Peter in Graz. The site fu...
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84
Temples Hidden gem
Parish Graz-St. Joseph
Parish Graz-St. Joseph, located at Schönaugürtel 41, is a prominent Roman Catholic parish church serving the Gries distr...
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85
Museums Hidden gem
Museum der Wahrnehmung
The Museum der Wahrnehmung (MUWA) in Graz is an interactive institution dedicated entirely to sensory perception, optica...
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86
Historical places Hidden gem
Water tower of the main station Graz Eggenberg
The water tower of the main station in Graz Eggenberg is a historical industrial railway landmark situated on Waagner-Bi...
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Temples Hidden gem
Pfarrkirche Graz - St. Andrä
Pfarrkirche Graz - St. Andrä is a prominent Roman Catholic parish church located in the Gries district of Graz, Austria,...
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88
Places of interest Hidden gem
Kalkleiten Aussichtspunkt
Kalkleiten Aussichtspunkt is a prominent elevated viewpoint located in the northern outskirts of Graz, Austria, along Mö...
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89
Temples Hidden gem
Münzgrabenkirche | Pfarrkirche Graz-Münzgraben (Fatimakirche zum Unbefleckten Herzen Mariens)
The Münzgrabenkirche, formally known as the Pfarrkirche zum Unbefleckten Herzen Mariens, serves the Jakomini district of...
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Parks Hidden gem
Schillerplatz
Schillerplatz is a historic urban park and public square located in the Geidorf district of Graz, Austria, established d...
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.
