Graz: Sights, hidden gems and culinary delights

Contents:

• Graz’s Old Town: historic charm and lively streets

• Schlossberg and the Clock Tower: above the rooftops of Graz

• Kunsthaus Graz and Murinsel: modern architecture on the River Mur

• Lend and Gries: creative Graz away from the Old Town

• Eggenberg Palace: Baroque splendour set in lush greenery

• Cuisine in Graz: our personal recommendations

• Events in Graz in 2026: culture, film, music and Styrian joie de vivre

• Practical tips for Graz

• Conclusion: Graz’s sights, design and culinary delights

Graz’s Old Town: historic charm and lively streets

Graz’s Old Town is one of Austria’s most beautiful historic city centres and is the ideal starting point for a first stroll through the city. The Styrian capital shows off its elegant side particularly well around the Hauptplatz, Herrengasse, the Grazer Landhaus and the Landhaushof – with magnificent façades, arcades, courtyards and cosy cafés. Sporgasse, Schmiedgasse and the streets around Tummelplatz are also well worth a stroll. A special detour takes you to the parish church of the Holy Blood: if you look closely at one of Albert Birkle’s stained-glass windows, you’ll spot an unusual historical allusion – the faces of Hitler and Mussolini alongside Christ’s tormentors.

Further hidden details await in Graz Castle: the famous double spiral staircase, also known as the ‘Staircase of Reconciliation’, as well as the heart of Graz. The staircase repeatedly splits and rejoins – a symbol of separation and reconciliation. The Graz city centre is marked by a bronze sculpture at the calculated centre of the city, which you can literally touch.

Schlossberg and the Clock Tower: above the rooftops of Graz

The Schlossberg is one of Graz’s most famous landmarks and is one of the most beautiful places to experience the city from above. Even the journey up is part of the experience: take the challenging Schlossbergstiege steps, the comfortable Schlossbergbahn funicular, or the speedy Schlossberglift. Those who prefer a bit more excitement can make the return journey in a rather special way: on the Schlossberg slide, which winds its way down 170 metres into the Schlossberg Tunnel. According to the operators, at 64 metres high, it is considered the world’s highest indoor slide. 

Once at the top, a sweeping view opens up over the red roofs of the old town, the River Mur and the surrounding hills. Particularly worth seeing is the Graz Clock Tower, arguably the city’s most famous photo opportunity. All around, walking paths, viewing points and small squares invite you to linger.

Kunsthaus Graz and Murinsel: modern architecture on the River Mur

Graz is not only steeped in history but also surprisingly modern. This is particularly striking at the Kunsthaus Graz, whose futuristic form provides a fascinating contrast to the old town. Due to its unusual design, the building is often referred to as the ‘Friendly Alien’ – and it is precisely this contrast that makes it so appealing: on the one hand, the historic roofs and façades; on the other, contemporary architecture, art and creative urban culture.

Just a few steps away lies the Murinsel, a floating platform in the middle of the river. It connects the two banks of the Mur and serves as a bridge, a café and an architectural eye-catcher all in one. The Murinsel is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the lights are reflected in the water and Graz reveals its modern side.

Anyone interested in modern architecture will find another special building in Graz: ARGOS by Zaha Hadid Architects on Burggasse. The project was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid and combines extraordinary design with the comforts of apartments and a hotel. 

Lend and Gries: creative Graz away from the Old Town

If you want to experience Graz beyond the classic sights, you should also explore the Lend and Gries districts. Around Lendplatz and Mariahilferplatz, you can really get a feel for the city’s creative side: small design shops, artists’ studios, cafés and shops selling unique products you won’t find just anywhere.

An exciting detour takes you on to Gries and St Andrä’s Church, also known as the Andräkirche. It is an active church, but for many years has been open to contemporary art and surprising interventions within its sacred space. This makes it one of the most unusual places in Graz if you want to experience modern art not in a traditional museum, but within a spiritual context.

Eggenberg Palace: Baroque splendour set in lush greenery

Just outside the city centre, Eggenberg Palace is one of Graz’s most impressive sights. The Baroque palace complex, together with Graz’s Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases a quieter, more elegant side of the city. Anyone looking for a change of pace from the Old Town, the Schlossberg and modern architecture will find extensive parkland, historic state rooms and plenty of space to relax here.

You should allow plenty of time for your visit: the state rooms are only accessible as part of a guided tour, whilst the palace grounds can be visited separately. A stroll through the gardens is particularly lovely; with a bit of luck, you might even spot the peacocks roaming freely.

Cuisine in Graz: our personal recommendations

Graz is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves good food, coffee and unique eateries. Styrian cuisine shapes the city with regional specialities such as pumpkin seed oil, Käferbohnen, wine and seasonal produce – whether at markets, in cafés or in modern restaurants. A good place to start is the Kaiser-Josef-Markt, one of the most popular farmers’ markets in Graz. Here you’ll find fresh produce, flowers and Styrian classics.

Our personal recommendations in Graz:

• Freiblick Rooftop: brunch, coffee and a lovely view over the city
• Kabuff: a small bistro in the Lend district serving sourdough, seasonal cuisine, dishes to share, and organic and natural wines
• Atelier Martin Auer: a stylish bakery, good bread and a relaxed atmosphere

• Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax: one of Graz’s most traditional bakeries, with a historic wooden entrance, a distinctive old town charm and fine pastries.

• Café Fotter: a classic café with a garden and plenty of Graz charm
• Café Schwalbennest: particularly well-known for its tiny balcony where you can sit outside
• Vina: a Vietnamese restaurant with a modern, cosy atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed evening
• Pizzorante Salomoni: a little slice of Italy right in the heart of Graz, serving pizza, pasta and Mediterranean flair
• Salon Marie: a stylish hotspot for breakfast, lunch or drinks
• Stadtstrand Graz: that summer feeling on the banks of the Mur with a relaxed atmosphere
• Parkhouse: a popular meeting place for drinks, music and, later in the evening, a night out

Events in Graz in 2026: culture, film, music and Styrian joie de vivre

Graz is a vibrant cultural city all year round – a city break is particularly enjoyable when combined with one of the major events. In the summer, from 31 July to 8 August 2026, La Strada transforms the city into a stage for street art, contemporary circus and performances in public spaces. Another highlight is the Aufsteirern Festival on 19 and 20 September 2026. The city centre will then be entirely dedicated to Styrian folk culture – with music, crafts, regional specialities and a wonderful atmosphere. 

Graz is also particularly worth a visit during Advent: the Christmas markets will take place from 20 November to 24 December 2026 and are centrally located in the Old Town – ideal for a winter city break with twinkling lights, mulled wine and everything within easy reach.

Practical tips for Graz

• Best time to visit: Graz is ideal for a city break almost all year round. Spring and autumn are particularly lovely, when temperatures are pleasant and you can leisurely explore the Old Town, the Schlossberg, the markets and the cafés. Advent is also well worth a visit, when the city centre is atmospherically lit up.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Graz is easily accessible by train, usually with a change in Zurich, Salzburg or Vienna. If you’re travelling by car, bear in mind that the Old Town is best explored on foot and parking spaces in the centre can be limited.
• Getting around: Many attractions are close together and can easily be explored on foot. Trams and buses are handy for getting to Eggenberg Castle, more distant neighbourhoods or the railway station.
• Travel money: The currency in Austria is the euro. It’s handy to have some cash for markets, small cafés or spontaneous purchases. You can conveniently order euros before your trip via Swiss Bankers’ banknote delivery service. For added peace of mind whilst travelling, it’s also worth taking a look at TravelProtect, the travel insurance linked to the Swiss Bankers Travel Card.
• Accommodation: The ideal option is accommodation in or near the Old Town, around the Hauptplatz, the Kunsthaus or the Lendviertel. This puts many attractions, restaurants and cafés within easy reach. We recommend limehome Graz – Argos by Zaha Hadid – central, modern and perfect for a design-focused city break. You can find further selected offers for hotels and travel on our Travel Deals page.

Conclusion: Graz’s sights, design and culinary delights

Graz is ideal for anyone looking to combine a city break with culture, cuisine and unique discoveries. Graz’s attractions range from the historic old town and the Schlossberg to modern architecture, creative neighbourhoods and places to enjoy good food and drink. It is precisely this blend of a relaxed way of life, design and Styrian charm that makes Graz one of the most exciting destinations in Austria.