Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil) is a speciality of the region of
Styria and has a very unique taste. It can be purchased at the
farmer's markets, for example, the regular market on the
Kaiser-Josef-Platz, but good quality oil can also be bought from
normal supermarkets.
Herrengasse is the main shopping street in Graz. It
connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
Numerous lanes in the old town like Schmiedgasse or
Sporgasse house numerous confectionary shops that sell
stylishly packaged chocolates with boxes decorated with images of
the Emperor Franz Joseph.
Kastner Öhler is Graz's big department store which
is situated right in the centre, next to the main square. Other
department stores include the City Park shopping mall
which is located on south-western edge of central Graz.
Mariahilferstraße is behind the Kunsthaus and has
many little designer shops, retro furniture shops and shops which
sell custom made t-shirts.
The thriving coffee culture in Graz is evident from the numerous
coffee houses all with a charming and relaxing
atmosphere. Vienna coffee features prominently in the city served
in places such as the Strehly and the
Fotter which also serve delicious baked sweets.
Countless sausage stands are dispersed across Graz and serve the
Graz speciality of the kotelett semmel (cutlet roll). The stands
also sell doner kebabs, mozzarella sticks and plenty of grilled
sausages, and are Graz's answer to fast food.
Mehlplatz and the Färberplatz located in the historic Old Town
are the places to find the best restaurants. The Hauptplatz and
adjacent Calf's Quarter are also worth a look.
Schlossberg Restaurant by the River Mur in the Lend
district, offers a highly admired dining experience. Residing on
the Schlossberg this restaurant is reputed to be one of the very
best that the city has to offer. It's chic and formal interior, as
well as the cheap self-service area and al fresco dining in the
beer garden makes it a very popular dining option.
Kunsthaus
Graz has many showcases of modern art - along the banks of the
Mur River is one such showcase. The Kunsthaus looks like a blue
blob and is home to an ever-changing collection of cutting edge art
exhibits.
Island in the Mur
In the middle of the Mur River itself stands the "Island in the
Mur", a modern shell-shaped glass and metal structure which was
built in tribute to Graz's designation as Europe's Cultural Capital
in 2003. The Island houses an amphitheatre, playground and
café.
Landesmuseum Joanneum
Natural history is displayed at the old Joanneum building. The
Old Gallery presents a collection of medieval paintings through the
18th century. The New Gallery, in the Heberstein House, displays
art from the 19th century to the present.
Landeszeughaus
The armoury museum is a tribute to the Turkish Wars, as they had
a great impact of Graz itself. The museum exhibits three centuries
of weaponry with 30,000 pieces of armour.
Old Town Graz
The Old Town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most
important attractions within the Old Town are the Hauptplatz (Main
Square), encompassed by ancient houses, and the Landhaus, a 1565
Renaissance building and the seat of the provincial government.
Visitors can pass away hours wandering leisurerly around the old
streets and seeing the beautiful old buildings.
Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Palace)
The Schloss Eggenberg is one of the most impressive buildings in
Graz. It is a 17th century square-shaped palace, with four imposing
towers. It houses the Landesmuseum and Joanneum's centre of early
history, which has an excellent collection of Styrian antiques and
coins. There are also Baroque state apartments within the building,
of which guided tours are available.
Schlossberg
Schlossberg is a fortified hill elevated 473 metres overlooking
Graz, on top of which there is the old citadel and bell tower.
Guided tours can be taken and during the summer concerts are held
on the castles ramparts. There is also a popular restaurant which
can be reached by a cable railway which runs to the restaurant or
alternatively there is a winding stairs.
