Destinations » Austria » Graz Travel Guide
Graz is the second biggest city in Austria, and located in the South Eastern part of the country as capital of the federal state of Styria (Steiermark).
Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2003, and has one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. In 1999 the city centre of Graz was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Check availability >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.
