The short answer: In Graz, see the old town with the Main Square and the Landhaus courtyard, the Schlossberg hill with its Clock Tower, the Kunsthaus and the Mur Island, plus Eggenberg Palace. One day covers the center, two days add Eggenberg and Styrian food. Graz is at its best from April to October, especially in early fall at harvest time.
Top Sights in Graz
Graz is Austria's second largest city and the capital of Styria. Its old town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, with Eggenberg Palace added in 2010. Graz was European Capital of Culture in 2003 and became a UNESCO City of Design in 2011.
Old Town and Landhaus Courtyard
The red tiled roofscape of the old town is one of the best preserved in Central Europe. The Renaissance arcaded courtyard of the Landhaus reflects the Italian influence that shaped the city. Nearby, the Styrian Armoury holds one of the world's largest historic weapons collections.
Schlossberg and the Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is the symbol of Graz. A fun detail: the long hand shows the hours and the short hand the minutes. You can reach the Schlossberg by stairs, by funicular or by an elevator inside the hill, and come back down on one of the longest underground slides around.
Kunsthaus and Mur Island
The Kunsthaus, nicknamed the "Friendly Alien" because of its shape, and Vito Acconci's floating Mur Island were built for the Capital of Culture year. They stand for the modern, creative side of Graz.
Eggenberg Palace
This Baroque palace on the west side of town follows a symbolic plan: its numbers of windows, rooms and towers echo the calendar. Peacocks roam freely in the park.
How Much Time Do You Need?
- 1 day: old town, Landhaus courtyard, Schlossberg, Kunsthaus and Mur Island.
- 2 days: add Eggenberg Palace and a farmers market with Styrian specialties.
- 3 days or more: a trip to the South Styrian Wine Road or a bike ride along the Mur river.
Best Time to Visit
Graz enjoys a mild climate with plenty of sunshine. From April to October people sit in the outdoor cafes downtown, and in fall young wine, chestnuts and pumpkin dishes appear on menus. During Advent the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard draws many visitors.
Practical Tips
- Look over the rooftops: The view from the Schlossberg or a rooftop terrace near the Main Square shows off the famous roofscape best.
- Peek into courtyards: Many old town courtyards are open during the day, and a guide knows which gates are worth stepping through.
- Visit a market in the morning: Graz farmers markets are liveliest before noon, with pumpkin seed oil, cheese and fresh local produce.
- Take the streetcar to Eggenberg: The palace is an easy streetcar ride from downtown.
Explore with a Guide
A licensed guide shows you hidden courtyards, explains the Habsburg history of Graz and takes you to the best farmers markets. These tours are a great match:
- Graz Altstadt (UNESCO)
- Schloss Eggenberg
- Steirische Genüsse in Graz: Kürbiskernöl, Bauernmarkt und Wein
- Familienrundgang Graz: Drachen, Rutsche und Uhrturm
- Graz mit dem Rad entlang der Mur
Graz FAQ
What is special about the Graz Clock Tower?
Its hands are reversed: the long hand shows the hours. This made it easier to read the time from far away in earlier centuries.
Is one day enough for Graz?
For the old town and the Schlossberg, yes. If you also want to see Eggenberg Palace and enjoy Styrian cuisine, plan two days.
What should I eat in Graz?
Styrian pumpkin seed oil, scarlet runner bean salad, fried chicken and, in fall, young wine and roasted chestnuts. The Kaiser-Josef-Markt is a great place to start.
Is Graz family friendly?
Yes. The Schlossberg slide, the fairy tale train inside the hill and the peacocks at Eggenberg are big hits with kids.
Plan Your Graz Tour
Get to know Graz with a licensed local guide: book your tour or contact us. More about the city at Graz Tourism.