Graz

Understand

Graz has a population of just over 300,000 (2024). It has been a vital urban centre for both Styria, Austria and Slovenia, and has produced a number of talents in many fields, ranging from the inventor Nikola Tesla to the former California Governator and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some 40,000 of the city's population is made up of students, as Graz is home to six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla. The first university was founded in 1585 (Karl-Franzens-Universität). Graz is also known for its Magna Steyr (formerly called Steyr-Daimler-Puch) automobile and truck manufacturing plant.

History The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city centre is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. The name "Graz" is derived from the Slovenian word gradec, which means small castle. Graz was first mentioned with its German name in 1128 when the dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a commercial centre. During 15th century Graz became the capital of Inner Austria (referring to Styria, Carinthia and Carniola) under the Habsburgs. Due to its importance as a strategic position, Graz was often assaulted by Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The fortress on the Schlossberg (the picture to the right shows the clock tower, which is on top of the hill) never fell to the Turks (the only place in this region). During World War II, Graz was part of Nazi Germany (along with the rest of Austria). At the end of the war, Graz was surrendered to Soviet troops largely intact; the historic old town was not seriously hit during Allied bombing raids on the city. In 2003 Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe.

Tourist information Graz Tourism website

Getting there

By plane

1 Graz Airport (GRZ IATA, Flughafen Graz). It is a relatively minor regional airport around 9 km south of the city centre. Scheduled flights operate to Graz from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, London, Munich, Vienna and Zurich, connecting to intercontinental hubs of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, while in the summer there are charters to many holiday destinations around the Mediterranean. (updated Apr 2026) From the airport you have several possibilities to reach the centre:

by taxi: approximate fare to the center is between €35-39. by bus: the bus station is directly in front of the arrival zone. Bus lines 630 and 631 are going to Jakominiplatz (the central point of public transportation) from approx. 05:20 to 23:45, travel time is 20 minutes. Fare is €3.30 for a single ticket (2026). by train: to reach the train station you have to walk ~5 minutes (easy to find, just head straight out the airport and continue to the east). Line S5 connects to Graz Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) from 04:47 (Saturdays and Sundays 05:17) to 22:47 (Sundays: 21:47). Travel time is 15 minutes. Other nearby airports are in Maribor, Klagenfurt, and a little farther away in Linz, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Vienna International Airport. Railjet express trains and FlixBusses connect Vienna Intl. Airport with Graz. Some run direct, others require a transfer at Wien Hbf station. Travel time around 3 hr.

By train Trains from Vienna run twice an hour and take 2 hr 40 min via Semmering. Sit on the left for this scenic route; returning from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right. Trains from Klagenfurt flash through Koralm tunnel twice an hour, the fastest in 45 min: this 33-km tunnel opened in Dec 2025. Trains still wind along the old route through the mountains, taking 3 hr every two hours. Two trains a day are direct from Venice, taking 5 hours via Treviso, Udine, Villach and Klagenfurt. From Ljubljana change at Villach. One train a day takes 5 hours from Budapest, else change in Vienna. 2 Graz Hauptbahnhof is at the west edge of city centre, at the end of Annenstrasse. Take tram 1, 4. 6 or 7 or walk 20 min.

By car The A9, runs north–south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mi Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east–west. Vienna (Wien) is 127 mi up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware that there are lots of tunnels on the S6.) Some might also find the 5 mi (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, 15 mi (24 km) to the north of Graz, unnerving. To

Getting around

The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot and is reachable with a 20 min walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town. For other needs, public transportation options exist:

By tram

All tram tickets can be bought inside the tram. Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams. You can also buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk (Tabak) in the centre of the square. If you buy tickets from the kiosk, make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of €60; if you buy it inside the tram, it is already validated). Ticket prices: You can buy hourly (€3.30), 24 hours (€7.20), weekly (€20.80), monthly, or 10-trip (€26.90) tickets. Coins, credit cards, debit cards all work at the vending machine in the tram. They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immediate surroundings including the airport). Children (6 to 14) get 50% discount, Youth (15 to 18) 35% on hourly and 24-hour-tickets. Trams running through the old city (Altstadt) are free, usually one stop in all directions from Hauptplatz (Main Square) and Jakominiplatz.

By bus Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz, Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz. The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out [2]. Keep in mind that bus tickets have to be bought in advance (via a vending machine, kiosk or the ticket app GrazMobil (iOS, Android)) and punched when entering to validate them. The tickets for trams and buses are the same, so you can start your journey with one means of transport and switch to another one as much as you like during your ticket's validity. Bus and tram services operate from 05:00 to midnight during the week. Trams usually stop around 23:30 from Jakominiplatz in all directions. Nightbuses operate only on Fridays and Saturdays and before public holidays. They leave from Jakominiplatz in all directions at 00:30, 01:30 and 02:30.

By bicycle Graz is a city of cyclists, featuring an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this using a bike to get around (at

See

The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site. 1 The Schlossberg (Schloßberg). The castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular (Schloßbergbahn) (10-day and tourist tram/bus ticket covers the ride), and elevator (Schloßberglift) (€2) will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views. Alternatively, you can climb the 260 steps from Schloßbergplatz to the Graz clock tower. (updated May 2023) 2 Clock Tower (Uhrturm). On the top of the Schloßberg, the symbol of Graz. 3 Glockenspiel, Glockenspielplatz. It comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00. 4 Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg) (Tram 1 direction Eggenberg/UKH), ☏ +43 316 583264-0. 10:00-17:00. Guided Tours: Tu-Su and public holidays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. Early Baroque architecture with lavish state rooms. There is a €2 fee for entering the park surrounding the castle, which they likely will not charge if you say you intend to take the castle tour. The castle guided tour is highly recommended though, as it contains dramatic wall and ceiling paintings, elaborate ceramic stoves, and inlaid wood floors. Eggenberg Castle is closed from 1 January till 23 March. €13, free entry to the museum with Steiermark-Card or GenussCard. (updated Feb 2018) Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.

Churches The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz. There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the Romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz with 109.6 m is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroqu

Do

Walk around the centre of the town and explore the many courtyards and narrow streets discovering many interesting shops, restaurants and cafés as well as the impressive architecture. Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under an archway on the left where a road meanders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg. From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up inside the mountain at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels (Eichkätzchen) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn, a cable car which you'll find at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking. Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch, a hill on the western edge of Graz, and hike up it. It's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map. Take bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of Gösting castle and enjoy the view over the city. Swim. Normally after May, the water in the outdoor swimming pools very quickly warms-up enough to enjoy swimming: Eggenberger Bad, Janzgasse 21. Augartenbad, Schönaugürtel 1 (right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge). Bad Strassgang, Martinhofstraße 3. Margarethenbad, Grillparzerstraße 10. Ragnitzbad, Pesendorferweg 7. Stukitzbad, Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a. Boat or skate on the Hilmteich or Thalersee (just outside Graz), depending on the season. A nice trip for a lovely day leads to the Austrian Sculpturepark. Remarkable pieces of art from numerous national and international artists in a pretty park. You can enter for free, but you better bring something to drink and a snack. Reachable by a free shuttlebus in summer to Schwarzlsee or with regional bus 630 from Jakominiplatz. You can also go by bike, it's a nice ride passing by the airport. Football:. SK Sturm Graz play soccer in Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. Their home ground Liebenauer or Merkur Arena (capacity 16,000) is two km south of city centre. Grazer AK share Liebenauer Arena. They play in 2. Liga the second tier Every summer, the AIMS (American Institute of Music Studies), the leading European summer vocal program brings future opera and concert performers together. Locals and visitors enjoy opera and operetta concerts, song recitals and other musical programs in concert halls,

Buy

On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only. The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only. Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil) in g.g.A. quality. This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer) market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets. There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are:

Herrengasse. The most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz. numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse". in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. Doesn't offer cheap prices. There is an underground car-park right underneath. Steirerhof, Jakominplatz 12, ☏ +43 316-83 55 70. Named after the demolished hotel that used to occupy the site. ☏ Mariahilferstraße. Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 1970s retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover City Park. Shopping mall on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55" Bigger shopping complexes found outside the city centre are:

Shopping City Seiersberg. A huge build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the centre lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket. Shopping Center West. It's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the centre. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64. Murpark. Only mayor shopping centre in the east of Graz. Only shopping centre in Graz to have direct access by tram. Take tram 4 to end of line in Liebenau.

Eat

Restaurants have cheap lunch deals ("Mittagsmenü") (12:00-15:00) or a dish of the day ("Tagesempfehlung") that are usually very good, fresh and have the best value. The Spar supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.

Breakfast If you don't like a boring hotel breakfast, go out for breakfast or brunch.

Bäckerei Sorger. Nice for inexpensive breakfast with many locations in and arount Graz (Jakominiplatz, Sporgasse, Südtiroler Platz, etc.) Martin Auer. Graz's biggest coffee house chain. Locations: Stubenberggasse, Hans-Sachs-Gasse, Dietrichsteinplatz, Schillerplatz, Zinzendorfgasse, etc. Tribeka, Kaiserfeldgasse 6. Café Kaiserfeld, Kaiserfeldgasse 21. Cafe Mitte, Freiheitsplatz 2. Aiola Upstairs, Schloßberg. Klyo, Schlossbergplatz. Parks, Zinzendorfgasse 4. Purberg, Hilmteichstraße 70. Omas Teekanne, Nikolaiplatz 1. Kaffee Weitzer, Grieskai 12. Kunsthauscafé, Südtiroler Platz 2. Die Scherbe, Stockergasse 2.

Street food 1 Sausage-stand at Franziskanerplatz, Franziskanerpl.. Sausages with mustard, ketchup and/or horseradish are best here. Try "Krainer" or "Käsekrainer", which are very popular sausages in Styria. (updated Jun 2022) 2 Cook Moon, Franziskanerpl. Stand 16. (updated Sep 2022) 3 Wilding - Burger - Hot Dog - Fries - since 1991, Dietrichsteinpl. 1. (updated Sep 2022)

Budget

City centre 4 Sägewerk, Schlögelgasse 1 (between Dietrichsteinplatz and Kaiserjosef-Platz), ☏ +43 316-820258. They serve excellent and cheap pizza. (updated Sep 2022) 5 Euro-Kepap, Franziskanergasse 2. There are a lot of Döner Kebab sellers in Graz. Another good one is Pamukale at Dietrichsteinplatz. (updated Sep 2022) 6 Muckis Weinstube Franziskanerkeller, Kapaunpl. 5. (updated Sep 2022) 7 Maggie´s Leberkas Stadl, Neue-Welt-Gasse 6. (updated Sep 2022) 8 Zum Jausnstadl, Brückenkopfgasse 9, ☏ +43316710000, [email protected]. 06:00-22:00. Great honest pub. 10EUR. (updated May 2026) 9 Continuum, Sporgasse 29. (updated Sep 2022) 10 Area 5, Jakominipl. 12. (updated Sep 2022) 11 Mumbai Cuisine, Stremayrgasse 6, 8010, ☏ +43 67762666938. Nice portions, good flavours, pretty fast. Would recommend. €10/main. (updated May 2023)

Around the university 12 Posaune, Zinzendorfgasse (at roundabout next to KF University). Same company as Sägewerk. (updated Sep 2022) 13 Grammophon, Maiffredygasse 12 (near Music University). Same company as Sägewerk. (updated Sep 2022) 14 Eschenlaube, Glacisstraße 63 (near the technical university), ☏ +

Drink & nightlife

Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town, along the Mariahilferstrasse in district Lend as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town and Mariahilferstrasse have a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students.

Kombuese. Small, wooden bar in the Stadtpark, near Kuenstler Haus (Erzherzog Johann Allee 2) Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, after 22:00 best times after 01:00 in the morning. Cheap beer, a few but very good sandwiches, sells also cigarettes. What's special about this place is that you can see people of all ages and styles. No-one will care who you are or what you look like, it's all about having this one thing in common: having fun here and now without other concerns. Different DJs every night, especially Friday and Saturday everyone dances until very early in the morning! It usually gets very crowded after 01:00 but if you relax and get into the mood, you will always find your space in there. The Office Pub, ☏ +43 316 890838, [email protected]. Trauttmansdorffgasse 3. Bus stop: Line 30 at Palais Trauttmansdorff. Open every day from 17:00 to 02:00 (or later) Where the ex-pats get together in Graz! An authentic style English pub, right in the center of Graz, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Premier League football - all the big matches live. English speaking staff. Pub Quiz every Tuesday, live music. Serves home made chili, curry, soup or toasted sandwiches. Free Internet and Darts! Parkhouse, ☏ +43 316 827434. Stadtpark 2. Located in the centre of the municipal park, this is a popular place with students and a lovely outside seating area. Has laid-back electronic music, concerts and live-DJs in summer. Probably the best place to go for a relaxed drink in spring & summer when it's warm. Open daily from 11:00 to 04:00. Babenbergerhof. Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed anyone from about 20–85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music. Forum Stadtpark, Stadtpark 1, ☏ +43 316 827734, fax: +43 316 827

Sleep

Budget All budget choices are quite far out of the city center.

1 JUFA Hotel Graz City (Youthhostel Graz), Idlhofgasse 74 (Bus stop Lissagasse / Jugendhotel - Route 31,32,33. Close to Hauptbahnhof; 30-min walk to the city centre), ☏ +43 5 7083-210. Safe but not very nice neighbourhood. €89. (updated May 2023) 2 ibis budget Graz City, Neubaugasse 11, Lendplatz (Bus stop Kunsthaus. Close to Kunsthaus / Mariahilferplatz; 10-min walk to the city center, safe.). Quite nice bars around (Die Scherbe, PPC). €49 (2 persons: €55). (updated May 2023) 3 a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof, Eggenberger Str. 7, ☏ +43 3165701623700. €23/night (6-bed dorm). (updated May 2023)

Mid-range 4 Hotel Europa, Bahnhofgürtel 89 (opposite the main railway station), ☏ +43 316 7076-0, [email protected]. Single €71, double €94. 5 Hotel Daniel, Europaplatz 1 (next to main railway station), ☏ +43 316 711080. Single €86, double €106. 6 Hotel B&B, Annenstraße 58-60 (access by car: Metahofgasse 21, on the backside of the hotel (small parking area); from main train station: take Annenstrasse towards the city centre (10-min walk)), ☏ +43 316 890861, [email protected]. Walking distance from the main train station, ideal for travellers. Great breakfast for €8 per day. 10-min walk into the city center, or three stops with the tram. Try to get a room facing away from the street, as Annenstrasse can be quite busy during the day. From €70 per night. (updated Apr 2017) 7 Hotel Drei Raben, ☏ +43 316 712686. Annenstrasse 43 (near main train station). €70/92 (single/double). 8 Motel One Graz, Jakominiplatz 7, ☏ +43 316 2315280, [email protected]. Design hotel opened in 2022. 9 ibis Styles Graz Messe, Waltendorfer Gürtel 8-10, ☏ +43 316 826300. Budget design hotel opened in 2022. 10 Best Western Hotel Pfeifer Kirchenwirt, ☏ +43 316 391112-0, fax: +43 316 39111249, [email protected]. Kirchplatz 9 on the eastern edge of Graz, (take Tramway 1 to the final stop at Mariatrost), 3911120, [5]. Quite a distance from the city center but has semi rural surroundings. 11 Römerstube, ☏ +43 316 472066. Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103

Splurge 12 Schlossberg Hotel, ☏ +43 316 8070-0, [email protected]. On the Kaiser-Franz-Josef Kai, 8070-0. 13 Hotel Gollner, ☏ +43 316 822521-0. Schlögelgasse 14 (take tram 3 or 6 to Dietrichsteinplatz). €120/€200 (single/double). 14 Erzherzog Johann Hotel, Sackstrasse 3-5 (just off the Hauptplatz), ☏ +43 316 811616, fax: +43 316 811515, [email protected]. €102-330. 15 Aiola Living, Landhausgasse 5 (just off the Hauptplatz), ☏ +43 316 8119

Go next

Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre. Only 2½ hours from Graz by train. Take a trip through winding mountain passes on the 41 km long Semmering Railway, which runs from Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz. A World Heritage site. Ticket information from ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen - the Austrian national rail network). If you are limited in time and can't be bothered to stop at various points along the railway, just plan to take a direct train between Vienna and Graz, as it will pass through the entire stretch without stopping. From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right. Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university. 1 Schöckl (Schöckel). Drive to the Schöckl, a 1445 m high mountain to the east of Graz. It has a funicular (gondelbahn) so you can drive to the lower station and go up in that if you do not fancy walking. There is a restaurant at the top and extensive views. You can walk down, even back to Graz, via Stattegg-Fuß der Leber and take city Bus 53 to Graz-Andritz and tram 4 or 5 to the city centre, if you have a map. Take Bus 250 (Usually labeled St. Radegund) from Jakominiplatz or Andreas-Hofer-Platz to Seilbahn Talstation. Fare: €5.40. Duration: 40 min. You'll then be at the foot of the mountain, at the cable car station. 2 Austrian Open Air Museum (Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum), Stübing (a few miles North of Graz), ☏ +43 3124 53 700, [email protected]. Old farm buildings brought from all over Austria in a woodland setting. Open 1 Apr – 31 Oct, 09:00-17:00 (tickets sold till 16:00) closed on Mondays (except on holidays), walk yourself or guided tours. 3 Loipersdorf (60 km to the east of Graz), ☏ +43 33 82 82 04-0, [email protected]. Has a spa where you can spend a day, swimming, sun-bathing, and being pampered. 4 Riegersburg (45 miles to the east of Graz), ☏ +43 3153 8346. An ancient castle, perched on a 482-m-high crag, that withstood the Turks. Open daily from 09:00-17:00. The lift operates from 9:00-18:00 (last descent). Various entry concessions, adult €9.50, child €7. The lift is €2 each way. 5 Bärenschützklamm, ☏ +43 3867 8044. [Closed, reopening in late fall 2023 at the earliest]. A walk up a gorge between crags and over waterfalls starting from Mixnitz, 40 km north of Graz, which can be reached by road or rail. Or Pernegg an der Mur. €5. (updated Apr 2023) 6 Kesselfall. A waterfall near Semriach, about 25 km