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How to Spend One Day in Graz: Perfect Itinerary

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

If you only have one day in Graz, don’t worry, you can still experience so much of this beautiful city. I highly recommend focusing on the historic old town of Graz if you’re short on time (trust me, I’ve lived 13 years in Graz).

This itinerary takes you along a walking route that begins at the iconic Schlossberg, Graz’s most famous landmark, and leads you through must-see sights with food stops at my favorite local spots.

Follow this route to make the most of your time in Graz, from morning coffee to a small light show at night!

Morning: Explore the Historic City Centre of Graz

Breakfast at Klyo

A plate of vibrant scrambled tofu with fresh sprouts, roasted vegetables, and slices of rustic bread, accompanied by a latte. Diners are visible in the café's relaxed and bustling atmosphere, enhancing the friendly ambiance.
They even have vegan breakfast options
Charming outdoor café seating with modern metal chairs and round tables, set along a cobblestone path with a view of Graz's iconic Schlossberg hill and clocktower in the background. Lush greenery and autumnal foliage contribute to the cozy, scenic vibe.
In summer it’s great to sit outside

Start your day in Graz with breakfast at Klyo, a popular spot right by the iconic Schlossberg. Klyo offers a range of options, including tasty vegan dishes. In summer, the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying your meal with a view of the Schlossberg.

Fuel up here and get ready to explore the historic old town of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of charm and history.

Schlossberg and the Clock Tower

The famous Uhrturm, a large clock tower on the Schlossberg hill in Graz, surrounded by lush gardens with colorful flowers in the foreground.
View from the Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
A steep, twisting metal slide illuminated with blue and purple lights, stretching down inside the Schlossberg tunnel in Graz, Austria. The dramatic view upward emphasizes the slide's towering structure and industrial design against the rough stone walls of the cavern.
The Schlossberg Rutsche, one of the fun things to do in Graz

After enjoying breakfast at Klyo, located right at Schlossbergplatz, it’s time to head up to the Schlossberg, the main attraction in Graz.

If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend walking up the steps to the top for a great view and a bit of exercise. If you visit Graz in winter, when the steps are closed, you can take the elevator inside the mountain, located just beside the steps.

The Schlossberg is one of Graz’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. At the top, you’ll find the famous Clock Tower, which has become a symbol of Graz. Read more about the Clock Tower and Schlossberg here.

Snack at a Traditional Bakery or Deli

The ornate wooden facade of Hofbäckerei, a historic bakery in Graz known for its intricate architecture and traditional pastries. Visiting this unique bakery is one of the unusual things to do in Graz, offering a taste of local culture and history in a beautifully preserved setting.
How cool does this bakery look?

After making your way down from Schlossberg, either by following the path to Karmeliterplatz or sliding down the world’s longest indoor slide inside the mountain, enjoy a tasty snack at one of Graz’s traditional spots.

Head to Hofbäckerei Edegger, an Austrian bakery known for its beautiful wooden facade and selection of freshly baked goods.

Or try Frankowitsch, a local favorite famous for its open-faced sandwiches. They offer a variety of toppings, including some vegan options, making it a great spot for a quick, tasty bite that locals love.

Double Spiral Staircase

A visitor ascends the intricate stone double spiral staircase, known for its unique design, inside a historical building in Graz. The spiraling stone steps are a marvel of late Gothic architecture.
How cool is this stair case?

One of Graz’s hidden gems is the Double Spiral Staircase, located in the historic Burg complex. This unique staircase featurs two intertwining staircases that meet, separate, and rejoin as they spiral upward.

It’s the perfect photo spot in Graz and from the window at the top you have a great view of the next stop of the day, the cathedral of Graz and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II

The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II in Graz, Austria, viewed from the base of its stone staircase. The ornate Baroque façade features statues, intricate carvings, and a dome topped with a golden figure, set against a vibrant blue sky. A visitor in a dark coat ascends the steps, adding a sense of scale and activity to the scene.
The front entrance of the mausoleum

The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is one of the most beautiful buildings in Graz. Built as his final resting place, it features stunning Baroque architecture. I especially love the view from the steps out front.

Inside the Mausoleum, you’ll find a window in the floor offering a glimpse of the emperor’s tomb in the cellar.

Right next to it is the Graz Cathedral. I think, the outside looks a bit plain, but the interior is beautiful and well worth a quick look, especially since it’s free to enter.

Afternoon: Shift From Historic to Modern Graz

Ice Cream

This image shows a smiling woman holding two ice cream cones, one with red sorbet and the other with a creamy, chocolate-flavored ice cream. She is wearing sunglasses and standing on a street lined with buildings, with "Die Eisperle" branding on the cones, suggesting this is a local ice cream shop. The background includes a street crossing and some pedestrians.
The best ice cream in the world!

Start your afternoon with the best ice cream in the world at Eisperle! Seriously, it’s so good. There are multiple locations in Graz, but for our itinerary the one at Kaiserfeldgasse is best suited.

They have very unique flavours and everything tastes super fresh and delicious.

Historic Armoury

A row of medieval suits of armor displayed inside the Landeszeughaus, the Styrian Armory in Graz, Austria. The dimly lit room is filled with armor and weaponry, showcasing the history of military equipment. The Landeszeughaus is one of the most significant museums in Graz, offering a glimpse into its extensive collection of arms and armor from the past.
The historic armoury in Graz city center
A view of the red-tiled rooftops of the historic Landeszeughaus armory with the iconic clock tower (Uhrturm) of the Schlossberg in the distance, perched on a hill overlooking Graz.
Don’t miss this stunning view from inside the museum

The Styrian Armoury, or Landeszeughaus, is one of Graz’s most popular museums. It’s the world’s largest collection of historical armour and weaponry. There are over 32,000 pieces from the15th to the 18th century.

As part of the Joanneum Museums, you can buy a 24-hour ticket to explore multiple museums. However, if you’re only in Graz for a day, I don’t think it’s worth it. But if you have a full day to explore Graz’s museums, it’s a fantastic value.

Main Square and City Hall

The grand facade of Graz City Hall on the Hauptplatz, the central square of the city, with flags and ornate statues adorning the building. The square is a hub of activity and one of the main attractions in Graz.
City Hall in Graz

The Main Square (Hauptplatz) is the heart of Graz’s old town. It’s surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, one of them the impressive Town Hall.

For an amazing view of the Main Square, head to the rooftop terrace at Café Freiblick, one of Graz’s most popular cafés, located on top of Kastner & Öhler.

Throughout the year, the Main Square hosts many events, including a large Christmas market, which you shouldn’t miss if you visit Graz in December.

Dinner

For dinner pick one of these restaurants in the city centre. They’re all great, it just depends what you’re in the mood for:

  • Café Erde: My absolute favourite all-vegan restaurant in Graz. I love their daily changing lunch menu but you can also choose something from the evening menu, like vegan schnitzel and more.
  • NAPO: If you’re in the mood for pizza, NAPO is the place to go. Known for the best pizza in town, they offer a variety of toppings, including vegan options.
  • Der Steirer: If you want to try some traditional Austrian cuisine, try Der Steirer, part of Hotel Weitzer. (Read my review of Hotel Weitzer)

Modern Art Museum Kunsthaus

An aerial view of Graz, Austria, featuring the futuristic blue bubble-like architecture of the Kunsthaus Graz amidst a sea of traditional red-roofed buildings. The hills in the background create a scenic backdrop.
It’s difficult to get a great picture, in real life it looks so much better
Night view of Kunsthaus Graz, an iconic contemporary art museum in Austria, with its futuristic, blob-like structure illuminated by dotted lights. A few cars and bicycles are parked nearby, adding an urban feel under the warm street lighting.
Kunsthaus at night

After dinner head to Kunsthaus, Graz’s modern art museum. Known as the “Friendly Alien” for its futuristic design, this building adds a cool contrast to the old town’s historic architecture.

While we won’t have time to explore the exhibits inside, it’s definitely worth a look from the outside. And if it’s getting dark as you finish up dinner, don’t worry, the Kunsthaus facade features a cool light show in the evening.

Island in the Mur River

This image captures the Murinsel, a floating steel island in the Mur River in Graz, Austria. The futuristic structure sits over the water, connected by pedestrian bridges, with a backdrop of lush trees and red-roofed buildings nestled on the hillside. The scene is framed by a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, highlighting both modern and traditional elements of the city.
The illuminated Murinsel, a floating steel structure shaped like a shell on the Mur River in Graz, Austria, glows with green and blue lights, casting colorful reflections on the water. Surrounding trees and nearby buildings are softly lit, enhancing the serene nighttime ambiance.
Murinsel at night

End your day with a visit to the Murinsel, an modern structure floating on the Mur River. It was built in 2003 when Graz was named the European Capital of Culture. This unique “island” serves as a pedestrian bridge, café, and small amphitheater.

At night, the Murinsel lights up in vibrant colors, creating a cool reflection on the water. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your day in Graz, enjoying the colorful evening view before heading back to your hotel.

Map of This Graz Itinerary

If You Have More Time

Here are a few more things you could do in and around Graz if you have extra time:

  • Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Palace): Visit this stunning Baroque palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful gardens and historical interiors.
  • Augarten Park: Relax in this popular city park along the Mur River, perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or a bit of sunbathing in the summer.
  • Botanical Garden: Discover Graz’s botanical garden, which houses a range of plants in beautifully designed greenhouses, a lovely escape for nature lovers.
  • Day Trip to Thal: Head to the nearby village of Thal to explore the Schwarzenegger Museum, located in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s childhood home. This is just one of the amazing day trips from Graz.

Final Thoughts: 1 Day in Graz Austria

With just one day in Graz, you can still experience so much of the city’s charm, from its historic landmarks and traditional bakeries to its modern art and riverside views.

And you can do the whole itinerary on foot, you don’t even need to take public transport.

If you’re planning to stay longer or want to choose the best base for exploring the city, be sure to check out my post on where to stay in Graz for recommendations on the best neighbourhoods and hotels!

Read more about Graz:

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Two-part image promoting a one-day itinerary in Graz, Austria. The top section shows an aerial view of a historic spiral staircase, likely the famous double spiral staircase in Graz. The bottom section captures a panoramic view of Graz under a bright sky, with the iconic clock tower and rooftops in the foreground. Text overlay reads 'One Day in Graz, Austria' with the website AustrianVeganderlust.com.
What to See in Graz in One Day

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.