15 Best Things to Do in Graz Austria (from a Local)

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Have you ever heard of Graz? It’s Austria’s second largest city, yet most people have never heard of it.

But Graz is packed with historical charm, modern culture, and hidden gems. In fact, Graz was named European Capital of Culture in 2003 and UNESCO City of Design in 2011.

After living in Graz for over 10 years, I’ve come to know the city inside and out. From its iconic landmarks to the spots only locals know about. I’ve gathered all the best things to do in Graz to help you experience this charming city like a local.

Table of Contents

1. Go up Schlossberg to 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 panoramic view of Graz, Austria, taken from the Schlossberg, showcasing the sprawling city with its red rooftops under a bright, clear sky. — View from the Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

The Schlossberg, or “Castle Mountain,” is Graz’s most iconic landmark in the city center. You can reach it via the scenic stairs at Schlossbergplatz, the lift inside the mountain, the funicular from Sackstraße, or walkways from spots like Karmeliterplatz.

At the top, you’ll find the famous Clock Tower (Uhrturm), where the clock hands are reversed, the large hand marks the hour, a feature from when it originally only had one hand.

Besides the Clock Tower, you can explore the remnants of the citadel, an open-air concert venue, restaurants, and a park, where locals love to visit on sunny days for the stunning views.

For more details, check out my full guide on the Clock Tower in Graz.

2. Walk Across the Island in the Mur

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 *Murinsel* is one of the main Graz tourist attractions

The Mur River flows through Graz, dividing the city in two, and while there are many bridges to cross, the most unique is the pedestrian bridge that leads to the floating artificial island, Murinsel.

This island has a café and a small shop on it, and hosts different events throughout the year. You can check the event calendar here.

For the best view of the Murinsel, head to the nearby Erich-Edegger-Steg, a pedestrian bridge over the river.

3. Check out 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. — Difficult to get a great picture, in looks much better in real life

A long corridor inside the Kunsthaus Graz with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, including a nearby church tower. The sunlight streaming in highlights the modern design of the building. — Difficult to get a great picture, in looks much better in real life

The Kunsthaus is a modern art museum next to the Mur River, nicknamed the “Friendly Alien” for its futuristic design. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the building itself is one of Graz’s most unique attractions and worth seeing from the outside.

Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions and a trendy café, which is very popular in summer as they have great outside seating.

The ticket is included in the 24-hour museum pass in Graz, check out my article about the museums in Graz to see if this ticket is worth it for you.

4. Stroll Down Herrengasse

A beautifully decorated building on Herrengasse in Graz, with a vibrant facade covered in intricate murals. The historic architecture and artistic details make this one of the notable sights in the city. — How cool is the facade of this building?

Herrengasse is the main shopping street in the city center of Graz, perfect for browsing local and international stores. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, it’s worth a stroll to admire the beautiful facades that line the street.

One of the most unusual things to see in Graz is also hidden on this street, a stained glass window at the Parish Church of the Holy Blood, which features images of Hitler and Mussolini, a surprising and often overlooked detail.

5. Have The Best Ice Cream in the World

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!

I know it sounds like an exaggeration, but Eisperle truly has the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

They have very unique, daily changing flavours. You can really taste the freshness, for example brownie ice cream is made with real brownie pieces. It’s a must-visit spot in summer. Plus, all their ice cream is vegan!

In the summer, locals grab a cone and head to the fountain at Am Eisernen Tor to enjoy the ice cream and watch the birds in the fountains.

Looking for more vegan food? Here are my top vegan spots in Graz.

6. Visit the Cathedral and Mausoleum

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 Cathedral of St. Giles and Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II are two of Graz’s top historical landmarks.

The Cathedral has a stunning Baroque interior and it’s free to visit. Don’t miss the famous “Landplagenbild,” a fresco on the outside of the cathedral depicting the plagues that once ravaged the city.

Next door, the Mausoleum is a beautiful Baroque structure with a stunning turquoise dome, housing the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II. It’s also free to visit but you only see the tomb through a window in the floor.

7. See the Little Dancers at Glockenspiel Platz

A view of the Glockenspielplatz in Graz, Austria, showcasing historic buildings with intricate facades, including the famous clock tower. The square is a charming spot where the Glockenspiel chimes attract visitors. — The figures come out 3 times a day

A close-up of the Glockenspiel in Graz, Austria, showcasing the colorful clock face and two carved figures—a woman and a man in traditional attire—positioned in arched openings. Above, a decorative tower with intricate golden details and a balcony gleams in the sunlight against a bright blue sky. The base features ornate relief carvings, adding to the historic charm of the structure. — The figures come out 3 times a day

One of Graz’s most charming attractions is the Glockenspiel at Glockenspielplatz, where two little wooden figures, dressed in traditional Austrian clothes, dance to music three times a day (11 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm).

You can simply wait at the square until the little wooden figures come out of the clock on the building facade or grab a coffee at the restaurant at the square while you wait.

8. Walk up a 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?

The Doppelwendeltreppe, or Double Spiral Staircase, is one of the city’s most fascinating architectural gems. It’s hidden at Graz Castle (Burg), the headquarters of the regional government and it’s free to visit.

Built in 1499, the staircase is a masterpiece of Gothic design. What makes it unique is its intertwined structure, two staircases that twist around each other, creating the illusion of infinity.

It’s often referred to as the “stairs of reconciliation” because the two staircases meet periodically, making it symbolic of reconciliation after disputes.

9. Relax in a Park

A peaceful view of Graz's Stadtpark, featuring lush greenery, tall trees, and a small pond with a statue at its edge. Visitors can be seen walking along the paths, enjoying the serene atmosphere of one of the most popular parks in Graz. The park is a beautiful spot for relaxation and outdoor activities amidst nature. — View of Stadtpark from Burggarten

Graz is home to several beautiful parks, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Stadtpark is the city’s largest and most central park. Burggarten offers a more intimate, peaceful setting next to Graz Castle.

However, my favorite is Augarten, located along the Mur River. It’s a bit more off the beaten path and has a laid-back, local vibe. With plenty of open space, playgrounds, and shaded spots, it’s the perfect place to relax on a sunny day.

10. Drink Better Coffee

A woman sitting by a large window in Café Tribeka, Graz, enjoying a coffee and a sandwich. The sunlight creates a warm, cozy atmosphere inside the café. — Don’t worry, they have tables as well 😉

Austrians love to drink coffee and the most popular coffee chain in Graz is tribeka which stands for Trink Besseren Kaffee (drink better coffee).

It’s a very modern self service café with four locations in Graz. While sightseeing the location at Grieskai next to the Kunsthaus is the most convenient.

They have very tasty coffee, but I usually opt for another drink like a chai latte or a vegan mango lassi. They also have different bagels and all their staff speak English.

11. Visit the 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. — The historic armoury in Graz city center

The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) in Graz is the world’s largest historic armory. This unique museum houses over 32,000 pieces of armor, weapons, and military equipment from the 15th to 18th century.

The exhibition pieces themselves are not labeled but you’ll get a little booklet with general information about each floor.

Don’t miss having a look outside the window on the fourth floor, you’ll see a beautiful courtyard and the Clock Tower in the back.

12. Shop at a Local Farmer’s Market

A bustling outdoor market in Graz, Austria, with colorful striped canopies sheltering stalls filled with fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods. Shoppers explore the vibrant selection of fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. — Farmer’s market at Lendplatz

Graz is a city that prides itself on local produce, and you can taste it for yourself at one of the many farmer’s markets. One of the most popular markets is at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right next to the opera house.

Another popular market is at Lendplatz, surrounded by outdoor cafés and bars. However, since smoking is allowed at outdoor tables, choose a spot away from smokers for fresh air.

Be sure to try the famous Styrian pumpkin seed oil (Kernöl), a specialty of the region.

Here you can find a list of all the farmer’s markets in Graz and their opening times.

13. Visit the Main City Square

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, one of the Graz sights in the center

Hauptplatz, the main square of Graz, is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including the picturesque Rathaus (City Hall).

The square often hosts markets and events, and it’s the perfect spot to people-watch, grab a bite to eat, or for shopping.

For the best view of Hauptplatz, head to the rooftop café at Kastner & Öhler. In summer, the terrace offers stunning outdoor seating, while in winter, the store’s massive Christmas tree, spanning four floors, creates a festive atmosphere inside.

14. Explore Eggenberg Palace

A front view of Schloss Eggenberg, a grand baroque palace in Graz, Austria, featuring ornate architecture with red-tiled roofs, tall towers, and surrounded by lush greenery. This historic landmark is a popular destination for visitors. — During my last visit it was covered in scaffolding; Photo: Universalmuseum Joanneum / Jare

This image depicts an ornate and grand hall with high ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and large, classical-style paintings that decorate both the walls and ceiling. The floor is covered in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern, and the ceiling is richly adorned with intricate moldings and paintings. The chandeliers appear to be crystal, adding to the opulence of the space. Rows of chairs line the walls, giving the impression of a formal or ceremonial room. — During my last visit it was covered in scaffolding; Photo: Universalmuseum Joanneum / Jare

Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Austria’s most important Baroque palaces. Built in the 17th century, it retains its original design, with no electricity or heating in the state rooms.

The state rooms, the highlight of any visit, can only be visited on a guided tour, which is included in the entrance fee and available in English. An interesting fact I learned on the tour is that the palace has 365 windows, one for each day of the year.

There’s also the Alte Galerie in the palace, an art collection featuring works from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. And there’s a beautiful garden surrounding the palace. Keep your eyes open for peacocks in the gardens!

Schloss Eggenberg is the only attraction a bit outside Graz’s old town, but it’s easily accessible by public transport. Tram number 1 goes directly from the main square.

15. Take a Day Trip to Explore the Surroundings

Graz offers plenty of options for half-day or full-day trips to explore the surroundings.

My most recommended half-day trips are:

Thalersee & Schwarzenegger Museum: Just outside of Graz, Thalersee is a picturesque lake ideal for a relaxing walk or a pedal boat ride. Nearby, you can visit the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, located in his childhood home.
Schöckl Mountain: For a more active adventure, head to Schöckl Mountain. You can hike up or take the cable car to the top for stunning views. It’s a great spot to try out hiking before you head to higher mountains in Austria.

My favourite full-day excursions from Graz are:

Riegersburg Castle: Explore this impressive medieval fortress perched on a volcanic hill, with sweeping views of the countryside and a rich history.
Thermal Spa at Rogner Bad Blumau: My favorite thermal spa, Blumau, is known for its unique architecture and relaxing pools. It’s the perfect spot to soak in some warm water after days of exploring.

Map of the Graz Attractions

Tina with a backpack admires the panoramic view of Graz from the Schlossberg, with the iconic clock tower (Uhrturm) visible in the background, framed by clear skies and a sweeping cityscape. — Graz is an amazing city!

Final Thoughts: Discover the Best of Graz

Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks like Schlossberg and Eggenberg Palace, relaxing in charming parks, or venturing out for day trips, Graz offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

If you’re planning a visit and want to make the most of your stay, be sure to check out my guide on Where to Stay in Graz for the best accommodations.

And if you’re looking to uncover even more hidden spots, head over to my post on Graz’s Hidden Gems for insider tips!