Things to see and do in Graz

Top Activities and Experiences in Graz

Graz, where medieval turrets pierce cotton-candy skies and the Mur glitters like liquid sapphire, offers Renaissance palaces, bold modern art, and Styrian culinary delights. Whether you're ascending the Uhrturm at golden hour, tasting kernöl in a courtyard, or dancing under the Murinsel’s blue dome, Graz pulses with youthful energy and historic charm.

Climb Schlossberg & Uhrturm Clock Tower

Ride the glass elevator or hike 260 steps to this 473m hilltop fortress. The 1560 Uhrturm’s oversized hands (backwards for centuries) glow at sunset over red rooftops and the Alps.

Visit Kunsthaus Graz (Friendly Alien)

Explore this 2003 iridescent blue bubble by the Mur, nicknamed the “Friendly Alien.” Inside, contemporary exhibits shift with glowing nozzles—rooftop café offers river views.

Tour Schloss Eggenberg

Wander this 1625 baroque palace with 365 windows, peacock-filled gardens, and planetary state rooms. The Alte Galerie displays medieval altars beneath gilded stucco ceilings.

Stroll Hauptplatz & Landhaus Courtyard

Admire the colorful facades and daily market on the main square. The Renaissance Landhaus arcade hides a triple-spiral staircase and copper-roofed courtyard perfect for photos.

Float on Murinsel Island

Cross the floating steel shell (2003) linking old town to Kunsthaus. Inside, a twisting blue amphitheater hosts concerts; outside, café tables bob gently on the Mur.

Visit Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum

Enter the 15th-century Gothic cathedral with frescoes of the Black Death. Next door, Emperor Ferdinand II’s flamboyant mausoleum drips with red marble and golden angels.

Taste Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil (Kernöl)

Drizzle the inky-green “black gold” on salads or vanilla ice cream at Glacis or Aiola Upstairs. Pair with crusty bread and local Schilcher rosé wine.

Day Trip to Styrian Wine Road

Bus or bike 30 min south to rolling vineyards. Buschenschank taverns serve cold cuts, liptauer cheese, and young wine under chestnut trees—pure rustic bliss.

Explore Universalmuseum Joanneum

Austria’s oldest museum (1811) spans natural history, armor, and folk art. The futuristic depot in the hills stores 4.5 million objects—guided tours reveal hidden treasures.

Ride the Schloßbergbahn Funicular

Glide up the 19th-century rail to the hilltop in 2 minutes. At the top, the open-air stage hosts summer cinema and jazz beneath the stars.

Shop at Farmers’ Markets

Fill your basket with speck, horseradish, and apple strudel at Kaiser-Josef-Platz (Sat) or Lendplatz (daily). Locals haggle over fresh chanterelles in autumn.

Attend Styriarte Music Festival

Join June–July classical concerts in palaces and churches. Vivaldi under frescoes or Mozart in candlelit courtyards—Graz’s acoustic heritage shines.

Visit Double Spiral Staircase

Climb the 1499 Gothic masterpiece in the Burg where two staircases intertwine without meeting. Legend says lovers ascending separately reunite at the top.

Relax at Augarten Park

Picnic by the Mur in this riverside green space with outdoor swimming, sculpture trails, and weekend flea markets. Sunset yoga classes face the Uhrturm.

Cycle the Mur River Trail

Rent a bike and pedal 20km of flat paths past vineyards and grazing horses. Stop at riverside Strandcafé for Aperol spritz and live DJs.