Graz is the capital of the Styria state in Austria. The city is known for its history, culture, art, and architecture. Some of the best things to do in Graz include exploring palaces, forts, churches, art collections, and history museums. The city’s old area is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The history of Graz goes back to the Copper Age. But it gained prominence during the Middle Ages and during the Roman Age. Some of the best places to visit in Graz, Austria hail from these periods. A fortress was built by the Romans where the town center stands today.
Then in the 12th century, the dukes of Babenberg turned Graz into a major commercial center for Austria. But, the majority of the historical things to see in Graz, Austria date between the 14th and 19th centuries. During this period the city saw the construction of palaces, mansions, public art, mausoleums, and markets. Some of these historical Graz attractions still stand with exhibiting their original splendor. You will see a variety of architectural styles from different periods including Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and so on.
Owing to its commercial stature and strategic position, the city was often attacked by the Turks between the 15th and 17th centuries. But, it never fell owing to the mighty Schlossberg fortress, which is now one of the biggest Graz tourist attractions. This fortress will tell you stories about ages of battles and heroics. It was also a major center for political activity in the region and you will get to know about the ruling classes of Austria who lived in the fortress.
Graz is also known as a university city and is associated with several great names in science and academics such as Johannes Kepler, Nikola Tesla, and Erwin Schrodinger. There are also several places to see in Graz that celebrate art, literature, music, and culture. The city has museums dedicated to the ancient armory, Roman art, religious art, contemporary art, opera music, folklore, and more.
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Top 17 Tourist Places to Visit in Graz in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg)
This palace is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Austria. It is known for exceptional architecture and Baroque design. It is one of the best places to visit in Graz to witness the splendor of Austrian royalty. You will see an incredible collection of art, historical artifacts, costumes, regal furniture, interior decor, carved art, architectural features, and more. You will need about 2 hours to tour this palace when you visit Graz, Austria.
2. Graz Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz)
This art museum is as renowned for its collection as it is for its unique and inspired contemporary architecture. The structure is named “Friendly Alien” by its creators, and the name fits the bill perfectly. The building lights up beautifully with LED lights, so it is one of the best things to do in Graz, Austria at night. The collection in the museum focuses primarily on Austrian contemporary artworks. The collection includes paintings, installations, performance art, live art, sculptures, and audio-visual experiences. You will need 2 hours from Graz travel to tour this museum.
3. Hauptplatz
This historical square has been the heart of Graz since the middle ages. The Marketplace of the Square was one of the most important places of commerce in Austria. The current structure of the square dates back to the Renaissance and is surrounded by several historical Graz attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this square.
4. Rathaus
This town hall dates back to 1893 and is known for its gorgeous 19th-century architecture and lush interiors. The statues on the building depict Austrian historical figures and rulers. The hall also has sculptures dedicated to science, art, commerce, and so on. It is one of the most wonderful things to see in Graz, Austria. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this beautiful building.
5. The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus)
This museum has a collection of 32,000 pieces of armor and weapons, some of these dates back to the medieval ages. It is a must-see in Graz. You will see shining metal armor, swords, cannons, staffs, firearms, falconets, spears, pikes, and a cavalry army. It is like entering a medieval war wardrobe in a fantasy movie. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.
Day 2
1. Mariatrost Basilica
This church dates back to the early 17th century and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Austria. You need to ascend 216 steps to reach the Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the top things to do in Graz for all people, religious or not. The church is renowned for its towers, dome, ancient furniture, artworks, and frescoes. You will need an hour to tour this church.
2. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)
These botanical gardens surround a nouveau mansion. The glasshouses look like an armadillo’s shell and they recreate 4 climatic zones. They house plants and trees from different regions around the world. You can walk the gardens routes and canopies exploring plants and trees on leisurely strolls. You will need about an hour from Graz sightseeing to explore this garden.
3. Herz Jesu Kirche
Known as the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, this church dates back to the 18th century and was designed by Georg Hauberrisser. This Neo-gothic style church is the largest church in the city and one of the biggest Graz tourist attractions. The church is renowned for its architectural features such as the 100-meter tall tower, 12 side altars, interior decor, religious artworks, and sculptures. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.
4. Joanneumsviertel – Neue Galerie Graz & Naturkundemuseum
This complex houses several museums dedicated to history, art, and science. It is home to some of the most popular places to see in Graz including the New Graz Gallery, Natural History Museum, Multimedia Collections, and Botany of Joanneum Universal Museum. You will need at least 2 hours to tour the various museums in this complex.
5. Grazer Landhaus
Built-in 1557 and designed by Domenico dell’Allio, this is one of the most magnificent structures you will come across during Graz sightseeing. Grazer Landhause is an exquisite example of Renaissance grandeur. You will see arched windows, lush courtyards, baroque-style parlors, gargoyle statues, intricately carved arches, and more. You will need about an hour to tour this masterpiece of a structure.
6. Graz Cathedral
Dating back to the 15th century, this Gothic cathedral was built during the reign of Emperor Frederick III. The church was redesigned in the 17th and 18th centuries adding more baroque features to the structure. But it still retains many of its 15th-century elements in its facade as well as interior decor. You will see frescoes, altars, paintings, organs, pulpits, and so on dating back to the church’s establishment. It is one of the best places to visit in Graz, Austria to experience classic design. You will need about an hour to tour this cathedral.
Day 3
1. Schlossberg
This mountain castle dates back to the 10th century and sits perched atop the hill overlooking the city. This fortress is one of the most incredible things to see in Graz, Austria. The fortress was built in stages with different parts built under different rulers. The iconic clocktower was built during the 13th century, while the majority of the fortification structure was built in the 16th century. You can explore the castle and learn about its history and the stories of the people that lived here over the ages. It is one of the most fun things to do in Graz, Austria. You will need about 2 hours to tour the castle.
2. Murinsel
This artificial island sits in the river Mur and was designed as an event and entertainment venue in 2003 when Graz became the European Capital of Culture. The island is built primarily from glass and steel and designed by New York architect Vito Acconci to look like a Sea Shell. It is one of the best Graz tourist attractions for evening leisure. The structure is beautifully lit up at night with colorful LED lights. You will need about an hour to tour this place when you visit Graz.
3. GrazMuseum
This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Graz city. It is built inside the Khuenburg Palace, which is renowned for its baroque architecture. The museum has over 100,000 artifacts including books, paintings, photographs, furniture, memorabilia, sculptures, costumes, weapons, maps, postcards, and more. It is one of the most insightful Graz attractions that tells you about the political, cultural, social, and economic history of the city. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.
4. Museum im Palais
This museum also traces the history of Graz, but it focuses more on the cultural, religious, and traditional aspects. This museum is housed in Herberstein Palace. It is one of the most richly designed and decorated places to see in Graz. You will simultaneously tour the museum and the palace admiring architecture and artifacts. You will need an hour from Graz travel to tour the palace and the museum.
5. Castle of Graz (Grazer Burg)
Also known as the Eggenberg Palace, this castle is included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. The castle was built between 1460 and 1762. As a result, the structure features a variety of architectural features and design elements from different eras. The castle is best known for its features inspired by the Gregorian calendar. There are 365 windows that represent the days and 24 stately rooms that symbolize hours. These are must-see attractions in Graz. The castle is also well known for its paintings and frescoes dedicated to zodiac signs, Greek Mythology, Old Testament, Roman History, and Western European History. Exploring this castle is one of the best things to do in Graz, Austria. You will need about 2 hours to tour this castle.
6. Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
This 17th-century mausoleum is known for its baroque architecture and is part of a series of buildings that form the “Crown of the Town”. The mausoleum is popular for its intricately carved reliefs, sculptures, stuccowork, and ornate architecture. You will need an hour from Graz sightseeing to tour this mausoleum.
If you are looking for more things to do or places to visit in Graz, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to enjoy in and around the city during Graz travel.
Things to do in Graz
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Graz
- Schlossberg Castle
- Uhrturm Clocktower
- Eggenberg Palace
- Landeszeughaus
- Oper Graz
- Neue Galerie Graz
- Mariatrost Basilica
- Graz Cathedral
- Grazer Burg
- Double Spiral Staircase
- Graz Museum
- Frida & Fred Children’s Museum
- Parlamento Regional de Graz
- Museum fur Geschichte
- Mausoleo dell’Imperatore Ferdinando II
- Dom im Berg
- Herz Jesu Kirche
- Halle Fur Kunst Steiermark
- Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
- Folk Life Museum
- Johann Puch Museum
- St. Johann und Paul Kirche
- Schloss Lustbuhel
- Mariahilfer Kirche
- Franciscan Church
- Parish Church of the Holy Blood
- Grazer Kalvarienberg
- Schloss Eggenberg: Alte Galeria
- Glockenturm
- Naturkund Museum
- Graz Museum Schlossberg
- Tramway Museum
- Schell Collection
- Haus der Architecture
- Gosting Castle
- Museum der Wahrenmung
- Archaologie Museum
- MUSIS – Steirischer Museumsverband
- Stadt Graz – Historisches Zentrum
- Palais Attems
- Gemalteshaus
- Diozesan Museum Graz
- Galerie Sommer
- Pilgrimage Church of Maria of Strassngel
- Austrian Open Air Museum Stubing
- Osterreichischer Skulpturen Park
- Osterreichisches Luftfahrt Museum
- Rein Abbey Austria
- Novystein
- Das Technische Eisenbahn Museum Lieboch
- Museum of Perception
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Graz
- Rettenbachklamm
- Plabutsch
- Hilmteich Lake
- Furstenstand
- Buchkogel
- Thaler See
- Kesselfall
- Grazer Umland Weg
- Schlockl West Summit
- Hohe Rannach
- Schwarzl See
- Mount Schockl
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Graz
- Kunsthaus Graz
- Murinsel Artificial Island
- Stadtpark Graz
- Augarten
- Schlossbergbahn
- Karl Franzens Universitat Botanical Garden
- Flip Lab
- Schlossberglift Graz
- Forum Stadtpark
- Casino Graz
- Burggarten
- Planetengarten
- Kunst Garten
- Studienzentrum Naturkunde
- Volksgarten
- Turtle Island
- CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Skilift Gedersberg
- Graz Adventure Park
- Stunt AT Adrenaline Park
- The Graz Fairytale Train
Shopping in Graz
- Jokominiplatz
- Shopping City Seiersberg
- Kastner & Ohler
- Hauptlatz
- City Park
- Lend District
- Murpark
- Annenviertel District
- Center West Graz
- Franciscan Square
- Shopping Nord
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Graz
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Mountain Biking
Sightseeing in Graz
- Graz Main Square
- Graz Old Town
- Kronprinz Rudolph Warte Observation Deck
- Sporgasse
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Graz
- Aiola Upstairs
- Freiblick Tagescafe
- Linzbichler
- Kunsthaus Cafe
- Der Steirer
- Geniesserei am Markt
- Dreizehn by Gauster
- Landhauskeller
- Pizzaiola
- Geruchtekuche
- Hummel
- Frankowitsch
- Standl 5
- Oh My Dog
- Wursteltands
- Harry’s Ice Cream
- Sax Eis
- Dar Eissalon
- Xocolat
Where to Stay in Graz?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Graz. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Graz.
Luxurious Hotels
- Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel
- Parkhotel Graz
- Hotel Gollner
- Aiola Living
- Palais-Hotel Erzherzog Johann
- Boutique Hotel Dom
- Augarten Art Hotel
- Hotel Drei Raben
- Hotel Kern Buam
- Green Business Hotel am Muhlengrund
Mid-Range Hotels
- Grand Hotel Wiesler Graz
- NH Graz City
- Hotel Weitzer Graz
- Hotel Sud
- AMEDIA Luxury Suites
- Ramada by Wyndham Graz
- Gastehaus Plank
- Hotel Garni Marienhof Graz
- Kiwano Hotel
- Hotel Mariahilf
Budget Hotels
- Mercure Graz City
- Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel Graz
- Hotel Daniel Graz
- Hotel Europa Graz
- JUFA Hotel Graz-Sud
- B&B Hotel Graz City-Sud
- sHome Hotel Graz
- Haus Mobene
- IntercityHotel Graz
- B&B Hotel Graz-Hbf
Custom Tours Package in Graz
How to Reach Graz?
By Air
The city is served by Graz Airport, which sits 9 km from the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Graz from Vienna, Calvi, Paros, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Palma de Mallorca, and a few other cities in Europe. You can get buses, cabs, and trains to reach Graz from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to Graz travel from several cities in Austria and a few major cities of Europe. These include Vienna, Munich, Slovenia, Zagreb, Zurich, and several others. You can also get buses to reach Graz from cities in Austria and major cities in neighboring countries.
If you are planning to visit Graz by road, you should head for routes A9, A2, or S6.
By Water
There are no water routes for Graz travel.
Image Reference
- Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg) – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- Graz Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz) – Marc Smith / Flickr
- Hauptplatz – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- Rathaus – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
- Mariatrost Basilica – barnyz / Flickr
- Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten) – Isiwal / Wikimedia Commons
- Herz Jesu Kirche – voggun / Flickr
- Joanneumsviertel – Neue Galerie Graz & Naturkundemuseum – Universalmuseum Joanneum / N. Lackner / Flickr
- Grazer Landhaus – Leonhard Niederwimmer / PixaBay
- Graz Cathedral – Damien / Flickr
- Schlossberg – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- Murinsel – Peter Horenský / Flickr
- GrazMuseum – GrazMuseum / Wikimedia Commons
- Museum im Palais – Universalmuseum Joanneum / N. Lackner / Flickr
- Castle of Graz (Grazer Burg) – Herbert Frank / Flickr
- Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II – barnyz / Flickr
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