25 Amazing Things to Do in Graz, Austria’s Second City

Start your Graz visit with a morning ascent to Schlossberg for panoramic views (about 10 minutes to climb, 5 more to stroll down), then head back to the main square for a coffee and a pastry. This sharp start keeps you energized for a day of easy, connected discoveries and efficient pacing.

Graz was founded in the Middle Ages and blends centuries of charm with an extensive, lively energy. The city offers an exclusive network of parks and a river that threads through the old town, making every corner walkable. For visitors, the information desks at Rathausplatz and the main train station provide practical tips on tram routes, museum hours, and family-friendly options.

In this guide you’ll find remarkable experiences across 25 items from boutique streets to kaiser cafés. From the exhibits in the main galleries to fresco cycles in historic churches, you’ll see how history and design meet. The route helps you cover great experiences while keeping a relaxed pace and staying aligned with your needs.

For outdoor lovers, the garden districts offer shade and calm, while the parks around the river invite casual strolls and short bike rides. The right pace helps you enjoy both highlights and hidden gems, and the city center hosts markets, live music, and evening light shows along the river. Each stop is designed to satisfy needs for variety, speed, and local flavor without crowds.

Practical guide for exploring Schloss Eggenberg and Graz

Begin at Schloss Eggenberg with a focused plan: explore the spiral staircase, the hand-painted halls, and the courtyards, then stroll toward Graz’s historic center for a compact dose of sights. The palace is a unesco-listed site and offers such classic baroque interiors and brush strokes on the ceilings that reward careful observation; bring a planner to map the loop and maximize your time, and you’ll leave with a good sense of the place. There’s plenty to read about its history in the rooms, so you can learn about the era before you go.

• Inside the palace – start at the Grand Hall, then follow the spiral corridor to the Painted Rooms; look for secret details in the ceilings and the decorative handcrafts in the alcoves. The courtyards unfold behind the wings and invite a short break in the shade; the masonry and courtyards stretch for metres, offering pockets for photos.
• From Eggenberg to the city – the walk or tram ride to the old town places you at a center of sights, medieval lanes, and modern cafes; Graz’s historic center is the core of the UNESCO cluster and features such classics of Styrian architecture along Hauptplatz and its squares.
• Food, baths, and refreshment – for a good culinary break, choose a cafe near the town hall; in the evening, relax at nearby baths or a spa after a day of exploring. theres a range of options for tea, cake, and seasonal dishes.
• Beyond Graz – if you crave more nature, consider a hike in Schladming-Dachstein or a day trip to Leoben to see its mining history and contemporary galleries; whether you’re into scenic drives, museums, or simple town strolls, the region offers options for a just getaway.

Practical tips: pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water; hiking along the river and strolling the courtyards are easy combos for a half-day or a longer outing. For a secret perspective, climb to a view terrace for metres-high horizons; there’s always more to discover about this place, and the experience pays off. thanks for reading and enjoy your getaway.

How to reach Schloss Eggenberg by tram, bus, car, or on foot

Tram From the heart of Graz, board a tram heading towards the western suburbs and ride about 15–20 minutes. Get off at the stop closest to Schloss Eggenberg, then follow the signs toward the courtyard and main entrance. The approach reveals a magnificent facade, a line of elegant buildings, and a quiet avenue that leads you toward the courtyards where history and beauty meet. Here the air feels alive with summer light, and your hair might catch a playful breeze as you step into the shade. This is a great start to your visit, and you’ll feel the energy of the city guiding you toward the palace.

Bus A short ride of 10–15 minutes from the city center ends near the palace grounds. Exit at the Eggenberg district stop, cross toward the gate, and climb the stairs to the main doors. The route passes past luxurious greenery and offers a view into different worlds of art and history, delivering a calm approach before you step inside. If you’re visiting for an event, arrive a little earlier to enjoy the grounds slowly and prepare for the evening programs.

Car From the Ring, head toward the western hills and follow the signs to Schloss Eggenberg. Park in the dedicated lots near the courtyards or along the access road; the spaces are clearly marked and typically easy to reach. The proximity is great for families, and the area around the palace caters to luxury visitors with comfortable paths and short walks to the entrance. Use the lift if you have luggage, and walk through the hedges toward the central court where the kaiser-era towers rise above the trees.

On foot If you prefer a leisurely walk, start at Jakominiplatz and head toward the western hills along well-kept lanes. You’ll pass narrow side streets, historic windows, and small bakeries where you can grab bread for a snack. The route takes roughly 40–50 minutes, and in summer you’ll enjoy leafy shade and a lovely village-like pace; in autumn, pumpkin stalls appear at markets near the gate, making the stroll even cozier. Walk slowly and take in the views as the courtyard walls come into view.

Practical notes Schloss Eggenberg hosts events year-round, with summer and evening programs that illuminate the buildings and courtyards. Check the calendar before you go, and plan your visit to avoid peak crowds. If youre exploring with kids or a stroller, the grounds are friendly to families, with accessible paths and a few steps to manage. The windows of the palace glow softly at dusk, and these grounds stay alive with visitors who appreciate the area’s luxury and history, which have been created here since the century.

Opening hours, ticket options, and the best times to visit

Begin your day with Landeszeughaus at 09:00; this unparalleled collection opens early for a calm start and a chance to photograph the grand armory rooms before the town wakes. Afterward, enjoy views from Schlossberg and wander the little alleys that frame Graz’s architecture and surroundings, including nearby cistercian-influenced buildings.

• Opening hours: Landeszeughaus is open Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00; last entry 16:30. Monday closed. Seasonal shifts occur; verify on the official site before you go.
• Ticket options: Adult single €8; Family pass €22 for two adults and up to two children; Student/senior €6 with ID. Combined offers with Kunsthaus Graz or Stadtmuseum from €4 more; online booking saves about 10% and guarantees entry during peak times. Artist-led tours are available for a deeper look.
• Sample itinerary: 09:00 Landeszeughaus; 10:15 walk to Hauptplatz, enjoying markets and architecture; 11:00 sample a local dish at a cafe; 13:00 Kunsthaus Graz; 15:00 climb Schlossberg for sunset views.
• Best times to visit: Target 09:00–11:00 or 15:00–17:00 to enjoy spiral staircases and grand halls with favorable light. Midweek visits reduce lines; grazer markets on Hauptplatz add color to the surroundings, making a little walk through the town extra enjoyable. If you crave a local flavor, plan a dish stop during the afternoon and linger over the city’s scenery during the golden hour.
• Practical tips: Bring a map and wear comfortable shoes for the spiral stairs; this route works well for your family-friendly day. There is a strong cistercian influence in nearby buildings that enriches the architecture. There are clear fire exits and helpful signage; after the visit, consider a final river view to extend the experience and rate it highly for accessibility and value.

Interior highlights: Planetary Room, state rooms, and architectural details

Begin with the Planetary Room: its central ceiling frescoes map celestial cycles, while styrian craftsmanship is adorned with gilded vines, creating a luxurious, grand introduction to Graz’s heritage.

Inside the state rooms, a josef-era desk and a grand mantel greet you, with arms of heraldry along the walls and activities echoed in the textiles.

In the oper gallery nearby, carved organ pipes and subtle acoustics demonstrate how sound once accompanied court rituals and daily life alike.

Architectural details sparkle across plaster, with cistercian arches and root motifs carved into the mouldings, inviting close inspection from every visitor.

Hidden courtyards frame the complex, while a garden area offers a quiet retreat for reflection; these spaces are ideal for family-friendly strolls and shared moments.

Created over years by master builders, the interiors were designed for every guest, with luxurious fabrics and sparkling chandeliers that still catch the light and glow softly at dusk.

Must-see elements include the transition staircases, landmark facades, and the way buildings frame views from key terraces, revealing how form and function coexist.

Thanks to graceful signage and thoughtful routes, these activities feel approachable for all ages, turning a visit into adventures for the whole family and leaving visitors inspired rather than overwhelmed.

Finish with a relaxing getaway, stepping from the grand interiors to Graz’s vibrant streets, where the central design language echoes from garden courtyards to the city square–and every moment feels connected to Styrian heritage.

Gardens and grounds: walk routes, photo spots, and seasonal scenery

Begin at Stadtpark Graz with a relaxed loop among wide lawns and shaded lanes; the narrow paths between mature trees frame easy, cheerful family photos here, with the town’s tower peeking above the treeline. From Stadtpark, follow the Lendkanal toward the river and return along Griesgasse, creating a full circuit that fits a half-day or an after-lunch stroll. Local guides name the Schlossberg loop a must for first-time visitors. It’s family-friendly, with benches and shade for kids.

For photo-ready architecture, wander the Grieskai frontage and the old town façades featuring trompe l’oeil details. Climb the Schlossberg tower for a panoramic city shot at golden hour, then descend via the hill’s terraces and catch the ivy-draped façades reflecting in the Mur.

Botanical Garden and nearby vineyards offer seasonal scenery: in October, maples glow and pumpkins appear in campus courtyards; photograph blooms in the glasshouses, and then wander toward nearby vineyards on the hillside for a sunset grape-leaf palette.

Hidden spots exist in the Stift district: a quiet inner courtyard and a hedge-lined path offer calm contrasts to the busy streets, ideal for a short, adventure-ready photo break.

Market stops and picnic picks: head to the Lendplatz market for fresh bread and autumn produce; choose a picnic kit with cheese, bread, and fruit to enjoy a relaxed dinner on a park bench or a grass patch, budget-friendly and family-friendly.

Practical planning: if you travel with a family, choose routes that include a multi-bed accommodation option nearby; many town-area guesthouses welcome larger groups, and you can pair a double room with a kid-friendly setup. For a longer day, add a late-evening stroll along the river to see the town lights, a perfect October evening before heading back to your lodging.

Nearby Graz experiences: Old Town, cafés, and must-see viewpoints

Start at Hauptplatz and walk towards the Old Town, where architectural styles blend with café culture and grazer life; this might be your most enjoyable stroll, with façades adorned in intricate details and a lively rhythm from street musicians.

Choose a guided routes through the Franciscan precinct and the historic arcades, giving you a compact taste of the city’s cultural layers while tracing the edges of the neighbourhoods. Expect quiet courtyards, busy squares, and small galleries that have been part of everyday life for locals and visitors alike.

Must-see viewpoints rise above the roofs: the Uhrturm bells ring from Schlossberg, framing a panorama toward the island Murinsel and the river. Towards sunset, the city glows with warm tones, inviting you to pause and capture a fantastic silhouette of towers and bridges in the middle of the day’s bustle.

When you crave a café break, seek places adorned with traditional charm and contemporary styles, perfect for tasting local wines and regional culinary items. The cultural heartbeat of the Old Town spills into the surrounding neighbourhoods, offering much to sample and compare in terms of atmosphere and rating.