Kunsthaus Graz

Graz in Summer
A creative and culinary city

Take a stroll through the streets, discover design shops, visit quirky cafés, and find hidden courtyards, while the Clocktower is watching over the city.

If you want to take in the view over Graz and get your bearings, the best place to start is the Schlossberg. From the historic centre, 260 steps or the Schlossberg funicular lead up to the popular hilltop viewpoint. From the Clock Tower, the city’s landmark, the view opens across rooftops, narrow lanes and the green surroundings. It is an ideal place to begin the day – perhaps with a relaxed breakfast. Afterwards, a walk through the city is not only about the elegant façades and panoramic views, but also about discovering the hidden courtyards of the old town. Kaiser-Josef-Platz soon becomes a natural meeting point – for a glass of wine or regional dishes fresh from the market.

Graz holds the title City of Design not as a label, but as an attitude: creative, practical and full of surprises. Between the historic old town and contemporary architecture, the experience often begins right on the doorstep – for example with the 7 Summits, seven scenic hills around Graz that combine nature with views of the city. The bike-friendly city invites visitors to explore by bicycle or mountain bike, from urban routes to green trails in the surrounding countryside. Along the Mur, Graz feels noticeably more relaxed: lakes for swimming, watersports and restored riverbanks offer places to slow down. In between lie parks and gardens – quiet retreats within the rhythm of urban life.

Facts about Graz
Population:approx. 305,200 (as of 2025)
State capital:of the province of Styria
Area:127 km² (40% are green spaces)
Altitude:365 m
Viewpoint:Schlossberg with Clocktower
Local mountain of Graz:Schöckl (1,445 m)

On the 6th floor of the Kastner & Öhler department store, the café-lounge "Das Freiblick" offers the best view of Graz’s Old Town from its rooftop terrace.

Meet Graz

Top highlights

Tours

UNESCO City of Design

The interplay between tradition and modernity shapes Graz in a very natural way. It can be seen in the sights between the Clock Tower and the Kunsthaus, in the cultural scene between Styriarte and steirischer herbst, and in the museums ranging from the Styrian Armoury to the BRUSEUM. Centuries separate the World Heritage old town and contemporary culture – and it is precisely this contrast that gives the city its distinctive character. You can stroll from the Renaissance arcades of the Graz Landhaus straight into the creative Lend district.

Top events

Eating and drinking in Graz

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Experience culture, travel with ease

Graz Card

The Graz Card includes public transport and access to cultural highlights both in one. Travel easily by train, tram, or bus to museums and attractions – perfect for a family city trip! Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Highlights:

  • Free travel in fare zone 101, including to and from the airport

  • Free travel on the Schlossbergbahn and Schlossberg lift

  • Free admission to many museums

  • Free tour of the old town

  • Discounts in and around Graz

  • Two tickets for children up to 15 years per adult ticket included

FAQ

You can reach Graz easily by train, car, bus or plane. The airport is well connected to the city centre by bus and train. From Vienna, the train journey to Graz takes around 2.5 hours. By car, the city is accessible via the A2 or A9 motorways. Once in Graz, buses and trams provide quick connections across the city – and with the Graz Card, public transport is free.

We recommend spending two to three days in Graz. In one day, you can explore the Schlossberg, the Clock Tower and the historic old town. With two days, there is also time to visit the Kunsthaus, the Murinsel and Eggenberg Palace. Three days or a long weekend are ideal if you would like to explore the surrounding region and enjoy Graz's culinary scene.

The mixture of historical and modern sights makes Graz a special city that offers art and culture as well as innovation.

  • Schlossberg and Clock Tower: Graz’s landmark provides a stunning view of the city. The Schlossbergbahn cable car or Schlossberg lift offers a comfortable ride to the top.

  • Old Town of Graz: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town captivates with its historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming squares.

  • Mur Island: A modern architectural project on the Mur - half island, half-bridge - with a café and amphitheatre.

  • Kunsthaus Graz: Known as the "Friendly Alien", this futuristic building combines modern art with innovative design.

  • Eggenberg Palace: A magnificent baroque palace with beautiful gardens, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Main Square and Town Hall: The city's vibrant heart, with impressive architecture and lively atmosphere.

The diversity of culture, history, modern architecture and excellent cuisine makes Graz a fascinating city.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The old town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved historic buildings and charming alleyways.

  • City of Design: Graz has been recognised by UNESCO as a "City of Design" and is known for its creative scene and innovative architectural projects such as the Kunsthaus and the Mur Island.

  • Culinary delights: Graz is known as the "culinary capital" of Austria and spoils you with regional specialities and fresh products from the farmers' market.

  • Student city: With several universities and technical colleges, Graz has a lively student scene that characterises city life.

  • Eggenberg Palace: The baroque palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens.

As the "culinary capital" of Austria, Graz offers an impressive selection of first-class restaurants, inns and cosy cafés. Here are some recommendations for culinary experiences in the city:

  • Der Steirer: An inn that serves Styrian cuisine with a modern twist.

  • The Gasthaus Die Herzl: Styrian delights in a rustic ambience.

  • Aiola Upstairs: Offers not only regional specialities but also a breathtaking view over the city.

  • The Genießerei am Markt: Regional products in a modern ambience.

  • Frankowitsch: An institution in Graz known for its legendary bread rolls.

  • The Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax: The oldest bakery in Graz beloved for its handmade baked goods.

  • Kaffee Weitzer: A stylish café in the historic hotel of the same name.

  • "Omas Teekanne" is a cosy café with a view of the Clock Tower.

An overview of events in Graz can be found on the official website of Graz Tourism. Highlights include:

  • The Styrian Autumn Festival, which presents international art and culture.

  • The styriate - The Festival of Early Music in Eggenberg Castle.

  • The Graz Opera: One of Austria's leading opera houses with its programme ranging from classical operas and operettas to modern productions.

  • Aufsteirern: This festival of Styrian folk culture not only features music and dance but also numerous stalls selling traditional delicacies from the region.

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