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In October, I hit the road to visit a very close friend who had moved from Turkey to Graz. At this rate, it seems like we’ll soon have friends in every country in Europe. Graz is entirely different in terms of both its climate and its people. After all, folks in the south are always warmer 🙂 Graz, the capital of Austria’s Styria region, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. It has 8 universities (in a city of 600,000 people), with students making up about 10% of the population, adding a lively atmosphere in the evenings. There are many places to visit as a tourist; a full day is enough for quick explorers, but if you want to see the museums, you’ll need 2 days.

Places to Visit in Graz

Schlossberg and Clock Tower
Located in the center of Graz, Schlossberg is a hill offering panoramic views of the city. The Clock Tower, built in the 13th century, is one of Graz’s most iconic symbols. When Napoleon’s armies conquered Schlossberg in 1809, the locals bought the area to save the Clock Tower from demolition. 

Besides showing the time, the Clock Tower was also used to alert people during fires. To get up there, you can take the elevator from Schlossbergplatz/Murinsel (one-way ticket is 2.2 EUR), or if you’re in good shape, I recommend walking through Sporgasse and its narrow streets. When I reached the Clock Tower, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a musician playing the accordion. Maybe you’ll run into him too!

Murinsel
Murinsel is an artificial floating island on the Mur River, designed by artist Vito Acconci when Graz was the European Capital of Culture in 2003. It has an art gallery and a café inside.

Old City (Altstadt)
The Old Town, with its narrow medieval streets, Renaissance courtyards, and Baroque palaces, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Graz’s Old Town is known as one of the best-preserved city centers in Europe. Every street is stunning, and I wouldn’t be exaggerating.

Kunsthaus Graz
Opened in 2003 as part of the European Capital of Culture program, this modern art museum stands out with its unique architecture among the historic buildings. It’s nicknamed the “Friendly Alien” because of its futuristic design. Entrance is 12 EUR, and you can find the detailed program at this link.

Doppeltwendeltreppe
Located under Schlossberg, this structure features two intertwining spiral staircases. Because people can meet and part ways at certain points, it’s also called the “Staircase of Love.” Nearby, you can take a break at the city park (Stadtpark).

Palais Saurau mit Türkenfigur
I wrote the exact name from Google to make it easier to find. This palace on Sporgasse has a wooden figure of an Ottoman soldier on its top floor.

Places I Didn’t Get to Visit but Plan to Next Time 🙂

Eggenberg Palace
Built in 1625 by Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg, this magnificent Baroque palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Its 24 rooms represent the 24 hours of the day, and its 365 windows symbolize the days of the year.

Landeszeughaus (Styria Armory)
Completed in 1642, this armory is the largest historic armory in the world, housing a vast collection of weapons and armor with about 32,000 pieces

Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
The world-famous bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, which is a 20-minute drive or 1.5-hour public transport ride from Graz. You might want to add this museum to your travel plans.

Public Transportation in Graz

Graz is mostly walkable. The public transport network is well-developed and affordable. A single ticket is 3 EUR, and a day ticket is 6 EUR. More details on public transport can be found at the link below.

https://www.graztourismus.at/en/getting-there-and-public-transport/mobility-in-graz/buses-and-trams

Eating and Drinking in Graz

In addition to places to visit, let’s include the historic Kastner&Öhler shopping center. It was established in 1873. I wasn’t there to shop this time but to visit the Freiblick Tagescafé on its terrace with its fantastic view. We were lucky to find a spot, but if you’re going in a large group, it’s best to make a reservation.

Hofbäckerei Edegger Tax One of the most famous bakeries on Sporgasse, thought to be established in the 14th century. Sweets here range from 3-4 EUR.

Delikatessen Frankowitsch They sell about 40 varieties of “Brötchen,” which are small sandwiches. They have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. It was hard to choose, but everything was delicious. A small glass of Austrian Gösser beer went perfectly with it.

Since there are vineyards in southern Austria, you can do some wine tasting at places “Weinbar” in Graz.

Souvenirs from Graz

One of the most interesting souvenirs you can get from Graz is pumpkin seeds, chocolate, and oil. Pumpkin seeds are an important product grown in the Styria region. You can find various types in markets. My friend gave me pumpkin seed oil as a gift, and although it initially tasted heavy compared to olive oil, I now add a tablespoon or two to every salad.

Another souvenir, my personal favorite, is records. Inandout Records had a nice selection. While browsing, I unexpectedly found a Turkish record called “Konya Kabağı” It turns out there was a guest worker migration from Türkiye to Graz in the 1960s, and this record somehow ended up on the shelf.

If you’re interested in local clothing, you might want to buy Lederhose for men or Drindl dresses for women, traditional outfits from southern Germany and Austria. These clothes are still worn at some festivals and weddings today, but prices range from 200-400 EUR.

Cities Near Graz to Explore

Graz’s location is ideal for exploring nearby cities in Austria and Slovenia.

Maribor (Slovenia)
Maribor, a one-hour drive from Graz, is Slovenia’s second-largest city. Founded in the 12th century, it’s known for its charming old town and wine culture. Maribor is home to “Stara Trta,” a vine over 400 years old that holds a Guinness World Record.

Vienna
Austria’s capital, founded by the Romans in the 1st century as Vindobona, is known for its imperial history, museums, palaces (such as Schönbrunn and Hofburg), and vibrant cultural life.

Salzburg
Famous for its Baroque architecture, Salzburg was founded in 696 and is also Mozart’s birthplace. The annual Mozart Week celebrates the life and works of the famous composer.

Klagenfurt
Located by Lake Wörthersee, Klagenfurt was founded in 1246. Minimundus, a miniature park here, hosts over 150 models of famous structures from around the world.

Leoben
Known for its historic mining industry, Leoben is home to one of Austria’s oldest and largest breweries, Gösser Brewery, established in 1020.

Hallstatt
Famous for the world’s oldest salt mine and its breathtaking scenery, Hallstatt is a must-see. It might seem very touristy, but a boat tour on the lake will give you a true Hallstatt experience.

You can watch my YouTube video about Graz below:

You can check out my Graz map on GoogleMaps

Stay curious until the next post,

One-Day Wonder

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