Top Things to Do in Graz: Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of Styria, is one of the country’s most underrated destinations.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Graz, you will find a city that blends historic charm with bold modern design.
Most of Graz’s sights are within the compact city centre, making it easy to get around on foot and perfect for wandering and exploring.

With its UNESCO-listed Old Town, striking contemporary architecture, and a strong food and wine culture, Graz offers a different pace to Vienna or Salzburg.
It is relaxed, creative, and easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for slow travel.

The Schlossberg, the „city mountain“, is in the heart of Graz and the perfect starting point for any visit, offering panoramic views over the Old Town’s iconic, red-tiled rooftops.

You can reach the summit via a scenic climb, the glass elevator (2.50€ single ride), or the historic funicular (part of the city’s public transport network).
I opted for the elevator, and it was very straightforward, with tickets available from machines at the base.

Once at the top, you are greeted by the Uhrturm (Clock Tower), the city’s most iconic landmark and it is one of those sights that instantly anchors you in the city.
The 28-metre-tall landmark (92 feet) was originally a 13th-century defensive tower that. has been keeping time since 1712

Beyond the tower, I really enjoyed simply wandering the plateau.
There are peaceful walking paths, viewpoints such as the Chinese Pavilion, and the historic Turkish Well, all spread out in a way that makes it feel more like a park than a monument.

For a deeper look into its history, the Graz Museum Schlossberg is housed within the historic Stallbastei (Stable Bastion).
It traces the hill’s evolution from a 10th-century fortress, through its role during the Napoleonic Wars, to the public space it is today.

I descended via the Schlossbergsteige (stairs), passing the Habersteingarten, a Mediterranean-style terrace garden, making my way back down.

Wandering through the Altstadt (Old Town) was one of my favourite parts of exploring Graz.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe, but what stood out most for me was how easy it is just to slow down and wander.
Rather than following a set route, I found the best way to experience Graz was simply getting a little lost among the cobbled streets, quiet courtyards, and the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque façades that appear around every corner.

I spent a lot of time walking along Herrengasse, the city’s grand main street, which is lined with historic palaces, elegant buildings, and plenty of cafés and shops to dip in and out of as you go.

Sporgasse was another highlight for me.
This gentle uphill street is one of the oldest in Graz and has a more local, lived-in feel, with small boutiques, cafés, and plenty of character.
It is a really scenic route through the Old Town and a great place to slow down and explore without rushing.

Herrengasse

The Hauptplatz is the vibrant heart of Graz and one of the key things to see in Graz, surrounded by beautifully painted historic façades and the 19th-century Rathaus (City Hall).
In the centre of the square stands the Archduke Johann fountain, dating back to 1878.

During my visit, the square was set up with an Easter market, which added a really lively seasonal atmosphere. It’s also the main venue for Christmas markets and traditional folk festivals throughout the year, so it always feels like something is happening here.

I loved the colour of the surrounding buildings, painted in soft shades of pastel pink, ochre, and blue, with intricate architectural details that really show off Graz’s historic character.

At the corner of Sporgasse, you’ll find the striking Luegghaus, with its ornate stucco façade, now home to Swarovski.
Just off the square on Herrengasse 3 is the Painted House (Gemaltes Haus), also known as Herzoghaus. Its entire façade is covered in elaborate frescoes painted in 1742 by Johann Mayer, depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. It is one of those details you might miss at first glance, but it really stands out once you notice it.

Luegghaus

Just across the street at Herrengasse 9, the Generalihof feels much quieter. It has a similar Renaissance style but with a more peaceful atmosphere, and I found it a nice contrast to the busier spots nearby.
One of the more unexpected finds was the Hof des Deutschen Ritterordens (Court of the German Knights’ Order) located at Sporgasse 22.
The first thing I noticed was the distinctive “Murnockerl” paving, made from rounded river stones shaped by the Mur over centuries. Looking up, you can see the mix of architectural styles, with late Gothic arcades below and Renaissance columns above.

There are plenty of smaller courtyards scattered throughout the Old Town, and I quickly got into the habit of stepping inside whenever I saw an open doorway.
Some are simple, others more elaborate, but they all offer a quieter glimpse into Graz away from the main streets.

Even if you are not into military history, the Styrian Armoury is one of the most fascinating things to see in Graz.
I found it a real highlight and was genuinely surprised by just how impressive it is.

It felt like stepping into a European “Terracotta Army”, with rows of armour and weapons dating from the 15th to 19th centuries.
The armoury has been preserved in its original 17th-century state, with wide, worn wooden floorboards and weapons still displayed on traditional wooden racks, just as they were when Styria was defending its borders against Hungarian rebels and the Ottoman Empire.

It is one of the world’s largest historic armouries, housing over 30,000 pieces, including full suits of armour, helmets, shields, and firearms.

One of the highlights is the rare horse armour, one of only seven completely preserved horse armours in the world.

Walk through the Glockenspielplatz passageway at Herrengasse 7 to reach this lively square tucked just off the main street.

The Glockenspielhaus sits on the north side of the square, in what was Gottfried Maurer’s wine shop, now home to the Glockenspiel café.

Three times a day at 11 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm, two arched windows open in the building’s gable and a wooden couple dressed in traditional Styrian Trachten appear, twirling to the sound of 24 bells.
At the end of the performance, a golden rooster flaps its wings and crows three times.

The Glockenspiel was created by Gottfried Maurer as a clever way to attract customers into his wine shop.

Crossing the courtyard, you reach the Doppelwendeltreppe (Double Spiral Staircase), built in 1499 for Emperor Maximilian I.
It is a masterpiece of late Gothic stonework.

Also known as the “Treppe der Versöhnung” (Staircase of Reconciliation), the design features two separate staircases that split and reunite on each level, symbolising people meeting again after going separate paths.

At first glance from below, it appears to be a single solid stone pillar, but as you climb, the structure gradually reveals itself as two intertwined spirals circling a central axis. It’s one of those architectural details that is far more impressive in person than any photo can really capture.

The Franziskanerkirche is the oldest monastery in Graz, founded around 1239, and one of the most atmospheric places in the Old Town.
It is recognisable by its high tower topped with a Baroque onion dome.

After being damaged during World War II, the chancel was restored in a striking contemporary style. Inside, the vibrant stained-glass windows are especially beautiful, filling the nave with shifting colour and light as you move through the space.

Next to the church is the Franziskanerkloster (monastery and cloister), accessed through a gate beside the main entrance. Stepping through, you find the original Gothic cloisters, which feel quiet and almost hidden from the city outside. The monastery garden and the small Jakobikapelle (Jacobean Chapel) add to the sense of calm in this part of Graz.

The surrounding area is known as the Franziskanerviertel, also historically referred to as the “Kälberne Viertel” (veal quarter), where traditional butcher shops once stood.
Today, it has a much more relaxed feel, with boutique shops, cafés, wine bars, and restaurants, and a slightly Mediterranean atmosphere, especially given how close it is to the Mur River.
I found myself naturally drawn back to this area more than once during my time in Graz.

Nicknamed the “Friendly Alien,” the Kunsthaus Graz is one of the city’s most striking modern landmarks and a key example of contemporary things to see in Graz.

Built in 2003, its biomorphic “blob” architecture is formed from blue acrylic panels that deliberately contrast with the surrounding historic Old Town and its red-tiled rooftops.

For me, it felt like a bold visual statement of how Graz blends the old and the new in such an unexpected way.

The Murinsel is one of Graz’s most unique and modern landmarks — a floating platform on the Mur River that functions as part bridge, part café, and part art installation.

Designed by New York artist Vito Acconci for the 2003 European Capital of Culture, the floating shell was intended to be temporary, but it has since become a permanent feature of the city.

It is connected to both sides of the river by footbridges, effectively linking the historic Altstadt (Old Town) with the more creative Lend district, and it works as both a pedestrian crossing and a public space.

Inside, there is a café and small amphitheatre, and I found it a great place to sit in the sun and enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching life go by.
After dark, the Murinsel lights up with LED illumination, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Graz and a really striking contrast against the water.

Schloss Eggenberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive things to see in Graz, featuring original Baroque, Rococo, and East Asian furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, along with the Alte Galerie, the Archaeology Museum, and vast landscaped gardens.
Allow at least half a day to explore the interiors, galleries, and grounds, as there is a lot to take in.
The palace was built starting in 1625 for Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, and for someone who loves history, especially Austrian history, I found the story behind it just as fascinating as the building itself.
The Eggenberg family have often been described as the “Medici of the Alps,” rising from wealthy merchants to become some of the most influential advisors to the Holy Roman Empire.

A real highlight for me was touring the State Rooms, which can only be seen on a guided tour.
These rooms, located on the Piano Nobile (noble floor), are a real time capsule.

What makes them so unique is that there is no electricity or modern heating, meaning you are seeing the rooms as they would have appeared centuries ago.
The delicate silk wall coverings, painted ceilings, and original Baroque furniture are incredibly well preserved and give a real sense of stepping back in time.

Graz is often described as Austria’s culinary capital, and I quickly realised food is a big part of the experience here.

One of the first things I had to eat was a Backhendl salad, the classic Styrian fried chicken salad, dressed with pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl), which really does turn up in almost everything locally.

Graz is also well known for its wine culture.
I enjoyed trying crisp local varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling, best experienced in a traditional wine tavern (Buschenschank) or a relaxed wine bar.
One place I particularly liked for a casual stop was Frankowitsch, which is great for a glass of wine and a bite while people-watching.

Alongside this, Graz has a strong café culture that makes it easy to slow down between sightseeing stops. I often found myself pausing for coffee breaks in traditional cafés, and stopping at bakeries like Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax, one of the oldest in Graz and well worth a visit while exploring.

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