Top 17 Sightseeing Places to Visit and Things to Do in Graz, Austria

April 22, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1756 Views

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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Table of Contents

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

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

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