Austria’s second largest city Graz may not be on everybody’s bucket list like Vienna or Salzburg, but this fact contributes to its unique charm: The city has a nice size – not too big and not too small either and offers great shopping, an excellent food scene and plenty of cultural activities.
The historic centre even has been declared a Unesco Heritage site thanks to its intact architecture and uniform red roofs. Above all dominates the symbol of Graz, the Uhrturm (clock tower).
During Graz held its title as a European Cultural Capital in 2003, a lot of architecture projects have been realised, like this artificial island Murinsel in the middle of the Mur River (now a café and playground).
Every visit to Graz should include a climb to the iconic Schlossberg, either by foot or funicular. The close-up view of the Clock Tower and the city below is simply gorgeous!
Schloss Eggenberg is another UNESCO landmark that perfectly fills half a day outside the city centre. Say hi to the roaming pea cocks in the garden or admire the rich Baroque interiors during a castle tour.
Inside the Grazer Burg is a hidden little gem you should try to get your mind wrapped around it: The double spiral stairs is one of the very few in Europe and a masterpiece of medieval architecture!
Recommended eats and drinks:
For Graz’ best rooftop bar/restaurant head to Freiblick Tagescafé on top of the city’s best known department store Kastner & Öhler. Whether you sit inside or the outdoor terrace, the sweeping views over the red roofs won’t disappoint!
Graz has some of the best bakeries in Austria: Martin Auer and Hubert Auer have branches all over the city and are the perfect spot for breakfast or a snack!
Die Herzl: A traditional inn that offers a Styrian version of the popular Wiener Schnitzel (which comes with pumpkin seeds) as a daily lunch special.
Ichi go Ichi e: A great example of the diverse restaurant scene in Graz, this place serves delicious and authentic ramen!
Café Greenhouse: Excellent vegan food in a cozy setting.
Recommended stay:
Lendhotel: This modern 4-star hotel is located near a farmer’s market and in one of Graz’ most up-and-coming neighbourhoods Lend with lots of cafés and individual shops. The hotel itself is well designed for those who look for a hip and artsy vibe. You can book a room here.
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9 Comments
Wunderbar! 😉
Dankeschön 😉
🙂
Beautiful story and a beautiful city! Thank you!
Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed it!
I have never heard of this lovely place Julia but it looks really beautiful and a stop off at a vegan restaurant – what more could I ask for.
Luckily vegan restaurants are to be found almost anywhere, so nobody has to starve 😉
ich war tatsächlich noch nie so touristy like in graz – genauso wie in salzburg. obwohl ich schon öfter dort war und unter anderem mein hochzeitsdirndl in graz gekauft habe ^.^ irgendwann sollte ich das einmal machen, wie es aussieht. die murinsel ist ja super cool! nur beim uhrturm war ich einmal an einem graufeuchten jännertag.
Also Dirndl shoppen ist auch ein sehr guter Grund um Graz zu besuchen 😀