Things to see and do in Graz

How to experience Graz the right way

• Going up to Schlossberg

The hill that reigns over the city. There are several ways to get to the top. You can take the lift or the panoramic railway. Of course, the bravest ones reach the top on foot. At the top, there is an observation deck from which you can admire a stunning panoramic view of the city's silhouette. In addition to the beautiful views, there are plenty of sights to see in Graz. The most magnificent and most important landmark is, of course, the Uhrturm bell tower, which has not only been used to measure time, but has also been witness to many stories that have taken place in the city throughout history, which can be explored in the Graz City Museum, that is also located on the hill. There, you can also explore sights such as the Chinese Pavilion, the Gothic Gate, Hacker's Lion, the Cannon Hall, the Herbestein Garden and the Turkish Fountain, which is 94 metres deep. There are also several ways to get down the hill. In addition to the above, we have the most fun one, which is the biggest underground slide in the world, the fastest and most adrenaline-packed way to get down into the valley, taking only 42 seconds.

• Drinking coffee in Hauptplatz

The main square of the city, where the Town Hall is located. The main square is a lively centre, surrounded by beautiful buildings and the town hall. The beautiful atmosphere and historical touch of this square make the visit unforgettable. The Archduke John's Fountain, built in 1878, stands in the centre of the square.

• Schloss Eggenberg Palace

The palace, which rises on the western outskirts of the city, impresses with its Baroque architecture and extensive gardens. The interesting thing about this palace is that its four towers represent the four seasons, the twelve gates the months and the 365 windows the days of the year.

• Landeszeughaus Military Museum

A real treat for military history enthusiasts, it houses one of the largest collections of medieval military equipment in Europe, with over 30,000 items, including firearms and accessories, artillery and accessories, cutting weapons, clubs and defensive weapons. The exhibits on display in the museum date from the 15th to the 18th centuries and have a rich history of use.

• Old Town

The Old Town of Graz, Austria's second-largest city, offers a historic atmosphere with Baroque houses, fountains and a castle on a hill by the Mur River. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes museums, a cathedral, and a bell tower with a show every hour.

• Kunsthaus Art Gallery

This futuristic art gallery is a contemporary contrast to the city's historic setting. Its architecture and the artworks on display make it a must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. This is evidenced by the very shape of the building, which the citizens of Graz call the ''Friendly Alien''.

• Double Spiral Stairs

In the heart of Graz's Old Town is an architectural engineering marvel - the double spiral staircases in the Burg building. Built in 1438 under the leadership of Emperor Frederick III, the staircase, with its symbolism of repeated separation and reunification, became known locally as the "Stairs of Reconciliation".

• Murinsel

A city island in the shape of a floating shell on the Mur River. It offers a relaxed environment to socialize and enjoy the beautiful view on the water. As soon as we entered the café, we felt an interesting sense of relaxation and friendliness.

• Visiting the Operahaus

The Graz Opera House, known as the Grazer Opernhaus, is a neo-Baroque theatrical masterpiece next to the Opernring in the city centre. The theatre was built by the architects Fellner & Helmer in 1899 and with over 1,400 seats in a Baroque-Rococo style, it ranks among the largest opera houses in Austria, directly behind the Vienna State Opera. The house radiates monumental architecture and is home to a variety of artistic events, from opera, ballet, musical to operetta.

Our most optimal transportation option

We arrived in Graz using FlixBus transport services, and started our journey in Ljubljana. The journey took two hours, which proved to be an economically efficient alternative to a passenger car, especially considering the cost of fuel and parking in the city itself. In addition to all of the above, bus travel is also an environmentally friendly way to travel.

Fun fact

Graz's attractions are the artistic street walls and many of the buildings, which boast many colourful murals that are real works of art. The city is committed to promoting and supporting street art, creating such a unique atmosphere in urban spaces. These vivid murals, which are recognisable symbols of the city, not only aesthetically enrich the urban landscape, but also testify to the city's committed aspirations for art in the public space.

Petra Butina