Graz Hotels

Yes, indeed, if you’re planning a trip to Austria in the near future, it behooves you to discover this tidy gem of a quarter million people. Graz is a fine compliment to the likes of Linz and Salzburg, to say nothing of Vienna, and captures much of the singular essence at the core of Austria’s appeal.

Though some might be tempted to give the historic heart of the city a cursory whirl before exploring the epic Schloss Eggenberg, don’t stop there. A latent, lively charisma lurks in places like the university quarters (Graz is home to some 50,000 students), compact nightlife district and busy arts and culture scene. The old town is duly chockablock with heritage eye candy like the Town Hall, Landeszeughaus, Opera House and Uhrturm clock tower but take time to explore greater Graz as well. The museums, castles, cathedrals and spas therein will reward your efforts.

Graz's Top 10

Graz History

• Hauptplatz (Main Square)/Rathaus (City Hall) – This large square has several impressive ancient Graz landmarks.
• Domkirche (Graz Cathedral) – This cathedral with a stunning interior is situated on the site of an age-old church.
• Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) – Graz’s most historic church.
• Herz Jesu Kirche (Heart of Jesus Church) –Built in the 1880s and featuring neo-gothic architecture, this is the largest church in Graz.
• Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Castle) – A magnificent landmark that was built in the 1620s.

Graz Art & Culture

• Kunsthaus Graz – One of the city’s main art galleries with many temporary exhibitions.
• Landeszeughaus (Museum of Armour) – This popular museum is home to more 30,000 pieces of weaponry.
• Stadtmuseum (City Museum) – This fascinating museum is found within the Palais Khuenberg and provides tourists with an insight into the Styria region.
• Museum of the Diocese Graz-Seckau (Diözesanmuseum) – Filled with numerous religious artifacts and countless historical treasures.
• Schloss und Schlüsselmuseum/Hanns Schell Collection (Key and Lock Museum) – Tourists can enjoy a collection of historical locks and keys.

Graz Shopping

• Herrengasse – A must-visit Graz shopping street.
• Kastner+Öhler – A large department store located near the main square.
• City Park – A shopping centre located in the southwestern area of Graz city centre.
• Shopping City Seiersberg – A huge shopping complex outside of the city limits.
• Murpark – A major shopping centre found in east Graz.

Gay & Lesbian Graz

• Aiola Island – A bar that serves cocktails in abundance.
• Stargayte – A gay and lesbian bar, lounge and dance club that is open until the early hours of the morning.
• Nachtschicht – A disco venue that plays great music.
• Café Niú – A café that turns into a cool music bar at night.
• Poco Loco – A cocktail bar that is a great place for dancing at night in Graz.

Graz Events

Spring Festival, in late May, shakes the city’s student populace out of late semester doldrums with live bands and DJs on Mariahilferstrasse.

Steirischer Herbst is a vital contemporary art fair that occurs every June.

Jazzsommer Graz takes place from July to August on the busy Mariahilfer Platz, with free outdoor concerts for all.

La Strada celebrates street entertainment and buskers in July.

Eggenberger Schlosskonzerte is a series of annual classical concerts at Eggenberg Castle that draws some serious talent to the city every August.

Aufsteirern is a major folk festival in Styria that takes over the old town in September.

When To Go

Most happily, the continental climate of Graz is subject to a balmy Mediterranean effect. The result is above average annual sunshine for Austria and, indeed, much more than Vienna. The one trade-off, unfortunately, is a bit more smog as a result of the comparatively mild winters.

Temperatures in summer range from 55°F (13°C) to 77°F (25°C), with about 5 in (127 mm) of rain in the months of June, July and August. Overall, Graz receives somewhere in the vicinity of 34 in (874 mm) of precipitation per annum.

Winters are more temperate in the city than anywhere else in Austria. Conditions generally remain between 23°F (-5°C) and 38°F (3°C).

Getting Around

Graz Airport is a ten minute drive from the city and serves the likes of Berlin, Munich, Antalya and London-Stanstead.

By car, Graz is two hours from Vienna, two hours from Zagreb, four hours from Munich, four hours from Venice, four hours from Budapest and seven hours from Zurich.

The city is well-connected by rail from a number of cities, namely Vienna and Munich.

Graz is progressively pro-cyclist and pedestrian and runs a terrific public tram and bus network. A car is not much use in the old town.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate