Graz, Austria is a bit under the radar for many travelers who would rather visit the capital of the country, Vienna. While Vienna is a lovely city with lots to see and do, it can’t hold a candle to Graz for charm.
This post was created from the Graz Travel Deeper blog trip in partnership with Graz Tourism. A Wanderlust For Life maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.
Graz is for those who are looking for more than ticking off sightseeing boxes. It’s a place that is made for exploration with surprises around every corner. I was lucky enough to spend a few days here with some incredible weather…and some rainy days. But, somehow, everywhere I went still felt welcoming and cozy.
I challenge you to travel deeper when visiting new places. What does this mean? I always say if you’re on a crowded tourist street, turn right or left and go down the next street. Then do it again. Basically, get lost. Explore. Find an interesting-looking cafe or restaurant to pop into for a coffee and people-watch. Stay a little longer so that after you complete your must-do list, you can spend time to take it all in and discover things you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. If you have the time, get out of the city! You’ll find mini-adventures everywhere.
Why visit Graz – Austria’s second city?
There are many reasons to visit Graz and it has something for everyone, with plenty to see and do, while still having a small-town vibe. Big cities just can’t compare. Foodies will appreciate the local specialties from restaurants that have a passion for local products. Fans of architecture will have plenty to discover with so much old and new coming together to create a unique cityscape. History buffs have a lot to sink their teeth into thanks to its strategic location. Graz is small enough to walk around and has the most charming small streets and courtyards to get lost in with some great spots for a drink.
When should you visit?
Austria is an underrated summer and autumn destination. Many people see Austria as a place for the mountains and to go skiing. While those are awesome reasons to visit, I’ve found autumn to be my favorite time. Things are calm yet full of energy and the colors are spectacular. The southeast area of Austria, known as Styria, is considered the “Green Heart” of the country. With so much green, fall will treat you with those autumnal colors that we all love so much.
Wine is all over this region along with plenty of farms and orchards. Early-mid fall would be a magical time to see communities come together to harvest the land and sell their goods at the markets. And when you visit restaurants that focus on local, seasonal cooking, you won’t be disappointed.
How to get to Graz, Austria
I mentioned Graz was in the southeast part of Austria which is about a 2.5-hour easy train ride from the capital of Vienna. That’s how I arrived. Of course, you can fly to Vienna, or you can take one of the many overnight trains that stop in the capital so you don’t have to deal with the chaos of airports. There’s even an overnight train from Amsterdam, but I was already nearby, so trains were more convenient and definitely more comfortable.
There is also a small airport in Graz, but for most people, the train is the better option.
Once in Graz, you have many options to rent a car so that you can explore the countryside. There you’ll find some great hikes, wineries, and interesting places to visit that you’ll miss if you stay in the city.
Can’t miss things to do in Graz
Walk through the main square and all the small, cute streets.
Visit the clock tower and the Schlossberg to see the city from above. Take the stairs, a gondola, or an elevator to get to the top and slide your way down through the mountain.
See the Grazer Landhaus to imagine what life would have been like to live in a Renaissance palace that was built in the 16th century.
Climb the double staircase that curves both out and into itself to create a unique, and perhaps, confusing, experience.
Be mesmerized by the Kunsthaus which is a very oddly shaped building that’s striking to look at but also houses a contemporary art museum.
Marvel at the armor and weapons of yesteryear at Landeszeughaus.
Walk across the Mur River through the Murinsel. This artificial island houses a cafe and some art, but really gives you the experience of being inside a piece of art.
Top travel tips for Graz
I know you have to do things on the tourist path. I get it. They are super interesting and there’s a reason people like to do them. But, there’s so much more to any place you visit than what’s in the guidebook.
Remember when I challenged you at the beginning? Well, now I’m going to give you a few suggestions on how to travel deeper!
◆Stay in a locally-owned hotel. By doing this, you can be confident that the money is staying in the area and not being sent to a big corporation. Many times, you’ll see locally-owned accommodations being passed down through the family. We stayed at Hotel Gollner with its unique rooms that vary from traditional to modern, its roof terrace, and its helpful staff.
◆Visit the neighborhoods of Gries and Lend for a peek into everyday life. From local shops you’ll not want to overlook, to friendly cafes, and sustainable restaurants – these neighborhoods are a quick walk away from the town center, but with fewer visitors. So, you’ll feel like you stumbled into a hidden gem (and you did!)
◆Shop at thrift shops and shops that are social enterprises like Offline Retail and Tag.Werk. These shops do so much good in the community. Offline Retail helps recovering addicts get back on their feet while the store is part thrift shop, part upcycle shop, and part handmade shop. Tag.Werk is for young people who may have a hard time accessing the job market. They help these people build their skills and talents, and showcase their bags in the shop.
◆Pop into the church Kirche St. Andrä to change your idea of what a church can look like. This building is an amazing representation of the neighborhood.
◆Outside the city of Graz, you’ll want to visit the Stift Rein (Rein Abbey), the oldest Cistercian Monastery that has a ton of history, beauty, and peaceful moments. Book an English tour for the best experience.
◆Wineries are a must when visiting the Styrian region. My friend, Keith over at Velvet Escape stayed at Ratscher Landhaus and highly recommends it, so I think that’s a great place to start! Be sure to read his guide on the Styrian Wine Road to travel deeper.
◆The Austria Open-Air Museum in Stübing brings history to life with craftspeople showing off their skills while you get to see how people lived during various eras of the region. The English guide here is a gem! We had so much fun here since it’s a bit more interactive than I’ve seen in similar museums around the world.
◆After you return home, check out the Peaces.Bio shop from Graz for beautiful, organic clothes made with sustainability in mind. With stunning designs, personal attention, and earth-friendly fabrics, you’ll want a whole new wardrobe from them!
Foodie Activities in Graz
If you’ve been part of the A Wanderlust For Life adventure for a while, then you know I’m a big foodie and I believe that everyone should explore a place through its food and drinks. These things are a big part of everyday culture no matter where you visit.
My number one foodie thing to do is to seek out the farmers’ markets. In Graz, check out Bauernmarkt Lendplatz and Bauernmarkt Kaiser-Josef-Platz from Monday-Saturday 6 am-1 pm for farm-fresh goodness directly from the farms in the area. It’s not just about raw ingredients, but freshly baked treats, homemade apple cider, jams, and plenty of other bits of deliciousness waiting for you.
Get outside the city itself to get a different vibe and to see more of the culture around the region. Head to an orchard like Fattingerhof to visit their local shop for fresh produce, local chocolate (from nearby chocolatiers), homemade jams and more.
FOODS TO TRY AND WHERE TO EAT IN GRAZ
Wine – This area is known for wine, so obviously, you need to try some! The best wine we had was an organic wine from Tropper. If you see it on a menu, I highly recommend having it with dinner.
Sturm – In mid-late September and even into October, try Sturm. It’s fresh-pressed grapes that aren’t quite wine yet. Think of it as a young wine that has a tasty, yet sweet flavor.
Apples – When it’s apple season, you’ll know it! I loved seeing apple cider pop up at the markets alongside the many apples people were picking up to make their own homemade goodies.
Styrian Scarlet Runner Beans – great in a salad with pumpkin oil and absolutely delicious.
Fried Chicken – It’s called Backhendl and is one of the best fried chickens you’ll eat. The best chicken I had was at Der Steirer, eat there and you’ll thank me after.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN GRAZ
Look for restaurants with the GenussHauptstadt designation which signifies seasonal cuisine using local producers. The term means “Capital of Delight” and I suggest Stammtisch am Paulustor but you can check the Visit Graz website for the full list.
Check out restaurants with a focus on low waste like Hummel. You’ll get delicious, creative, and flavorful food you can feel good about.
Ask the staff wherever you stay for their recommendations. Locals usually know spots that you wouldn’t find on your own. They might not look like much on the outside, be down a small alley or around a corner you wouldn’t have seen. These are the bet!
phew That was a LOT of information, but I hope it’s inspired you to learn more about visiting Graz, and seeing how you can plan a sustainable trip that you’ll remember for years to come.
