Sightseeing and culture
Graz offers a lot – and then some
For a long time, Graz used to be known as “Austria’s secret love”. Why? Well, with a quarter of a million inhabitants, Graz might be Austria’s second largest city, but it’s not quite a metropolis. Many people would rather visit all the major cities before stopping by at the “small town at the river Mur”.
In the heart of the city, there’s Schlossberg mountain, on top of which a fortress used to perch in the 11th century. Looking down from there over the city roofs, you can see buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Historism and Art Nouveau eras. What you can’t see, though, are the romantic lanes and the hidden courtyards of the Italian-style palazzi. You also have to walk up and down the Gothic double spiral staircase that forms the backbone of the Burg to appreciate its unique construction.

Graz used to be a residence city of the Habsburgs, and that is obvious with every step. Eggenberg Palace with its museums, gardens and magnificent park is also well worth a visit. For all of these attractions you should take your time. Because in Graz, sightseeing is not about quantity but about quality. If you don’t manage to fit in all the highlights during your stay, you simply come back for more. Consequently, Graz no longer is Austria’s secret love, it’s “a love that remains”.
A day in Graz
© Österreich Werbung - Federica Di Nardo
Graz | World heritage
The historic centre of the city of Graz became a UNESCO world heritage in 1999.
In 2010, Eggenberg Palace received the same honour. The Old Town and the palace represent different artistic and architectural influences. It’s not often that you find a city whose century-old history is so consistently reflected by its buildings – without giving it the dusty air of a museum. The most talented architects and artists from different regions have visibly expressed themselves in this city, creating a brilliant synthesis.
The urban structure of “The City of Graz – Historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg” is a prime example of a harmonious combination of different architectural styles from consecutive eras. Every era is represented by typical buildings, many of them true masterpieces. The outer appearance of the Old Town and the palace tells the story of their joint historic and cultural development. However, all of this is just dry theory compared to the spectacular reality you can experience with each step throughout the city – which makes a visit to Graz an absolute necessity.
Graz | Austria’s first “Capital of Delight“
In 2008, Graz was crowned Austria’s first “Capital of Delight“.
The city invites locals and guests alike to be part of this delight. Becoming a “capital of delight” actually didn’t involve inventing anything new. After all, everybody knows that the people of Graz are true connoisseurs. This is partly due to the region’s mild climate, which offers optimal conditions for growing fruit, vegetables, wine and more. However, it’s also due to the general zest for life that reflects the city’s southern charm. What’s more, Graz is a city of young people, all of them shaping both the city and its diverse restaurant, bar and club scene.
Quality always comes first in Graz – whether we’re talking about shopping for fresh food at one of the local farmer’s markets or about the innovative processing of products at the many partner businesses of the “capital of delight”. Traditional inn, fine-dining restaurant or snack bar: It’s all about taste – and tastes differ.
Who would have thought a few years ago that a guided culinary tour (only in German) would hit the big time, even in its vegetarian version? Graz is not only the capital of delight – it’s a paradise for foodies and gourmets!
Graz | Tradition & modernity
Graz is UNESCO City of Design
The fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity is reflected everywhere around Graz: by the city’s sights ranging from the clock tower to the Kunsthaus museum. And by the city’s cultural scene ranging from the styriarte festival to the steirische herbst festival and the many museums such as the Styrian Armoury or the Künstlerhaus, to name but a few. The choice is all yours!
Even if there are centuries between the world heritage and the projects of the Capital of Culture: It’s this constant alternation between history and present that our guests find so appealing. For instance, when you walk from the renaissance architecture of the Landhaus with its beautiful courtyards right into the achingly trendy Lendviertel district.
Since 2011, Graz has been City of Design, making it part of an international network. This offers the city’s buzzing creative scene a platform beyond compare. The region’s most important festival, the Designmonat, presents contemporary design in all its shapes and sizes at different locations across the city. Fashion, jewellery, showrooms, accessories, pottery and more – there’s plenty to discover, experience and marvel at.
Graz | City of knowledge
The history of Graz as a university town goes way back to the 16th century. The city’s many universities and institutions of higher education still attract students from all over the world. Numerous research institutes and innovative companies make Graz a city of knowledge, solidifying its excellent reputation as a congress city.
However, Graz is not just a place to study, to research and to work – most of all, it’s a city to live. Many major institutions and renowned companies are eager to tie their qualified staff to them – and to Graz. The young people working at these institutions contribute a great share to the city’s lively atmosphere.
From arts and culture to architecture and an extensive network of cycle paths. From nightlife to sustainability, from modern domestic architecture to urban gardening. You live and learn – and Graz boasts plenty of new things to discover all the time.
Our Tipp: Graz Card & Graz Card Light
Two types - many advantages
Explore Graz in 24, 48 or 72 hours comfortably with bus, train or tram and discover lots of attractions free of charge. The Graz Card is the perfect travel companion for a discovery tour through the city with your family: Two children under 15 can accompany you free of charge.
The Graz Card Light is the ideal choice for those who already have a public transport ticket.
Sightseeing & culture in Graz
Our tips
Graz inspires with a unique blend of history, modernity and innovation. One of the must-see cultural highlights is the historic centre of Graz with its picturesque alleyways, magnificent courtyards and buildings from different eras - together with the magnificent Eggenberg Palace, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the top 10 sights in Graz.
The futuristic Kunsthaus Graz and the extraordinary Murinsel are architecturally trend-setting - both were built as part of ‘Graz 2003 - European Capital of Culture’ and have had a lasting impact on the modern cityscape.
A visit to the Schlossberg with the famous clock tower, the landmark of Graz, is a must. The Schlossberg not only offers an impressive view over the city, but also exciting insights into the history and lifestyle of Graz.
Together, these places reflect the cultural diversity and special charm of the Styrian capital.
Yes, the Graz Tourist Information Office offers various guided tours on art, culture and history. The city tours are thematically diverse - from classic Old Town tours to Schlossberg tours. Current dates and booking options can be found on the ‘Guided tours’ page.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and City of Design, Graz also offers an interesting tension between tradition and avant-garde in the museum landscape. First and foremost is the Universalmuseum Joanneum: with its 20 museums and 14 locations in Graz and the whole of Styria, it invites you to spend entertaining and informative hours. You can find an overview of all the museums in Graz on the ‘Museums in Graz’ page.
Graz hosts important cultural events throughout the year, such as the Steirische Herbst, the Styriarte, the La Strada Festival and the Diagonale. You can find all current events in our calendar of events.
The best way to discover Graz is on foot, by tram or by bike. Many sights are located in the historic city centre and are easy to reach. Guided tours and city tours also help you to experience the most important highlights in a compact way.
Tip: The Graz Card allows free use of buses, trains and trams and is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. In addition to public transport, this advantage card also includes free admission to numerous museums and other discounts.
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The historic Old Town of Graz and Eggenberg Palace are a must for anyone who loves history and architecture. A guided walking tour of the Old Town is well worth it to learn fascinating details.
- Where Modern Meets Tradition: The Kunsthaus Graz ("Friendly Alien") impresses with contemporary art and spectacular architecture. Another highlight is the Murinsel – a floating platform that’s especially captivating in the evening when it's illuminated.
- Theatre & Performing Arts Scene: Visit the Graz Opera, Schauspielhaus, or Next Liberty for innovative productions and musical theatre. Many venues also offer backstage tours or special performances for young people and families.
- Diverse Museums: Start with the Armoury – the world’s largest historic armory – then explore the Kunsthaus, our “Blue Bubble”, with changing exhibitions throughout the year. Eggenberg Palace, with its magnificent state rooms, is another must-see. Things get spooky at the Museum of Criminology, while the Graz Museum Schlossberg presents local history in a particularly engaging way.
Lovers of unique everyday items – past and present – will enjoy the Schell Collection (Austrian Lock and Key Museum) or the Johann Puch Museum. The Diocesan Museum Graz is located in part of the seminary; it showcases ecclesiastical treasures throughout the year – and during Advent, a special Nativity Trail leads from the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard straight to its Christmas exhibition. - Festivals & Events: Major cultural events like Design Month Graz, the elevate Festival, Diagonale (film festival), La Strada (street theatre), Klanglicht, or the Springfestival bring international flair to the city. You can go directly to the event calendar for details.
- Galleries & Off-Spaces: Discover Graz’s creative scene in the many galleries – especially in the neighborhoods around Lendplatz and Mariahilferplatz.
- Combining Culinary Delights with Culture: Many restaurants and venues in Graz are works of art themselves – housed in historic courtyards or strikingly modern design spaces.