Summer in Graz, Austria’s Culinary Capital

When the Market Becomes a Meeting Place

A visit to Kaiser-Josef-Markt is well worth it beyond the morning hours. Around lunchtime, the atmosphere begins to shift: many market stalls gradually close, while tables are set out and start to fill. What begins as a traditional market visit turns into a lively open-air meeting place.

Soak up the atmosphere, order a Spritzer – the Styrian classic of white wine and soda water – or stop by Cielo Tapas for a glass of Tinto de Verano and a few small plates to share. Try a little of everything, watch the square come to life and simply let the afternoon unfold. Before long, the sun is lower in the sky and it becomes easy to understand why no one seems in a hurry to leave. That spontaneous decision to stay a little longer is part of what makes summer in Graz so enjoyable.

Kaiser-Josef-Markt has several places that capture this relaxed style of eating and drinking in different ways, from creative market cuisine and flavour-packed BBQ to beautifully topped open sandwiches.

Food & Drink at Lendplatz

After visiting the market, it is well worth taking a stroll through the Old Town, where outdoor dining areas, courtyards and charming little spots are all close together. That is exactly what makes Graz so easy to explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to stop for something enjoyable along the way.

Between Herrengasse, Franziskanerplatz, the Mur and Schlossberg, there is always time for a snack, a coffee or an aperitif outdoors. You do not need a fixed route. Often, it is enough to wander through the Old Town and stop wherever the light, the atmosphere and a free table happen to come together.

Glockenspielplatz: Right in the heart of the Old Town, Glockenspielplatz is a lovely place to sit down and take in the atmosphere of Graz for a while. Until 1908, the small trapezoid-shaped square had the rather less charming name Fliegenplatz. That changed after wine merchant Gottfried Maurer installed a mechanical Glockenspiel in his house in 1905, creating the attraction that still defines the square today. Three times a day, at 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm, the windows in the gable open and a wooden couple in traditional Styrian dress turns to the sound of 24 bells. Around this charming spectacle, historic façades, outdoor dining and traditional Styrian cuisine come together.

Franziskanerplatz: Few places in Graz’s Old Town capture its Mediterranean feel quite as naturally as Franziskanerplatz. Cobbled paving, historic façades, small traditional shops along the Gothic Franciscan Church and the nearby Mur all shape the character of the square. The surrounding quarter is also known as the Kälbernes Viertel, a name that recalls the area’s centuries-old association with butchers. One particularly special spot is just next door: the cloister of the Franciscan monastery, with its small monastery garden. It is considered one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Graz, and admission is free.

There are several excellent places around Franziskanerplatz for a relaxed meal or drink outdoors. At Leiner’s, café, bar and wine shop come together with a sunny outdoor seating area and a selection of around 300 wines. Don Camillo brings Italian flair to the square with antipasti, pizza and changing lunch menus. dreizehn by Gauster combines bar and restaurant and works equally well for a weekday lunch or a refined yet relaxed dinner. Right next door, Francis Bistro serves French-inspired dishes with a sharing-style dinner concept that is made for trying together.

Schmiedgasse, Landhaushof & Evening Spots: Around Schmiedgasse, the historic character of Graz is especially tangible. A short detour into the Landhaushof is worth it for the magnificent Renaissance arcaded courtyard alone, as well as the ornate pavilion built above the historic well. The courtyard was created in the 16th century by the northern Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio, which helps explain why it is often compared to a Venetian palazzo. Right next door, Landhauskeller combines modern Austrian cuisine with an atmospheric garden and courtyard setting. Later in the evening, Bar Amouro on Schmiedgasse is a good place to stop for refined drinks, Levantine-inspired cuisine and small plates to share, all in an elegant setting in the heart of the Old Town.

Our tip: Don’t plan every detail of your walk through the Old Town. Some of the loveliest corners are often discovered by chance - in a square, in a courtyard or at an inviting free table outdoors.

Just outside the Old Town, Stadtstrand Graz offers a relaxed summer spot by the water, easily reached by bike, public transport or on a longer walk. It is ideal if you are looking for a change of scene after exploring the markets, the Old Town and Graz’s outdoor dining spots.

At Stadtstrand Graz, you can experience a different side of the city: closer to the water, more relaxed and with views of life along the Mur. From Jakominiplatz, one of the main transport hubs in Graz city centre, the Stadtstrand can be reached by public transport in around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the connection. From the nearest stops, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the raft landing. If you prefer to be active, you can cycle there along the Mur, while those who enjoy walking can turn the journey into a short excursion from the city centre.

A special tip at Stadtstrand Graz: Die Flößerei. It offers raft trips, raft-building workshops, boat hire, kayaking and SUP courses, as well as a range of other water sports activities.

As the day slowly turns into evening, it is well worth making your way up Schlossberg, Graz’s castle hill.

From the top, Graz reveals a completely different side: the rooftops of the Old Town, the Mur, the surrounding hills and, right in the middle, the Uhrturm, the city’s iconic Clock Tower. During golden hour, the view across Graz feels particularly calm, warm and impressive.

Depending on how active you feel, you can reach the top on foot, by lift or on the Schlossbergbahn funicular. If you walk up, you are rewarded with lovely views along the way. If you prefer an easier option, you can still reach the viewpoints quickly and start your evening where Graz looks especially beautiful from above.

There are also several places to eat and drink on Schlossberg: aiola upstairs by the lift, Restaurant Schlossberg at the upper station of the Schlossbergbahn, Starcke Haus with its terrace and views, and the Biergartl for a more casual stop. This makes it easy to combine sunset with a drink, dinner or one last look over the city.

Our tip: Don’t arrive only moments before sunset. It is often nicest at the top when there is still enough time to find a good spot, take a few photos and enjoy the view at your own pace.

Blog post by Teresa Rheinwald, Graz Tourism (September 16 , 2026)