After reading our review, you will find out what every tourist should see in Graz. We will provide you with detailed recommendations, taking into account the feedback of experienced guides and the Austrians themselves. Our rating of the “most popular attractions in Graz” will allow you to make an unforgettable trip to one of the most hospitable cities in Austria.
What is the first thing to see in Graz?
If you want your trip to be truly exciting and informative, book the following excursions in Graz:
1. Town Hall
The majestic Graz City Hall building on the central Hauptplatz Taxiarchos228
As well as many other sights of Graz, this one has been towering on the central square of the city for many years. The municipal building was designed in the classical style at the beginning of the 19th century. We also recommend visiting the town hall, taking into account its convenient location for travelers: in the central square there are numerous stalls with local delicatessen products and souvenirs, fairs and folk celebrations are organized, important historical and cultural objects are present.
Official website: https://www.graz.at
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2. Landhouse
The courtyard of the Landhouse, surrounded on all sides by the elegant arcades of Andrew Bossi
A complex of various architectural masterpieces, built in the same Renaissance style and reminiscent of the Palazzo Florence. It consists of several extensive buildings with Tuscan galleries and courtyards. The largest courtyard is now used for performances, concerts and receptions of dignitaries. The guides in Graz advise you to visit such sites without fail.
3. Schlosberg Castle
View from the Town Hall tower of Schlosberg Castle or Castle Hill with the Urturm clock tower © Ralf Roletschek
The palace towers over the city and is located on top of a hill. Let’s just say that, like many other sights of Austria, the castle is almost completely destroyed. Now only ruins remain of it. Guests are invited to explore the surviving buildings and a beautiful park with a huge number of manicured flower beds, a fountain and gazebos. There is a cafe on site, from the terrace of which you can see the whole of Graz with its lush greenery, modern art objects and ancient buildings. A pleasant addition to relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views of the city are the sounds of the flowing stormy Moore River.
4. Eggenberg Castle
17th century Eggenberg Castle surrounded by a huge green Herbert Frank Park
One of the most beautiful city palaces, with a truly elegant and aristocratic appearance. The date of construction is 1635. The castle can be inspected not only from the outside, but also inside. The chic interiors are represented, among other things, by numerous canvases (currently there are more than 600 paintings), unique furniture and zodiac signs on the ceiling and walls. The creator of the building was the renowned architect D. de Pomisa, known for his passion for astronomy and the stars. If you do not know what to see in Graz in 1 day, but you are interested in art, history, and architecture at the same time, book an excursion to the Eggenberg Palace, and you will not be disappointed.
Official website: https://www.museum-joanneum.at
5. Ruins of the Gesting Fortress
Ruins of the medieval fortress of Gesting on the high hill of Clemens Stockner
The remains of a previously powerful defensive fortress are located within the city. Gesting was built as a strategically important object back in the 11th century. In the 18th century, its walls were completely destroyed by a direct lightning strike into the powder magazine. The explosion of enormous force left only ruins and the Chapel of St. Peter the Great. Anna’s.
Check out the beautiful places of Graz in this wonderful video!
6. Opera House
A monumental two-storey Opera House with a round dome of dark red color in Graz
The current opera house, made in the neo-Baroque style, was built near the Graz Park in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the 17th century, theatrical productions have been given in the carriage house of the Habsburg family. In the first opera house of the city, you could listen to Mozart himself. Modern opera is the best option for art and culture lovers to go to in Graz.
7. The City Museum
Graz City Museum in the former Kuenberg Palace Andi oisn
An exhibit in the Graz City Museum is an advertising poster from 1898/99 by Adolph Friedländer (1851-1904)
The museum complex is located in the ancient Kunberg Palace in the central part of the city. Previously, the castle was in the possession of Franz Ferdinand. The exhibits demonstrate various stages of the history and life of Graz, tell how its culture and economy developed.
Official website: https://www.grazmuseum.at
8. Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
Robot in front of the A. Schwarzenegger Museum Clemens Stockner
Just like, for example, the Museum of Modern Art in Graz, this complex is quite unusual. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the famous actor, bodybuilder and California politician Governor Schwarzenegger. Arnold was born in the village of Tal, located near Graz. The museum is located in the building where Schwarzenegger used to live (while he began to achieve success in his sports career). The exhibits include a bronze statue of the Terminator, photos of celebrities, various interior items that once belonged to a movie star. Even if you do not consider yourself a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is still not worth leaving such interesting places in Graz without attention.
Official website: https://arnieslife.com
9. Kunsthaus
A friendly alien among the red tiled roofs of Marion Schneider houses & Christoph Aistleitner
The opening date of the gallery of modern art is 2003. The building has an extraordinary and memorable design: for example, its roof resembles an alien ship or an exotic glowing fish. In the gallery, you can view samples of permanent and temporary exhibitions. It doesn’t matter if you come to Graz in winter or summer for shopping or sightseeing, be sure to take the time to explore the Kunsthaus.
Official website: https://www.museum-joanneum.at
10. Arsenal
Sculptures of the gods of war Mars and Minerva at the main entrance to the Graz Arsenal Chb
Armor for the nobility and horse armor for the horse (XVI century) in the Graz Armory Museum – Arsenal suit
The object is included in all the lists of “the best sights of Graz”, and is a Baroque mansion built in 1642. In the 16th century, the Graz arsenal managed to arm more than 15,000 soldiers to protect the city from Turkish attacks. The current exhibitions of the armory are valuable and rich, they contain over 30,000 pieces of armor and weapons from different eras.
Official website: https://www.museum-joanneum.at
11. Frida and Fred Museum
Creativity of children at the Frida&Fred Children’s Museum in Graz Universalmuseum Joanneum
What to visit in Graz with the whole family? This is an unusual children’s museum center, where young and adult visitors are told about the strangeness and versatility, diversity of the world. The museum has a surprisingly cozy and homely atmosphere, conducive to experimentation and creativity. Theatrical performances are regularly given and various exhibitions are organized. The center has a medical laboratory dedicated to the peculiarities of the human body. Guests can build their own and study other people’s anatomical models, engage in scientific research.
Official website: https://fridaundfred.at
12. St. Aegidius Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Aegidius is a historical and architectural monument of the city of Graz Pedro J Pacheco
Interior and Baroque altar of the Cathedral of St. Egidius in Graz Pedro J Pacheco
An architectural masterpiece of the 15th century, which is one of the main catalytic cathedrals of the city and Austria. The construction of the building began together with the construction of the palace for Frederick II. In the 16th century, the cathedral was handed over to the Jesuits. In the 20th century, the interiors took the form they exist now: the head of the restoration work was C. Lorenzo.
13. Mariatrost Temple
Basilica of Mary the Comforter at the top of Mount Purberg in Graz Peter Stevens
Magnificent interior decoration of the Mariatrost Church in Graz E.mil.mil (talk)
The sanctuary stands on a hill. It is the key pilgrimage center of the whole country. The temple was built in the late Baroque style in the 18th century. The facade part is the portal of the main entrance and several symmetrical towers, each 60 meters high. Of particular interest is the rich interior decoration of the building, also created in the direction of the Baroque. Even the best hotels in Graz cannot boast equally expensive and stylish interiors.
14. The Church of the Heart of Christ
Church of the Heart of Christ in red and white brick in Graz Christian Harrer
The largest Catholic church in the city and the third largest in the state, built in the 18th century. The building is made in the late Gothic style, and stands out for its chic figured stained glass windows and the central nave, which aspires upwards.
15. Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand
View of the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II in old Graz
A 17th-century tomb belonging to members of the Habsburg family. The crypt was built on the territory of a religious complex. D. de Pomis worked on the creation of the project, and therefore elements of the architecture of Florence are visible in the building. The mausoleum contains the ashes of Maria of Bavaria and her son, the emperor.
The sights of Graz: what else to visit in Graz?
We have told you about the main sights of Graz briefly, and we hope that you will include them in your own sightseeing itinerary. However, the city of Graz is famous not only for the listed objects, but also for such cultural and architectural masterpieces as:
16. Murinsel
Murinsel is an entertainment complex on an artificial island made of steel in the middle of the Mur River in Graz
An unusual name was given to an entertainment center that opened on the Moore River. The shape of the building is also non-standard: in its appearance and even in its interiors, the Murinsel is similar to a seashell resting on the supports of a platform. Why should you visit this landmark? Because inside there is an excellent “underwater” cafe and an amphitheater. The children have their own entertainment area called “Adventure Island”. If possible, go to Murinsel on the days when art exhibitions are held there. Also note that the number of guests (due to the rather compact dimensions of the center) is always limited.
17. Sackstrasse street
House on the street “Sackstrasse” or “mile of art” with art workshops E.mil.mil
Locals call this alley the “Mile of Art”, as art cafes, exhibition studios and art galleries, art and craft workshops are found along its entire length. In addition, there are shops and boutiques on the “Sackstrasse”, which often offer truly valuable antiques and beautiful jewelry. If you get the opportunity, walk down the street on Christmas Eve: all buildings and trees will be richly decorated with various decorations.
18. Cafe Sacher Graz
Cafe Sacher Graz, where you can enjoy extremely delicious Austrian sweets Klaus Graf
A triangular piece of the famous Sacher cake with whipped cream at Cafe Sacher Graz Antonio Campoy
The cafe, opened in the hotel of the same name, can be called a full-fledged Austrian landmark, since it is here that a real Sacher dessert cake is served, prepared according to an original ancient recipe. Keep in mind that there are always a lot of visitors here: often whole queues gather in front of the entrance. The cafe has a souvenir shop where carefully packaged pieces of dessert cake are sold (they are often exported from the city and even the country, due to the fact that special packaging preserves the freshness of the product for a long time), as well as branded tableware, branded chocolate sauces and many other interesting products. While in Graz, you can also order a delivery from Sacher to your hotel.
Official website: https://www.sacher.com
19. City Park
Vacationers in the Graz City Park around the Open Town Graz Duck Pond
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The Fountain of Emperor Franz Joseph with bronze statues in the Michael Kranewitter City Park, Vienna
A traditional and popular place of entertainment and recreation for locals and tourists. The park complex in a colorful English style was arranged by order of the city authorities to replace the military territory in the 19th century. In addition to the green plantings, there are a large number of historically important monuments and sculptural compositions.
Those sights of Graz, photos with names and descriptions of which we have now listed, are the most visited and popular in the city. We are sure that every curious traveler will be interested in visiting them. Read also about the best sights of Vienna and be inspired to travel further in Austria.
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