Graz: 10 Fun Things to Do

You’ll find Graz isn’t your typical Austrian destination. While Salzburg draws the Mozart crowds and Innsbruck lures ski enthusiasts, this southeastern gem quietly serves up medieval charm with a modern twist. From floating islands to alien-shaped galleries, UNESCO streets to historic armories, you’re looking at a city that’s mastered the art of surprise. Whether you’ve got a weekend or just a day, there’s something here that’ll completely shift your perspective on what Austria can offer.

Climb Schlossberg for the Best Views in Town

Rising 473 meters above sea level in Graz’s heart, Schlossberg offers the city’s most spectacular panoramic views. You’ll enjoy 360° vistas over red-tile rooftops, the Old Town, and distant Styrian mountains from this natural vantage point.

Four routes lead to the summit: take the historic Schlossbergbahn funicular (operating since 1894), ride the modern glass elevator, climb the 260-step Felsensteig staircase, or walk scenic paths from Karmeliterplatz. The funicular’s 60% gradient makes for an exciting ride up.

Once there, you can dine at hilltop restaurants, experience the world’s tallest underground slide (64 meters high), or explore WWII tunnel systems. Don’t miss the iconic Clock Tower from around 1560, standing 28 meters high as Graz’s traditional landmark. The views are stunning year-round, whether you’re catching sunrise, sunset, or twinkling city lights after dark.

Explore the UNESCO Old Town’s Medieval Streets

When you step into Graz’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, you’ll walk through 800 years of perfectly preserved medieval history. Start your exploration along Sporgasse, one of Europe’s most romantic cobblestone streets lined with picturesque gabled houses.

Follow the original medieval market route through Hauptplatz’s central square, where Archduke Johann’s fountain anchors Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Don’t miss Herrengasse’s grand sgraffito façades or the narrow “Reichen” alleys that once carried water during fires. You’ll discover hidden gallery courtyards behind street-facing buildings and medieval town wall remains tucked throughout the quarter.

Visit Glockenspielplatz at 11:00, 15:00, or 18:00 to watch carved wooden figures dance to the carillon. The entire walking tour covers 2.6 kilometers and takes about an hour. The city’s name derives from the Slovene word Gradec, meaning small castle, reflecting its origins as a fortified settlement.

Marvel at the “Friendly Alien” Kunsthaus Graz

While Graz’s Old Town celebrates centuries of tradition, the city’s most daring architectural statement couldn’t be more different. The Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately dubbed the “Friendly Alien,” looks like it crash-landed from another planet among the Baroque roofs. This biomorphic blue blob, designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, houses contemporary art exhibitions that change throughout the year.

You’ll enter through the futuristic Travelator walkway and discover galleries showcasing cutting-edge artistic projects. The building’s most spectacular feature activates at night when its BIX media façade transforms the entire structure into a 900-square-meter canvas of light and video art. Those strange nozzle-like protrusions aren’t just for show—they’re natural light intakes that illuminate the interior spaces. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the highest platform, where you can see Graz’s famous clock tower through the glass dome.

Step Inside the World’s Largest Historic Armory

From Graz’s boldest modern architectural statement, you’ll discover the city also houses Europe’s most impressive collection of historical military artifacts. The Landeszeughaus stands as the world’s largest historic armory, containing 32,000 authentic pieces spanning the late 15th to early 19th centuries.

You’ll find over 3,300 armors and helmets, 7,800 small arms, and thousands of swords displayed across four floors of this 17th-century Baroque building.

What makes this experience unique isn’t flashy multimedia displays—it’s the authentic atmosphere of preserved history. You’ll walk through rooms where weapons were actually stored, examining everything from ornate parade armor to practical battlefield gear.

The sheer quantity feels overwhelming, but that’s exactly what makes stepping inside this time capsule so remarkable. The armory operates as part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, Austria’s major cultural institution that attracts thousands of military history enthusiasts annually.

Take a Break on the Floating Murinsel Island

Right in the middle of the River Mur, you’ll find one of Graz’s most unusual attractions—a floating artificial island that looks like a giant seashell. The Murinsel, designed by American artist Vito Acconci in 2003, stretches 47 meters long and connects to both riverbanks via footbridges.

You can grab coffee or cocktails at the café under its glass dome while enjoying panoramic views of Graz’s medieval old town.

The amphitheater hosts concerts and cultural events, especially during summer.

Kids will love the playground with its slide and rope maze.

At night, the island transforms as blue navigation lights illuminate the structure, creating a magical atmosphere along the riverfront.

Whether you’re seeking scenic photo opportunities, a unique dining experience, or simply want to experience standing on water in the city center, this floating shell offers something special for everyone.

Wander Through Eggenberg Palace and Gardens

After exploring Graz’s modern artistic side, step back in time at Eggenberg Palace, Austria’s largest and most magnificent Baroque palace complex. You’ll discover an architectural marvel designed as a cosmic allegory, with 365 windows representing days of the year and 24 state rooms symbolizing hours of the day.

Don’t miss the spectacular Planetary Room, the palace’s ceremonial hall featuring elaborate astronomical ceiling frescoes. The 24 state rooms showcase Austria’s finest 17th and 18th-century interiors and furnishings.

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped park, where peacocks roam freely among the gardens. Visit the modern Planetengarten, which reinterprets the palace’s astronomical theme as a symbolic solar system. The palace incorporates a medieval castle from the 15th century, including a Gothic chapel that remains largely unchanged from its original construction.

Guided tours run hourly Tuesday through Sunday from April to October, making this UNESCO World Heritage Site easily accessible.

Hunt Down the Hidden Double Spiral Staircase

While wandering through Graz’s historic center, you’ll stumble upon one of Europe’s most ingenious architectural puzzles hidden inside the Graz Burg castle. The Double Spiral Staircase, dating back to 1499, features two intertwined staircases that spiral in opposite directions around a central axis.

You can access this architectural marvel for free daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. by walking five minutes from Hauptplatz via Sporgasse and Burggasse.

What makes this staircase fascinating is its optical illusion effect—two people can ascend simultaneously on separate spirals without crossing paths, meeting only at brief junction points. The surrounding area buzzes with street performances and artists, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere that enhances your visit to this architectural wonder.

Known as the “Staircase of Reconciliation,” it’s the second-oldest preserved double spiral staircase worldwide, showcasing exceptional late Gothic craftsmanship within this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Catch a Performance at Graz Opera House

Since 1899, the magnificent Graz Opera House has stood as Austria’s second-largest opera venue.

You can experience world-class performances in a stunning neo-Baroque setting designed by renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer.

You can catch everything from traditional Wagner and Mozart operas to contemporary musical theatre and ballet productions in this 1,200-seat venue.

The opera house’s interior retains its original grandeur despite WWII damage.

It features gilded stucco, baroque ceiling paintings, and an impressive staircase.

You’ll also enjoy concerts by the resident Graz Philharmonic Orchestra.

Located on Ringstrasse in the city center, it’s easily accessible and represents a cornerstone of Graz’s cultural scene.

It offers an authentic Austrian opera experience.

The venue underwent a major $15 million renovation between 1983 and 1985 to modernize facilities while preserving its historic architecture.

Cycle Along the Mur River

Following the scenic Mur River through Graz offers one of Austria’s most enjoyable cycling experiences, with well-maintained paths that wind through diverse landscapes from alpine pastures to peaceful countryside. You’ll find the route mostly flat or gently downhill, making it perfect for families and cyclists of all skill levels.

The well-marked paths use dedicated cycle routes and low-traffic roads with asphalt and gravel surfaces.

As you cycle through Graz, you’ll seamlessly shift between urban and rural environments while enjoying panoramic views from Schlossberg hill. The complete route spans approximately 460 km with total elevation gain of 3,500 to 4,000 meters for those seeking the full cycling adventure.

Stop at traditional Buschenschanken inns to sample regional specialties like pumpkin seed oil and local wines.

The cycling season runs March through October, with spring and autumn offering ideal weather conditions for your riverside adventure.

Day Trip to the Styrian Wine Country

Just thirty minutes south of Graz, the Styrian Wine Country unfolds across rolling green hills dotted with some of Europe’s highest vineyards and traditional windmills called Klapotetz.

You’ll discover the South Styrian Wine Road weaving through picturesque villages where family-run Buschenschänken serve local wines alongside cold cuts, bacon-wrapped sheep cheese, and regional specialties.

Stop at Weingut Hack-Gebell in Gamlitz for authentic experiences or visit NeueHeimat Winery’s modern facilities with stunning vineyard views.

The Vinofaktur Genussregal in Vogau showcases 2,500 Styrian wines from over 250 producers.

Beyond wine tasting, you can hike panoramic trails, explore Ehrenhausen’s Bear Farm, or cycle through meadows and orchards. The challenging terrain includes some of Austria’s steepest vineyards, with slopes reaching nearly 100% gradients that require hand cultivation.

Historic Seggau Castle and lavender farms add cultural depth to your wine country adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty to keep you busy in Graz, whether you’re into history, art, or just soaking up the atmosphere. Don’t try to cram everything into one day – this city’s best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Start with the Old Town and Schlossberg, then pick a few activities that match your interests. You’ll find Graz strikes the perfect balance between cultural depth and laid-back Austrian charm.