Overview
Graz is the capital of Styria (Steiermark), Austria's second-largest federal state, and with a population of around 300,000 it is Austria's second-largest city. Sitting on the Mur River in southeastern Austria, it functions simultaneously as a medieval garrison town, a Baroque showcase, and a lively university city — roughly 60,000 students keep the café and nightlife culture energetic year-round.
The Altstadt (Old Town) earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 and is one of the best-preserved Renaissance and Baroque urban ensembles in Central Europe. Yet Graz also earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2003, partly by embracing deliberate architectural contrasts: the titanium-clad Kunsthaus (art museum) and the floating Murinsel island platform sit steps from centuries-old façades without seeming out of place.
Styria's agricultural richness — pumpkin-seed oil, Schilcher rosé wine, apple orchards, and beef — feeds one of Austria's most respected regional cuisines, making Graz a compelling destination for food-focused travelers as much as for history or architecture enthusiasts.
Before You Go
Visas
Graz is in Austria, which is a Schengen Area member state. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior website for current, accurate entry requirements before booking.
Health
Austria has a high standard of public healthcare. EU/EEA nationals with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public medical services on the same basis as Austrian residents. Travelers from outside the EU should carry comprehensive travel health insurance. No vaccinations are required for entry, but verify current health advisories with your own government before travel.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — the Old Town has extensive cobblestone streets and the Schlossberg involves uphill walking or stairs
- Layers in spring and autumn; temperatures can swing considerably
- A light rain jacket is useful in any season
- Reusable water bottle — tap water in Graz is safe and excellent quality
Money
ATMs (Bankomats) are widely available throughout the city center. Card payments are broadly accepted, but some smaller markets, bakeries, and traditional Gasthäuser (inns) remain cash-preferred. Verify locally.
Getting There
By Air
Graz Airport (GRZ), also called Flughafen Graz, is located roughly 10 kilometers south of the city center. It is a regional airport served by a modest number of European carriers and seasonal routes. Connections are more limited than Vienna's international hub, so travelers arriving from outside Europe often fly to Vienna (VIE) first and continue by train or bus. Check current route maps on airline websites, as schedules change seasonally.
By Train
Graz Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) is well connected within the Austrian and European rail network. Direct Railjet services to Vienna (roughly 2.5 hours) run frequently throughout the day. Connections to Ljubljana (Slovenia), Zagreb (Croatia), and Salzburg are also available, typically with a change. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) website is the authoritative source for timetables and fares.
By Road
Graz is accessible via the A2 (Südautobahn) from Vienna and the A9 (Pyhrn Autobahn) from Salzburg and Linz. A vignette (toll sticker) is required for Austrian motorways — available at border crossings, fuel stations, and online via ASFINAG before travel.
By Bus
Long-distance coach services (including FlixBus and regional operators) connect Graz to Vienna, Ljubljana, and other regional cities. Verify routes and schedules directly with operators.
Getting Around
Graz has a reliable and integrated public transport network operated by Holding Graz Linien, comprising trams (Straßenbahn), buses, and a cable car to the Schlossberg. Trams are the backbone of city transport and serve most neighborhoods travelers are likely to visit. Single tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes are available; validate your ticket on board. Check current fares on the official Holding Graz website.
The Old Town and Schlossberg area are very walkable, and the city center is compact enough that many attractions are within 10–20 minutes on foot of one another. Cycling is popular: a network of dedicated bike lanes covers much of the city, and rental bikes are available through the municipal Citybike Graz scheme (verify current availability and pricing locally).
Taxis and ride-hailing services operate throughout the city. The Schlossberg itself is reached by the historic Schlossbergbahn funicular, a glass elevator cut through the rock, or on foot via stairways — all starting near the city center.
Things to See & Do
The Schlossberg
The forested hilltop park and former fortress that dominates the city skyline is the single most iconic site in Graz. The Clock Tower (Uhrturm), dating to the 16th century, is the city's most photographed landmark. The hill is open to the public at all times and admission to the park is free; individual attractions such as the funicular and elevator charge separately. The views over the red-roofed Old Town and the Mur valley are exceptional.
Old Town (Altstadt)
The UNESCO-listed core includes the Hauptplatz (main square), the Landhaus (a Renaissance arcaded courtyard open to visitors), the Cathedral (Dom), the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II adjacent to it, and the covered Stadtpark. Strolling without a fixed itinerary is genuinely rewarding — look for courtyards tucked behind archways along Herrengasse and the surrounding streets.
Kunsthaus Graz
The so-called "Friendly Alien" — a biomorphic, blue-paneled contemporary art museum — opened in 2003 for the European Capital of Culture year. It hosts rotating international contemporary art exhibitions. Verify current exhibitions and opening hours on the Kunsthaus website before visiting.
Murinsel
A floating steel-and-glass island structure moored in the Mur River, designed by American artist Vito Acconci. It houses a café and functions as a pedestrian bridge. Entry is free; the café operates independently.
Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus)
One of the most remarkable museum collections in Central Europe: the world's largest original historic armoury, with approximately 32,000 weapons and pieces of armour preserved largely as they were when the armoury was still operational in the 17th century. Entry fees and opening hours: verify on the Universalmuseum Joanneum website.
Day Trips into Styria
Graz makes an excellent base for exploring southern Styrian wine roads, the Lipizzaner stud farm at Piber, Lurgrotte stalactite caves, and the spa town of Bad Radkersburg. Distances are manageable by car or, in some cases, by regional train.
Food & Drink
Styrian cuisine is distinct within Austria and is worth seeking out deliberately. Central ingredients include Kürbiskernöl (cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil, a dark green oil with a nutty flavor drizzled on salads and soups), Lammfleisch (local lamb), Backhendl (fried chicken), freshwater fish from Styrian rivers, and Käferbohnen (a large, dark local runner bean often served in salads).
What to Eat and Drink
- Steirischer Wurzelfleisch: boiled pork with root vegetables, served with horseradish
- Kürbiskernöl Salad: the defining Styrian salad dressing — look for it everywhere
- Schilcher: a pale, tart rosé wine made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape, produced almost exclusively in western Styria
- Steirischer Wein: broader Styrian white wines — Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Morillon (Chardonnay) — are highly regarded
- Sturm: in autumn (September–November), partially fermented grape juice with low alcohol, found across wine-producing Austria
Where to Eat
The Lendplatz and Lend district west of the Mur River has developed into Graz's most interesting neighborhood for independent restaurants, market stalls, and cafés. The Farmers' Market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz and Lendplatz (operating on certain mornings — verify days locally) is an excellent place to find regional produce. The Old Town has abundant options across all price points, from traditional Gasthäuser to modern bistros.
Coffee culture is taken seriously in Graz, as throughout Austria. Traditional Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) serve the full repertoire of Austrian coffee preparations alongside newspapers and cake.
Shopping
Herrengasse is the main pedestrianized shopping street, lined with a mix of international brands and local retailers. For more independent and artisan shopping, the Lend district west of the river has boutiques, vintage stores, and design shops.
Regional Specialties Worth Bringing Home
- Bottled Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil) — look for Styrian PGI-certified bottles
- Styrian wine, particularly Schilcher or a Sauvignon Blanc from the Südsteiermark
- Local honey, jams, and preserved foods from the farmers' markets
- Chocolates and confectionery from one of the established Konditoreien (pastry shops)
The Christmas Market on Hauptplatz (operating in December) is one of the more atmospheric in Austria and a good source of handcrafted gifts, though quality varies between stalls as with any market.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Austria uses the pan-European emergency number 112 for all emergencies. In addition, 133 is the Austrian police (Polizei), 144 is the ambulance service, and 122 is the fire brigade. These are stable, publicly documented numbers.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are marked with a green cross. They carry prescription and over-the-counter medication. A duty pharmacy rota (Apothekenbereitschaft) ensures at least one pharmacy is open overnight and on weekends — posted in pharmacy windows or searchable via the official Austrian pharmacy website.
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is standard practice. Handing cash directly to the server rather than leaving it on the table is the local norm.
Connectivity
Free public Wi-Fi (GrazWLAN) is available in parts of the city center. Mobile coverage is strong throughout. EU residents benefit from roam-like-at-home regulations within EU member states. Travelers from outside the EU should check roaming charges with their provider or purchase a local SIM.
Opening Hours
Most shops are open Monday to Friday with reduced hours on Saturday. Sunday trading is largely closed except for tourist shops, petrol stations, and shops at the airport or main station. Museum hours vary — always check individual websites before visiting.
Safety
Graz is generally considered a safe city for travelers. Violent crime is rare in tourist areas. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure in crowded areas such as the Hauptplatz and public transport, and avoid leaving bags unattended.
The Schlossberg and park areas are generally safe during daylight hours; exercise normal caution after dark in any city park. The Lend district, while increasingly popular and well-frequented, has a more diverse and lived-in character than the Old Town — it is not unsafe but is worth being aware of as you orient yourself.
Traffic in the pedestrianized Old Town is restricted, but trams operate on tracks through some central streets — be aware of tram lines when crossing, as trams move silently and quickly.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Graz has a pronounced civic pride rooted in its Styrian identity, which is culturally distinct from Viennese Austria. Locals appreciate visitors who show interest in regional food, wine, and dialect. Austrian social norms apply: greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff when entering ("Grüß Gott" is the standard Austrian greeting), keep noise levels moderate in residential neighborhoods, and follow museum and church photography policies.
The city's student population — among the largest per capita of any Austrian city — gives Graz an open, informal atmosphere that balances its historic formality. The café culture is central to social life and visitors are expected to feel comfortable lingering over a single coffee for an hour without being rushed.
Graz hosted Formula 1 champion drivers from its region (most famously Jochen Rindt and later connections to the Styrian motorsport tradition) and maintains a connection to Austrian political history as the hometown of Arnold Schwarzenegger — though this is a biographical curiosity rather than a dominant feature of the city's cultural identity. The city's primary cultural institutions are organized under the Universalmuseum Joanneum umbrella, one of the oldest and largest universal museums in the world by collection scope.