Graz is like the little sibling who wants to prove it’s just as cool as its big brother Vienna. Nestled about 150 km southeast of Austria’s bustling capital, Graz holds the title of the country’s second-largest city. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just for a whirlwind day of adventure. So, strap on your walking shoes, and let’s see what fun we can cram into a single day in this interesting city!
For museum enthusiasts, the 24-hour Graz Card is your golden ticket to culture galore. For €30, it grants you access to a variety of the main sights in Graz and the transport between them. Just make sure to check the opening hours, so you don’t get caught out by a closed door when you’re ready to soak up some art and history!
Schloss Eggenberg
My first stop was Schloss Eggenberg. I started here because it’s the farthest from the city center, and I figured I’d get the longest trek out of the way first. The Castle is nestled in the heart of a sprawling garden where peacocks strut around like they own the place (and who’s going to tell them otherwise?). The grounds boast several unique exhibitions that you won’t want to miss.
I kicked off my adventure with a wander around the Archeology Museum. The museum is a brutal concrete building that provides a jarring backdrop for the exhibits.
An exit at the back of the museum leads you straight into the planetary gardens, which were a bit underwhelming if I’m being honest. But hey, they’re the chosen hangout for the peacocks, so you know it’s got to be the cool spot. It’s like stumbling upon the VIP lounge of peacock parties, complete with feathered strutting and a bit of bird gossip!
Next was the art gallery, home to an extensive collection of old masters. I was the only visitor, which made me feel like a VIP with my own personal entourage—except this entourage followed me around like I was a suspected shoplifter! It was a bit like having your own security detail, only with more suspicious glances.
I headed back to the main building where I joined a tour of the State Rooms, which I highly recommend. They showcase a delightful blend of styles from different eras and offer a glimpse into how people once decorated their rooms—not just for living but for showing off a little, too. Photography is banned in the State Rooms so you’ll just have to go and see them for yourself!
And finally, a wander around the Schloss felt like stepping into my own private kingdom. The place was almost deserted. It was as if everyone suddenly vanished—maybe they found a secret exit I missed? The whole estate was remarkably quiet during my visit, making it the perfect setting for a bit of peaceful daydreaming or pretending you own the place!
While you’re at the Eggenberg estate, you can also drop by the Coin Cabinet if you’re feeling a bit of numismatic curiosity or explore the extensive gardens.
Kunsthaus Graz
My next stop was the Kunsthaus, affectionately known as the “friendly alien,” a funky building that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. You really can’t appreciate its full effect from ground level, so prepare to be intrigued. Inside, this art museum features ever-changing exhibitions. When I visited, there were two exhibits showcasing modern art. While the exhibitions weren’t exactly my cup of tea, don’t hesitate to check out this museum for yourself—you never know what might catch your eye! As for the building’s design, I couldn’t quite grasp its full impact up close, but I did manage to snag an excellent view later in the day.
Murinsel and Town Square
Crossing the Mur River from the Kunsthaus, you’ll pass by the Murinsel, an artificial island complete with a café and performance space—perfect for a little break or some people-watching. Keep going, and you’ll find yourself at the Town Square, home to the stunning Town Hall. Built in 1893 on the bones of two previous buildings, it’s hard not to be impressed by its grandeur. All the benches and buntings were for a street entertainment festival that was taking place at the time of my visit.
Der Steirer Restaurant
All this walking is enough to work up quite an appetite! After a quick stop at the tourist information office to book an afternoon history tour, it was time to head back across the river to Der Steirer restaurant. The food there was absolutely delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and relax before diving back into more of Graz’s adventures. I opted for the Soup with meat strudel followed by the boiled beef and potato, both were delicious.
Graz History Tour
The Graz Tourism Office offers a Historic Centre Walking Tour for just €12, and it’s a great value for money. Our tour guide was interesting, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. We covered a lot of ground—so much that my feet were ready to file a complaint! Here are just a few representative pictures from our adventure. Trust me, you’ll want to experience it for yourself!
Graz Cathedral
The cathedral is a must-see on any sightseeing trip around Graz. Don’t be fooled by its relatively restrained exterior; inside, it’s a whole different story. Step in and prepare to be wowed by the stunning architecture and beautiful artwork. It’s like opening a plain-looking gift box to find something spectacular inside!
Schlossburg and Uhrturm
There are several ways to reach the top of the Schlossberg. You can take the lift, hop on the castle hill railway, or get a workout by climbing the Schlossberg Kriegssteig. I chose the railway since the access price was already included in my Graz ticket—who doesn’t love a good deal?
Once you’re on top of the Schlossberg, there are plenty of sights to enjoy:
- The Bell Tower: Its bell, “Lisl,” rings 101 times, three times a day. It’s like a symphony of clangs!
- Major-Hackher-Memorial: A bronze sculpture in the form of a lion honors the major who defended the Schlossberg against 3,000 French soldiers with only 17 soldiers on his side. Talk about a lion-hearted hero!
- Chinese Pavilion: A little slice of the East right in Graz.
- Clock Tower: The landmark of Graz! It’s a timeless classic—literally. The hour and minute hands are reversed.
And that’s not all! Take a leisurely afternoon walk and be surprised by what else you might find.
To top it all off, you can enjoy a drink with a stunning view of Graz. When it was time to head back down, I opted for the lift, the price for which was also included in the Graz Card. It wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it got the job done.
Balaustine Restaurant
After a long day of walking and exploring, it was time to head back to the hotel and try out the Balaustine restaurant, known for its modern Middle Eastern inspired menu. I decided to go with the Shakshukit and the Jerusalem chicken, and both dishes were packed with amazing flavors. It was the perfect way to end a day of adventure, treating my taste buds to a little Middle Eastern magic!
I hope you found some ideas and inspiration for your own trip to Graz. I wish you tons of fun exploring this city. Feel free to leave a comment with your feedback or share your own experiences exploring Graz. And don’t forget to share this post with your travel buddies. Happy travels!