Graz wasn’t originally on our Styria travel itinerary, but it turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip. We only spent one day in Graz, but it was packed with scenic viewpoints, historic sights, stunning architecture, cosy cafés, and even the world’s tallest underground slide (yes… I had to try it 😉).

If you’re wondering what to see in Graz in one day, this guide covers the best things to do in Graz, from wandering through the charming Old Town and visiting historic landmarks to discovering contemporary architecture and great coffee spots. I’ll also share practical travel tips, where to eat, and ideas for day trips from Graz if you have more time in Austria’s beautiful Styria region.

Note:

The prices and opening times are also included in the post. Still, it can change at any time, especially the opening time, so check their sites so you don’t miss your dream sight. 

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How to Get to Graz

By Car (+ Parking Options in Graz)

Our accommodation was in another town in Styria, so we drove from Jauring to Graz, which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re travelling by car, Graz is easy to reach via the A2 and A9 highways.

One thing to keep in mind is parking. We parked at the Kastner & Öhler shopping centre car park, which was only a few minutes’ walk from the main square in the city centre. It was convenient, but a bit pricey: the fee was €2.20 per 30 minutes, so we ended up paying around €30 for the day.

By Train

The main train station, Graz Hauptbahnhof, is located around 1–2 km from the Old Town, making it easy to reach the city centre with about a 20-minute walk. There are also direct train connections from several Austrian and German cities, making Graz a convenient destination for a short trip.

By Long-Distance Bus 

Many European countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, offer long-distance bus connections to Graz. One of the most popular companies is FlixBus, so it’s worth checking their website for routes and ticket prices.

By Plane

Graz Airport is located south of the city and offers direct flights from several European destinations. From the airport, you can easily reach the city centre by car, taxi, bus, train, or shuttle service. For the latest routes and transport information, check the official Graz Airport website.

Best Time to Visit Graz and the Styria Region in Austria

Before travelling somewhere, I always check the climate on Climates to Travel, as it shows average temperatures, weather conditions, the best time to visit, and even what to pack. So if you’re curious about the weather in Graz, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Graz sits at an elevation of around 353 metres, so winters are generally cold but not extremely harsh. You can expect chilly temperatures, occasional snow, and averages ranging from around -5°C to 10°C.

Summers are pleasant, with temperatures usually between 10°C and 28°C, making it a great time to explore the city on foot. Because of the mild weather, summer is the most popular season to visit Graz. That said, late spring and early autumn are also excellent times to go if you prefer fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.

Before your trip, I’d still recommend checking the weather forecast closer to your travel date. These days, average weather predictions don’t always tell the full story.

How Many Days to Spend in Graz?

We spent one day in Graz, which felt like enough time to explore the city centre and see the main highlights. However, if you enjoy slower travel or want to explore beyond the Old Town, you could easily spend 2–3 days in Graz.

The city also makes a great base for exploring the wider Styria region, with plenty of beautiful places to visit nearby. But more on that later…

How to Spend One Day in Graz

During our one day in Graz, we explored the main attractions in the Old Town and mostly enjoyed wandering through the charming streets at a relaxed pace. Of course, we also stopped for a few coffees and a proper Wiener Schnitzel along the way. 

Here’s our 1-day Graz itinerary: 

• Walk past the iconic Kunsthaus Graz
• Coffee break at Paul & Bohne – Lendplatz
• Cross the river via Murinsel Graz
• Head up to the Schlossberg viewpoints (and come down by slide!)
• Lunch at Peter Weinstube
• Coffee and matcha at Ducks Coffee Shop
• Explore Herrengasse and the surrounding streets
• Visit Graz Castle & the Double Spiral Staircase
• Stroll along Sporgasse and Hauptplatz

You can also watch our Graz travel video on YouTube to see our full 1-day itinerary in action

And subscribe to my YouTube channel to catch the upcoming travel videos. 

Top Things to Do in Graz, Austria

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of the Styria region. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful architecture, hidden courtyards, charming streets, and scenic riverside setting.

The city blends historic charm with a creative atmosphere, offering cosy cafés, great restaurants, and plenty of cultural attractions. Graz was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2003.

Best Places to Visit in Graz and Styria

On the Wanderlog map below, you’ll find many of the top places to visit in Graz and the wider Styria region, including scenic viewpoints, walking routes, coffee spots, restaurants, and hidden gems. It’s a real time-saver, especially if you don’t want to plan everything from scratch. 

The map shows the exact locations and lets you turn layers on and off, so you can easily focus on what matters most to you. It’s also great for saving spots before your trip and following the route on the day without constantly checking different apps.

Schlossberg: Clock Tower, Panoramas & Scenic Walks

Schlossberg was once a fortress and is now one of Graz’s most popular attractions. You can see the famous Clock Tower (Uhrturm) up close, enjoy beautiful city panoramas, and wander through peaceful gardens and forest paths.

There are a few different ways to get to the top:

• On foot via 260 steps, starting from the main entrance at Schlossberg Square
• On foot from other sides of the hill, including Wickenburggasse, Paulustorgasse, and Sporgasse
• By the Schlossbergbahn funicular, located about a 5-minute walk from Schlossberg Square (keep in mind that it drops you off at the northern part of Schlossberg, not directly at the Clock Tower)
• By the Schlossberg lift, the fastest option, departing from the main entrance at Schlossberg Square

We took the glass elevator and bought return tickets, but there are several ticket combinations available at the machine or small kiosk nearby. 

Travel Tip + Ticket Information

Before buying your ticket, think about how you want to get back down. You can also walk down… ooooor take the slide!

I slightly messed up my tickets because I couldn’t find the slide entrance at the top (it’s hidden near some stairs close to the Clock Tower), so I accidentally bought double elevator tickets instead. 

• One-way lift ticket: 2,50 EUR/person
• Funicular ticket (1-hour): 3,20 EUR/person
• One trip elevator + one trip funicular: 4,70 EUR/person
• Elevator + slide: 9,00 EUR/person

The glass elevator takes only 30 seconds to reach the top, and it’s actually pretty fun because you can see the mountain structure and even the slide wrapping around the elevator shaft.

Of course, I had to try the slide. At 64 metres high and 179 metres long, which makes it the world’s tallest underground slide. It was such a fun experience, although I definitely screamed a few times on the way down! The slide changes direction and angle several times, and the echoes somehow made my screams even louder. Honestly, it was such a good dopamine hit.

The elevator arrives close to the Clock Tower, one of Graz’s most famous landmarks. The tower is 28 metres high, and its clock faces measure more than 5 metres in diameter. The clocks can look a bit confusing at first because there were originally only long hour hands, and the minute hands were added later.

The views from here are beautiful, but for the best panorama, I highly recommend walking a little higher to the Chinese Pavilion. From there, you’ll get views of the river, the Clock Tower, the city, and the surrounding mountains. It felt magical and became our favourite spot in Schlossberg.

You can easily spend some time exploring the rest of Schlossberg on foot. The garden areas are lovely, and we even walked to the far end of the hill hoping for more viewpoints, but nothing beat the Chinese Pavilion.

Besides the viewpoints, Schlossberg is also home to a museum, restaurants, statues, gardens, and event spaces. The Kasematten Stage hosts live music performances, while the Dom im Berg is a multifunctional exhibition and event venue built inside the mountain itself.

Hauptplatz & Herrengasse

The main square, Hauptplatz, is only a few minutes’ walk from Schlossberg. The impressive Town Hall dominates the square, but the surrounding buildings are just as beautiful, many decorated with colourful paintings and ornate details. You’ll even spot the Clock Tower rising above the rooftops.

From the Town Hall, keep left and stroll along Herrengasse, Graz’s most famous street. It’s lined with gorgeous historic buildings, shops, and cafés.

One of the prettiest buildings is at No. 3, with its beautifully painted facade. Another highlight is Landhaushof (Herrengasse 16), a stunning Renaissance courtyard that houses the Styrian regional parliament. Right next door, you’ll find the Landeszeughaus, Europe’s largest historic armoury and weapons museum.

Honestly, all the surrounding streets were beautiful. No matter where we wandered, we kept stumbling across pretty squares, hidden courtyards, and charming buildings. Along the way, we also passed by the Glockenspiel, Graz Cathedral, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.

Sporgasse

Sporgasse is one of the busiest and most charming streets in Graz, and it also starts from Hauptplatz. At the corner, you’ll immediately notice the striking Luegghaus building (where Swarovski is located), famous for its decorative facade covered with fruit and flower garlands, just stunning.

The street is packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it a lively place to stroll around. If you continue towards Hofgasse, don’t miss the beautiful wooden facade of Edegger-Tax Bakery, decorated with intricate ornaments. It’s one of Graz’s oldest bakeries and is especially famous for traditional pastries inspired by the imperial era.

Graz Castle & the Double Spiral Staircase

Sporgasse will eventually lead you to Graz Castle (Grazer Burg). We mainly came here to see one of the city’s most unique architectural highlights, the Double Spiral Staircase (Doppelwendeltreppe).

Hidden in the corner of the first courtyard, this Gothic architectural masterpiece is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The staircase splits into two separate spirals that reconnect on every floor, creating a fascinating design. We found it super fun to walk through and admire it up close.

Kunsthaus

When I say Kunsthaus Graz (Art House) has a controversial shape, you’ll probably know exactly which building I mean. Many people say it looks like a liver, a stomach, or even a strange blue balloon. Its architects named it the “Friendly Alien”, and it does look like something from another planet.

The building was created for Graz’s European Capital of Culture year in 2003 and is now one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s a contemporary art museum and also has a café and design shop on the ground floor. We only checked out the design shop, but it had loads of super cool things.

Murinsel Graz

Murinsel Graz is a futuristic, shell-shaped structure floating on the Mur River, connecting both riverbanks. Just like Kunsthaus, it was built for Graz’s European Capital of Culture year in 2003.

Inside, you’ll find a café and a small amphitheatre, while in the evening, the whole structure lights up beautifully. Even if you only stop by for a quick walk across, it’s definitely one of the more unusual sights in Graz.

Stadtpark Graz

A large public park in the heart of Graz, located next to Grazer Castle. It’s perfect for relaxing walks and picnics. It is known for its tree-lined paths, flower beds, ponds, and historic monuments, making it a favourite spot for locals and visitors.

Graz Cathedral

A Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral built in the 15th century. It is one of Graz’s most important religious landmarks, known for its simple exterior, beautiful frescoes, and historic connection to the Habsburg dynasty.

Opera Graz 

One of Austria’s largest opera houses, showcasing opera, ballet, and classical performances in an impressive Neo-Baroque building. The opera house was designed by the same Viennese architects behind several grand theatres across Central Europe.

Karl-Franzens-Universität Botanical Garden 

A peaceful botanical garden run by the university, featuring thousands of plant species from different climate zones. Entry is free, making it one of Graz’s best-kept secrets.

Bauernmarkt Kaiser-Josef-Platz

One of Graz’s most popular farmers’ markets, where locals shop for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, and regional delicacies. It runs Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Fun fact!

It’s one of the best places to try traditional Styrian pumpkin seed oil (a.k.a. Styria’s “Green Gold”), a regional speciality famous in this part of Austria.

Where to eat and drink in Graz?

Austrian restaurant: Peter Weinstube 

We wanted to find a peaceful and authentic Austrian restaurant, so instead of staying around the busy and touristy Sporgasse, we wandered into some of the quieter side streets. That’s how we found Peter Weinstube, located only a few minutes’ walk from Hauptplatz.

The restaurant also had outdoor seating, and our waitress was very friendly and patient with us. All of us ordered different types of Wiener Schnitzel. My mum and I went for the smaller portion, which was also generous, and we definitely didn’t leave hungry. The side dishes were tasty too, and everyone was satisfied. 

Specialty coffee shops in Graz

Paul & Bohne – Lendplatz

Our first official stop in Graz was Paul & Bohne – Lendplatz, a lovely coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The coffee was delicious, and they also sell a wide selection of coffee beans if you want to bring some home. After our caffeine boost, we were fully ready to start exploring Graz.

Ducks Coffee Shop

Our afternoon coffee and dessert stop was at the super cute specialty café Ducks Coffee Shop.

The interior was stylish and spacious, with duck-themed details everywhere (surprise, surprise…) on the walls, cups, at the till, and even in the toilet! We ordered affogato, cappuccino, and matcha, and everything was delicious. We also shared two cakes, which were the perfect desserts.

Other specialty cafes to visit in Graz city centre:

• Tribeka (more locations)
• Buna
• Beanery Specialty Coffee Graz
• PARKS Bio Fairtrade Restaurant

Best Day Trips from Graz: Things to Do Around Graz, Austria

The area around Graz offers plenty of things to do, whether you love nature, relaxing spa days, scenic hikes, or quirky attractions. There’s something for every season, for families, for couples, and even for Arnold Schwarzenegger fans. If you have more time, Graz also makes a great base for day trips.

• Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Castle): Located on the outskirts of Graz, Schloss Eggenberg is one of the city’s most important landmarks. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens and visit the palace, which was designed as an architectural representation of the universe. 
• Basilika Mariatrost: One of the most famous pilgrimage churches in Styria, Basilika Mariatrost sits on a hill overlooking Graz and offers beautiful views alongside impressive Baroque architecture.
• Hundertwasserkirche: The colourful St. Barbara Church in Bärnbach was redesigned by the famous Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Its unusual shapes and colourful details make it feel more like a work of art than a traditional church.
• Therme NOVA Köflach: If you’re in the mood to relax, Therme NOVA Köflach is a great thermal spa with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, wellness areas, and activities for the whole family. 
• Lurgrotte Peggau: The Lurgrotte cave is Austria’s largest cave system, filled with impressive limestone formations, underground streams, and giant halls.  
• Bärenschützklamm: Open only during the warmer months, Bärenschützklamm is one of Austria’s most beautiful gorges, where you can hike through forests, cross bridges, and climb wooden ladders along the route.
• Kesselfallklamm: Often called the “little sister” of Bärenschützklamm, Kesselfallklamm is a smaller gorge that follows the Rötschbach stream. Along the trail, you’ll pass waterfalls, ponds, bridges, and beautiful forest scenery. It is also closed during winter. 
• Schöcklblick Alpakas: Thought alpaca trekking only existed in Peru…? You can go on an alpaca walk in Austria too! Schöcklblick Alpakas offers fun trekking experiences with adorable alpacas in the Styrian countryside. 
• Thalersee Strand and Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum: Thalersee is a peaceful lake surrounded by forest, making it a lovely spot in any season. Nearby, you can visit the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, located in the actor’s childhood home. While in the area, don’t miss Pfarrkirche Thal-St. Jakob, a church with surprisingly unique and colourful interior decorations.

Is Graz Worth Visiting?

Definitely! Whether you’re planning a day trip to Graz or a longer stay, the city is absolutely worth visiting. What surprised me most was how much Graz has to offer. No surprise that the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Graz is ideal if you enjoy walkable cities, historic streets, good coffee, and a mix of history and modern architecture.

Also, summer felt like the perfect season to visit. The weather was lovely, and the city didn’t feel overcrowded (apart from busy Sporgasse). If I had to pick my favourite spots, I wouldn’t miss the Clock Tower, the Schlossberg slide, and the unique Double Spiral Staircase.

Now it’s up to you to decide how many days to spend in Graz. We only had one day in Graz, but I could easily see myself staying longer to explore more of the Styria region, from gorges and waterfalls to scenic hiking trails and hidden gems. And of course, I definitely wouldn’t want to miss an alpaca trekking tour next time.

Whether you’re planning a quick city break or looking for the best things to do in Graz and around it, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip.

Now I’d love to hear from you… What would be your favourite thing to do in Graz? Would you spend just one day in Graz, or stay longer to explore more of Styria?

For more travel tips around Europe, read the following posts:

• How to explore Budapest in 2 days? – a local’s travel guide with prices and map 
• 2 days in Co. Clare, Ireland – Top things to do in County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way
• 5 things you need to experience in Lisbon, Portugal
• Copenhagen 3-day travel itinerary 

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