Vienna has a lot to offer, but sometimes it’s time for a little getaway. How about a short trip to Graz? There are unique sights there, from culture and history to nature and culinary delights, action and nightlife. Here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss in the Styrian capital. Plan your trip and discover the best things to do in Graz!
Stroll through the old town
In the old town of Graz, you always feel a bit like you’re in Italy. The beautiful city center has numerous charming alleyways and well-preserved historic buildings. No wonder the old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999! Enjoy the Italian flair over a coffee or aperitivo. The most important sights and activities can be easily discovered on foot, as they are all close to each other. These include the main square, Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum.
Experience modern romance at Candlelight Bridgerton
Candlelight brings you a very special highlight this summer: on July 3, the Evangelische Heilandskirche will be transformed into an atmospheric backdrop in the style of the Regency era and take you into the world of the popular Netflix series “Bridgerton”. A string quartet interprets classical melodies and modern pop hits from the series – from “Dancing on My Own” to “Bad Guy”. Surrounded by warm candlelight, you will experience romance, elegance and a pure Bridgerton atmosphere. You shouldn’t miss this musical affair of the highest importance!
📍 Venue: Evangelical Church of the Savior
📅 Dates: July 3, 19:00 and 21:00
🎫 Info & tickets
Drinking coffee on the floating Mur Island
Where history and historic alleyways once surrounded us, the Murinsel takes us straight into the modern age. It is one of Graz’s most striking modern landmarks and combines contemporary architecture with an urban lifestyle. In 2003, the New York artist Vito Acconci built the floating island for the Capital of Culture year. It can be reached from both shores via two footbridges. The glazed, weatherproof area houses a café offering regional specialties, coffee and cocktails – with a unique view of the Mur and the old town.
Enjoy the view from the Schlossberg
A visit to the Schlossberg is a must when in Graz. It is the city’s landmark! Whether on foot, with the Schlossbergbahn cable car or the glass elevator – a magnificent view over Graz awaits you at the top. You don’t have to struggle down the mountain on the way back, as there is the Schlossberg slide, the longest underground slide in the world. It is 170 meters long and you can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. Is there a better way to slide down a mountain?
Double spiral staircase
One of the most fascinating sights in Graz is the double spiral staircase. It is an architectural masterpiece of the late Gothic period and definitely worth seeing! Two opposing, intertwined spiral staircases join briefly on each floor and then separate again. This principle is often interpreted as a symbol of separation and reconciliation, which is why the staircase is also known as the “Versöhnungsstiege” or “Busserlstiege”. You can find out all about this unique architectural wonder here.
Discover culture at the Kunsthaus Graz
When you look at the Kunsthaus Graz, you sometimes wonder whether you have landed on an alien planet. The organic, biomorphic shape is often referred to as a “friendly alien”. This is because the Kunsthaus deliberately stands out from the surrounding baroque roofscape and looks like a futuristic creature that has landed in the middle of Graz. It is a museum for contemporary art and shows changing international exhibitions – a must for architecture and art fans.
Immerse yourself in history at the Landeszeughaus
One of the most special things to do in Graz is certainly a visit to the Landeszeughaus. It is the largest historical arsenal of weapons in the world! Around 32,000 suits of armor, suits of armor, helmets, swords, firearms and cannons from the 15th to 18th centuries are exhibited on four floors. Here you can gain an exciting insight into history.
Right next to it is the Landhaus, one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Central Europe. It was built from 1557 according to plans by the Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio and served as the representative seat of the Styrian provincial estates; today the Styrian provincial parliament still meets here.