Best attractions in Graz: Top 19
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After reading our review, you will know what every tourist should see in Graz. We will provide you with detailed recommendations, taking into account the reviews of experienced guides and Austrians themselves. Our “most popular attractions in Graz” rating will give you an unforgettable trip to one of Austria’s most welcoming cities.
What’s the first thing to see in Graz?
If you want your trip to be truly fascinating and informative, book the following excursions in Graz:
1. City Hall
Like many other landmarks in Graz, this one has been towering in the central square of the city for many years. The town hall was built in the early 19th century in the style of Classicism. We also recommend a visit to the town hall because of its convenient location for travelers: The central square has numerous stalls with local delicacies and memorable souvenirs, fairs and folk celebrations are held, and important historical and cultural sites are present.
Official website: https://www.graz
2. Landhaus
A complex of various architectural masterpieces erected in a single Renaissance style and reminiscent of the Palazzo of Florence. It consists of several extensive buildings with Tuscan galleries and courtyards. The largest courtyard is now used for performances, concerts and receptions of dignitaries. Guides in Graz advise to visit such facilities without fail.
3. Schlosberg Castle
The palace towers over the city and is located at the top of the hill. The castle, like many other places of interest in Austria, has been almost completely destroyed. Now there are only ruins of it. Guests are offered a tour of the surviving buildings and a beautiful park with a huge number of well-groomed flower beds, fountain and pavilions. There is a café on the terrace, from where you can see the whole of Graz with its lush greenery, modern art objects and ancient buildings. A delightful addition to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the city is the sound of the rushing Mur river.
4. Eggenberg Castle
One of the most beautiful palaces in the city, with a truly elegant and aristocratic appearance. The date of construction is 1635. The castle can be viewed not only from the outside, but also inside. The chic interiors are represented, including numerous paintings (there are over 600 paintings now), unique furnishings, and zodiacal signs on the ceiling and walls. The creator of the building was the famed architect D. de Pomis, known for his fascination with astronomy and the stars. If you don’t know what to see in Graz in 1 day, but are interested in both art, history and architecture, book a tour of Eggenberg Palace and you won’t be disappointed.
Official website: https://www.museum
5. The ruins of Gösting castle
The remains of the formerly strong fortress are within the city limits. It was built as a strategically important site as early as the 11th century. In the 18th century, a lightning strike on a powder magazine completely destroyed the walls. An explosion of enormous force left only ruins and a chapel of St. Anne.
See the beautiful places of Graz in this great video!
6. Opera theater
The present opera house, in neo-baroque style, was built close to the Graz Park in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the 17th century theatrical performances were given in the carriage house of the Habsburg family. In the city’s first opera house you could hear Mozart himself. Modern opera is the best option for where to go in Graz for lovers of art and culture.
7. City Museum
The museum complex is located in the old Künberg Palace in the center of Graz. The castle was formerly the property of Franz Ferdinand. The exhibits show different stages of Graz’s history and life and explain how Graz’s culture and economy developed.
Official website: https://www.grazmuseum
8. Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
Just like, for example, the Museum of Modern Art in Graz, this complex is quite unusual. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the famous actor, bodybuilder and California politician-governor Schwarzenegger. Arnold was born in the village of Thal, near Graz. The museum is housed in the building where Schwarzenegger used to live (at the time he began to excel in his sporting career). The exhibits include a bronze statue of the Terminator, pictures of the celebrities and various interior items that once belonged to the movie star. Even if you are not a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, you should not leave such interesting places of Graz without attention.
Official website: https://arnieslife.com
9. Kunsthaus
The opening date of the contemporary art gallery is 2003. The building has an unusual and memorable design: for example, its roof is reminiscent of an alien ship or an exotic glowing fish. In the gallery, you can view examples of permanent and temporary exhibits. Whether you come to Graz in winter or summer for shopping or sightseeing, be sure to make time to explore the Kunsthaus.
Official website: https://www.museum
10. Arsenal
The site is included in all lists of “Graz’s best sights” and is a baroque mansion built in 1642. In the 16th century, the Graz arsenal managed to arm more than 15,000 soldiers to defend the city against attacks by the Turks. The current displays of the Armory are valuable and rich, with over 30,000 pieces of armor and weapons from different eras.
Official website: https://www.museum
11. Frida and Fred Museum
What to visit in Graz with the whole family? This is an extraordinary children’s museum center in which young and adult visitors alike are taught about the uniqueness and diversity of the world. The museum has a wonderfully cozy and homely atmosphere that encourages experimentation and creativity. Regular theatrical performances and all sorts of exhibitions are held. At the center there is a medical laboratory, devoted to the peculiarities of the human body. Guests can build their own and study other people’s anatomical models and engage in scientific research.
Official website: http://fridaundfred.
12. St. Aegidius Cathedral
An architectural masterpiece of the 15th century, it is one of the main cathedral of the city and of Austria. The construction of the building began along with the construction of a palace for Frederick the Second. In the 16th century, the cathedral was given to the Jesuits. In the 20th century, the interiors were restored to their present form by C. Lorenzo, who supervised the restoration work.
13. Temple of the Mariatrost
The sanctuary rises on a hill. It is a key pilgrimage center for the entire country. The church was built in the late Baroque style in the 18th century. The façade is the portal of the main entrance and several symmetrical towers, each 60 meters high. Of particular interest is the rich interior decoration of the building, also created in the direction of the Baroque. Even the best hotels in Graz cannot boast such expensive and stylish interiors.
14. Church of the Heart of Christ
The largest Catholic church in the city and the third largest in the state, erected in the 18th century. The building is in the late Gothic style, and stands out for its gorgeous figured stained glass windows and soaring central nave.
15. Emperor Ferdinand’s Mausoleum
A 17th-century tomb belonging to members of the Habsburg family. The crypt was built on the grounds of a religious complex. On the creation of the project worked D. de Pomis, so that in the building can be seen elements of the architecture of Florence. In the mausoleum there are the ashes of Maria of Bavaria and her son-emperor.
##Graz sights: What else can I do in Graz? We have told you about the main sights of Graz briefly, and we hope that you will include them in your own sightseeing itinerary. However, the city of Graz is famous not only for the listed sites, but also for such cultural and architectural masterpieces as:
16. Murinsel
Not the most common name given to an entertainment center that has opened on the River Moor. The shape of the building is also unconventional: in its appearance and even in its interiors Murinsel resembles a seashell resting on the supports of a platform. Why should you visit this attraction? Because there is a great “underwater” cafe and amphitheater inside. The kids have their own entertainment area called “Adventure Island”. If possible, go to Murinsel on days when there are art exhibitions. Also note that the number of guests (due to the rather compact size of the center) is always limited.
17. Sackstrasse
Locals call this alley “The Mile of Art” because art cafes, exhibition studios and art galleries, arts and crafts workshops are found all along it. In addition, “Sackstrasse” has shops and boutiques that offer often really valuable antiques and beautiful jewelry. If you have the chance, you can walk along the street on Christmas Eve: All the buildings and trees are richly decorated with different kinds of ornaments.
18. Café Sacher Graz
The cafe, opened in a hotel with the same name, can be called a full-fledged Austrian attraction, because it is here that they serve the real Sacher cake, cooked according to the original ancient recipe. Keep in mind that there are always a lot of visitors here: often in front of the entrance there are queues. At the cafe there is a souvenir shop where you can buy carefully packed slices of cake-dessert (often taken out of the city and even out of the country, thanks to the special packaging that keeps the product fresh for a long time), as well as branded dishes, branded chocolate sauces and many other interesting products. While in Graz, you can also order delivery from Sacher to your hotel.
Official website: https://www.sacher.com
19. City park
Traditional and popular place of entertainment and recreation for locals and tourists. The park was laid out in the colorful English style by the city council to replace the war grounds in the 19th century. Apart from the green areas it contains many historically important monuments and statues.
The sights of Graz, pictures with names and descriptions of which we have now listed, are the most visited and popular in the city. We are sure that a visit to them will be interesting for every curious traveler. Read also about the best sights of Vienna and get inspired for your further journey around Austria.
