Sightseeing in Graz
Schlossberg, UNESCO heritage and short distances across the city
Graz is one of the most multifaceted city destinations in Austria. As the country’s second-largest city, the Styrian capital combines rich historical heritage with contemporary architecture in a compact setting. The key attractions in Graz include the Schlossberg with the Clock Tower, the old town with its distinctive roofscape, and Schloss Eggenberg – both part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ensemble is complemented by places such as Kunsthaus Graz and the Murinsel, which open up new perspectives on the city.
Many of these attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. Between rooftops, courtyards and squares, an urban space unfolds that reveals itself as you explore it on foot – layered and easy to combine.
Discover Graz your way
Graz can be explored from different perspectives – depending on your interests, pace and available time.
- Classic walking tour: Schlossberg, old town and central squares
- Art and architecture: Kunsthaus Graz, Murinsel and contemporary sites
- Delve into history: Zeughaus Armoury, cathedral and historic courtyards
- Quiet places: Courtyards, gardens and understated urban spaces
Cityscape and architecture
Graz doesn’t just reveal its history through major landmarks. Between churches, courtyards and historic buildings, a multi-layered architectural landscape unfolds, connecting different eras. As a UNESCO City of Design, the city also stands for contemporary creativity. Graz was European Capital of Culture in 2003 – an impulse that continues to resonate today.
Museums and culture in Graz
Art, history and the present
The attractions in Graz extend far beyond squares and buildings. In museums and exhibitions, the cultural depth that defines the city becomes clear – spanning history, the present and experimental formats.
Museums at a glance
- With the Universalmuseum Joanneum, Graz is home to one of the most significant networks of museums in Europe. Institutions such as the Zeughaus Armoury, Kunsthaus Graz and the Joanneumsviertel form a dense network of exhibition venues, offering diverse perspectives on art, culture and history.
- Schloss Eggenberg, as a baroque complex, combines architecture, landscape and collections.
- The museum landscape is complemented by specialised institutions such as the Graz Museum, the Schell Collection, as well as interactive venues like CoSA or FRida & freD.
Combined offers such as Joanneum tickets or the Graz Card make planning easier and allow flexible access to multiple locations.
Graz in quieter moments
Courtyards and hidden urban spaces
Beyond the well-known attractions, Graz reveals a more understated and often overlooked side. Around 50 courtyards are hidden behind the historic façades of the old town, usually revealing themselves only on closer inspection.
Arcades, covered walkways and passageways connect different eras, creating spaces that feel less staged and more organically evolved. To the defining examples belong the Landhaushof, one of the most important Renaissance courtyards north of the Alps, the Generalihof with a winebar and occasional jazz concerts, as as the courtyards of the Franziskanerhof and the Priests' Seminary.
These places don’t reveal themselves all at once, but gradually as you explore – quietly, charmingly and often with unexpected moments along the way.
Graz Landhaus courtyard – Renaissance arcades | © Graz Region
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Arcaded courtyard of Eggenberg Palace in Graz | © Graz Tourismus | Mias Photoart
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Graz Landhaus courtyard – Renaissance arcades | © actline.at | studio draussen
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Franciscan Monastery Graz – Courtyard with Cross and Tower | © actline.at | studio draussen
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Graz old town – courtyard with balconies and arcades | © Graz Region | Grün um die Welt
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Graz seminary – arcade corridor in the courtyard | © Graz Tourismus | Harry Schiffer
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Franciscan monastery Graz – gothic cloister corridor | © Graz Region | studio draussen
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Konzertabend im Generalihof Graz – Innenhof mit Fl | © Graz Tourismus-Harry Schiffer
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Historischer Innenhof des Deutschen Ritterordens G | © Graz Tourismus-Harry Schiffer
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Hidden gems in Graz
Details in the urban landscape
Not everything reveals itself at first glance. A façade marked by history, an inconspicuous passage in Sackstraße or the elaborately decorated Luegghaus draw the eye upwards – to details that are easily overlooked in everyday life. The Graz City Core in front of the Burg also reflects these layered dimensions between past and present.
Smaller details shape this impression: the Murnockerl in the courtyards, the snowman in the Priests’ Seminary or the Turkish warrior at Palais Saurau. They appear quietly and only reveal themselves on closer inspection.
Here, Graz presents itself less as a unified whole and more as a collection of individual observations – fleeting, charming and often surprising.
Markets, squares & shops
Where Graz comes to life
On its markets and squares, Graz comes to life as a vibrant urban space. At the Kaiser-Josef-Market or at smaller markets across the city, regional produce shapes the rhythm of the day and connects the surrounding countryside directly with the city.
Between Herrengasse, Sporgasse, Sackstraße and the lively Mariahilferstraße, a dense network of historic façades, small shops and contemporary concepts emerges. Here, everyday life, commerce and social encounters overlap within a compact space.
These places are not classic attractions, but part of everyday urban life – open, diverse and constantly evolving.
Combining attractions and indulgence
Culture meets cuisine
Graz brings together attractions and gastronomy within short distances. Between historic squares, markets and museums, cafés, traditional inns and restaurants offer contemporary interpretations of regional produce.
Culinary tours through Graz highlight this connection, linking different parts of the city – from traditional inns to modern dining spots.
A walk through the city often ends not at a viewpoint, but at a market stall or in a courtyard restaurant – where architecture and everyday culture blend together naturally.
Experience Graz – and stay longer
Taking time to explore the city
Those who explore the quieter sides of Graz soon realise: One day is rarely enough. Between the old town, the Schlossberg and the neighbourhoods beyond the centre, the city reveals itself gradually – less as a checklist of attractions and more as a cohesive, living urban space.
A wide range of accommodation – from hotels and charming guesthouses to apartments – allows you to shape your stay at your own pace. This is complemented by a calendar of events that bring the city to life throughout the year.
Short distances, many perspectives on the city.
Plan your attractions in Graz
An overview for your visit
Many of Graz’s key attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. A stroll through the old town can be tailored to suit you, linking highlights such as the Schlossberg, the Cathedral, the Landhaus Courtyard and the Mur riverbank along short, pleasant routes.
For a first impression, two to three hours is often enough. If you’d like to include museums or Schloss Eggenberg, it’s worth allowing more time.
Guided tours, audio guides and combined offers such as the Graz Card make it easier to get around and explore the city in a structured yet flexible way.
Tip: The Altstadt Tram runs free of charge through the historic centre, linking key points of the old town.
Experience Graz in a short time
Suggested duration at a glance
Many attractions in Graz can easily be combined. Depending on how much time you have, different ways of exploring the city open up:
- 2–3 hours: Old town, Schlossberg and central squares
- Half a day: also including the Cathedral, Landhaus Courtyard and the Mur riverbank
- 1 day: with the addition of Kunsthaus Graz or a museum visit
- 2 days: including Schloss Eggenberg and further collections
There’s no fixed route – Graz is best explored at your own pace, with the freedom to follow your interests as you go.
FAQs about attractions in Graz
The main attractions in Graz are the Schlossberg with Clock Tower, the historic old town with its distinctive roofscape, Schloss Eggenberg as well as Kunsthaus Graz and Murinsel.
A few hours are enough for an initial overview. For a more in-depth visit including museums and additional attractions, a stay of one to two days is recommended.
Yes, the historic old town of Graz is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Schloss Eggenberg is also included as a separate site within Graz’s UNESCO listing.
Many attractions in Graz are freely accessible, including the old town, the Schlossberg, numerous courtyards as well as public squares and urban spaces.
Yes, Graz is ideal for a weekend break. The main attractions are close together and can easily be explored over one to two days.
The Graz Card allows you to combine museums, public transport and other offers flexibly.
The Schlossberg with the Fairytale Railway and Schlossberg slide, the Murinsel as well as the FRida & freD Children’s Museum and the CoSA offer a wide range of experiences for families. In the summer months, the Graz city beach along the Mur adds to the leisure options.
Brochure Exploring the sights of Graz
The “Exploring the sights of Graz” brochure brings together key highlights, architectural features and practical information in a compact format – ideal for planning or as a handy guide during your visit.
