The reception’s insider tip: On the way to the city center, take a look at the inner courtyard of the castle of Graz. There you will find somewhat hidden, the unique double spiral stairs of Graz, built in 1499. Two opposing staircases merge only for some stairs on each floor, join together and separate again. It is considered a symbol of eternity and therefore called the “Stairs of Reconciliation” – separate ways join again.
Graz - Old Town & Sights
Graz - Visit the capital of Styria
Fascinating and unique: Graz, the capital of Styria, is the second largest city in Austria. The historic centre of Graz is a true jewel of historical architecture - for which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The sum of sights in Graz, excellently preserved monuments and buildings make the centre a tourist magnet that is best experienced on a city walk. Discover the historic city centre and all the sights in Graz.
The narrow and historic alleyways and streets in Graz's Old Town invite you to stroll and enjoy all year round. In 1999, the old town of Graz was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its excellently preserved city centre.
Take a few days to explore the Styrian capital. Enjoy the fascinating architecture and the special and unique flair of the old town.
The 4-star superior Parkhotel Graz right in the centre is the ideal place to discover the city centre and the region. We are happy to give you the best tips for the most beautiful places in and around Graz.
Top sights in Graz
Graz offers a particularly diverse range of sights and places that should definitely be visited. The hip historic city centre with its diverse culture is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important sights are within walking distance.
Graz's Schlossberg
At 474 metres, Graz's Schlossberg is one of the city's absolute centrepieces. This landmark is located on the River Mur and towers around 123 metres above Graz's main square. The clock tower - the symbol of the city of Graz - is also located directly on the Schlossberg.
Graz's Schlossberg is a historic hill in the centre of the city that offers a rich history and breathtaking views. At the top of the Schlossberg you will find the impressive clock tower, which dominates the cityscape, as well as the imposing casemates, the former defences. Today, the casemates are used as an open-air theatre on the Schlossberg. This historic site invites visitors to explore the past as they stroll through the corridors of the casemates or enjoy an unrivalled view of Graz from the viewing platforms.
Grazer Uhrturm - Clock Tower
The Graz Clock Tower is an iconic landmark of the city of Graz. This impressive tower was built in the 13th century and rises majestically on the Schlossberg, a hill in the centre of the city. The city's landmark, which can be seen from afar, is around 28 metres high and is located around 425 metres above sea level. The tower still has a total of three bells: the hour and fire bells and the arm sinner's bell, which was rung at executions in earlier times.
The clock tower is famous for its unusual clock, in which the hour and minute hands are reversed - a rarity in the art of clockmaking. This unique detail has given the tower its name. The clock tower also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Graz and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb the steep stairs and explore the history of the tower in a small museum. The Graz Clock Tower is a symbol of the city and a must-see for every visitor.
Graz Schlossbergbahn
The Schlossbergbahn in Graz is a historic funicular railway that has been transporting visitors up the Schlossberg in Graz for over 120 years. The railway not only offers a comfortable way to tackle the steep ascent to the Schlossberg, but also a breathtaking view of the city of Graz and its surroundings. The charming, nostalgic carriages run regularly from the bottom station to the top station, allowing passengers to reach the Schlossberg plateau, where they can explore historical sights such as the clock tower and the casemates.
The Schlossbergbahn is not just a means of transport, but also a piece of Graz's history and a popular tourist destination. The popular Schlossbergbahn in Graz was redesigned in 2004. The two carriages were fitted with glass roofs, giving passengers a breathtaking panoramic view of the historic city centre during the journey.
City of Graz - Historic Centre
Not only tourists, but also locals find the flair and ambience of the old town particularly appealing. Especially on warm summer evenings, you feel like you are in a Mediterranean city. Strolling through the historic part of the city is an excellent way to discover the city's culinary delights. Here you will find everything from simple but traditional sausage stands to modern gourmet restaurants. And in winter, Graz's old town is best known for its Advent and Christmas markets.
The historic city centre reflects a centuries-old connection between artistic and architectural movements that originated in the German and Mediterranean regions and even in the Balkans. The appearance of the city with its many sights and Eggenberg Palace clearly shows their mutual historical and cultural development and is an exceptional example of the harmonious integration of the architectural styles of successive eras.
The historic centre of Graz: creative and enjoyable
Simply stroll through the streets, be open to discoveries, seek out small design shops, visit unusual and unique cafés and use a sculpture park as a photo stage - all this and much more is possible in the cultural city of Graz.
If you want to get an overview of the city of Graz and get your bearings, the best place to do this is from Graz's favourite vantage point: the Schlossberg. On a tour with a city guide, you can not only see the facades of the beautiful houses or the roofs of the old town from above, but also discover the hidden courtyards. 260 steps or the Schlossberg railway lead from the old town directly up to Graz's popular viewing hill. The clock tower, which is the city's landmark, watches over the beautiful and idyllic city from there.
Grazer Dom - Cathedral of Graz
Graz Cathedral, one of the city's most important buildings in terms of art and cultural history and one of the most famous sights in Graz, is enthroned between Bürgergasse and Burggasse. This impressive Gothic building was erected in the 15th century and is characterised by its imposing architecture and rich history. Inside the cathedral you will find beautiful Gothic and Baroque works of art as well as valuable altars and frescoes. The impressive organ and the magnificent pulpit are further highlights that you should see during your cultural holiday in Graz. Graz Cathedral serves as an important cultural and religious site and attracts visitors from all over the world. Together with the neighbouring mausoleum, the theatre and the castle, the late Gothic sacred building forms the "Graz city crown" at the foot of the Schlossberg.
The beating heart of Graz
The one kilometre long central axis of the old town, Herrengasse, stretches from Jakominiplatz to the main square. This is where young and old meet to shop and stroll, and travellers will find a central point of contact here in the form of the Graz Tourist Information Office.
Admire the magnificent arcades in the courtyard of the Landhaus, the neighbouring Landeszeughaus, the painted house and the baroque parish church. The most striking features here are Graz Town Hall, built at the end of the 19th century, and the fountain monument in the centre of the square.
Landeszeughaus - Provincial Armoury
The Provincial Armoury is considered to be the largest preserved historical armoury in the world. With around 32,000 objects, it bears witness to a time of conflict and is a sensitive legacy and museum of the history of Styria. The collection of the Landeszeughaus includes armour and weapons from the 15th to the 18th century and is therefore an incomparable monument to a bygone era.
Kunsthaus Graz
Affectionately known as the "friendly alien" because of its striking architecture, the Kunsthaus Graz on the left bank of the River Mur stands out from the sea of red roofs in the historic city centre. The Graz Kunsthaus was given this special nickname because of its alien-looking façade. The Kunsthaus houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks and regularly presents captivating exhibitions of national and international artists. It is a place of creative innovation and cultural encounters and attracts art lovers and the curious in equal measure. The Kunsthaus Graz is a must for anyone who wants to explore the world of modern art.
Murinsel
You can't miss it, the Graz Murinsel floating in the middle of the river, which has become a popular attraction since its installation in the Capital of Culture year 2003. Accessible from both banks via footbridges, it houses a café and a shop selling regional products and also functions as a venue for a wide variety of cultural events. At night, the colourful lighting makes the Murinsel an eye-catcher and one of the most popular sights in Graz.
Eggenberg Castle
Together with the historic centre of Graz, Eggenberg Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eggenberg Palace, also known as the "Versailles of Styria", is an impressive baroque palace in Graz. This magnificent property on the outskirts of Graz was built in the 17th century for the Count of Eggenberg and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The palace is surrounded by an extensive park adorned with magnificent gardens, water features and sculptures. The interior of Schloss Eggenberg is just as impressive as the exterior. The Giants' Hall, also known as the Planets' Room, is a highlight, depicting the seven ancient planets. The Picture Gallery houses an impressive collection of artworks. One of the outstanding features of the palace is its impressive Planetary Garden. Together with the impressive Old Gallery, the Archaeological Museum and the Coin Cabinet, the site also houses the most valuable objects in Austrian cultural history.
Landhaushof Graz
The famous Landhaushof in Graz was built by Domenico dell' Aglio and is a historic and still culturally significant location. Built in the 16th century, the building originally served as the provincial administration and today houses the Landeszeughaus, an impressive museum with one of the largest collections of weapons in Europe. The country house courtyard itself is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture and is surrounded by an inner courtyard with a beautiful arcade. It has a total of 3 floors and the fountain arbour provides a wonderful backdrop for various concerts, film screenings and recitals. In this respect, the country house is internationally renowned.
Glockenspiel
The Graz Glockenspiel was created at the beginning of the 19th century as a gift from the former spirits manufacturer Gottfried Simon Maurer. It is located directly in the centre of Graz, at Glockenspielplatz number 4, and attracts visitors from all over the world. The carillon consists of 24 bells and two figures, a girl and a boy, who bring the carillon to life on the hour. The wooden pair of traditional costumes rotates three times a day to different melodies, at 11.00 am, 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm. Different songs and compositions are played each time, so it pays to visit Graz city centre and the Glockenspiel at different times of the year.
The "Habsburger Mausoleum"
The Mausoleum in Graz, also known as the "Habsburg Mausoleum", is a magnificent resting place for members of the Habsburg dynasty, which once ruled the Austrian Empire. The Graz Mausoleum houses the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II and has been one of the most important buildings in Austria ever since. The mausoleum was built between 1614 and 1638 according to the designs of Giovanni de Pomis. The dome of the mausoleum, which is decorated with ornate frescoes, is particularly impressive. The mausoleum is not only a place of historical significance, but also an impressive example of Baroque art and architecture. Together with Graz Cathedral and the castle, the mausoleum forms the so-called "city crown" in Graz.
How to find your way to the city centre
The old town forms the centre of Graz. It stands to reason that (almost) all roads lead there. The tram lines run through Herrengasse from the main square to Jakominiplatz and vice versa. Jakominiplatz is the public transport hub, so to speak. In addition to public transport, Graz's old town is also a wonderful place to explore on foot or by bike. Almost all of Graz's main cycle paths run through or past the city centre. There are also numerous car parks and parking spaces near the old town. From the Parkhotel Graz, it is only a 10-minute walk to Jakominiplatz or the city centre.
The city centre can be reached from four directions, roughly speaking:
- Jakominiplatz (South)
- Murkai (North)
- Lendplatz (West)
- Stadtpark (East)
Museums in Graz
Graz offers a wide range of museums – enough to keep you busy for several holidays in the second largest city of Austria.
On rainy days, in particular, you might like to visit a museum, while fans of art and culture will find their passion fulfilled in the holy halls in every kind of weather. Graz has a lot to offer – archaeological collections, historical and cultural treasures, popular and contemporary art. Visit our museums in Graz and delve into its fascinating history.
House of Science
Science as an adventure. There is a laboratory for contemporary history located in the House of Science at the Karl-Franzens-University of Graz. There, you can find exciting and modern audiovisual presentations of scientific achievements. Austria’s only audiovisual museum shows multi-media expositions about the history of the 20th century.
Universalmuseum Joanneum
The oldest and second largest museum in Austria harbors more than 4.5 million objects in 500 rooms in over 10 locations. Enjoy extraordinary museums unified in the Association of the Universalmuseum Joanneum:
- Natural History Museum
- Art House
- Arsenal
- Museum at the Palais
- New Gallery
- Museum of Popular Art
- Austrian Park of Sculptures
- Open Air Museum Stübing
- Hunting Museum in Stainz
- Castle Eggenberg
- Stately rooms and gardens
- Museum of Archeology
- Old Gallery
- Cabinet of coins
- and much more …
Take the opportunity and get a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket to have free access to all of these exhibitions. The perfect all-in-one offer for unlimited cultural enjoyment of the museums of Graz.
GrazMuseum
At the GrazMuseum you can follow the traces of the past of Graz. Here, the chronological development of the city is documented and shows the past from today’s point of view using the formal resources of today. The GrazMuseum is known as meeting point for all those who are interested in the urban development of the city of Graz, for its political, economic and social history and for those interested in art and culture related to Graz.
Children’s Museum FRida & freD
Here, children will find an almost unlimited multitude of experiences. First of all, the expositions at the Children Museum FRida & freD at the Augarten, are designed for children.
‘Hands on – minds on’ means story telling for children from 3 years old up to 12 years old, to make interesting experiments and objects tangible. Children are allowed to touch, to whisper and snuggle, to listen and laugh, to try out and turn on, off, around. Complex matters are presented in a way for children to understand.
Criminal Museum
On the scene of a crime. Not exactly but nonetheless: at the Criminal Museum, guests get in touch with the exciting and scary perspectives of numerous criminal cases and the mentalities of offenders and victims. At the end of the 19th century, Hans Gross founded this collection of criminal cases and corpora delicti as a source for teaching material for lawyers and policemen. The methods for solving crimes that the ‘father of modern criminology’ has developed, are known and used worldwide.
Shopping
The Parkhotel Graz is ideally located for a spontaneous stroll through the city centre, as the various shopping opportunities in the old town are within walking distance. The shopping centres in Graz offer shopping regardless of the weather with shops and restaurants in a bundled form. Enjoy the countless shopping opportunities when shopping in Graz during your stay in the Styrian capital.
What must you have done in Graz?
There is plenty for tourists to experience in the Styrian capital of Graz. Among other things, a walk through Herrengasse - the public living room of Graz - is an unforgettable experience. The dancing couple at the Glockenspielplatz is also an absolute highlight. A ride on the Schloßbergbahn railway up the Schloßberg should not be ruled out either.
What experiences does the capital of Styria offer?
The provincial capital of Graz in Styria is always characterised by a symbiosis of southern flair, an extraordinary city feeling and outstanding cuisine. You can also expect a diverse natural environment as well as numerous cultural destinations and places that are well worth a visit.
Which hotel in Graz is close to the old town and the sights?
At the Parkhotel Graz you can expect a stylish lifestyle, timeless elegance and excellent cuisine. The hotel is in a central location and most of the sights are within walking distance. Nevertheless, everything is also easily accessible by tram and bus - both stop right outside the hotel.