These Fun Things To Do in Graz
Graz is Austria’s sunny southern capital of Styria, offering a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, great food and secluded courtyard cafés to while away a weekend. The charming old town and wealth of history are matched with cutting edge modern design, giving you no shortage of things to do in Graz for a weekend break. Let find out These Fun Things To Do in Graz below.
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These Fun Things To Do in Graz
HAUPTPLATZ – THE CENTRAL SQUARE OF GRAZ
A great place to start your visit to Graz is the central square of Hauptplatz which is surrounded by pretty pastel stucco buildings. The central fountain is a convenient meeting point for locals and there are always a few bratwurst and other food stalls to choose from. From here wander along the main street of Herrengasse and explore between the arches as narrow alleyways draw you into the courtyards that were once enclosed but now house elegant boutiques and cafés.
CLIMB UP THE SCHLOSSBERG – HIGHEST POINT IN GRAZ
The Schlossberg is the high point overlooking the city, once the site of a 16th century fortress which was demolished on Napoleon’s orders. Feeling energetic. Then take the steep zig zag path up from Schlossbergplatz through the hanging gardens and rockeries, or there’s a more gentle alternative route up from Sporgasse. If it’s a little too steep for comfort, you can save your legs and either take a lift or the Funicular.
THE CLOCKTOWER – EMBLEM OF GRAZ
The clocktower that sits at the top of the Schlossberg can be seen from almost any part of Graz and has become the emblem of city, making it one of the top things to see in Graz. It dates back to the 16th century and the clock originally only had a long hand to mark the hours, since this was easier to see from the town below.
After Napoleon won his victory over the Hapsburgs in 1809, he demanded the fortress on the Schlossberg be demolished, leaving only the clocktower and the bell tower, for which the people of Graz were forced to pay a hefty ransom. These days there’s a public park and gardens at the top, which is one of the best free things to do in Graz, and a favourite place to come and relax at weekends, while admiring the views over the city.
OLD PALACE COURTYARD AND NOTABLE RESIDENTS OF GRAZ
Close to the cathedral is all that remains of Graz Castle, the imperial residence of Emperor Freiedrich III in the 15th century. In the grassy courtyard that adjoins the university buildings, you’ll find statues of some of the notable residents of Graz leading you to the famous double spiral staircase.
Around the courtyard of the former palace look out for the carved initials AEIOU, a symbol used by Emperor Frederich III which is is interpreted by various German or Latin phrases to mean Austria will rule the world.
RESTAURANTS IN GRAZ
The food is definitely a big part of the charm of Graz, with endless delightful cafés, farmer’s markets and fresh produce from the fields and vineyards of Styria. Here are a few of the places we enjoyed and can personally recommend. Die Susse Luisse a tiny outdoor cafe in the Lendplatz market, with vintage chairs and tables, where we enjoyed coffee and slice of cake topped with berries. Freiblick Tagescafe this cafe on the 6th Floor of Graz’s biggest department store, Kastner and Ohler has a bird’s eye view of the clocktower on the Sclossberg. There’s a glass sided indoor cafe, but in good weather you’ll want to head for the outdoor terrace overlooking the red rooftops of Graz’s historic centre.
Kunsthaus cafe adjoining the Kunsthaus museum of contemporary art, has a friendly, youthful feel. It serves burgers, salads and bistro dishes, with a good choice of dishes for vegetarians and vegans, and I tried the Friendly Slow Food salad with falafel and bulgar wheat. Aiola Upstairs on the top of Schlossberg with an outdoor terrace and fabulous views overlooking the clocktower and the city rooftops. We had a light lunch of Styrian Caesar salad, a pumpernickel and cheese tart and a bowl of gazpacho washed down with a fresh berry cordial so elegant and delicious.
