Things to do in Graz

In Graz, all roads lead to the Hauptplatz. Quite literally, since the Hauptplatz was conceived as a central market square in the early Middle Ages and has remained the focal point of the city ever since. All major streets in the city center, the Herrengasse, Schmiedgasse, Sackstrasse, Sporgasse and the Murgasse radiate outwards from the main square. Apart from the Jakominiplatz, the Hauptplatz is also the only square in Graz which is a stop on all tram lines and that is part of the reason why the Hauptplatz is also the favorite meeting spot for people living in different parts of town.

The history of Grazer Rathaus (Graz City Hall) illustrates how the second-largest city in Austria has flourished over the centuries. After outgrowing two earlier city halls, Graz’s city administration built this stunning Late Historicist-Old German style hall in 1893. Visit Grazer Rathaus to discover this elegant civic monument and its stately architecture and interiors.

Schloss Eggenberg is a magnificent historic palace and one of the most impressive Baroque monuments in the Austrian state of Styria. Visit Schloss Eggenberg to see its 18th-century State Rooms, museum collections and beautifully landscaped gardens.

In amongst the red terracotta-tiled roofs and traditional Austrian gables sits the ultramodern blob-like structure of Kunsthaus Graz. Kunsthaus Graz is the city’s premier contemporary art museum and was a key destination during Graz’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2003. See a range of international exhibitions featuring artworks from the 1960s to today in this fascinating architectural treasure.

Graz Cathedral (Grazer Dom or Dompfarramt) is a stately 15th-century Gothic cathedral in Graz’s historic center. Visit the cathedral to admire its impressive but minimal exterior, topped with an ornate tower and golden spire. Discover a lavish Baroque interior with magnificent medieval frescos. The cathedral dates back to the mid-15th century when Graz was an imperial city ruled by Emperor Frederick III.