Austria · City Guide
Graz
Graz is Austria's second largest city and one of Europe's most beautifully preserved Renaissance cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining a magnificent historic centre of Italian-influenced architecture, the outstanding Kunsthaus contemporary art museum by Peter Cook, an excellent culinary scene celebrating Styrian cuisine and wine, and the beautiful Schlossberg hill with its clock tower providing panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops below.
Elect's take
"Graz is consistently the Austrian city that most surprises visitors who have not been. The combination of Italian Renaissance architecture, excellent Styrian wine and cuisine, the Kunsthaus and the beautiful Schlossberg creates a destination of genuine European cultural quality."
The historic centre of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary Renaissance and Baroque architecture, described as the best preserved medieval and Renaissance city in Central Europe. The Schlossberg, the wooded hill rising 123 metres above the centre with its famous clock tower, provides beautiful views and pleasant walking through shaded paths. The Kunsthaus Graz, designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, is one of the most remarkable contemporary museum buildings in Europe, nicknamed the Friendly Alien for its extraordinary biomorphic form. Styrian cuisine is outstanding — pumpkin seed oil, Styrian beef, local wines and the famous Buschenschank wine tavern tradition — make Graz one of Austria's finest food destinations.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Historic Centre
A UNESCO World Heritage Site described as the best preserved Renaissance city in Central Europe.
Schlossberg
The beautiful wooded hill above the city with its famous clock tower and panoramic views.
Kunsthaus Graz
A remarkable biomorphic contemporary museum building known as the Friendly Alien.
Styrian Cuisine
Outstanding pumpkin seed oil, local wines and traditional Buschenschank wine tavern culture.
Armoury
The largest historic armoury in the world with 32000 original weapons and armour pieces.
Styrian Wine
Outstanding white wines from the Styrian wine country south of Graz.
