Things to do in Graz for self travelers
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Get fired up for a close-up weapons inspection of over 32,000 real guns, spears, swords, artillery, and shiny suits of armor at Landeszeughaus, the world's biggest historical armory. Learn fascinating facts on each grim death-bringing implement, and the history of Styria's war-torn past with military precision.
No it's not a spaceship, it's the oddly shaped and eye-catching Kunsthaus Graz! As part of the huge Universalmuseum Joanneum, this joint venture from the Province of Styria and the City of Graz is dedicated to permanent and changing, vibrant contemporary art exhibitions.
The Universalmuseum Joanneum is the biggest of its kind in Central Europe, and home to a broad range of art, culture, and natural sciences. Get your museum fix at 19 architecturally valuable sites in Graz and Styria.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Graz through its most revealing landmarks, from medieval streets and Habsburg monuments to bold modern design. It is ideal for first-time visitors and travelers interested in history, architecture, city life, and the contrast between old and new. Your route starts at Schlossberg, the hill that shaped Graz, then moves to the Mur river for the Murinsel and the striking Kunsthaus. From there, you return to the famous Uhrturm and continue into the old town through Sporgasse and the cathedral quarter, where the Mausoleum of Kaiser Ferdinand II and Graz Cathedral stand side by side. The walk then opens onto Hauptplatz, passes Graz City Hall, and leads to the Renaissance arcades of the Grazer Landhaus and the remarkable Styrian Armory. The tour also includes Joanneumsviertel before finishing at the Doppelwendeltreppe in the Graz Burg area, one of the city’s most unusual late Gothic treasures. Along the way, you will see red-tiled rooftops from above, hear trams crossing the main square, step into elegant courtyards, and stand before turquoise domes, fortress remains, and futuristic river architecture. The most memorable moments include the view from Schlossberg, the odd clock hands of the Uhrturm, the shell-like Murinsel, the blue Friendly Alien of the Kunsthaus, and the stone spirals of the Doppelwendeltreppe.
About Graz
The best tours to do in Graz with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Graz for rainy days are:
The best walking tours to do in Graz are:
The must-see attractions in Graz for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Graz
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Graz on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Graz.
When I visit Graz for shopping, I usually split my time between the Old Town and Lend. In central Graz, Herrengasse is great for elegant Austrian brands, but I always duck into the side streets like Sporgasse and Färbergasse for independent boutiques, handmade jewelry, and better café stops. If you visit Graz and want something more local, I recommend Lend around Mariahilferstraße and the farmers’ market at Lendplatz—locals know this is where design shops, vintage finds, and food stalls feel most authentic. For a practical travel guide Graz tip: combine it with things to do in Graz by strolling across Murinsel and browsing in the afternoon.
When I visit Graz, I usually tell friends to split their time between the Old Town, Lend, and Geidorf. The Old Town is where many classic attractions in Graz sit close together, but I like slipping off Herrengasse into quiet courtyards and up Sporgasse for a more local feel. Lend, across the Mur, has a creative edge—around Lendplatz I usually stop for market snacks, small design shops, and evening wine bars. If you’re deciding what to see in Graz, Geidorf is worth it for its leafy streets and the walk up toward Rosenhain. Locals know these areas show more personality than standard tours in Graz ever capture.
When I’m in Graz on my own, I always spend a few hours walking from the Old Town up Schlossberg. For solo travelers, it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Graz because you can move at your own pace—browse the courtyard passages near Landhaus, stop for a coffee on Sporgasse, then climb the Kriegssteig for the best city views. From the top, Graz feels easy to read, and you’ll spot several attractions in Graz at once, from the red roofs to the Mur. If you’re wondering what to see in Graz beyond standard tours in Graz, this route feels personal and very local.
I recommend giving Graz at least two full days, though I personally enjoy three. With two days in Graz, you can wander the Old Town courtyards, walk up Schlossberg early before it gets busy, and still have time for Lendplatz, the Mur riverbank, and a long lunch in one of the hidden lanes off Sporgasse. If you visit Graz for only one night, it can feel rushed because many of the best things to do in Graz are about atmosphere rather than ticking off sights. My travel guide Graz tip is to slow down enough to enjoy the markets, cafés, and evening streets when Graz feels most local.
When I visit Graz for nightlife, I usually head straight to Lend and the streets around Lendplatz. This part of Graz feels more relaxed and local than the polished center, with wine bars, creative hangouts, and a crowd that spills out onto the sidewalks on warm evenings. I also like the area near Mariahilferstraße, where small bars and late cafés make it easy to drift from one place to another. If you visit Graz on a weekend, start here before crossing toward the Old Town for a different mood. My travel guide Graz tip: pair it with daytime things to do in Graz, since Lend is just as good for markets and design shops.
When I want quieter attractions in Graz, I usually skip the obvious viewpoints and head for the double spiral staircase in the Burg—it’s tucked inside a courtyard and many people in Graz walk right past it. I also recommend the small lanes behind the Mausoleum, where you get lovely Renaissance details without the crowds. For what to see in Graz with a more local feel, I like the Augarten footbridges at sunset and the Schlossberg paths on the quieter eastern side. Locals know the courtyard of the Landhaus is worth lingering in, especially after rain when the arcades glow. It’s the kind of detail standard tours in Graz often miss.
When I’m helping someone on a first trip to Graz, I always suggest starting in the Old Town on foot. It’s one of the best ways to understand the main attractions in Graz without rushing: walk Herrengasse, peek into the Landhaus courtyard, then follow Sporgasse uphill toward Schlossberg. That route covers several classic things to do in Graz while still leaving room for small local moments, like a pastry stop or a market detour. If you’re deciding what to see in Graz first, add a stroll across to Lend for a different side of the city. In my experience, that mix gives more depth than most tours in Graz.
I usually recommend late spring or early autumn. In May, June, and September, Graz feels lively without the heavy summer heat, and I find it much nicer for long walks through the Old Town, up Schlossberg, and across to Lendplatz. If you visit Graz in these months, café terraces are full, markets are active, and many of the best things to do in Graz can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. My travel guide Graz tip is to avoid the hottest part of midsummer if you plan to walk a lot—the stone streets in Graz can feel surprisingly warm. December is lovely too if you enjoy smaller festive markets.