Luami Travel: Graz

Graz Austria

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a charming Central European town where various architectural styles and artistic movements have blended since the Middle Ages. Partly surrounded by the Alps and located at a ford of the Mur River, with the Schlossberg (castle hill) in the center, Graz is perfectly situated. The hike up the Schlossberg takes less than 30 minutes and rewards walkers with excellent views. At the top there is an open-air theater, a small military museum, and a bell tower dating from 1588. Graz’s Hauptplatz is a beautiful main square with the town hall, a bustling market, and a lovely fountain, surrounded by many ornate historic buildings. Graz’s role as European Capital of Culture in 2003 highlighted the contrast between the very old and the ultra-modern in the city’s architecture. Two standout examples of contemporary design are the Kunsthaus, a futuristic exhibition center on the banks of the Mur nicknamed the “Friendly Alien,” and the Murinsel, an artificial island in the Mur River made of metal and glass. Locals love to spend time out and about, meeting friends and chatting in the cozy atmosphere of the city’s many cafés. On sunny days, the streets fill with people, and nearly every café and pastry shop sets out a small terrace, especially those on city squares. A large student population fuels a lively nightlife and arts scene, making Graz a pleasant, energetic, and very livable city.

Recommended airport

Graz (GRZ)

Points of interest

Nearby destinations