Adventure ToursGraz is a beautiful city in Austria that sits along a peaceful river. As the biggest city in the Styria region, it perfectly blends old and new features. The area around Graz grows lots of food making it a great place for food lovers. Walking through Graz, you’ll see old stone streets next to modern buildings. There’s even a cool bar that floats on the river!
From there, you can look up at the city’s famous old clock tower on the hill. The mix of styles is everywhere – you might walk past beautiful old European buildings & then suddenly see a strange-looking modern art museum that looks like it’s from outer space. The city is full of friendly people and excellent restaurants. Despite having so much to offer – from history to art to amazing food – most tourists haven’t discovered Graz yet.
This makes it a perfect place to visit if you want to experience a real Austrian city without big crowds.
I got invited to talk at a big event called Propel in Graz, Austria. I didn’t know where Graz was at first but I said yes right away for two reasons: I could eat delicious Austrian schnitzel (which is breaded meat), and I love being on stage with a microphone. I’m not shy – that’s why I started my blog in the first place! My husband Jeremy and I had been to Austria before, during Christmas time. We loved Vienna, with its beautiful music and rich history, & we also visited a cute small town called Hallstatt.
The town looked just like a perfect little Christmas village from a movie. A few months later at the conference, I found myself in a really funny situation. I was sitting at a table with a huge plate of fried meat in front of me, watching two men in traditional Austrian leather shorts (lederhosen) singing mountain songs, while other travel writers were singing German drinking songs. It was quite a scene!
Austria’s city of Graz turned out to be an amazing surprise. I went there without knowing much about it beforehand, as I didn’t have time to research or plan anything. Luckily, the Visit Graz tourism office arranged everything perfectly for me. The city exceeded all my expectations, offering much more than I could have imagined. From its beautiful architecture to its vibrant culture, Graz proved to be a truly remarkable destination.
I never expected to be so impressed by an Austrian city I knew so little about but it completely won me over.
Graz surprised me in many ways. This Austrian city offers amazing food, with farmers growing fruits & vegetables nearby. Most restaurants serve local ingredients without making a big deal about it – it’s just normal here. The city is special because UNESCO gave it two important titles.
First it’s a World Heritage Site because its historic center looks exactly like it did hundreds of years ago, with beautiful old buildings and streets. Second, it’s also called a City of Design because it has impressive new buildings & art pieces that fit perfectly next to the ancient architecture. Walking through Graz feels like being in two time periods at once. You can see modern glass buildings right next to medieval houses, and somehow it all works together beautifully.
The mix of old and new makes Graz unique and exciting to explore.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Graz, Austria, & still visits his hometown often. You can even find a museum about his life there! The city of Graz is full of amazing things to discover. I spent a wonderful week there in spring, walking through its streets and finding hidden gems everywhere.
It turned out to be one of my best trips in Europe even better than my many visits to European Christmas markets. The city has a special charm that makes it truly unforgettable.
I recently visited Graz and took hundreds of amazing photos. It was hard to choose just a few favorites because the city was so beautiful. After putting off the task for three months, I finally sat down to look through them all. The photos turned out so colorful and lively that I decided to share many more than I usually do in my blog posts.
I also made a video to show even more of this stunning city. By the way, I just started a YouTube channel to share videos from my travels. Right now, I’m the only subscriber but I’d love for you to check it out and follow along on my adventures!
Graz Travel FAQs & Handy Tips
Visiting Graz – Essential Travel Tips Best Time to Visit July and August are perfect months to visit Graz. Unlike other European cities, Graz stays peaceful & uncrowded during summer. December is also wonderful, with 14 different Christmas markets spread across the city center. Getting to Graz The train ride from Vienna to Graz takes 2.5 hours through beautiful countryside.
Direct trains are available and easy to book online. Places to Stay Two great options: 1. Grand Hotel Wiesler: A luxury hotel in Old Town, famous for hosting Arnold Schwarzenegger 2. Lendhotel: A stylish cheaper option in the artistic Lend area, just 10 minutes from Old Town Transportation You won’t need a car in Graz.
The city is: – Easy to walk around – Good for cycling – Has reliable trams – Free tram rides in Old Town – Only rent a car if you plan to explore areas outside the city This friendly city in Austria offers a relaxed atmosphere & plenty to see without the tourist crowds you find in places like Vienna or Salzburg.
Graz Food Guide
Graz, a city in Austria, is famous for its excellent food & special local dishes. While many know Austrian food for schnitzel (a breaded meat cutlet), Graz offers much more variety. When you do try the schnitzel here, it comes with a tasty cranberry sauce that adds a sweet and sour flavor. The city and its surrounding region, called Styria, are particularly known for two special foods.
One of them is white asparagus a vegetable that looks different from the common green type. This asparagus is thicker and has a pale color with a softer, more delicate taste than its green cousin. Local chefs prepare it in many creative ways, making it one of the region’s most popular seasonal vegetables.
Pumpkin seed oil is a special food from Graz that locals love. This dark green oil tastes slightly like nuts & makes food taste amazing. People in Graz pour it on salads, and believe it or not, they even add it to vanilla ice cream! The mix of sweet ice cream & nutty oil is surprisingly good. If you want to buy real, high-quality pumpkin seed oil to take home check the bottle for a green and white quality mark.
This mark shows it’s the real deal from the Graz region. Here are some great restaurants you shouldn’t miss when visiting Graz: [Note: The original text ended with an incomplete sentence about restaurants, so I kept that opening line to maintain context.]
Frankowitsch is a famous sandwich shop in Graz, Austria. They make amazing open sandwiches which means the toppings sit on just one slice of bread. The shop offers many choices, and it’s usually packed with locals who know their favorites. After trying many options the best ones are the roast beef sandwich topped with spicy fresh horseradish, the salmon sandwich also with horseradish, and the tasty curry sandwich. These sandwiches are special to Graz and mix traditional Austrian food with modern style, similar to how fancy avocado toast is popular in California or open sandwiches are loved in Denmark.
It’s worth visiting, even if choosing from the big menu might take some time!
Linzbichler: This small chocolate shop has been making and selling unique chocolates for over 50 years. The shop’s bright yellow building holds more than 200 different chocolate bars including vegan options made in Graz. They also sell special chocolate truffles. I tried their best one – a dark chocolate truffle filled with hazelnut liquor and orange marzipan, covered in green foil. Gasthaus Stainzerbauer: This old restaurant was once a horse stable and is about 500 years old.
They serve traditional Austrian food using ingredients from the local Styria region. While they have many dishes, I chose the Wiener Schnitzel because I really love it. The schnitzel here was excellent! If you only eat schnitzel once during your visit to Austria, make sure it’s at this restaurant.
Graz, Austria: 10 Surprises Waiting for You
During my week in Graz, Austria I split my time between work & sightseeing. The first three days were intense – filled with learning sessions and group talks at the Propel Conference. I talked so much that I lost my voice and got a bad cough by the fourth day! When we finally finished our indoor meetings, our group was excited to explore the beautiful city. But the weather had other plans.
While we’d been working, the sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm. Then, just as we stepped out to discover Graz, the temperature dropped and heavy rain started falling. What terrible timing! Despite the weather change we still managed to walk through the city’s charming streets and see what Graz had to offer. The mix of work & tourism made for an interesting week, even if Mother Nature didn’t cooperate with our sightseeing plans.
Even with light rain and mild temperatures around 60°F, the city of Graz remained beautiful and welcoming. Since Graz isn’t as famous as other Austrian cities like Vienna or Salzburg, the locals were thrilled to see our group of travel writers walking around with cameras and recording equipment. Many residents stopped to chat with us eager to hear our thoughts about their city. We met several friendly people during our walk including a fun-loving guy riding a unicycle through the streets. As we explored more of Graz, we discovered it was full of interesting surprises and unique details.
I kept writing down fascinating facts about the city in my travel notebook, & found myself falling in love with Graz’s special character & charm.
Visit the Amazing Schlossberg Hill in Graz In the middle of Graz Austria stands a tall hill called Schlossberg with a famous clock tower on top. This historic site has been around since the 900s, offering stunning views of the city below. The clock tower is the most famous landmark in Graz. It rings its bells throughout the day, though the schedule might seem random to visitors. The tower’s unique charm comes from its old-world design & impressive size.
To reach the top you can climb the winding staircase that goes up the hill. While it takes some effort, the beautiful views along the way make it worthwhile. The path offers great photo opportunities and a chance to see the city from different angles. The most exciting part?
You can slide back down! Schlossberg has the world’s longest indoor slide, making the return trip fun and fast. If you don’t want to climb the stairs, don’t worry – there’s also an elevator to take you to the top. This mix of history and fun makes Schlossberg a must-visit spot in Graz.
Whether you’re interested in old buildings, great views, or unique experiences like the giant slide, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional leather pants called lederhosen should never be washed. Unlike regular jeans that need occasional washing these special pants are meant to age naturally. The more worn and used they look, the more authentic they appear, which is highly valued in Austrian culture. Real lederhosen comes with a small pocket knife.
This isn’t for show – it’s a practical tool used during mountain hiking trips. Austrians use it to cut cheese, sausage, and other snacks while enjoying outdoor activities. A common Austrian tradition involves wearing lederhosen for mountain hikes. People climb up the Alps, take breaks on rocks to enjoy snacks and sometimes communicate with others on nearby peaks through yodeling – a special type of singing that echoes across mountains.
They might yodel to share simple messages about their hike or interesting things they’ve seen. This unique mix of clothing, outdoor activities, and mountain culture makes Austria a fascinating place.
Traditional Austrian Women’s Dress: The Dirndl A dirndl is the traditional dress worn by women in Austria, similar to how men wear lederhosen. It consists of a fitted bodice, full skirt, blouse & apron. Each region in Austria has its own unique dirndl style with different colors & patterns that show where the wearer comes from. There are different types of dirndls for various occasions: – Simple ones for everyday wear – Fancy versions for special events – Modern styles for festivals and celebrations Mountain Communication: Yodeling Yodeling is more than just singing – it’s a way people in the mountains communicated long before phones existed.
Instead of using words, yodelers create messages through: – Quick changes in vocal pitch – Special rhythm patterns – Different voice tones This mountain calling system helped people talk across long distances in the Alps. It’s similar to other traditional mountain communication methods used by different cultures around the world. The skill of yodeling is still practiced today and remains an important part of Austrian cultural heritage.
The Graz Art Museum stands out in the city with its unusual shape, earning the nickname “The Friendly Alien.” Its blue bubble-like structure looks different from all other buildings in Graz, Austria. The design really does remind people of a giant alien that has landed in the middle of the city. You can easily spot this modern building from many places in Graz, especially from the famous clocktower on the hill. The museum’s unique shape makes it impossible to miss – its curved walls and strange windows pop up between the old buildings as you walk around the city streets.
Many visitors use the museum as a meeting point or to help them find their way around Graz. Its eye-catching design serves as a perfect landmark, helping people navigate through the city’s historic center. The museum isn’t just strange-looking – it’s also home to important modern art collections & shows how Graz mixes old architecture with new creative designs.
On Sundays, Graz becomes very quiet and empty. This Austrian city takes its religious traditions seriously which you can see from the many religious symbols and decorations on buildings and streets. The difference between weekdays and Sundays is striking – during the week, the city is full of life with locals enjoying coffee at outdoor cafes, but on Sundays almost everything closes down. The streets become so empty it feels like a different place altogether. If you plan to visit Graz, remember to buy food and supplies before Sunday, as most shops & restaurants will be closed.
This weekly pause in city life shows how important religion still is in Graz’s culture.
Graz, a city in Austria has 14 local food markets where farmers sell fresh produce. Two of these markets – Kaiser-Josef Market and Lendplatz – are open Monday through Saturday, closing only on Sundays. These markets are central to daily life in Graz. Local residents regularly shop here for their groceries, buying fresh vegetables, meat, and flowers. The markets showcase Styria’s (the region where Graz is located) famous local products, including: – Pumpkins – White asparagus – Fresh vegetables – Local meats – Seasonal flowers The markets are busy places where you can experience authentic Austrian culture & see how locals shop for their daily needs.
Many people arrive by bicycle with shopping baskets making it a very traditional European market experience. Note: While these markets sell many fresh foods & local specialties, they don’t sell schnitzel (the famous Austrian breaded meat dish) ready to eat – this is found in restaurants instead.
The Rooftop View of Graz Want to see the best view of Graz? Head to Kastner & Öhler, a big store right in the middle of the old city. This store has been around since 1873 & is still run by the same family. What started as a tiny shop now fills a whole block of old houses joined together, making shopping here feel like exploring a fun maze.
The real treasure is on the roof. From up there, you can see all of old Graz, including the famous Clock Tower sitting on Schlossberg hill. There’s a nice cafe where you can grab a drink or some food while taking in the amazing views. It’s also perfect for taking beautiful photos of the city.
The store itself is interesting too – as you walk through you’ll find yourself moving between modern shopping areas & peaceful old courtyards. It’s like a little adventure with the best reward waiting at the top!
Visit the Lend area outside the main city center. This neighborhood has changed a lot over time. What was once a rough part of town is now a lively mix of cultures with many different restaurants and shops from around the world. You can find affordable places to stay and lots of interesting art on the streets. I stayed at the Lendhotel which is owned by a Formula One racing driver who partly owns the Red Bull team.
The hotel is filled with amazing art everywhere you look. Some walls have hidden art pieces that flip around when you least expect it – if you don’t pay attention, you might miss these cool surprises! The hotel staff was interesting too. We often saw the same friendly receptionist working very long hours, from early morning until late at night.
She never seemed tired which made us wonder if she was real or maybe a robot! On our last day, we thought we were seeing double when we saw two of her. It turned out she had a twin sister, and they both worked at the hotel wearing the same clothes. They probably enjoyed confusing guests like us! In a unique place like Graz and especially in this artistic hotel, you never know what surprising things you might find.
Graz Austria is a city with many eco-friendly & sustainable shops that are better than those in California. The city has impressive zero-waste stores that sell items like reusable containers & products that break down naturally in soil. The shopping district has many stores selling sustainable clothing and accessories. One store called Zerum sells clothes made from natural materials, like fabric made from eucalyptus trees. They also sell plastic-free items like glass water bottles and wooden clocks.
All their products are made in Austria. The city also has stores that help people. For example, Offline Retail sells used items and handmade products created by people recovering from drug and alcohol problems. The money from sales helps fund treatment programs and gives jobs to people working to overcome addiction.
The store offers beautiful and unique items while supporting a good cause. These shops make it easy for people in Graz to buy products that are good for the environment and help their community.
I was asked to speak at the Propel Conference in Graz, Austria – the first conference ever held for travel bloggers in that city. I had to travel alone since my husband Jeremy who works as a high school teacher couldn’t take time off during the busy May school period just to eat Austrian schnitzel with me. The conference brought together a small group of successful travel bloggers and experienced industry experts who shared their knowledge. I was honored to be among them as a speaker.
It was exciting to finally meet bloggers I had only known online before, including Christina, who runs a business with me called Slaying Social. I really enjoy these travel blogging conferences because I get to meet other people who share my passion for travel & content creation. I try to attend one or two conferences each year, even though I naturally prefer staying home. Since I work alone as a self-employed person, it’s important for me to get out and be social sometimes.
The good thing is that spending lots of time alone helps me save up energy for these social events.
During our 3-day workshop, we focused on becoming better travel bloggers. We learned important skills like making our blogs show up in Google searches working with travel companies for sponsorships, & different ways to earn money from blogging. I actually taught everyone about making money from their blogs! If you’re curious about how travel bloggers earn money, I wrote a complete guide about it on my website called Slaying Social. And for those who want to know exactly how much money I make from my travel blog – I shared my earnings last year in detailed reports.
I’m happy to say I’m earning even more now than what those reports show!
I want to be honest: I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. My travel blog, which I started just three years ago, now earns me over $100,000 per year. It’s amazing to think about this success, especially when I remember how it all began. Back then I was working at a regular office job, feeling nervous and uncertain while writing my first blog post. Looking at how far I’ve come, it feels almost unreal.
The transformation from an anxious beginner to a successful blogger has been incredible and I’m not afraid to celebrate this achievement.
I really enjoyed my visit to Graz, Austria. It gave me time to reflect on my life and achievements. I made new friends at local bars where we shared beers & good times together. As a travel blogger I was happy to connect with other writers and share tips from my adventures around the world. The whole experience was wonderful and helped me appreciate how far I’ve come in my travels and writing career.
I’ve given two talks at big events so far. My first was at TBEX, which is a huge meeting for travel bloggers. My second was at Propel. Later this year in November, I’ll be speaking at the Mediavine Conference in Austin Texas.
I discovered that I really enjoy talking in front of people! It’s so much fun that I’d happily speak anywhere – even if it’s just in someone’s backyard with basic equipment. I’m always looking for new chances to speak. If you’re a travel blogger and you spot me at any events, please don’t be shy – come over and introduce yourself!
I love meeting new people in the travel blogging world.
Visit Beautiful Graz: Your Complete Guide Want to explore Graz, Austria? This charming city offers amazing food (including the famous schnitzel), stunning architecture and rich culture. Here’s how to plan your perfect trip. Helpful Travel Guides for Graz: – A complete 2-day plan to see the best of Graz – Unique and unusual activities off the tourist path – Top 13 coffee shops recommended by locals – Tips for eco-friendly tourism in Graz Where to Go Next in Austria: – Vienna: Find affordable places to stay – Vorarlberg: See stunning mountain views – Hallstatt: Experience a magical winter village – Prague: Though in Czech Republic it’s a perfect add-on to your Austrian trip Is Graz worth visiting? Absolutely!
This beautiful city often gets overlooked by tourists heading to Vienna or Salzburg, but it offers incredible experiences: – Historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage site) – Amazing local food scene – Beautiful architecture – Rich cultural activities – Friendly atmosphere Have you visited Graz or are you planning to go? What interests you most about this Austrian gem? Need more Austria travel tips? Check our other guides about Vienna, Vorarlberg, & Hallstatt to help plan your Austrian adventure.
Important note: Our trip to Graz was a gift from the Propel Conference team and Visit Graz tourism office. They planned everything & many local shops and restaurants helped make our stay special. While they took care of us everything I write here – including my silly jokes about Austrian food and yodeling – comes straight from me. They’re not responsible for my questionable humor or when I pretend that everyone in Austria only eats schnitzel!
Best Travel Tools & Advice
Travel Smart: A Simple Guide to Planning Your Trip Finding Cheap Flights: Look for flights on Google Flights or Kayak. Save money by flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays. Choose early morning or late-night flights, and pack light with just a carry-on bag. Where to Stay: Save money by booking: – Budget hotels – Vacation homes – Hostel rooms Use Booking.com for hotels (they let you cancel easily) Use Hostelworld for hostels (low deposits, good reviews) Try VRBO for vacation homes (better than Airbnb) TrustedHousesitters is great for free stays if you’re willing to pet-sit Protect Your Trip: Always buy travel insurance for trips abroad. We recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing – they even cover COVID-19 related issues.
Save Money While Traveling: Use a travel credit card to earn points and get free insurance for: – Trip delays – Lost bags – Rental cars Stay Healthy: Check the CDC website before traveling abroad to learn about: – Required shots – Recommended medicines Get these at your doctor’s office or pharmacy Make the Most of Your Trip: – Book local food & walking tours through Viator or GetYourGuide – Plan routes using Rome2Rio – Book buses & trains on Bookaway – Rent cars through DiscoverCars – Store bags safely with LuggageHero – Protect your online data with NordVPN while traveling Remember to check our detailed packing lists for any weather condition!
