Overview
Graz, the capital of Styria, is Austria's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a population of over 303,000, it combines medieval charm with contemporary culture, sitting at the heart of southeastern Austria. The city's compact centre and welcoming character make it an accessible destination for exploring Alpine culture, art, and architecture.
The Mur river winds through the city, defining its landscape and character. Graz has evolved from a medieval fortress town into a modern cultural hub, while preserving the historic streets and squares that give it distinctive appeal. German is the primary language, and the local currency is the euro.
Key facts
| Country | Austria |
|---|---|
| Population | 303,270 |
| Timezone | Europe/Vienna |
| Nearest airport | Graz Airport (GRZ), 8 km |
| Currency | EUR |
What to see and do
Graz's museums and cultural institutions span diverse interests. The Landeszeughaus is one of the city's most significant collections, housed in a Renaissance building. The Kunsthaus Graz presents contemporary art and design, drawing visitors interested in modern visual culture. For those curious about perception and sensory experience, the Museum der Wahrnehmung offers an interactive approach to understanding how we see and interpret the world. The Diözesanmuseum Graz focuses on religious art and diocesan heritage, while the GrazMuseum provides an overview of the city's own history and character. Families visiting with children will find the Kindermuseum FRida & freD, designed specifically for young visitors, and the Grazer Märchenbahn, a scenic railway experience.
Religious and civic architecture defines central Graz. The Oper is a major performing arts venue and architectural landmark. Nearby, the Stadtpfarrkirche zum Heiligen Blut serves the city's parish, while the Franziskanerkirche and Mariahilfer Kirche represent different periods of Graz's religious life. The Katharinenkirche und Mausoleum combines spiritual and memorial functions. The Rathaus, the city hall, anchors civic life in the heart of town. The Burgtor and Grazer Stadttore are historic gateways that once controlled entry to the medieval city.
Contemporary landmarks reflect Graz's modern identity. The Murinsel, located on the Mur river, is a distinctive public space that engages with the waterway. The Forum Stadtpark and Schauspielhaus support theatre and performance art. The Grazer Orpheum and Halle für Kunst Steiermark complete the cultural offering. The Heilandskirche, another church structure, rounds out the religious heritage. The Volkskundemuseum explores traditional and folk culture of the region.
Experiences you can book in Graz
Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass in GrazFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
While in Graz, don’t miss the Universalmuseum Joanneum. Select a 24-hour or 48-hour pass for admission to 20 museums and sites throughout Styria. Universalmuseum Joanneum offers a multifaceted program of exhibitions and events on science, art and culture. You’ll find thousands…
from £17.48Book on Viator →
Graz Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger HuntFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Graz is Austria's second city but arguably its most interesting — a medieval core meets contemporary art in the most unlikely places. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through Graz on foot, using phone-based riddles to guide you from one landmark to the next. No guide, no…
from £4.37Book on Viator →
Graz city toursFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Get on board and be chauffeured comfortably through Graz with our electric bus. You can find out information about the city of Graz and its sights via audio in German and English.
from £12.23Book on Viator →
Historical Hitler Self Guided Walking Tour and Audio Guide GrazFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Graz Under National Socialism Walk the streets where one of Austria's darkest chapters unfolded. This self-guided audio tour traces Graz's role during the Nazi era and the Second World War — from the Anschluss and the persecution of Jewish and political communities, to the…
from £5.23Book on Viator →
Graz Schlossberg and Old Town - Audio Guide and Self Guided TourFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
How It Works No human person for guiding (tourguide), this is self-guided audio tour. You use your own smartphone to navigate and listen. No app download is required—just click the access link in your ticket to begin instantly. This route explores the free public sights, so no…
from £5.23Book on Viator →
Myths, Martyrs and Merchants of Graz Self Guided TourFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Start your walk at Graz’s Rathaus and discover the city as layered stories rather than a checklist of sights. This self-guided tour leads you through the historic heart of Graz. You’ll explore key Old Town landmarks, step into atmospheric churches to uncover art and relics, and…
from £6.4Book on Viator →
Experiences are sold and operated by Viator and its local suppliers. Head Your Way is an affiliate: we may earn a commission, but your booking, payment, cancellations, refunds and any insurance are handled entirely by Viator under their terms. Head Your Way is not the seller and is not a party to your booking. Prices and availability shown are from Viator and can change — confirm full details on Viator before booking.
Exploring Graz's districts
Graz extends across several distinctive neighbourhoods beyond the historic centre. Jakomini and Gries lie immediately south and east respectively, within easy walking or short transport distance from the old town. Lend and Geidorf provide further expansion of the city's urban fabric, each with their own character and local services. These inner districts are accessible day-trip destinations if you wish to experience residential Graz away from the main tourist routes.
Outer neighbourhoods like Wetzelsdorf, Eggenberg, Graz Reininghaus, Straßgang, and Puntigam form the wider metropolitan area. Eggenberg in particular holds historical significance for the city's development. While these areas are less typical tourist destinations, they reflect how Graz has grown and diversified beyond its medieval core. Local transport connections make them accessible for those with time to explore the broader city.
Arrival and transport
Graz Airport lies 8.5 kilometres from the city centre, making it the most direct entry point for air travellers. Two alternative airports serve the region: Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport, 67.9 kilometres away in neighbouring Slovenia, and Klagenfurt Airport, 96.3 kilometres south. All three offer reasonable access depending on your overall travel plans and available connections.
The city sits at a major crossroads in southeastern Austria, with good rail and road links to Vienna, the Alpine regions, and Slovenia. Once in Graz, the compact centre is readily navigable on foot or by public transport. The Mur river running through the city provides a natural orientation point for navigation.
Find flights to Graz →arrives GRZ (8.5 km away)
Beyond Graz
Several towns merit a day trip from Graz. Wolfsberg, just 51.9 kilometres away, is within easy reach for those seeking a smaller town atmosphere. Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, 99.5 kilometres south, offers a larger regional destination with lakeside character. Wiener Neustadt, 101.3 kilometres east, provides another historical town option. Sankt Peter, 96.9 kilometres away, allows for exploration of the surrounding countryside.
Within Graz itself, the districts of Jakomini (1.6 km from the centre), Gries (1.5 km), Geidorf (1.9 km), and Lend (2.6 km) function as mini day-trips for those with extra time, offering a chance to experience how Grazer residents live beyond the tourist-focused historic core.
Best times to visit
Graz's temperate continental climate makes it accessible year-round, though specific seasonal data for optimal visiting periods is not documented in detail. Spring and autumn typically offer pleasant conditions across the Austrian region, while winter brings snow to the surrounding Alpine areas—potentially attractive if you plan excursions beyond the city. Summer is warm enough for outdoor exploration of the Mur riverbank and public spaces like the Murinsel.
The city hosts cultural events and performances regularly through its opera house, theatres, and art galleries. Visitors planning their trip should check the official Graz website for current exhibitions and performances that align with their interests.
Practical information
Graz sits in the Central European timezone (Europe/Vienna), and transactions use euros. German is the working language throughout the city. The official city website at graz.at provides current information on attractions, transport, and events. With a population of 303,270 and a total area of 127.57 square kilometres, Graz is large enough to offer genuine urban amenities while remaining compact and human-scaled.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz's historic centre benefits from protected status and ongoing preservation efforts. This designation reflects the city's architectural and cultural significance, which you'll notice in the quality and coherence of its medieval street layout and Renaissance buildings. Public spaces like the Murinsel and Forum Stadtpark demonstrate how the city balances heritage with contemporary urban needs.
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Graz
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Getting around Graz
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Common questions
- How do I get from Graz Airport to the city centre?
- Graz Airport is 8.5 kilometres from the centre. The airport is well-connected by public transport and taxi services. Klagenfurt Airport (96.3 km) and Maribor Airport (67.9 km) are alternative regional entry points if your flight connections require them.
- Is Graz easy to navigate on foot?
- Yes. The historic centre is compact and walkable. Key attractions are clustered around the old town, and public transport connects outlying neighbourhoods. The Mur river provides a natural orientation landmark as you move around the city.
- What is the UNESCO World Heritage status?
- Graz is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognising the architectural and cultural significance of its medieval and Renaissance old town. This protection influences planning and preservation of the historic core you see today.
- Are there museums suitable for children?
- Yes. The Kindermuseum FRida & freD is designed specifically for young visitors, and the Grazer Märchenbahn offers a scenic railway experience that appeals to families. Several other museums, such as the Museum der Wahrnehmung, offer engaging, interactive exhibits.
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Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.