Graz is the capital of Styria and is a blend between the old and new. Probably of most prominence is the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger originated from this region. As the local hero that made it to the big-time abroad , there was a museum in his honour located in his birthplace Thal, 20 minutes drive from Graz.
Lets get back to Graz:
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Table of Contents
Getting to Graz Center
Graz has an airport. To get into the city center from the airport there are a few possibilities. Check out the airport map plan here to find where to head to for your onward destination.
From Graz Airport to Center By Bus
Bus 630 which leaves from the front of Departure Hall , brings you to Griesplatz close to the center or the Zentral Friedhof. From there take Tram 5 to Graz Center. Here is the link for the bus schedule to and from the airport to city center.
Tickets can be bought from the drivers on the buses or from a ticket machine. If you check the link above , there are prices stated for if you buy a one-way ticket or a 24-hour ticket.
From Graz Airport to Center By Train
Walk about 550m to the trainstation to catch the S-Bahn (S5 – Flughafen Graz-Feldkirchen Bahnhof) to direction Graz Hauptbahnhof. From there buses 1, 4, 6 and 7 goes to the center.
Here is the link for the train to and from the airport to city center.
From Graz Airport to Center By Taxi
There are taxi ranks outside the Arrivals Hall , it makes sense to take a taxi if you have luggage and more people to share the cab with. Check above for the airport map plan where to get the taxi from. The taxis are metered.
From Graz Airport to Center By Shuttle Transfer
If your destination is further away or to get to Graz airport, I have found that it is worth checking out Booking.com . I have used this way more than once to get to the airport and the cost was cheaper than the taxi. I completely recommend this method as you can even track the driver’s location.
Visiting Graz By Car
If you are planning to drive , there are certain things that are useful to know. In Styria, there is no special privileges for e-Cars. If you are coming in from another country , be aware that you need a toll sticker to drive in Austria’s motorways and expressways. Click the link to get one.
Park + Ride
A combined ticket for parking and public transport is available should you decide to park further away and take the bus or tram to Graz Center. The 3 P+R locations are : Liebenau Murpark, Fölling or Brauquartier.
*Pro Tip: 3 other P+R which are free or charge are ZentralFriedhof, Webling and Weinzödl
Parking closer to Graz City Center
There are parking garages if you are looking for covered parking. Here is a list
For on-street parking there are blue zones and green zone parking which is denoted by the markings on the floor. Blue zone parking are closer to the city center and has a maximum park time of 3 hours (with some exceptions). Check the link for details
*Money $aving Tip: If you are visiting on a weekend as we did, the Green zones are free of charge and the Blue Zones from 1pm on Saturday on.
Getting around Graz
As with most if not all European town centers, Graz downtown looks majestic with its old buildings, however right next to it are the modern shopping areas served by the trams and buses around.
In general, I have always walked around when visiting Graz but if you intend to visit farther away places then you should look into the 24-hour tickets.
Money $aving Tip: The old town tram is free going around the city center. The bus stops have a sign with Altstadtbim. You can find more information here
What to see in Graz
As with most if not all European town centers, Graz downtown looks majestic with its old buildings, however right next to it are the modern shopping areas served by the trams and buses around.
In general, I have always walked around when visiting Graz but if you intend to visit farther away places then you should look into the 24-hour tickets.
Money $aving Tip: The old town tram is free going around the city center. The bus stops have a sign with Altstadtbim. You can find more information here
Hauptplatz & Town Hall
One of the nicer views around Graz is the main governing center with the Town Hall and the statue of the Archduke Johann in front of it.
The last time I visited , there was something akin to a flash mob which appeared all of a sudden out of nowhere turning the place to a choreographed hip hop routine! While people whipped up their phones to film it from the vantage point of the elevated fountain and statue.
The place has managed to retain its historical charm. I could imagine it centuries ago as a weekly market place.
Grazer Landhaus Courtyard
The Grazer Landhaus is a historical landmark which has a courtyard surrounded with 3-storeys of arched windows and arcades. It is decorated in tandem with seasonal events and during Advent you find the Ice nativity scene setup. This courtyard is a few steps away from the Rathaus , there are no entrance fees , you just have to walk in.
The Styrian Armoury
Next to the Grazer Landhaus is the Styrian Armoury. The world’s biggest historical armoury collection is here. This is the link for entrance fees and opening hours.
The Painted House
The painted house is immediately recognizable , the frescoes cover the whole facade of the building. The house like the Grazer Landhaus and the Armoury are on the same shopping street , Herrengasse. So it is really nice to stroll and windowshop here as well.
Glockenspiel
In Glockenspielplatz, three times a day (11am, 3pm and 6pm) , wooden carved figures of a man and woman dressed in traditional clothings spins to the tunes. If you happen to be there at the right time, some of the tunes play up to a maximum of 8 minutes.
Kunsthaus Graz
This building is hard to miss- looking at it from above from Schlossberg, it stands out and is also walking distance from the centre. Affectionally known as “The Friendly Alien” which of course houses the art museum with contemporary art exhibitions. Here is the link to opening hours.
Murinsel
This is a manmade island and rather eye-catching, there is a cafe inside and also acts as kind of a bridge to get to the other side of the river.
Churches in Graz
Schlossberg
Up the hill there is Schlossberg , with nice flower gardens at the right seasons and the impressive clock tower. Just a few steps from the Hauptplatz is the staircase and lift to bring to the clock tower.
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