Austria's culinary capital, Graz, is not only a food-lover's paradise, it's additionally a town with rich history and a thriving art scene.
Graz is called Austria's Capital of Culinary Delights since it is flanked by farmland and vineyards supplying a few of the world's best produce because of its farmers' markets and superb restaurants.
The historic city within the southern region of Styria is Austria's second largest city then one of the country's the best places to visit, especially for foodies, history buffs, and nature lovers. With great food, stunning views and medieval charm there's plenty to do in the city, from exploring the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to punching the design stores and hip coffee houses.
You can spend just as much time as you want in Graz, but to capture the spirit of the place, allow yourself a minimum of A couple of days to understand more about a few of these gems.
Top in the town
Graz is striking from all angles, but the best views come from above. There’s no better starting point your search for Graz compared to top of Schlossberg, a tree-covered hill in the city centre. Take the funicular (or perhaps the elevator) around Schlossberg's southern ridge benefit from the incredible panorama over Graz's historic centre.
Walk to Graz's landmark – the Uhrturm, the 28-metre high clocktower that was once part of a sprawling castle before it was destroyed by Napoleon. When you are there don't miss Aiola Upstairs, a contemporary eatery by having an acclaimed menu and views over the city.
For a history Buffs
It isn't by accident that Graz can be a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Because the Ancient, the initial and well-preserved architectural styles spanning from Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and, obviously, the modern, have formulated a wonderful cityscape with plenty of to explore. Cultural institutions to visit range from the neo-baroque Graz Opera House, Austria's oldest museum Universalmuseum Joanneum and Schauspielhaus theatre Graz.
Graz may also be the place to find the world's largest historical armoury with around 32,000 objects. The collection of arms is still housed within the original 17th-century mansion on Herrengasse, Graz's main shopping street. Inside, you'll find rows of shining suits, chainmail, daggers, swords, cannons, and even a body of armour for any warhorse. After working an hour or two within this metallic time capsule, anyone will be ready to storm a medieval fortress.
Back to Nature
Just away from city, there's plenty for nature lovers to understand more about. Narrow gorges and gullies, fresh streams and waterfalls, spectacular trails, breathtaking mountain views and Austria's largest dripstone cave provide endless choices for exploration. Within the city there are many parks and gardens ideal for picnics and a relaxing stroll.
Creative Culture
The river Mur divides Graz into an East plus a West bank. The West Bank hosts artsy, up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Lend and Gries, in which you will find design stores and hip coffee houses.
Closest for the city centre is Mariahilferstrasse, a shopping street for quirky souvenirs and great people-watching. Remain in at Paul & Bohne, which suits coffee connoisseurs, students, and young creative types. Nearby Kwirl features products by local designers having a sustainable slant.
5 Foodie Delights
Food markets, cafés, bars and restaurants abound in Graz, but listed below are five not to be missed.
- Der Steirer for fresh and fabulous local tapas
- Hofb”ackerei is really a former Imperial bakery founded in 1569, with a breath-taking, carved wood entryway and delicious pastries.
- Landhauskeller for refined Austrian cooking like Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef) along with a local fillet of trout.
- Dreizehn by Gauster can be found at Franziskanerplatz, one of Graz's most charming squares. The mix from the high-standard restaurant and a cool bar around the square makes 13 a 'spot to eat' in Graz.
- Cafe Promenade is beautifully set below an alley of chestnut trees, in the park pavilion. Recption menus mixes Styrian comfort food with modern international flavours.
Plan your trip
For inspiration on planning your vacation go to austria.info/en/austria-s-beauty-secrets/graz
Find out accommodations at austria.info/en/where-to-stay/austria-hotel-collection
The the easy way explore Austria is simply by train. To learn more visit austria.info/en/austria-s-beauty-secrets/explore-austria-with-oebb
MiNDFOOD Promotion
