City Lights – Graz | Austria
Austria’s second-largest city is Graz. It is one of the best conserved historical cities in Europe. Also it is full of majestic institutions and exciting cultural attractions. It was named European Capital of Culture in 2003 and City of Design in 2009. Graz was the capital of Inner Austria and residence of one line of the Habsburg family for around 300 years. Inner Austria made up of Carinthia, Gorica, Styria, Kranj, and the northern Adria with Triest.
Graz is the capital of Styria and the second biggest city in Austria. The city’s historic center was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999. The Roman Empire used this city as a stronghold to defend against enemies in the southeast. Graz is situated on both sides of the Mur river in the southeast of Austria. The oldest adjustment on the ground of the modern city of Graz dates back to the Copper Age. nevertheless, no historical continuity exists of an adjustment before the Middle Ages. Here are some reasons why you should visit this fascinating city.
Things to Do & See in Graz
There are a ton of great things to do in Graz and this attractive city is a thrilling and superb getaway for those on a short break. Whether your interests lie in museums, shopping, eating, architecture, or just enjoying in the park, there’s something to do for everyone in Graz. Here is a compiled list of the best things to see and do in Graz down below. These are-
- Wander Around the Old Town.
- Admire the City Hall.
- Graz Cathedral.
- Landhaus.
- Graz Castle.
- Explore the Lavish Eggenberg Palace.
- Marvel at the Collection of the Styrian Armory.
- Go Up the Schlossberg.
- Admire the Clock Tower.
- Be Awed by the Beauty of the Main Square.
- Pay Your Respects at the Mariatrost Basilica.
- Take a Walk on the Island in the Mur.
- Visit the Modern Art Museum.
- Check Out the Mausoleum of Ferdinand II.
- Relax in the City Park.
- Survey the Natural History Museum.
- Graz Parish Church.
- See the Romantic Glockenspiel.
- Graz Museum.
- Go On A Day Trip.
- Enjoy Coffee in One of Graz’s Trendy Cafes.
- Go Hiking To See The Gösting Castle.
- Take a Stroll Along Herrengasse.
- The Painted House.
- New Gallery.
- Learn About Classic Art at the Old Gallery.
- Attems Palace.
- Franciscan Church & Monastery.
- Museum of Perception.
- Austrian Sculpture Park.
- Eggenberg Palace Gardens.
- Take a Tour of the Graz Opera House.
- Gaze At the Architecture Along Sackstraße.
- Get An Adrenaline Rush on the Slide.
- Church of Our Lady of Succor.
- Folk Life Museum.
- Feast On Some Delectable Austrian & Styrian Cuisine.
- Hop Aboard the Fairytale Express.
- Visit the Farmers’ Markets and Try Some Local Specialties.
Graz is Rich in History
Hauptplatz is the heart of the city Graz, it is flanked by the stunning Rathaus (town hall). Walk along Herrengasse to see the store windows, and turn down any of the small alleys to find a pleasant café or independent boutique. Other notable historical landmarks including the Eggenberg Palace, Schlossberg, and Herz Jesu Kirche.
Graz is Easy to Explore
As it is a comparatively small city, visitors can bounce from city to city across Graz and stop by the countryside on the way. The bus and train routes offer comparatively inexpensive and stress free rides, besides that all of the major cities (Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg) are well-connected. This road trips will give tourists the chance to see mesmerizing natural landscapes one day and blissful cities the next.
Graz has a Lively Nightlife
Surprisingly, Graz has a relatively flourishing nightlife, due to it being a university town. The final place to finish your culinary exploration around Graz is a Buschenschank at night. These traditional wine taverns dot the wine region and serve their home-grown Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals. In the country, Weingut Kästenburg also offers cozy rooms for overnight.
Graz is Full of Marvelous Architecture
Graz was named European Capital of Culture, pushing this modest Austrian city into the limelight in terms of art, design and architecture. From an alien-like structure posing as a modern-art gallery to curiously designed chapels and baroque palaces, there is a abundance of eye catching buildings in Graz.
Gras is called Vienna’s Little Sister
Vienna is a must-visit destination while you visit Austria, but Graz might be perfect for you if you are seeking a quieter and more relaxing holiday. But still want a wide range of cultural activities. Often mentioned to as ‘Vienna’s little sister’, it is considered by some people to be similar to the Austrian capital.
Styrian cuisine
Graz is not only a culture, it is also a foodie’s paradise. Styrian dishes include pumpkin soup, with locally produced pumpkin oil drizzled on top, and verhackertes, a spread made from pork. A great place for Styrian cuisine is Aiola, a sophisticated restaurant with a wonderful backdrop of Graz and the mountains behind the city.
Graz has a Surrounding Countryside
Most of the towns and cities in Austria are hugged by renowned landscapes, and this is no exception for Graz too. If anyone wants a city break, but with the option for a rural getaway, Graz offers both. The Austrian Sculpture Park is located just outside the city of Graz.
Graz is full of Winter Sports
Austria is one of Europe’s most liked destinations for winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts nearby Graz. The most popular are Weinebene and Krvavec Ski Resort.
So don’t wait any longer, get out and travel to Graz now.
Because “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
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