The Double Spiral Staircase is one of the most interesting sights in Graz. Find out about the must-see sights in the second-biggest city of Austria.
Graz is the second biggest city in Austria; a university city known for its Old Town that is one of the best-preserved city centers in Europe. You can find Graz in the province of Styria in the south-eastern part of Austria at a two-hour drive from Vienna.
As those of you who read my Salzburg post might already know, Graz was not my favorite city in Austria. While it had some interesting spots, it lacked a certain charm. The city failed to combine history and modern allure with a ‘hangout here’ vibe. Though that is only the impression I got as a one day visitor; for someone living there, it might feel different.
Must-see Sights in Graz
These are the must-see sights in Graz.
Double Spiral Staircase
Number one of my favorite sites in Graz is the double spiral staircase in the government building near the north-eastern side of the Old Town of Graz. It takes only a few minutes to walk up and down the stairs, but it is worth the trip. Such interesting architecture giving you the feeling that you can endlessly climb up into the sky. As both stairs meet briefly at every level, only to separate again later, it is no wonder this staircase is called the “staircase of reconciliation”.
Location: Burggasse 3, 8010 Graz, Austria
Mausoleum & Dom of Graz
Near the double spiral staircase are the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II and the Dom of Graz. Two imposing buildings with majestic allure next to each other. Especially the architecture of the mausoleum is very unique and hard to overlook.
If only they would remove the yellow column in front of the Dom…
Location: Burggasse 3, 8010 Graz, Austria
Old Town of Graz
The Sporgasse is at the center of the historic city center. This cobblestone road with a slight incline is home to some interesting shops and cafes. If you follow the Sporgasse (coming from the Dom), you will reach the main square (Hauptplatz) of Graz.
All over the Old Town of Graz, you will find beautiful, colorful buildings with various building styles. They’re a delight to watch! So take your time to wander around and admire your surroundings.
Location: Sporgasse, 8010 Graz, Austria
Main Square
At the main square of Graz, you can find a few terraces and shops. Even though it is possible to have a drink here, I would advise you to have a drink in one of the side streets instead as the main square lacks a certain atmosphere. This is partly because of the tram stop and the scaffolding on the buildings. It made the square feel big and busy instead of cozy and intimate.
Location: Hauptpl. 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
Where to have a drink?
Between the main square and the Franciscan Church, you can find fun restaurants and cafes. These small streets are quiet (in a good way) and colorful. This is the place to be!
Location: Franziskanerpl. 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
Another good place to look for a meal or a drink is the Schmiedgasse. In the afternoon, you’ll see people having drinks at the seats in front of the restaurants on this trendy street.
Location: Schmiedgasse, 8010 Graz, Austria
Schlossberg
A visit to Graz is not complete without climbing the stairs or taking the elevator to the castle overlooking the city. For kids, there is the option to go up by train and down with a slide. The panoramic view you get from above is worth the trip. Do take a moment to take a picture of the staircase built against the rocks.
Because the city doesn’t have buildings like Salzburg’s Dom and the nearby university and museums, the view of Graz is less spectacular. The buildings on top of the hill, for example, the Graz Museum Schlossberg, is not comparable to the small city that lies inside Hohensalzburg Castle.
On top of the Schlossberg, you can find some interesting structures like Clock Tower (Uhrturm), the Chinese Pavilion, the Schlossberg stage, and the Gothic Gate.
Location: Schloßberg 8010, 8010 Graz, Austria
Island in the Mur
A glass cafe and shop in the middle of the Mur river. Is this an island or a boat?
Location: Mariahilferpl. 5, 8020 Graz, Austria
Kunsthaus Graz
You’ve probably already noticed this building from your viewpoint on the Schlossberg (the dark building with the spikes in the picture above). The architecture of this museum is an artwork on its own. Kunsthaus Graz is a museum for contemporary art and often organizes interesting exhibitions.
Location: Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz, Austria
How to get to Graz
Graz lies in the south-eastern part of Austria at a two hour plus drive from Vienna. Unless you’re touring the province of Styria (Steiermark) during your roundtrip, Graz will not be around the corner. From Altaussee (near Hallstatt) where I was staying, it was a two-hour drive as well.
If you don’t have enough time to visit both Graz and Salzburg, then I would go to Salzburg (or Linz). Salzburg has more of a small-town vibe to it, while Graz means business. It feels like a city that I would visit for work.
Nearby: Red Bull Ring
Depending on where you are staying, you might be able to pay a short visit to the Red Bull Ring with only a small detour as this motorsport race track is only an hour’s drive away from Graz. When there are no races at the race circuit, you can enter the building for free to visit the shop, restaurant, museum with cars and motorbikes. If you are lucky, you might even see people training on the circuit!
Location: Red Bull Ring Str. 1, 8724 Spielberg, Austria
