5 good reasons to choose Graz to others Austrian Cities

There is no denying that Vienna is utterly beautiful, which is probably the reason it landed on your bucket list in the first place. Gorgeous architecture, imperial flair and opulence, as well as world-class museums…Vienna has it all. However, what if I told you that there is a city in Austria which has all that, but without the Viennese obnoxious tourist crowds? That city, my friends, is Graz. There are actually 5 good reasons to visit Graz instead any other Austrian Cities! Not convinced yet? Then keep on reading and see if I can change your mind.

1. Graz is Tradition

Now, when you think of Austria, what comes to mind? Is it classical music, ballroom dancers, the Sound of Music? To be fair, Austria is all that. However, in the past, Austria has been reduced to these few marketable aspects of its culture. Don’t get me wrong, but Austria is simply so much more than some cliché.

Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are obvious tourist destinations. So obvious, that businesses in these cities now largely cater to foreign visitors. While that is convenient, it also means a loss of authenticity.

Tourism in Graz, Austria’s second biggest city, is a relatively new concept. There is a tourist infrastructure, yes, but businesses here still cater primarily to locals. Tourist rip-offs are non-existent. If you see people walking around in a dirndl (traditional feminine dress used in Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland) , it’s probably because they are celebrating a special occasion, not for the tourists’ benefit. If you want to eat a proper Wiener Schnitzel, you know that the price is fair and not inflated only because you are a tourist.

Tradition is still alive in Graz. While traditional coffee houses in Vienna are closing and making way for international chains, Graz is brimming with independent cafes and restaurants. Small boutique shops still have a space among big retailers. Locals still buy their flowers from the farmers’ market.

By visiting Graz you will actually get a snapshot of what life in Austria is like for most. Although it is undoubtedly modern, Graz still maintains a lot of its old-world charm.

2. Graz is Style

Did you know that the entire historic center of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? In fact, it has been so since 1999. It holds this title thanks to the harmonious coexistence of various architectural styles. Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau, they blend together seamlessly.

The city of Graz, originally a Slavic settlement, received its town rights in 1240 and most of its fortifications in the 15th and 16th century. Throughout the centuries it underwent significant demographic changes. While the Habsburg influence increased, Hungarian and Ottoman forces threatened the city repeatedly. In the 16th century, the city was caught between Protestant and Catholic interests, in the late 18th century Graz was held by the French. Each of these left their mark on the cityscape.

Some of the architectural highlights in Graz include the Landhaus with its Renaissance courtyard, the Gothic Graz cathedral with its fine Baroque decorations, Eggenberg Palace with its curious Baroque and Rococo interiors, as well as the Neoclassical town hall.

However, as a visitor, you will quickly notice that Graz is also a city of contrasts. Together with Berlin, Graz is the only city to hold not only the UNESCO World heritage title, but also the title UNESCO City of Design. Graz is well known for its lively creative scene which has also left its mark on the city’s landscape. From the infamous ‘Friendly Alien’ (a museum for modern art), and the Murisel (Island in the Mur) to the new sleek design of Graz Main Station and dozens of other projects, the city is embracing change.

It is rare to find cutting-edge modern design interlaced with history and tradition executed as well as it has been done in Graz. Not to mention the Designmonat, a festival which takes place every year over the course of a month, dedicated entirely to design.

3. Graz is Delights

Also known as the City of Culinary Delights, Graz is a must-visit for every foodie. Styria, in general, is a foodie’s paradise. I personally attribute this to the state’s largely rural character which intensifies the further south you go. At a certain distance from the imposing Alps, the landscape turns into gently rolling hills, perfect for agriculture.

Culinary delights from Styria are many-fold and there truly is something for every taste. From meat and fish to vegetables and fruit, Styrian products entice the senses. For example, did you know that 3 of every 4 apples in Austria comes from Styria? Styrian apples are well known for their excellent balance between acidity and sweetness, thanks to the cool autumn climate during harvest. There is even a dedicated “Apple Road” along which you can learn about apples from more than 45 producers.

Speaking of sweetness, if you love cured ham as much as me, you can’t miss out on the popular Vulcano Ham. Remember the rolling hills I mentioned? These are actually long-extinct volcanoes after which this ham is named. Its delicate flavor reflects its origin perfectly.

Besides apples and ham, the most popular products of Styria are, of course, wine and pumpkin. The volcanic slopes of the region are extraordinarily fertile and the warm climate lends itself to wine production perfectly. There are eight dedicated Styrian Wine Roads along which more than 2000 winegrowers are located. The majority of wines produced here are white wines. A local specialty is the Schilcher variety which is a light and dry wine with a delicate bouquet and sharp flavor. It is usually rose in color and also popular as a sparkling wine.

Pumpkin seed oil is a regional treasure and Styrians are known to carry a bottle in their luggage whenever they travel. Derived from pumpkin seeds, this green oil has a pleasant nutty taste and is perfect on salads. Needless to say, you can buy some of the raw products at one of the 14 farmers’ markets in the city, or be sure to check out some local restaurants.

4. Graz is Summer

Unlike most other destinations in Europe, Graz is actually least busy during the summer. If you have read our blog before, you’ll know that we sometimes recommend traveling in Europe during the off-season in order to avoid the tourist crowds. If you are restricted in which months you are able to travel due to work or school, you’ll be happy to hear that Graz makes the perfect destination for a European summer holiday.

Most visitors coming to Graz come for business rather than leisure which is why summers are generally slower. It’s lucky for you, because hotel prices decrease accordingly. Although Graz is comparatively cheap to begin with, you can truly strike an incredible bargain here.

Summer is also the perfect time to browse flea markets, catch open-air jazz performances, and relax in one of the city’s many parks. And if that by itself wasn’t enough, the city also hosts a number of festivals throughout the summer which are sure to keep you busy.

Don’t miss the “Long Table of Graz” in August, an evening during which the city shares a beautiful dinner in an open-air setting. Or check out one of the dozens of street performances during “La Strada”, a festival dedicated to street & puppet theater. And then there is, of course, “Styriarte”, a series of concerts and opera performances, mostly dedicated to Classical music.

5. Graz is Young

About 18% of all people living in Graz are less than 20 years old. In fact, Graz is a very young town in general. With more than 60,000 students spread across eight universities and colleges, every 6th inhabitant of Graz is a student.

As a result, many of the city’s businesses cater to students specifically. The “Univiertel” is a neighborhood infamous for its bars and nightclubs. Located only a few steps from the city’s main university, Karl-Franzens-Universität, it is easy to unwind after a long day of lectures.

Student life in the city culminates in the annual “USI-Fest”, which is slated to be the biggest student festival in Europe, attracting more than 25,000 visitors every year. Dance floors, ball pits, beer tents, and more entertain students on this night.

Where to Stay

Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel

Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel is a work of art. It’s beautifully located at the foot of Schlossberg hill, which means you can expect scenic views wherever your eyes go. Despite being situated in the center of such a historic city, it finds a way to add a modern feel to itself. Part hotel, part art gallery, this eclectic Graz boutique hotel houses a vast range of original artwork, displayed on just about every vertical surface. Wake up with a coffee in the convivial lobby bar, before taking to the vibrant streets of Graz for a day of exploring.

Within the 49 rooms, 4 suites and 8 apartments, original works of art and precious antiques meld together and create a unique ambience. The apartments of Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel will make you feel especially at home with contemporary art and luxurious functionality. Situated in the Domenig-Spitz, which was created by the famous architecture Günther Domenig, these fully equipped living spaces feature modern design and comfortable furnishings.

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss at Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel, it’s the rooftop pool. Swim a few laps and enjoy overlooking the spellbinding city with a glass of sparkling wine from one of the best hotels in Graz. The lobby bar and lounge keeps things convivial with amusingly mixed-period seating, carpets, and mirrors, equally suitable for a mug of coffee or a snifter of cognac.