Food Lover? Here’s Why Graz Should Be on Your Radar

For centuries, Graz’s iconic clock tower has kept watch over the bustling main square, the city’s vibrant heart. Surrounded by lush farmland and fertile vineyards, Graz is a paradise for food enthusiasts, where the clock’s hands remind us of a time when organic, farm-to-table dining was simply part of life.

Each harvest season kicks off with the Long Table, a biannual open-air feast celebrating Graz’s status as Austria’s culinary hub. Locals and visitors alike gather in Old Town to raise a toast to the city’s gastronomic riches, with red carpets, fluttering white tablecloths, and candlelight illuminating the historic homes from the 17th century.

No matter the season, Graz has something for every food aficionado. Beyond fine dining, daily farmers’ markets provide fresh, local ingredients for both home cooks and chefs. Tempting juicy apples, hearty pumpkins, and crisp lettuce invite culinary creativity, while visitors can enjoy a picnic amid stunning Renaissance courtyards, modern galleries, and vibrant neighborhoods that are as visually captivating as they are nourishing for the soul.

Graz: Your Guide to Culinary Delights

For those who savor three hearty meals each day—and a few snacks in between—Graz is the perfect getaway. Begin your day with breakfast at Aiola Upstairs, where expansive windows and outdoor seating offer breathtaking views of the city. Gaze upon the clock tower, baroque spires, and terracotta rooftops while enjoying local favorites like scrambled eggs paired with fresh cheese, horseradish, and artisanal sourdough. These are just a few of Graz’s culinary highlights.

At lunchtime, make the most of your day at Dreizehn by Gauster, a charming restaurant and wine bar nestled in one of Graz’s picturesque squares. Inside, contemporary decor sets a stylish tone, or opt for outdoor seating to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere of Franziskanerplatz while sipping locally produced wine. Their two-course lunch menu often features local truffle delights, capped off with a dessert and espresso—perfect for travelers on the move.

Savor a taste of history at dinner in Landhauskeller, situated within a remarkable Renaissance courtyard known as a Landhaus. The decor evokes an era long past, when blacksmiths frequented this former tavern. Today, you can enjoy the elegant glassware and warm wooden accents while indulging in dishes such as steak tartare and traditional schnitzel.

Top Attractions in Graz

Graz beautifully blends history with cosmopolitan flair, showcasing an eclectic array of architectural styles from baroque and Renaissance to medieval and art deco. This remarkable fusion has earned the city its status as a UNESCO City of Design.

Located on Opernring Street, the opera house, designed by the renowned Graz-born architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, attracts both architecture enthusiasts and music lovers. It's open for tours and ranks among the city’s premier performance venues. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Operncafe, an elegant spot for coffee, pastries, or a glass of wine.

For a deeper dive into history, visit the nearby 15th-century castle, featuring a unique double spiral staircase that creates an intriguing optical illusion—perfect for photos. The castle gardens offer a hidden retreat, known only to locals who stumble upon this green oasis while seeking a moment of tranquility.

Among the city’s modern landmarks, the Kunsthaus Graz stands out, beloved by photographers. Its biomorphic design, crafted from 1,066 acrylic glass panels, has earned it the affectionate nickname “friendly alien” from locals.

Murinsel is a must-see, especially at night when its lighting shimmers on the water. This man-made island, shaped like a half-opened shell, features a glass-domed café and bar. Don’t miss trying a local beer made from hops and barley sourced from Graz’s Leutschach region. The blue, wave-like benches offer an amphitheater setting for performances or simply enjoying the reflection of Murinsel on the Mur River.

Activities to Enjoy in Graz

With its vibrant university and lively student scene, Graz exudes a youthful energy. This atmosphere opens up a world of opportunities for hiking, climbing, and running around the city. However, for a more relaxed pace that allows you to savor the sights and smells—like blooming roses or freshly baked bread—consider exploring on foot.

Begin your walk with breathtaking views from the top of Schlossberg, a green hill right in the city center. You can ascend via a funicular and take in the sights as you descend along a charming winding stone staircase. For the adventurous, experience a thrill by sliding down the world’s longest underground slide from Schlossberg back to the ground.

The Lend neighborhood is one of Graz's most artistic areas, brimming with stylish boutiques and independent coffee spots like Paul&Bohne. This district also features one of the city’s two farmers’ markets, and in addition to Kaiser Josef Markt, Lendplatz is the ideal spot to gather supplies for a fantastic picnic or pick up unique souvenirs. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on pumpkin seed oil (or a few bottles), as this regional delicacy is hard to find elsewhere. Known as Styria’s “green gold,” it has a fresh, nutty taste that makes an excellent gift and can enhance salad dressings, soups, or even vanilla ice cream.

Discover more about Graz, the food capital of Austria while you’re planning your visit to Austria.