Choosing Your Base for Sightseeing
Graz's compact size means you're never far from its major attractions, regardless of where you stay. However, choosing accommodation near specific sights can enhance your experience, allowing you to visit during quieter hours, return easily for evening events, or simply reduce daily walking distances.
This guide groups Graz's key attractions by area, helping you identify which neighborhood best suits your sightseeing priorities. Remember that excellent public transport connects all areas, so perfect proximity isn't essential unless you have mobility considerations or prefer walking everywhere.
Schlossberg and Old Town Attractions
The Schlossberg Complex
The Schlossberg (Castle Hill) rises 123 meters above the city center, crowned by the beloved Uhrturm (Clock Tower). Hotels at the base of the hill, particularly around Schlossbergplatz and Karmeliterplatz, offer the most convenient access to this defining Graz landmark.
Attractions within the Schlossberg area include:
- Uhrturm: The 16th-century Clock Tower, visible from throughout Graz, is the city's most photographed monument.
- Glockenturm: The Bell Tower, housing Austria's third-largest bell, offers panoramic views.
- Kasematten: Underground passages now hosting cultural events and a unique concert venue.
- Schlossberg Restaurant: Dining with views across the city and to the surrounding mountains.
Access Options
Reach the summit via the Schlossbergbahn funicular (modernized in 2019), the glass Schlossberg lift from Schlossbergplatz, or walking paths including the 260-step Kriegssteig carved into the rock. Hotel guests staying nearby can easily visit at sunrise or sunset when crowds thin.
Landeszeughaus
Just off Herrengasse, the Styrian Armoury houses the world's largest collection of historic weapons and armor. With over 32,000 objects displayed across four floors, it's an extraordinary time capsule from the period when Styria defended Europe against Ottoman expansion. Hotels along Herrengasse or around Hauptplatz put you within a 5-minute walk.
Kunsthaus and Mur River Area
Kunsthaus Graz
The striking Kunsthaus, affectionately nicknamed the "Friendly Alien" for its biomorphic form, houses cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions. Located in the Lend district just across the Mur River from the Old Town, it's accessible from both Innere Stadt hotels (5-minute walk) and Hauptbahnhof area properties (15-minute tram ride).
Murinsel
The Murinsel (Island in the Mur) is an artificial floating platform designed by New York artist Vito Acconci for Graz's 2003 European Capital of Culture year. It houses a cafe and amphitheater, connected to both riverbanks by bridges. Hotels on either side of the river offer pleasant walks to this unique structure.
Eggenberg and Western Attractions
Schloss Eggenberg
Eggenberg Palace, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies about 3 kilometers west of the city center. This 17th-century baroque masterpiece features 365 windows, 31 rooms on each floor, and 24 state rooms representing the days, months, and hours. The palace also houses the Archaeology Museum and Old Gallery.
While few hotels exist directly in the Eggenberg district, the palace is easily reached by tram (line 1, about 20 minutes from center). For visitors primarily interested in the palace and its extensive gardens, accommodation along the tram 1 route offers the most convenient access.
University Quarter Attractions
St. Leonhard and Geidorf Districts
The areas east of the Old Town house Graz's main university campus, botanical gardens, and several smaller museums. Hotels in these residential neighborhoods offer quieter surroundings while remaining within walking distance of the center.
Notable attractions in this area:
- Botanical Gardens: Founded in 1889, featuring specialized greenhouses and outdoor collections.
- University of Graz: The historic main building and its grand Aula are worth visiting.
- Mariatrost Basilica: A pilgrimage church on a hill in the eastern suburbs, offering panoramic views.
Attraction-Based Location Guide
Match your primary interests to ideal hotel locations:
- Architecture and History: Innere Stadt (Old Town) - walk to Schlossberg, Landeszeughaus, Cathedral, and historic squares.
- Contemporary Art: Lend district - near Kunsthaus and emerging galleries, with creative neighborhood atmosphere.
- Baroque Palaces: Along tram line 1 - easy access to both Eggenberg Palace and the Old Town.
- Day Trips: Near Hauptbahnhof - convenient for rail excursions to monasteries, wine regions, and neighboring countries.
- Mix of Everything: Innere Stadt remains the most versatile base, with all attractions reachable within 30 minutes.
The Joanneumsviertel
The Universalmuseum Joanneum operates 19 museums across Graz and Styria. A combined ticket offers excellent value for museum enthusiasts. The main cluster around Joanneumsviertel includes the Natural History Museum, Neue Galerie, and Multimedia Collections.
Seasonal Considerations
Your sightseeing priorities might shift with the seasons:
- Spring/Autumn: Ideal for walking-based sightseeing. Eggenberg gardens are particularly beautiful in spring bloom and autumn colors.
- Summer: Schlossberg is perfect for evening visits after the heat fades. Open-air events in Kasematten add cultural programming.
- Winter: Christmas markets transform Hauptplatz and surrounding squares. Indoor museums become more appealing. Schlossberg offers atmospheric winter views.
Best For
- First-time visitors wanting to maximize sightseeing efficiency
- Art and culture enthusiasts planning intensive museum visits
- Photographers seeking easy access to iconic viewpoints
- Visitors with limited mobility who need to minimize walking
- Those attending specific events at attraction venues