Innere Stadt Hotels

Why Stay in Innere Stadt?

Innere Stadt, Graz's first district, represents the historic heart of Austria's second-largest city. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, this compact area contains an exceptional concentration of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture that has survived remarkably intact.

For visitors, staying in Innere Stadt means waking up surrounded by history. You can step out of your hotel and immediately find yourself on cobblestone lanes lined with centuries-old buildings, independent shops, traditional coffee houses, and restaurants serving Styrian specialties. The district's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it ideal for exploring on foot.

Key Locations Within Innere Stadt

Hauptplatz Area

The main square has been Graz's central gathering point since the Middle Ages. Hotels here put you at the nexus of city life, with the Town Hall as your backdrop and the famous Erzherzog Johann fountain as your neighbor. The tram hub makes connections effortless, though you'll rarely need transport when everything is so close.

Herrengasse Vicinity

This elegant shopping street stretches from Hauptplatz toward the Opera House. Accommodation along Herrengasse tends toward the upscale, with several boutique hotels occupying historic townhouses. The street buzzes during shopping hours but quiets in the evening, offering a good balance for visitors.

Schlossberg Base

Hotels near the base of Schlossberg offer easy access to the famous Clock Tower via the funicular, lift, or walking paths. This area sits slightly removed from the commercial center, providing a quieter atmosphere while remaining just minutes from all attractions.

What to Expect from Innere Stadt Hotels

The Old Town's protected status means hotels must work within historic building constraints. This creates unique character but also some practical considerations:

• Historic Architecture: Many hotels occupy renovated palaces, townhouses, or former monasteries. Expect high ceilings, thick walls, and often quirky room layouts that reflect centuries of modifications.
• Varied Room Sizes: Historic buildings weren't designed with modern hotel standards in mind. Rooms may be larger or smaller than typical, and hallways can be narrow.
• Limited Parking: Very few Innere Stadt hotels have on-site parking. Most direct guests to nearby public garages (Kastner & Ohler, Pfauengarten, or Andreas-Hofer-Platz).
• No Elevators in Some Properties: Smaller boutique hotels in historic buildings may lack elevators. Always confirm accessibility needs when booking.
• Character Over Uniformity: Expect individuality rather than chain-hotel standardization. This is part of the charm for most visitors.

Attractions Within Walking Distance

Staying in Innere Stadt puts you within a 10-minute walk of Graz's most significant attractions:

• Schlossberg & Uhrturm: The iconic Clock Tower, visible from throughout the city, dates to the 16th century. The hill offers panoramic views and several restaurants.
• Landeszeughaus: The world's largest historic armory, housing over 32,000 pieces of armor and weapons from the 15th-17th centuries.
• Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum: The late-Gothic cathedral and adjacent Mannerist mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II showcase the city's imperial connections.
• Kunsthaus Graz: Just across the river, this biomorphic "friendly alien" building houses contemporary art exhibitions.
• Murinsel: The floating island platform in the Mur River, designed for Graz's 2003 Cultural Capital year.

Dining and Nightlife

Innere Stadt offers the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Graz. Traditional wine taverns (Buschenschank) sit alongside contemporary restaurants, while historic coffee houses like Cafe Promenade have served guests for generations.

Evening entertainment includes the Graz Opera House, various theaters, and a lively bar scene concentrated around Glockenspielplatz and Mehlplatz. The district remains active but not rowdy, with most establishments closing by midnight during the week.

Best For

• First-time visitors wanting to experience Graz's historic atmosphere
• Culture enthusiasts with museum and architecture interests
• Travelers who prefer walking to using public transport
• Those seeking traditional Austrian coffee house and restaurant experiences
• Visitors attending events at the Opera House or Stefaniensaal

Considerations

• Higher prices than peripheral districts, especially during peak season
• Limited parking options and higher parking costs
• Church bells and occasional street noise in central locations
• Busier atmosphere during major events and market days