Vienna’s little sister
Vienna is, of course, a must-visit destination while you are in Austria, but Graz might be perfect for you if you are seeking a quieter and more relaxing holiday, but still want a wide range of cultural activities. Often referred to as ‘Vienna’s little sister’, it is considered by some to be similar to the Austrian capital, but without any of the pretentiousness that Vienna could be accused of. What is definitely true is that Graz has a lot to offer in terms of the avant-garde.
A lively nightlife
Surprisingly, despite its quaint exterior, Graz has a relatively thriving nightlife, due to it being a university town. Read our guide to the best bars to find out where the younger crowd hangs out after hours.
Styrian cuisine
Graz is not only a cultural hotspot, it is also a foodie’s paradise. Styrian dishes include pumpkin soup, with locally produced pumpkin oil drizzled on top, and verhackertes, a spread made from pork. A great place to sample Styrian cuisine is Aiola, a sophisticated restaurant with a wonderful backdrop of Graz and the mountains behind the city. Known for his international cuisine with a local Styrian touch, Michelin-starred chef Chef Paul Ivic has created an exquisite menu for the restaurant’s guests.
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Pumpkin soup, a styrian speciality | © RitaE / Pixabay
Surrounding countryside
Most towns and cities in Austria are hugged by glorious landscapes, and Graz is no exception. If you want a city break, but with the option for a rural getaway, Graz offers both. The Austrian Sculpture park is located just outside the city, and kills two birds with one stone as it offers you both culture and countryside. Bärenschützklamm gorge and Kesselfallklamm are other great options for hikers.
Aerial view | Courtesy of the Austrian Tourist Board
Interactive sculpture park | © kriskulakova / Österreich Werbung | © Österreich Werbung
Austrian Sculpture Park near Graz | © mighele_ / Österreich Werbung | © Österreich Werbung, Photographer: mighele_
Austrian Sculpture Park | © kriskulakova / Österreich Werbung
Thriving markets
Visiting the farmer’s markets in the city is a great way to experience the local vibe of Graz. In the autumn, Griesplatz runs regular street festivals with DJs pumping hits from balconies and pop-up street markets.
Art, music and culture
In 1959, a collection of artists, scientists and cultural workers turned an empty park café, now called the Forum Stadtpark, into a platform for art exhibitions and events. Graz has a long legacy of being a major hub for the creative arts and in 2003 was granted the title of European Capital of Culture. The city’s most important modern-art museum, the Kunsthaus, was erected in the same year. Between 2011 and 2013 it was a Unesco City of Design, and since then the art scene has been evolving rapidly, with many new architectural structures popping up. Music buffs will love either a trip to the Opera House or the buzzing Royal Garden Jazz Club.
Graz’s Opera House | © Andreas Praefcke / WikiCommons
It’s easy to explore
As it is a relatively small city, visitors can hop from city to city across Graz and stop by the countryside on the way. The bus and train routes offer relatively inexpensive and stress-free rides, and all of the major cities (Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck) are well-connected. Road trips will give tourists the chance to see gorgeous natural landscapes one day and idyllic cities the next.
Winter sports
Austria is one of Europe’s favourite destinations for winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts surrounding Graz; the most popular are Weinebene and Krvavec Ski Resort.
Damüls | © haraldrentsch / Pixabay
Rich history
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Graz is striking for its well-preserved medieval and Italian renaissance buildings. Hauptplatz is the heart of the city, flanked by the stunning Rathaus (town hall). During the holidays, don’t miss the cosy local Christmas markets, where you can sip a warming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) as you browse the stalls for gifts. Walk along Herrengasse to see the store windows, and turn down any of the small alleys to find a charming café or independent boutique. Other notable historical landmarks include the Schlossberg, Herz Jesu Kirche and Eggenberg Palace.
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Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/austria/articles/11-reasons-why-you-should-visit-graz-at-least-once
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Publish date : 2023-08-18 07:00:00
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