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Spending Three Days in Graz, Austria: A Guide for a Lengthy Weekend Trip

Immerse yourself in the charms of Austria's second-largest city, Graz, with this extensive itinerary. This guide showcases the city's noteworthy landmarks, lesser-known attractions, and useful tips to make the most of your long weekend getaway.

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Spend a fulfilling weekend in Austria's second-largest city, Graz, by following this itinerary. It...
Spend a fulfilling weekend in Austria's second-largest city, Graz, by following this itinerary. It includes popular spots, lesser-known treasures, and useful tips to help you navigate through.

Spending Three Days in Graz, Austria: A Guide for a Lengthy Weekend Trip

Revamped Article:

Graz, the unheralded gem of Austria, is a destination that demands more than a fleeting visit. Despite its compact, charming old town, there's a whole lot more to explore beyond the pedestrianized core. This underrated city offers an abundance of attractions, culinary delights, and experiences - making it a perfect choice for a long weekend getaway. So, here's a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow itinerary for spending three days in Graz, Austria's culinary capital.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Graz Card: If you follow this itinerary, the standard Graz Card will save you money. It includes transport in central Graz and access to numerous museums and attractions. The full card costs €30 for 24 hours, €39 for 48 hours, and €44 for 72 hours. For a long weekend in Graz, the 48-hour Graz ticket, activated on Friday afternoon, should be sufficient.
  2. Trains and Buses: In addition to the Graz Card, consider purchasing the Freizeit-Ticket Steiermark (€13 per person) on weekends and holidays, which covers all public transport in the Styria region, including local buses and trams. In rural locations, buses may not operate on weekends.
  3. Discounted Travel Passes: To save on regional travel, consider the Einfach-Raus-Ticket (€37 for two; €41 for three; €45 for four), which covers all regional trains in Austria. You may also need to purchase bus tickets for specific regions. Bike rentals are a great eco-friendly option, given Graz's commitment to sustainability.
  4. Events: Keep an eye on the Graz Kultur Calendar for cool events happening during your visit.
  5. Restaurant Reservations: Make reservations for Friday and Saturday evenings, as it can be challenging to secure a table at Graz's popular restaurants as a walk-in.

Day 1 - Friday:

  1. Stroll around the Innere Stadt (Inner Old Town): Start by exploring Graz's charming, historic quarters. If your time is limited, you can save the Mariatrost for Sunday. Many city attractions close on Mondays, making a long weekend in Graz, with arrival on Friday preferable.
  2. Old Town Wandering: Spend the afternoon wandering through Graz's picturesque courtyards, landmarks, and impressive architecture. Begin at Hauptplatz, the main town square, admiring the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and the ornate Rathaus (Town Hall). Pass through Grazer Landhaus, the city's most elegant courtyard, and visit the Styrian Armoury. Take a leisurely walk to the Universalmuseum Joanneum square, passing through more courtyards and museums. Enjoy the blend of old and new architectural styles in this UNESCO City of Design.
  3. Evening: Market Meals and Drinks: Dine at Genießerei am Markt, the best restaurant in Graz, for an incredible 10-course tasting menu made with ingredients sourced from the market. Alternatively, visit Genießerei am Markt for the affordable, fixed-price lunch menu. For late-night drinks, head to Cafe Parkhouse or the University District's The Churchill Bar.

Day 2 - Saturday:

  1. Morning: Austrian Open-Air Architecture: If you're staying in the city center, start the morning with coffee and pastry at Café König. Then, travel to the nearby Austrian Open-Air Museum, dedicated to the preservation of traditional architectural styles across Austria.
  2. Lunch: Die Hummel, a Levantine, no-waste mezze restaurant, serves an excellent lunch menu. If the weather is nice, ask for a table in the shaded garden.
  3. Afternoon: Kunsthaus and Murinsel: Visit Graz's Kunsthaus (Modern Art Museum) to see its impressive exhibitions, which are included in the Graz Card. Relax in the museum's courtyard or take a stroll across the Murinsel, Graz's floating bridge.
  4. Schlossberg: Head up to Schlossberg, Graz's fortified hill, home to the city's clock tower symbol. Take the funicular or elevator to enjoy sweeping views of the city and valley, and visit the museum housed inside the mountain.
  5. Dinner and Nightlife: Enjoy a traditional Austrian meal at Mohrenwirt or Die Steirer, followed by drinks at noël or Ginger in the Lend district.

Day 3 - Sunday:

  1. Morning: Coffee and Franciscan Church: Begin your day with coffee and a pastry at Coffee Ride. Visit the nearby Franciscan Church, home to a beautiful cloister-turned-garden courtyard.
  2. Eggenberg Palace: Take Tram 1 to Eggenberg Palace, part of Graz's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the palace grounds, admiring its impressive architecture and roaming peacocks.
  3. Evening: Traditional Dinner and Nightlife: For dinner, try Glöckl Bräu, Altsteirische Schmankerlstub'n, or the Stadtstrand (City Beach) in summer. Spend your evening relaxing at one of these unique, typically Styrian spots.

Day 4 - Monday:

  1. Day Trip: Wine Region: Take a day trip to the Südsteiermark Wine Region, known for its excellent wines and scenic landscapes. Alternatively, explore other options like Hallstatt, Salzburg, the Styrian Countryside, Northern Styria, or Alpine adventures for a more adventurous excursion.

For more ideas on extending your visit, check out the Insider's Guide to Graz. This itinerary was created during a blogging residency in Graz, hosted by Graz Travel Deeper. As always, all opinions and words are our own.

Related Posts:

  • Europe's Hidden Gems: Uncovering the Charm of Graz, Austria
  • Long Weekends in Europe: Why Graz Should be Your Next Destination
  • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Graz: Discovering the Jewel of Styria
  • Austria's Best Kept Secrets: Discovering the Charm of Graz, Austria
  • Weekend Escape: Graz, Austria - A Cozy Getaway in the Heart of Styria
  • The Sustainable Side of Graz: Austria's Eco-Friendly Second City

[1] https://www.viator.com/tours/Salzburg/Day-Trip-Salzburg-Hallstatt-and-Lake-Cruise-from-Graz/d461-7087CITY[4] https://www.steeirerland.at[5] https://www.erskidays.com/discover-steyrermark/things-to-do/active-outdoor-adventure/

  1. After enjoying a traditional Austrian meal on Sunday evening, consider venturing beyond the city for a day trip to the nearby food and drink scene of the Südsteiermark Wine Region.
  2. For food lovers seeking unique dining experiences in Graz, the food-and-drink scene extends beyond the city's borders. Consider exploring the culinary delights offered in the sustainably focused restaurants of the surrounding Styria region during your long weekend getaway.

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