Graz, Austria Advice, recommendations and suggestions

I live in Trieste, and exploring a trip to Graz, so following here.

More specific info needed, what you are up to and what you like, because for such generic questions there is an official Graz tourism site https://www.graztourismus.at/

Hi blackdog,

I like sightseeing and exploring and eating out and going to restaurants and cafes. I like seeing different historical sites and exploring the city centre and its surroundings. I am equally interested in off the beaten track things.

To be honest, this is also still pretty generic and I am not sure if you even had a look at the website I shared, which contains some of the main sites and other selections of places there. However, I'll try to share some activities that might not be too obvious and that I find pretty nice as an almost-local and would show someone:

• Take some time and have a coffee on Murinsel. Its a pretty unique setting. Afterwards, you are able to walk down the river on water level. All sounds of the city are gone, its an unique experience.
• Schlossberg is always recommended, if you walk up, do so via the square"Schloßbergplatz". You could get there by going through the tunnel in the mountain (starting next to the square "Karmeliterplatz" east), a pretty unique experience. There is an event venue inside the mountain, check if there if something of interest when you are there
• When you are on Schlossberg, visit the gardens in the south, Uhrturm and go further up afterwards. Next to the funicular railway station is a beautiful Biergarten. In my opinion one of the most underrated spots in Graz. There is also a restaurant nearby, but I don't know anything about its quality. "Kasematten" are also nearby, a former armory, then a prison, now a concert venue. Check for events on the days you are there.
• Hike down Schloßberg on its "backside", choosing one of the small paths north-west. This is definitely of the beaten path and gives you a great view along the "skyline" of Graz

Hope this helps you - please come up with more specific questions, I am happy to support. It's not that common, that someone asks about my almost home town on these forums ;-)

You can visit the farm where the Lippizaners grow up

https://www.graztourismus.at/en/sightseeing-culture/sights/lipizzaner-stud-farm-piber_shg_4085

There are also several videos on Youtube showing the sights.

blackdog, thanks for your tips; specifically about the Murinsel café and the Schloßberg Biergarten.

My favorite place for lunch or dinner in Graz is this rustic place: https://dieherzl.at/