My boyfriend and I are living in Vienna at the moment and looking to do a day in Graz. We'd love any tips on what to do/see- where to eat.. and if anyone thinks it's worth a night's stay.. and if so- where would you recommend staying?
Posted by
Shoreline, WA
216 posts
Samantha,
Graz had the reputation of being a sleepy provincial capital where Austrian bureaucrats would retire to. Not so! I found the city center vibrant and the evening atmosphere full of music and outdoor oriented restaurants quite busy in summer. Styria (Steiermark) edges onto Slovenia and Hungary, and some of the food reflects that relationship. Be sure to try the Ritschert, a barley-based stew, and the excellent wines coming from the nearby Weinstraße.
Everyone walks or takes the funicular up to the Clock Tower and the fortress that gave Graz (Gradec) its name. There is also a very well-regarded museum on the grounds. The Governator claims Graz as his home town, but he actually was born in Thal, a small village outside of town. Be sure to visit the village church - if you are familiar with the Phantastic Realism art, you will find this baroque church extraordinary!
Can't give you a hint on lodging (look in Tripadvisor.com instead). I always stay with relatives there.