Graz is the capital of the Styria region located in the southeast of Austria. The area is known for its stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

There are many great places to stay in Graz. For the best experience, we recommend staying near Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square (the castle marker on the map below). The area around Hauptplatz is the most pedestrian-friendly, surrounded by restaurants and historical shops, and the main streets close to vehicles on the weekends and turn it into a giant pedestrian paradise.

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The best month to visit Graz depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Graz during the spring and fall is cool and comfortable. The summer is relatively mild, but the winter can be very cold.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Graz is April through May and September through October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the entire month of October in Graz. The weather was cool but very comfortable for exploring.

April and October are good months to visit Graz for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months is cool in Graz and similar to our preferred temperature for walking most of the day.

Graz Airport (code: GRZ) is the primary international airport serving southern Austria. There are no direct flights from the United States to GRZ. You will need to connect through one of the connecting airports in Germany and Austria.

Graz Hauptbahnhof, Europapl. 4, 8020 Graz, Austria, is the main train station.

CEST — Central European Summer Time · CET — Central European Time (UTC/GMT +2 hours)

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German – Graz is a city where English is abundantly spoken.

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Austria if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Austria, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Austria’s electrical outlets are Type F. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

Travelers will want a SIM card for Austria. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

The fantastic train system in Austria makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

Graz, Austria is definitely worth a visit! This charming city offers a mix of historical architecture, vibrant cultural scene, delicious food, and picturesque surroundings. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its narrow streets and medieval buildings, visit the iconic Clock Tower (Uhrturm) on Schlossberg hill for panoramic views, stroll along the Mur River, and don’t miss the impressive Kunsthaus Graz art museum. With its rich history and modern charm, Graz has something to offer for every type of traveler.

The number of days you need in Graz depends on your interests and what you would like to see and do in the city. However, to get a good overview of Graz and explore its main attractions, spending around 2-3 days in the city is usually recommended. This allows you to visit landmarks such as the Schlossberg (Castle Hill), the Old Town with its historic buildings, museums like Kunsthaus Graz or Schloss Eggenberg, and enjoy some leisure time exploring local cafes and restaurants. Of course, if you have specific interests or want to delve deeper into certain aspects of Graz, you may choose to extend your stay.

Graz and Vienna are both beautiful cities in Austria, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Graz is known for its well-preserved historic city center, vibrant cultural scene, and friendly atmosphere. On the other hand, Vienna is the capital city of Austria, famous for its stunning architecture, classical music heritage, and rich history. Whether you prefer the smaller, cozy feel of Graz or the grandeur of Vienna depends on your personal tastes and what you’re looking to experience during your visit. Both cities offer a wide range of activities, sights, and culinary delights for visitors to enjoy.

Both Graz and Salzburg are beautiful cities in Austria with their own unique charm.

If you are interested in history and culture, Salzburg might be the ideal choice for you. It is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and offers stunning baroque architecture, picturesque gardens, and the famous Hohensalzburg Fortress.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and want to explore a vibrant arts scene, Graz could be the perfect destination. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved historic center and is known for its contemporary art galleries and creative cultural events.

Ultimately, the decision between Graz and Salzburg depends on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you choose to visit Graz or Salzburg, both cities have a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and scenic beauty.