• Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under a archway on the left where a road meaders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg. From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels (Eichkätzchen) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn, a cable car, which can be found at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking.
• Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch, a hill on the western edge of Graz, and take a stroll up it. Perhaps I should say climb, because it's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map. Take Bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of "Gösting" castle and enjoy the view over the city.
• Swimming. Normally after May, the water in the outdoor swimming pools very quickly warms-up enough to enjoy swimming:
  • Eggenberger Bad, Janzgasse 21
  • Augartenbad, Schönaugürtel 1, right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge.
  • Bad Strassgang, Martinhofstraße 3.
  • Margarethenbad, Grillparzerstraße 10.
  • Ragnitzbad, Pesendorferweg 7.
  • Stukitzbad, Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a.
• Boating or skating on the Hilmteich or Thalersee(just outside Graz), depending on the season.
• Royal English cinema, Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 10, Tel. 826133 has Hollywood films in English language. Take tram number 4,5 or 13 and get out at Finanzamt. If you are at Jakominiplatz it's a five-minute walk there. More alternative films can be found at the Augartenkino in the Friedrichgasse or the Rechbauerkino, Rechbauerstraße.

• The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site.

• The Glockenspiel, which comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00.

• The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.

• Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg!

• The Schlossberg (Schloßberg), the castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular (Schloßbergbahn) and elevator (Schloßberglift) will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views.
• Clock Tower (Uhrturm) on the top of the Schloßberg, the symbol of Graz.

• Eggenberg Castle (Schloss Eggenberg). Early Baroque architecture, lavish state rooms. There is a small (€ 1.00) fee for entering the park surrounding the castle, which they likely will not charge you if you say you intend to take the castle tour. The castle tour is highly recommended though, as it contains dramatic wall and ceiling paintings, elaborate ceramic stoves, and inlaid wood floors. (Tram 1 direction Eggenberg/UKH) Tel: 583264-0 (free entry to the museum with euro<26 card)

• Kunsthaus, [3] is Graz's newest exhibition place. It's worth a visit, even if you only look at its design from the outside. It's right across the river from Hauptplatz at the Suedtirolerplatz (Tram 1,3,6,7,14 direction Hauptbahnhof). (You will definitely notice the blue bubble) (free entry with euro<26 card)
• Murinsel, [4]. Originally a temporary project during 2003, people liked it enough so it stayed. An artificial island in the river, with a stage for performances and a coffeehouse.

• Joanneum Museum of Styria (Steiermärkische Landesmuseum Joanneum), Raubergasse 10. Tel: 8017-9716, [5]. (free entry with euro<26 card)

• Armory Zeughaus, in the Herrengasse Tel: 8017 9810, [6]. Open April 1 - October 31: M-Su 10AM-6PM; November 1 - March 31: M-Sa 10AM-3PM, Su 10AM-4PM; Adults €7, Groups €5.50, Students €3. Contains an amazing collection of arms and armor, from large two-handed swords and maces to the more modern pistols. Originally the local armory ready to equip the people in the event of an attack, the weapons you'll see here were made for use, not show. English tours are available; enquire early in the day to see what time one will be offered. If you are incredibly enthusiastic about weapons and ask nicely, your guide might treat you to further description of the use and care of the weapons after your tour is completed. Pictures are not allowed, but postcards with pictures of the main pieces can be bought in the gift shop. Be warned, this building gets extremely warm in the summer (especially on the upper floors). Weapons enthusiasts may wish to go early in the day, or you may find your interest waning rapidly as the puddles form around your feet.

• There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur river there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas, situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

• See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus [7]. Prices.

• On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only. The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.
• During the summer months, in the city centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz, along the Herrengasse, you may be fortunate enough to come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.
• Football at the UPC-Arena, the home of SK Sturm Graz in the district of Liebenau, south of the city centre. Ticket prices from 22 to 36.50 Euros.

By plane

Graz airport (IATA: GRZ), (Flughafen Graz - Thalerhof), less than 6 miles south of the city center.

Scheduled flights operate to Graz from Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Zurich, London, Hannover, Gothenburg, Friedrichshafen, Girona.

Getting to the City is easy and inexpensive. The train station is located 300 meters from the passenger terminal. Trains leave to Graz Hauptbahnhof (main station) roughly every hour. Fare: 1,70 Euro. As an alternative Buses leave right in front of the passenger terminal. The Bus will take you first to Jakominiplatz and then further to Hauptbahnhof. Fare: €1,70. You can also take a taxi (which is about €20 to the centre of the city) or rent a car.

Nearby Airports are in Maribor, Klagenfurt and a little further away in Ljubljana, Zagreb and Vienna.

By train

The main station (Hauptbahnhof) is on the western edge of the city center, at the end of the Annenstrasse. Graz has frequent connections to Vienna with direct trains every other hour. Connections to Salzburg and most other Austrian Cities and Munich are also reasonably frequent. Night trains serve destinations as far as Zurich, and there are two direct daylight services each day to Zagreb. See OBB - Austrian Railways for timetables. There are also less frequent services to Slovenia and Hungary. To reach the old town, take tram line 3 or 6 (1 or 7 evenings and Sundays), or simply walk down Annenstrasse for about 20 minutes and cross the bridge. You can obtain a map from the Tourist Information in the Hauptbahnhof.

It is worth noting that the direct services from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open! From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

By car

The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mile long Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna (Wien) is 127 miles (2hrs) up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware: The dual carriage way is unfinished for a few miles between Graz and Bruck and there are lots of tunnels on the S6!!!) Some might also find the 5-mile-long (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, 15 miles to the north of Graz, unnerving. Toll charge: Gleinalm Tunnel: cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t: EUR 7.95 | with caravans/trailers: EUR 9.95 | Motorhomes over 3.5 t: EUR 11.50. It is possible to avoid the tunnel by travelling on the rather longer route via Bruck an der Mur.

By bus

Graz does not have a dedicated bus terminal. Private and public operators all operate from separate terminals:

• Postbus operates its terminal at Andreas-Hofer-Platz (City Bus 40, 67), with many destinations throughout Styria but also further available.
• Bahnbus (Trainbus) operates from a terminal next to the Hauptbahnhof (Tram 3, 6, 14 as well as 1, 7 in the evening, City Buses 50, 52, 53, 58, 63, 85).
• Eurolines operates from the same terminal as the Bahnbus at Hautpbahnhof. They offer reasonable cheap tickets to many destinations throughout Europe.

For travels to Austrian destinations check out http://busbahnbim.at , they will find you routes with public buses, trains, and trams to your desired destination. (Although outside of Styria it is limited to trains.)

The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot, and is reachable with a 20 minute walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across, to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town.

For other needs, public transportation options exist:

• Tram - Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams and buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk (Tabak). Make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of 60 Euros). You can buy hourly, daily, weekly or monthly tickets (also available at the driver). They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immideate surroundings including the airport!)

• Bus - Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz, Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz. The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out [2].

Tram and Bus Ticket prices: Single ticket (available from the driver) € 1.70 (valid for one hour) Day ticket (available from the driver) € 3.70 (valid for 24 hours) Week ticket € 9.20 and Monthly ticket € 31.10 available from the Office of Transportation at the Hauptplatz.

Keep in mind that bus and tram services operate from 5am to midnight during the week. Nightbuses operate only at weekends and before public holidays.

• Bike - Graz has an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this and the relative small size of the city, using a bike to get around, at least the central areas of Graz, is one of the best choices. It also helps that it does not rain a lot in Graz... Bikes may be rented, although if you are staying a bit longer buying a used one (and maybe reselling it) from one of the many bike stores may be cheaper. Bike theft is a common problem in Graz, so take care that your bike is properly locked when you are not using it. Also, if you are inexperienced bicycling around trams, take extra caution (especially noting that getting your wheel stuck in a tram rail could knock you down -- with trams potentially coming right behind and beside you!)

• Taxi - Taxis are available 24h a day. You can hail one on the street, go to a taxi- rank or simply order one by phone. The taxi ranks with the best chances of getting a taxi day or night are "Hauptplatz" (Right side of City Hall) or "Hauptbahnhof". There is a base rate of approx. €4 for all rides. Avoid taxis in the early morning and early evening when traffic congestion can make a taxi ride very expensive. Taxis can be booked by calling 878, 889, 222, 2801.

• Car - If you can avoid it, just avoid it. Graz has areas with an inscrutable one-way system which makes it easy to get lost. Parking space in central areas are rare and subject to a fee from Monday to Friday (9.00am to 8.00pm, in front of Hauptbahnhof to 9pm) and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines placed in every street. A ticket for half an hour costs €0,60 ("blue zones", "green zones" are a bit cheaper). The maximum parking duration is three hours. There are a number of underground car parks in the city centre for example under the Kameliterplatz which is called Pfauengarten Parkgarage which is open 24h a day. A ticket for one hour costs €2, a 24h ticket costs €12.

Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil). This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer)market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets.

There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are:

• Herrengasse - the most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
• numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse".
• in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. There is an underground car-park right underneath.
• Steirerhof, Jakominplatz 12. Named after the demolished hotel that occupied the site until recently. Tel: 83 55 70
• Mariahilferstraße Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 70ies retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover
• "CITY PARK" shopping mall situated on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55"

Bigger shopping complexes located outside the city center are:

• Shopping Center West - Being already quite a few years old it's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the center. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64.
• Shopping City Seiersberg - A new build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the center lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket.

Budget

• There are Döner Kebap sellers in the Hauptplatz next to the Rathaus, as well as elsewhere.
• The supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.
• Saegewerk, Schlögelgasse 1 (near Dietrichsteinplatz), Tel: 820258 - they serve excellent and cheap pizza.
• Posaune, Zinzendorfgasse (near KF University) - Like the Saegewerk.
• 3 Goldene Kugeln, 6 restaurants in Graz, Griesplatz (next to the telekom tower), Heinrichstrasse (near K.F.University), Riesplatz, Annenstrasse (near Hauptbahnhof), Citypark and Murpark. Fast cuisine of anything breaded chicken like. large portions!!!, very reasonable prices.

Mid-Range

• Traminer Weinstube, Klosterwiesgasse 2 (for all practical purposes, located directly on a corner of Jakominiplatz) - good south-tyrolean wines and fine (almost exclusively organic) food for reasonable prices. The 'Tramina', as it is called, offers a laid-back atmosphere without neglecting its long tradition and features art exhibitions and live jazz once a week.
• Braun de Praun, Morellenfeldgasse 32, Tel: 0316/322093 - Has an incredible huge menu and reasonable prices.
• Brot & Spiele, Mariahilferstrasse 17, Tel: 715081. They offer American and Asian style food for reasonable prices (go for the steaks)
• Gloeckl Braeu, Glockenspielplatz 2-3, Tel: 814781, [8]. It is possible to sit outdoors and the food is reasonable priced but very tasty! Try the fillet steak or the styrian seasonal specialties!
• Malaga, Glaciestrasse 43a, Tel. 319678, open Mo-Do 6pm-1am, Fr and Sa until 2am - A nice restaurant which offers a huge menu including mainly Spanish and Mexican dishes.
• Pension Gasthof Zur Steirerstubn, Lendplatz 8 (beginning of Josefigasse), Tel: 0316/716855 - offers Styrian specialties and reasonable prices. Nice traditional furniture. Received some recommendation in 2004 (look at the plate above the door).
• Schloßberg-Restaurant, Schloßberg 7/8. Tel: 823050
• Take the number 5 tram to Puntigam and eat in the Puntigamer Brewery restaurant, Triesterstraße 361, Tel: 297100, open 10AM-12AM, or outside in the Gastgarten, when the weather permits.

Splurge

• Landhaus Keller, Schmiedgasse 9, Tel: 0316/830276 (http://www.landhaus-keller.at/) - It is an upscale restaurant which features Styrian traditional dishes, which is heavy on the pumpkin and pumpkin seed. White tablecloths and nice lighting complement the excellently prepared food. Remember to put your cell phone on silent!

Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town has a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students. In the old town you'll also find a few Irish pubs. Whereas the most Irish of them is O'Carolan's right next to the main square (Hauptplatz) others include Flann O'Briens and Molly Malone's. The Office is a very cosy and busy new addition to the Irish/British pub scene in Graz.

• Molly Malone Irish Pub , Färbergasse 15, 8010 Graz, Tel. 0043 316 833080 [9]. Popular Irish Pub located in the Bermuda Triangle part of the city. Open 6 nights with live music. Live English Premier League, Champions League, 6 Nations Rugby. Serves Guinness, Kilkenny & Fish & Chips and much more. Irish Staff.
• The Office Pub, Trauttmansdorffgasse 3, Tel. 890838, E-mail: office@theofficepub.at, [10]. Bus stop: Line 30 at Palais Trauttmansdorff. Open every day from 5.00pm to 2.00am (or later) Where the ex-pats get together in Graz! An authentic style English pub, right in the center of Graz, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Premiership football - all the big matches live. English speaking staff. Pub Quiz every Tuesday, live music. Serves home made chili, curry, soup or toasted sandwiches.
• Parkhouse, Stadtpark 2, Tel. 827434. Located in the center of the municipal park, this is a popular place with students. Has laid-back electronic music, concerts and live-DJs in summer. Open daily from 11am to 4am.
• NIÚ Cafe-Bar, Graz, Harrachgasse 2, Tel.: +43 316 327804, mobil: +43 650 2726333, E-Mail: home@niu-cafe.at, [11]. Hours: Mo-Fr 8.00am to 12.00am, Sa 8.30am to 12.00am, Su 8.30am to 10.00pm. Free WiFi-access.
• Verein FORUM STADTPARK, Stadtpark 1, 8010 Graz, Tel: +43 316 827734, Fax: +43 316 827734-21, E-Mail: forum@mur.at, Tue-Fr 10.00am to 6.00pm, Sa,Su, 2.00 to 6.00 pm
• Café Tribeka, Grieskai 2, Tel. +43 316 72 34 69, Fax: +43 316 723669, E-Mail: office@tribeka.at, [12]. Coffee-to-Go, free WLAN access.
• Bierbaron, Heinrichstr. 56, Tel. 321510. An old, classic student pub.
• Theatercafe, Mandellstr. 11, Tel. 825365. very famous, old (it opened back in 1885) cafe. Popular with people who have a late-nite drink after being in the opera. There is a piano in the cafe offering anyone the opportunity to play if he/she wants to. Famous for its excellent scrambled eggs. Open until the early morning hours. Except during the summer months, cabaret and small stage performances organised by the theater promotion group Hin und Wider
• Eschenlaube, Glacisstrasse 63, Tel. 810457 - nice cosy, pub offering Asian, Moroccan, Italian and Styrian food. Open from 11.30am to 1.00am.
• Brot und Spiele, Mariahilferstraße 17, Tel. 0043/316/715081, [13]. Open from 10.00am to 2.00am. Very relaxed pub offering different kind of steaks and burgers and a small variety of Mexican/Asian food both in a smokers and non-smokers area. Offers at least 20 pool tabels, and several snooker tables.

Cocktail bars

• M1, Färberplatz 1, Tel. 8112330. A fancy lounge bar on the third floor of the building. The bar is divided into two stories and an outside deck on top. Wide range of cocktails and drinks, also serves snacks. Opening times are 9.00am to 2.00am. Closed on Sundays.
• Cohibar, Leonhardstr. 3, Tel. 337470, Cuba-style cocktail bar. Serves tapas and has live music on sundays. Offers free salsa dancing classes every monday. Cocktails are around €6, opening times are 5.00pm to 2.00pm during work days, 5.00pm to 3.00pm on Saturdays and 5.00pm to 12.00pm on Sundays.
• Buddhabar, Hartiggasse 4, Tel. 820630. Asian-style cocktail bar. Open Mo-Fr 4pm to 2am. Offers barkeeper classes.
• Echkhaus, Rechbauerstr. 15, Tel. 0664 4602934, close to the technical university. Offers live-music, serves pizza. Has free internet access. (WLAN hotspot, you have to bring your own notebook along) Open Mo-Fr 9am to 2pm, Sa-So 6pm to 2pm. Cocktails are around €5. Especially popular with students.
• pharmacy bar-lounge, leonhardstrasse 35, tel. 225074. a cool trendy cocktail bar. lots of self-created cocktails as well as all classics, large choice of spirits, beers and wines. Serves finger food. enclosed garden lounge in the yard with a real mediterranean feel and another outside seating area (street lounge) in front of the bar. bbq every thursday from June to October. fresh oysters every day from October to May. open mo-th 5pm to 2am, fr-sa 5pm to 3am. closed on sundays.
• Blue Moon, Sackstraße 40, mo-so 20pm - 03am partly built into the rock of Schlossberg this is a must see

Clubs

• Alte Postgarage, Dreihackengasse 42, close to Griesplatz. A popular club with live music on weekends. entrance fees are around €8. (special fares apply to students)
• PPC, Neubaugasse 6, Tel. 0664 4515038, close to Lendplatz. A club with two floors. Has Live-DJs, Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Techno depending on the event. Usually open between We and So.
• Arcadium, Griesgasse 25, Tel. 722098 (close to Südtirolerplatz) Alternative rock/pop music. Has a cosy bar with deck on the top floor. Open Th-Su from 6PM. Popular with younger people.

Delivery

• No(ch)tbier, Tel: 0664-913-6966, [14]. Thu 9PM-1AM, F,Sa 9PM-3AM. Weekend home delivery service for beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to drink beer (Bier) or wine (Wein) but perhaps the best one would be sitting, on a sunny day, in one of the many open-air bars.

The local beer brands are Murauer, Gösser, Reininghaus and Puntigamer. The latter 2 are brewed in Graz itself. Gösser makes a strong dark brown beer reminiscent of Guinness (Stiftsbräu). But you'll also find lots of possibilities to drink other Austrian and international beers. Heineken merged in 2003 with the biggest beer group in Austria, therefore you'll often find bars that will only serve beers from the Heineken group. (Gösser, Puntigamer, Zipfer, Wieselburger, Starobrno, Heineken, etc) If you visit Graz in winter try a Bockbier. But beware they are a lot stronger than the usual Austrian beers.

Styrian wine is one of best wines in the world. Especially the white wine. Try a glass of Welschriesling if you get the chance.