Overview
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a UNESCO World Heritage gem that blends perfectly preserved medieval architecture with daring contemporary design. The futuristic Kunsthaus art museum (locally nicknamed the Friendly Alien) sits alongside Renaissance courtyards and baroque facades. Known as a UNESCO City of Design and a culinary hotspot, Graz offers authentic Austrian culture at prices significantly below Vienna and Salzburg.
The euro (EUR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted. Graz is a university city with a youthful energy that keeps prices reasonable, especially for dining and nightlife. The compact old town is easily walkable, and the excellent tram system covers everything else. Visit April-October for the best weather; winter brings Christmas markets and lower accommodation prices.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($65-$100/day): Stay in a hostel or pension ($35-$65/night), eat at Beisl (traditional pubs) and bakeries ($10-$18/day), walk or tram around the compact center ($2-$3/ride), and hike up the Schlossberg for free panoramic views.
Mid-Range ($120-$200/day): Book a boutique hotel in the old town ($80-$160/night), dine at Styrian restaurants with local pumpkin seed oil specialties ($22-$40/day), visit the Kunsthaus, Landeszeughaus armory, and Eggenberg Palace ($8-$15 each), and take a day trip to a Styrian wine road ($30-$60).
Luxury ($300-$450+/day): Reserve a luxury hotel ($200-$450+/night), enjoy fine dining with Styrian wine pairings ($55-$110/day), book private city tours and cooking classes ($80-$150), and arrange exclusive experiences like a truffle hunt in the Styrian forests ($60-$100).
How to Save Money in Graz
- Walk the old town — it is compact and all major sights are within 15-20 minutes on foot.
- Hike up the Schlossberg instead of paying for the funicular — the trail is scenic and takes about 20 minutes.
- Eat at Beisl (traditional Austrian pubs) for hearty meals at $8-$15 per person.
- Shop at the Kaiser-Josef-Platz farmers market for fresh, cheap Styrian produce and snacks.
- Graz is 30-40% cheaper than Vienna — take advantage with longer stays and local dining.
Worth the Splurge
- The Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armory) — the world’s largest historic armory with 32,000 weapons and suits of armor ($10-$12).
- A Styrian pumpkin seed oil tasting paired with local wines at a traditional Buschenschank ($20-$35).
- The Kunsthaus Graz — the Friendly Alien art museum with cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions ($10-$15).
- Schloss Eggenberg, a stunning baroque palace with peacock gardens and a planetarium ceiling ($15-$18).
