The beautiful European city just as pretty as Vienna but without the massive crowds
This Austrian city is located just two hours away from Vienna, it gets a lot less visitors but is just as good a place to visit in the country.
Graz, in Austria is well known for its culture, activities, its impressive old town, and its unique Baroque architecture.
The city is smaller than Vienna and attracts much fewer tourists. In 2023, 17.3 million people visited Vienna, whereas only 1.3 million people visited Graz. Still, Graz oozes Austrian charms and it's many landmarks make it well worth a visit.
It is located two hours away from the Austrian capital, so you can even visit both as part of your trip.
Graz’s nightlife scene is popular, with many making the most of the bars, pubs and clubs the city has to offer.
There are lots of things to do while you’re there - a long weekend will be enough time to see and do most things in Graz.
If you’re the type of person who likes to visit a museum, the Universalmuseum Joanneum is the place to go.
This museum will take around one to two hours to make your way around and it holds the Neue Galerie Graz and Natural History Museum. As the second largest museum in Austria, this museum is a treasure trove of art and history.
You should also visit Stadtpfarrkirche church. The church has an interesting history which is reflected in its design, with features originating from the Gothic, Baroque and modern eras.
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Another place to visit in Graz is the Old Town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is an area which shows an ode to the past but also looks towards the future in its style.
You’ll also find lots of places to try traditional Austrian cuisine here, as Graz is known for being Austria’s culinary capital.
The city had a relaxed feel, with both a mix of countryside greenery and urban city landscapes. The Graz Botanical Gardens are a lovely place to visit in the summer and autumn.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “It's bigger than expected and has beautiful views. It’s perfect to visit, even if the weather isn't great. We spent an hour there and it was truly beautiful. This is a must-visit for plant lovers and people who are searching for a quiet place.”