Don’t miss in Graz!

In anticipation of my family’s forthcoming visit to Graz, a blog post seems like a good way to note down some tips from locals – sights worth a visit, the best places for Kaffee und Küchen  and cocktail spots that can’t be missed! ***better photos to follow!***

In no particular order, although ice cream comes first of course…

1. Ice creams on Sporgasse – my favourite is Eis Greissler,  or try some frozen yoghurt at youghurtlove.
2. The Rathaus (Town Hall) – pretty hard to miss this one, but it’s a good base for visiting all the sights.
3. The Palais Saurau Turk – as you walk up Sporgasse, have a look up and see if you can spot the Turk sticking out of the wall of the Palais. There are lots of legends about who he is and how he ended up there but here’s the one I was told: A cannon ball  was fired from the Schlossberg at the Palais. It landed in the Turk’s soup, sending a dumpling flying out the window. The Turk was so hungry that he dived after the dumpling and ended up like this…
   

   apologies for the truly awful photo!

4. Parks Bio-Fairtrade Coffee Shop – although I’ve not actually been yet, I have tried lots of their food brought home by my flatmate who works there. All yummy, and vegetarian or vegan!
5. The Uhrturm – there are great views of this from all around Graz, but it’s worth making the trip and don’t forget to look at the clock face!
6. Spritzers on the Schlossberg – a bit further up the hill and you’ll reach a lovely park with great views of the city as well as an outdoor bar with many-a-spritzer. If you don’t fancy the 15-20min walk up the hill you can take the Schlossbergbahn or the Schlossberg lift.
7. Area 5 – studenty restaurant/bar with Pizzabausatz (build your own pizza) and much more. Pretty cheap, and with great views of Jakominiplatz/Graz, but remember that smoking isn’t banned in restaurants here, so chose where you sit wisely!
8. Double spiral staircase, or the ”staircase of reconciliation” – situated in the Burg ( official headquarters of the regional government), this is worth a look, although weirdly there is nothing at the top, just a window to peak out of with a view of the Dom (cathedral).
9. Dom – go inside, don’t be fooled by the fairly plain exterior.
10. Mausoleum – I havent actually been in here yet so will have to update you on this one, but make sure you check out the wall painting before you go in.
    
11. Gemaltes Haus – this painted building in Herrengasse, is easily one of the best buildings in Graz
12. Oldest Bakery in Graz – Edegger-Tax Hofbäckerei , formerly the Imperial Bakery, has been producing bread for four centuries, and in a beautiful building.
13. The Stadtpark is one of just many gardens and parks in Graz that are good for a picnic or a bit of sunbathing.
14. M1 – Take the lift up to this bar with an outdoor terrace and great views of the Schlossberg 
15. Glockenspiel – Three times a day in a lovely square (still on my to-do-list!)
16. Irish pub – Okay, so this one’s a bit rogue, but I went to the Irish pub with my flat mate and her friends. Seems to be a favourite amongst the locals and they are very keen on the Magners.
17. Freibad – there are quite a few of these outdoor swimming pools / spas in and around Graz. I have plans to visit the Auster Sport- und Wellnessbad one evening with a friend, maybe for a post-work Friday chill out!
18. Murinsel – Aparently a cool place for a coffee or cocktail. Watch out though, it often has to close because the river is too high!
19. Uhren Weikhard – popular meeting point, everyone I meet asks me if I’ve heard the clock that chimes like Big Ben!
20. Frankowitsch – apparently the best pastries in town and worth every penny (post-work treat perhaps).
21. Freiblick by Eckstein – Although quite expensive, lots of people have recommended breakfast on the top floor of the Kastner & Öhler department store. Mum, Dad, fancy meeting me for lunch here?
22. Lendplatz market – recommended by pretty much everyone I meet
23. Schwalbennest Cafe – Cute cafe with good coffee. The name means swallows nest but I think it also has connotations of ’round the corner cafe’.
24. Schauspielhaus (theatre) – new programme is starting in September, so hopefully I’ll be able to get tickets
25. Fire-breather in the Stadtpark – apparently most evenings you can find a man playing with fire near the Parkhouse, which has a great atmosphere and lots of live music in the evenings.