Admire the view over the red-roofed medieval town and climb up to the historic clocktower on the hill. Explore inside the modern art museum, affectionately known as the ‘Friendly Alien.’

These are just a few activities culture lovers can enjoy in Graz. The historic city center and Schlossberg fortress have stood for centuries. Graz was named European City of Culture in 2013, cementing its status as a cultural hub.

Projects like the Kusthaus Graz and the Murinsel have revitalized parts of the city, adding a trendy edge to Austria’s cultural capital.

One standout cultural event in Graz is the Styriarte Arts Festival, featuring classical music concerts throughout June and July. Founded in 1985 by composer Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who was born in Graz, the festival hosts concerts in venues like Helmut List Halle and beautiful churches and castles around the city. It’s worth booking ahead to coincide your visit with the Styriarte festival.

During our visit in July, we enjoyed a magical evening at La Margarita horse ballet and baroque opera at Schloss Schielleiten. This performance recreated the celebrations of 1677 arranged by Emperor Leopold I for his marriage to Infanta Margarita Teresa. The evening began with an aperitif on the lawns and a delicious meal in the marquee before the performance.

The baroque opera, intertwined with the horse ballet, told the classical tale of Heracles and the golden apple. The choreography, representing the conflicting armies and the daughters of the king, was mesmerizing.

Many performances during the Styriarte Arts Festival take place in the Helmut List Halle. We attended an evening performance by Voces8, a British a cappella ensemble, featuring a repertoire from Renaissance pieces to pop hits like Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and Van Morrison’s “Moondance.”

If you visit Graz in June or July, check the tourist information center on Herrengasse for available performances at the Styriarte Arts Festival.

Strolling through the old courtyards and past elegant 18th-century buildings with pastel stucco decorations reveals why Graz is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The heart of the city, Hauptplatz, has served as a market square for centuries. The imposing Rathaus, built in the 19th century, replaced an older version. Today, the square is bustling with bratwurst stands and people gathering around the central fountain.

On Herrengasse, trams rattle up and down, and arches between shops lead to courtyards now housing elegant boutiques and cafés. Exploring these narrow alleyways offers a glimpse of medieval Graz.

Explore the old streets around Herrengasse, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants in historic buildings. Visit Glockenspiel Platz at 11 am, 3 pm, or 6 pm to hear the charming tune of the Glockenspiel bells and see costumed figures appear high on the gables.

A short walk from Glockenspiel Platz takes you to Graz cathedral and the Mausoleum. The monumental tomb of Ferdinand II is worth a visit, and climbing the bell tower offers stunning views over Graz, reminiscent of Florence.

The cathedral, or Dom, was once linked to Graz castle, the imperial residence of Emperor Friedrich III in the 15th century. Although much of the grand palace was demolished, the courtyards still bear the carved initials AEIOU, symbolizing “Austria will rule the world.” Within these courtyards, the famous double spiral staircase of Graz, built around 1500, attracts many visitors.

No visit to Graz is complete without climbing to the top of the Schlossberg, the cliff overlooking the city. If the climb is too steep, options include a lift or the Funicular. The park at the top is a favorite relaxation spot, offering floral displays, tree canopies, and city views from the café.

The clocktower at the top of the Schlossberg, dating back to the 16th century, is an emblem of Graz. Although Napoleon ordered the fortress demolished in 1809, the people of Graz managed to save the clocktower by paying a hefty ransom.

In the middle of the Mur river is the Murinsel, a floating island commissioned as part of the 2003 Graz Capital of Culture celebrations. Designed by US artist Vito Acconci, it’s a great place to cross the river on foot or by bike. Crossing the river at the Murinsel takes you into the revitalized Eisernes Haus neighborhood, home to the Kunsthaus Graz, known locally as the Friendly Alien. This blue glass bubble contrasts with the surrounding red-tiled houses and is a key part of Graz’s UNESCO City of Design status.

The Universalmuseum Joanneum oversees several unique collections and museums in Graz and Styria. Created in the 19th century by Archduke Johann of Austria, it includes the Styrian Armoury, a depot of armor and weapons above the Tourist Information office on Herrengasse. The Armoury overlooks the Landhaus, with its Renaissance arcades, often used for concerts and events.

A visit to Schloss Eggenberg, just outside Graz, is a must. Easily accessible by a 30-minute tram ride, this country house, once the seat of the Eggenberg family, is surrounded by beautiful gardens with free-roaming peacocks. The building, an allegory to the universe, features precise numbers of windows, rooms, and doors, reflecting the passage of time.

We stayed at the Hotel Zum Dom Palais Inzaghi in the old quarter of Graz, close to the cathedral. The 29-room hotel, with parts dating back to the 14th century, offers a charming mix of antique and modern furnishings. Our spacious suite, “Peaceful Outlook Room,” featured high ceilings, brocade curtains, and an oriental-style rug. The bathroom included a jacuzzi-style bath and eco-friendly toiletries.

Breakfast, served in the light-filled courtyard dining room, featured a selection of local foods, including fruit teas, apple juice, bread, pastries, yogurts, cheeses, and hams. The hotel also displays ceramic pieces by sculptor Erwin Schwentner, adding to its individuality and charm.

We flew direct from Birmingham to Graz with bmi regional, which offers flights three times a week. Alternatively, you can fly into Vienna and transfer to Graz by car, coach, or a short internal flight.

Graz is easy to explore on foot, with many pedestrianized streets. Trams are also available, with some free stops in the central area. We recommend the Hotel Zum Dom Palais Inzaghi for its friendly, comfortable atmosphere and convenient location.

For further information on fun things to do in Graz, visit the Graz Tourism website.