48 Hours in Graz: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Austria's Design Capital

There's something magical about setting foot in Graz's Altstadt (Old Town) as the morning light catches the baroque facades and Renaissance courtyards. My mate Dave and I kicked off our Graz adventure with strong coffees at Café Sacher on Herrengasse, where the crisp spring air made their famous chocolate torte taste even better. While the café might be touristy, sometimes the classics are popular for good reason.

After fueling up, we meandered through the medieval streets toward the Hauptplatz (Main Square), where the morning market was in full swing. Local farmers displayed vibrant spring produce while artisans sold handcrafted goods that would make perfect souvenirs. I couldn't resist picking up a handmade leather journal—something about the craftsmanship reminded me of the workshops back in rural Australia.

The heart of Graz reveals itself gradually, like pages in a well-worn novel. The Landhaus courtyard, with its Renaissance arcades, transported us back centuries, while the Glockenspiel clock tower treated us to its charming 11 AM performance featuring wooden dancers twirling to tinkling bells.

For architecture enthusiasts, the double spiral staircase at the Burg complex is an absolute must-see. Dating back to 1499, this marvel of engineering features two intertwining staircases that separate and reunite at each floor—a perfect metaphor for couples traveling together, finding their own paths yet always reconnecting.

Before lunch, we made our way to the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, an often-overlooked baroque masterpiece tucked away near the cathedral. The ornate interior left us speechless, and we practically had the place to ourselves—one of those rare travel moments where you feel like you've discovered something special that somehow escaped the guidebooks.

After a leisurely lunch at Aiola Upstairs—where the rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of the city—we dedicated our afternoon to exploring Graz's remarkable design credentials. This city wasn't named UNESCO City of Design on a whim, mates.

Our first stop was the unmissable Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately nicknamed the 'Friendly Alien' by locals. This biomorphic blob of blue acrylic stands in stark contrast to the medieval surroundings, yet somehow doesn't feel out of place. Inside, the contemporary art exhibitions were thought-provoking, but honestly, the building itself is the real masterpiece. I'd recommend bringing a good pocket camera to capture the incredible architectural details both inside and out. My trusty Sony handled the challenging light conditions brilliantly, especially in the exhibition spaces where lighting can be dramatic.

From there, we crossed the River Mur via the futuristic Murinsel (Mur Island), an artificial steel island shaped like a half-opened shell. Designed by American artist Vito Acconci, this floating platform houses a quirky café and amphitheater—perfect for a quick coffee break while watching the river flow beneath your feet.

The real surprise of our afternoon was discovering TAG—Tour Architektur Graz. This self-guided architectural walking tour (grab a map at the tourist office) took us through centuries of design evolution, from Gothic masterpieces to ultra-modern constructions. The Augarten district particularly captivated us with its blend of restored industrial buildings now housing design studios and creative spaces.

As the afternoon light began to soften, we made our way to Lendplatz, where the emerging design district showcases local artisans and independent boutiques. I stumbled upon a vintage shop called Vintage Vibes that nearly made me miss our dinner reservation—the collection of mid-century modern accessories would have made any vintage enthusiast weak at the knees. I left with a perfectly preserved 1960s Austrian ceramic vase that somehow managed to fit in my carry-on.

As the sun began its descent over Graz, Dave and I found ourselves drawn to the Schlossberg—the tree-covered hill crowned with the iconic Clock Tower that dominates the city skyline. Rather than taking the funicular or lift, we opted for the zigzagging path that winds its way up the hillside, stopping occasionally to catch our breath and admire the increasingly spectacular views.

Timing is everything here. We arrived about an hour before sunset, which gave us plenty of time to explore the fortress ruins and gardens before settling in for nature's nightly show. The Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is the undisputed symbol of Graz, and watching the evening light play across its face as the city lights began to twinkle below was genuinely romantic—even for two mates just enjoying a weekend away.

For dinner, we'd made reservations at Aiola im Schloss, a restaurant nestled within the Schlossberg complex. The seasonal menu showcased Styrian specialties with modern twists, and we opted for the chef's tasting menu paired with local wines. The standout was their pumpkin seed oil ice cream—a flavor revelation that had me seriously contemplating how to smuggle a few bottles of this liquid gold back to Miami.

After dinner, the gentle spring evening beckoned us to stroll along the illuminated pathways of the Schlossberg. We weren't alone—couples of all ages wandered hand-in-hand, the atmosphere undeniably romantic without feeling contrived. For those looking to capture these magical evening moments, I'd recommend a travel tripod for steady night shots without weighing down your daypack.

We capped off our evening with nightcaps at the stylish rooftop bar of Hotel Wiesler, where the bartender crafted cocktails featuring local spirits and herbs. The Schlossberg Clock Tower remained visible from our perch, now dramatically lit against the night sky—a perfect end to our first day in this enchanting city.

If there's one thing that gets me out of bed early on holiday, it's the promise of vintage treasure hunting. Graz delivered in spades with its eclectic mix of antique stores, flea markets, and retro boutiques that would make any vintage enthusiast's heart race.

Our Sunday morning began with a quick breakfast at Tribeka café (their avocado toast with local pumpkin seeds was a revelation) before making our way to the Kaiser-Josef-Markt. While primarily a farmers' market, the surrounding streets transform on weekends with pop-up vintage stalls and antique vendors. I was immediately drawn to a collection of mid-century Austrian ceramics—those distinctive geometric patterns in muted greens and blues that somehow feel both retro and timeless.

Armed with our packable daypack (an absolute godsend for impromptu shopping expeditions), we ventured into the Lend district, where Graz's creative scene has breathed new life into former industrial spaces. The Vintage Vibes shop I'd discovered the previous day was just the beginning—the nearby Brockenhaus offered room after room of carefully curated vintage furniture and homewares.

What struck me most was how Graz's vintage scene differs from what I'm used to in Australia or the States. Here, you'll find incredible examples of Austrian and Italian design from the 50s through 70s that rarely make it across the oceans. The prices, while not exactly bargain-basement, were remarkably fair for the quality and provenance.

The highlight was stumbling upon a tiny shop called Zeitreise (which appropriately translates to 'Time Travel'). The elderly owner, Herr Moser, spoke limited English but was delighted by my enthusiasm for his collection of vintage cameras and scientific instruments. After a bit of friendly haggling—mostly conducted through gestures and smiles—I walked away with a perfectly preserved 1960s Austrian-made light meter in its original leather case, a unique souvenir that now sits proudly on my desk back home in Miami.

For couples, these vintage expeditions offer a wonderful opportunity to discover pieces that tell stories and might eventually become part of your shared history. Whether you're serious collectors or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt, Graz's vintage scene provides the perfect Sunday morning activity—especially when followed by coffee and pastries at one of the charming cafés that dot the Lend district.

After our vintage shopping expedition, we grabbed a quick lunch at the charming Der Steirer restaurant (their Styrian tapas concept is brilliant) before catching tram #1 west toward Schloss Eggenberg. This UNESCO-listed baroque palace sits slightly removed from the city center, which means it sees fewer tourists than you'd expect for a site of such grandeur.

Approaching Eggenberg along its tree-lined avenue, I was immediately struck by its perfect proportions and the way it seemed to emerge from the surrounding parkland like something from a fairytale. The palace was built to reflect the universe—with 365 windows (one for each day), 24 state rooms (one for each hour), and 4 corner towers (representing the seasons). As someone who appreciates thoughtful design, this astronomical and calendrical symbolism throughout the architecture fascinated me.

While the palace interior is certainly worth exploring (the Planetary Room with its elaborate ceiling frescoes is particularly impressive), it was the gardens that truly captured our hearts on this spring afternoon. The formal gardens were bursting with early blooms, while peacocks strutted freely across the manicured lawns, occasionally stopping to fan their spectacular plumage—nature's own design masterpiece.

For couples visiting Graz, I'd recommend bringing a picnic blanket and picking up supplies in town before heading to Eggenberg. The palace grounds are perfect for a romantic picnic, and unlike many European palaces, they actually encourage visitors to relax on the lawns. We found a quiet spot beneath a flowering cherry tree and spent a blissful hour watching the peacocks and soaking in the spring sunshine.

The palace park also houses a charming rose garden (spectacular in late spring), archaeological collection, and planetarium—you could easily spend an entire day exploring the grounds. For those interested in photography, the late afternoon light creates a golden glow on the palace façade that's absolutely magical to capture.

Before leaving, don't miss the palace café housed in the former orangery. Their Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with plum compote) paired with a glass of local white wine made for the perfect afternoon treat as we rested our feet and planned our final evening in Graz.

For our final evening in Graz, we decided to explore the city's contemporary side, starting with a visit to the striking Murinsel as the sun began to set. This artificial island floating on the Mur River transforms from a quirky daytime attraction to a romantically lit installation as evening falls. The blue lighting complements the flowing water below, creating a mesmerizing effect that's perfect for couples looking for unique photo opportunities.

From there, we strolled along the riverside promenade, which has been beautifully revitalized in recent years. The contrast between the medieval buildings on one side and modern architecture on the other perfectly encapsulates what makes Graz special—this seamless blend of old and new, tradition and innovation.

For dinner, we'd secured a reservation at Restaurant Eckstein, a contemporary Austrian restaurant that showcases local ingredients with international flair. The intimate lighting and excellent wine list make it ideal for couples, and their tasting menu with wine pairings offered a perfect culinary conclusion to our Graz adventure. The standout dish was their modern take on traditional Styrian beef with pumpkin and wild herbs—a flavor combination that somehow captured the essence of the region on a single plate.

After dinner, we weren't quite ready to say goodbye to Graz, so we made our way to the rooftop bar at Hotel Wiesler for one last nightcap. Sipping locally distilled gin while gazing out at the illuminated Schlossberg Clock Tower, we reflected on how much we'd managed to experience in just 48 hours.

What struck me most about Graz after dark was the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Unlike some European cities that become rowdy at night, Graz maintains an elegant, intimate vibe that's perfect for couples. The historic buildings are tastefully illuminated, casting a romantic glow over the cobblestone streets as locals and visitors alike enjoy the mild spring evening.

Before heading back to our hotel, we took one final walk through the Hauptplatz, now peacefully empty except for a few couples strolling hand in hand. The town hall's façade was dramatically lit, creating patterns of light and shadow that danced across the square. I couldn't resist capturing this final Graz moment with my smartphone tripod for a long-exposure shot that's now framed in my Miami apartment—a perfect reminder of this unexpectedly romantic Austrian city.