Sleep, eat and drink in Graz
Graz is a great place for a mini-break. The second-largest city in Austria has many sights to discover, cool activities, century-old history and modern art. Now add stylish accommodation, excellent food and the most remarkable places for a drink to the equation I listed below.
Hotel Wiesler, somewhere between soul and art nouveau
A work of art by Gustav Klimt decorates one of the dining rooms, while cheerful hand-painted Mexican washbasins brighten up the bedrooms. This funky hotel has five stars. The light-flooded building has been a hotel for over a hundred years.
Famous guests such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mick Jagger, the Dalai Lama and Jennifer Lawrence have been guests here. The bedrooms have wooden floors, comfortable beds and all the comfort you expect from a five-star hotel, such as hairdryers, a safe fridge, a television and air conditioning.
A five-star breakfast buffet
If the hotel is above your budget, try at least the breakfast buffet. It includes fresh fruit, yoghurt, salmon (yum yum), all kinds of bread, jam, cheeses and a chocolate fountain. Yes, that’s right, a chocolate fountain.
Location Hotel Wiesler Graz
The hotel is located at the river Mur in the historic city centre of Graz, within walking distance of the most important sights and restaurants.
Grieskai 4-8, Gries, 8020 Graz
Lendhotel, modern comfort
The Lendhotel sits in a modern building where art is omnipresent in the communal areas. But, on the other hand, the spacious bedrooms are decorated in 50 shades of grey.
Their roof terrace is ideal for a sundowner whilst enjoying a 360º view of the city. On the same floor, you will find a well-equipped gym.
A la carte breakfast
The Lend hotel serves an ‘a la carte’ breakfast with locally produced ingredients from the nearby farmers market.
Try the ‘Lendfrühstück’ (photo) with delicious bread, scrambled eggs, different types of cheese, yogurt, jam, ham, fresh orange juice, fruit and coffee or tea.
Success guaranteed.
Location Lendhotel
This hotel is in the trendy Lend district. That is approximately a 1-kilometre walk from the clock tower and the old town of Graz.
Grüne Gasse 2, Lend, 8020 Graz
The best restaurants in Graz and surroundings
The capital of culinary delights
The yearly highlight is in August when the city celebrates its gastronomic status with a ‘long table‘. A ticket for an evening filled with culinary delights, music and regional top wines will set you back 140 euros. That is if you happen to be one of the 750 lucky ones. Tickets at the long table with the Schlossberg, the clock tower, and the historic town hall in the background are sold out well in advance.
Luckily there is plenty of choice during the rest of the year. The better restaurants in the Styria region use regional products. Some places only serve traditional dishes; others boast a more innovative cuisine.
Eating out in Graz
Aiola is represented by various restaurants in Graz. These restaurants operate at the top of the market in terms of price range, dishes and especially locations.
Aiola Upstairs
The main reason to visit Aiola Upstairs is the prime location. From the Schlossberg terrace, you can view the entire city and the iconic clock tower. Start at 9 a.m with breakfast or indulge in a sumptuous dinner til midnight.
The restaurant is quite large, with 60 seats inside and 120 outside. Keep in mind that the service can be a bit slow. Count on around 25 euros for the main course. 3.50 pp is added to the bill for service costs.
Location
Schloßberg 2, 8010 Graz
Aiola im Schloss
Slightly outside the city centre is the spectacular Aiola im Schloss. The ‘Schloss’ is one of the favourite wedding locations in Graz. In the summer months, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the terrace. In the winter, start with a local red wine by a roaring fire.
Location
Andritzer Reichsstrasse 144 8046 Graz
Beef Bar in Frohnleiten
If you have transportation and a little more time, go to the town of Frohnleiten, a picturesque village 30 km from Graz. Here you will find the Beer Bar. The restaurant’s inside wall dates back to 1615.
The Beef Bar is a tiny restaurant that specializes in, yes, beef. To be honest, I would normally choose fish or a vegetarian dish over meat, but for this restaurant, I gladly make an exception. The meat is cooked on green eggs. It is delicious, juicy and tender.
It is open Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Location
Hauptplatz 20
A-8130 Frohnleiten
Cafés in Graz
Terraces, bars and cafes in Graz
The regional capital of the Styria province has a variety of terraces, cafés and other places of entertainment. In addition, the historic centre of Graz has countless possibilities to grab a beer. It becomes challenging to choose the best. And we don’t want that on a break.
Therefore, I have listed below my two favourite locations for a bit of social lubrication.
Murinsel, island in the Mur
The Mur insel is island, café, bridge and artwork, all in one, after a design by Vito Acconci. Enjoy an apple strudel with coffee on, or should I say, in the water.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location
The address of this cafe is … Murinsel.
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