Graz

lovely place, highly recommended!

I love this small, beautiful full of history but simple city. Graz is a easy place to get around and u never feel bored to go anywhere. Living there was the greatest thing that happened to me and I am going back in august to visit my friends, thats going to b a blast. Just for all the ppl who want to go there, go I tell u its worth it…

I had the opportunity to live there for a year and a half. Teh city is beautiful, the coutryside even more so. We could see the western Alps from our apartment window. A four hour drive to either Venice or Budapest. We loved the slower, more humane pace of life. It was like the 50’s here in the U.S. But at the same time we grew to appreciate even more how extraordinary the United States is and how lucky we are to be citizens of this country.

Here’s where I grew up—one of the most beautiful cities in the world… if not in the world.

I’ve been to Graz the past 3 summers and am going back…you will never find a more charming and romantic place! the people are nice museums are interesting (though not to be compared to vienna) and the history is enthralling. You will not find a better place to wonder around, hitting cafes, shop, and just relax. I hope to keep coming back again and again….

Graz was lovely for a short break. We went there in early April so all the shops were full of easter bunnies and chicks and eggs (oh yes, and chocolate!).

We went to the Armory: 4 floors of weapons and armour … mmm, great if that’s what you’re into. In my opinion, one floor would have been plenty. But the chaps loved it. And we had a bonus, as it’s free on the first Sunday of every month.

Then we took the funicular to the top of the hill (no way was I going to walk up those steps … we walked down).

And we ate … wiener schnitzel, potato salad, eiskoffee, pretzels, sacher torte … good job there was a lot of walking! Oh yes, we ate chocolate too.

Austria is the seventh place we’ve visited in the last year or so, and I have to say it was the cleanest, and the people were the nicest.

Just a pity the shops were shut from Saturday lunchtime til Monday, but maybe it saved us money … I did get to buy some chocolate though.

So that was nice.

What an inspiring visit! My wife and I travelled to Graz, Austria for three days in the fall of 2003. Everywhere we went we experienced a delightful mix of the city’s history, art and culture, and the transformation caused by its tenure as a Cultural Capital of Europe.

From the large, unique venues such as the “island stage” in the middle of the river, the “shadow tower” behind the clock tower on the mountain and the architecturally significant new art gallery, to the little details found in the Mountain of Memories exhibit, unique street-lighting, public art, and in the shops, galleries and restaurants, we were enchanted by the overall atmosphere.

Riding to the top of the viewing elevator beside “Maria’s” statue, we could see Graz from a different perspective; probably as interesting for tourists as for the residents of this lovely city.

Being fond of Austrian cuisine, dinner in the “Alt Steyerischer Schmankerlstube” (pardon the spelling) was a memorable highlight.

As our first taste of a Cultural Capital City, we found it to be very satisfying. We’re looking forward to returning soon and seeing if the designation had a lasting influence, and experiencing more of Graz.

I got just one night off in this lovely romantic city and I liked it sooo much!
Especially during the night, the old part of the town is just amazing!

This picture shows the view from the Grazer castle mountain which is the landmark of Graz. The city not too big and there are nice litte shops and restaurants in the city. People are nice and helpful and the austrian cooking is presumably the best in the world. Hope we see us there.

Worth it for the guy surfing in the Sturm if nothing else