Graz's Old Town (Grazer Altstadt) is the historic core of Austria's second-largest city and one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and modern architecture — a mix that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 (extended in 2010 to include Schloss Eggenberg). At its heart lies Hauptplatz, the main square, framed by the ornate historicist Town Hall (Rathaus), the Archduke Johann fountain that has stood here since 1878, and trams gliding across the cobbles. In 2026 it remains a living civic stage for seasonal markets, festivals and street life, and the ideal launch point for exploring the Schlossberg with its clock tower and the Herrengasse shopping street. The compact, walkable centre means you can take in the highlights in half a day on foot.
The Town Hall (Rathaus) — a grand historicist façade completed in 1893, adorned with statues symbolising craft, arts, science and trade.
Archduke Johann fountain — the 1878 bronze fountain at the square's centre, depicting the Habsburg archduke surrounded by four female figures representing Styria's rivers.
Schlossberg and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) — Graz's emblem overlooking the red-tiled rooftops, famous for its oversized hour hand and smaller minute hand.
The Grazer Glockenspiel — a nearby carillon square where two costumed figurines dance to music daily at 11am, 3pm and 6pm.
Herrengasse and the Landhaus — the main shopping street leading off Hauptplatz, and the Renaissance Landhaus with its beautiful arcaded courtyard.
Good to know
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in crowded spots such as the square, trams and seasonal markets. Keep bags zipped and worn to the front, and split up cash and your passport.
RulesThe Old Town tram is free between Hauptplatz and Jakominiplatz, but beyond that zone you must buy a ticket and validate (stamp) it before boarding. Riding without a valid, stamped ticket brings a hefty on-the-spot fine.
SeasonSummer brings lively outdoor cafés and square festivals, but the Schlossberg lift/funicular and some museums vary their hours by season and day. From late November through December, Advent (Christmas) markets fill the old town.
MannersIn restaurants and cafés it is customary to add roughly 5–10%, handed directly to the server or added on the card terminal rather than left on the table. Keep noise down on trams and in shops.
RulesMost shops in Austria close on Sundays and public holidays. Do your shopping on weekdays or Saturday, and reserve Sundays for cafés and museums.
CautionBe wary of people approaching with petitions, friendship bracelets or surveys to distract you in tourist-heavy areas. For taxis, use official ranks or a licensed booking app.
Practical info
From Graz Hauptbahnhof (main station), trams (e.g. lines 3 and 6) reach Hauptplatz in a few stops, and you can use the free Old Town tram zone. The square itself is an open, 24-hour public space and free to enter; the Schlossberg funicular, glass lift and the museum-inclusive Graz Card (24/48/72 hours) are paid. Fares, opening hours and the free-zone boundaries can change, so check official sources such as Graz Tourism before you go.
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