Top Tourist Attractions in Graz

Tirol Province occupies most of the relatively narrow western end of Austria and follows the path of the valley's River Inn. The province borders Germany to the north, Italy to the South, and a small portion of Switzerland's northeastern border.

Salzburg is packed with historic attractions, and is one of the best cities in Austria for tourists to get an in-depth cultural experience. The Getreidegasse in Salzburg is the heart of the Old City, home to fine historic buildings and shopping galore. Sitting on the left bank of the Salzach River, the Getreidegasse is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vienna is home to an astounding number of museums, and among the city's best art museums are The Albertina, which has pieces by Pablo Picasso and Edvard Munch, and the Vienna Museum's collections, which house historic exhibits, as well as extensive art collections. Other top museums include the Technical Museum, the Kriminalmuseum (Crime Museum), and the Natural History Museum. For kids, there is a Kindermuseum (Children's Museum) located at Schönbrunn Palace, as well as the ZOOM Children's Museum.

Another of Vienna's magnificent palaces is Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace) which consists of two Baroque palaces simply referred to as Oberes (Upper) Belvedere and Unteres (Lower) Belvedere. Work began on the Lower Belvedere in 1700, and Prince Eugene used this palace as his personal residence.

The stunning city of Vienna is home to grand palaces, historic cathedrals, and over a hundred museums and art galleries. Located at the heart of the historic city, the 5.3-kilometer Ringstrasse was built during the 19th century to be the city's cultural hub. Tourists who are short on time can hop aboard the Vienna Ring Tram, which can be used for self-guided tours or to get from one museum to the next. Beautiful gardens and parks are laid out along the route.

Graz Stadtpark, at the eastern end of the Opernring with its modern Opera House, was laid out in 1869 on the site of the city's old fortifications. A highlight of this large municipal park is the Emperor Francis Joseph Fountain surrounded by numerous figures and monuments, including many famous Austrian writers, scientists, and politicians.

Endowed by Archduke Johann in 1811, the Natural History Museum - also a part of the larger Universalmuseum Joanneum group of city-owned cultural institutions - is one of the most important museums in Graz. Spread over several floors, its large collections include many artifacts, specimens, and displays relating to geology, zoology, and botany.

Atop a hill just three kilometers west of Graz's city center stands Schloss Eggenberg. This stunning 1635 Baroque palace features four large towers, fine state apartments, and rich Rococo fittings.

The Baroque Mariatrost Basilica sits at the top of a hill, ascended by more than 200 steps that pilgrims climb, reading the messages as they go. The interior of this popular pilgrimage church is Baroque, although the Madonna on the high altar is late Gothic in origin.

After visiting the cathedral, be sure to also visit the adjoining mausoleum. Built in the early 1600s next to the cathedral and St. Catherine's Church (Katharinenkirche) for Emperor Ferdinand II, it's also where you'll find the Tomb Chapel with exquisite artwork and sculptures.

One of the top things to do in Graz for free, Graz's Late Gothic St. Gile's Cathedral (Grazer Dom) is a must-visit. It was built between 1438-62 on the site of an earlier church dedicated to St. Giles and which was first referred to in 1174.

Another Graz landmark built to commemorate the city being granted the role of European Capital of Culture in 2003 is a man-made island known as the Murinsel, or Mur Island. Made entirely of steel and resembling a large upside-down seashell, it's really a 47-meter-long floating island in the middle of the River Mur that's tethered to its banks by two footbridges.