Graz

Graz is the capital of Styria and Austria's second largest city, with a population of over 300,000. It has a rich history as a vital urban centre, home to six universities and about 40,000 students. The city offers a balanced blend of past and present, with a UNESCO-listed old town, Mediterranean-influenced climate, and landmarks like the Clock Tower and Schloss Eggenberg.

Graz is served by Graz Airport with flights from Berlin and other European cities. The main train station, Graz Hauptbahnhof, connects to Vienna (2.5 hours) and other Austrian cities. Eurolines operates buses from the station to many European destinations. Regional buses run frequently throughout Styria.

The old town is walkable from the main train station in about 20 minutes. Public transport includes trams and buses; a day ticket covers the funicular and elevator up Schlossberg. The Schlossbergbahn (funicular) and lift (€2) provide easy access to the hilltop.

Graz enjoys a mild, Mediterranean-influenced climate. The city is pleasant year-round, with warm summers ideal for swimming at outdoor pools and hiking in the surrounding hills. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere but still moderate temperatures.

Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof (dorms from €23) to mid-range hotels like ibis budget (from €49). For a central location, consider Hotel B&B near the train station or the budget design hotels Motel One and ibis Styles. The historic old town offers pricier options like Hotel Erzherzog Johann.

Restaurants offer cheap lunch deals ('Mittagsmenü') and dishes of the day. Try local specialties like Krainer sausages at Franziskanerplatz, or traditional Styrian pumpkin seed oil. For budget eats, visit Bäckerei Sorger for breakfast or Euro-Kebap for döner. The nightlife is vibrant around the old town, Mariahilferstrasse, and near the university, with many bars and pubs.

Don't miss the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower, accessed by funicular or climbing 260 steps. The historic old town is a UNESCO site with courtyards and narrow streets. Visit the Armory (€8) with its collection of arms, the Kunsthaus ('blue bubble') art museum, and Eggenberg Palace (€13). Walk up Plabutsch hill or take bus 40 to Gösting castle ruins. In summer, swim at outdoor pools like Augartenbad or skate at Hilmteich. Football fans can catch SK Sturm Graz at Liebenauer Arena.

The neighbourhood around JUFA Hotel Graz City is safe but not very nice. The area near Lendplatz has a redlight district. Overall, Graz is a safe city, but take usual precautions in less busy areas at night.

As of Sep 2021, Graz has 4G from 3 Mobile, and 5G from A1 and T-Mobile. WiFi is widely available in public places.

A budget backpacker can expect to spend around €50-70 per day: dorm bed €23, cheap lunch deal €5-8, dinner at a pub €10-15, and a single tram ticket €2-3. Many museums offer student discounts with the euro<26 card.

Popular day trips include Vienna (2.5h by train), the Semmering Railway (World Heritage), and the Schöckl mountain (cable car). Other options: Austrian Open Air Museum at Stübing, Riegersburg Castle, and Zotter Chocolate Factory. Thermal spas like Loipersdorf are 60 km east.

Greet locals with 'Grüß Gott' in shops. Tipping is customary: round up or tip 5-10% at restaurants. Smoking is common in some bars.

Vienna is the major onward destination, 2.5 hours by train. Leoben is the industrial centre of northern Styria. The Semmering Railway offers scenic mountainous rail journey.