"Die Orlikins geht nach Graz" Graz by orlikins

Graz Travel Guide: 554 reviews and 1,445 photos

European City of Culture - 2003

I lived in Graz for a couple of months on Erasmus and also um mein Deutsch zu verbessern ;) (Hah!)

I moved to Graz after finishing my work experience in Munich at the end of February 1999 and I left in June 1999. I spent a semester in Karl-Fränzens University teaching English and also going to German & translation classes.

Karl Franzens Uni is one the oldest universities in Austria. The main building is between Universitätsplatz & Heinrichstraße. If you attend college here from another country, you have to buy a "Stemplemarke" for your student pass. It cost 180 ATS at the time and can be purchased in
any newspaper kiosk. Graz is well-known as a college town (there are 3 colleges in Graz) so there are plenty of bars to go around. However because Karl - Franzens has buildings scattered all over town, there were times when we might have missed a good party, because the advertising posters were only put up in the main building, 20 mins away!

I was very lucky to get a cool apartment in Hasnerplatz all to myself which had gorgeous views of the Schlossberg and the city skyline. Check out the view from my balcony! It was only a 10 minute walk from the Hauptplatz and the "Bermuda Triangle" - the Grazer Temple Bar or Soho !! Very convienient. Some of the info I have here could be out of date, as I havent been back to Graz since.

It's a lovely town, larger than Salzburg or Innsbruck but certainly not as touristy. It's about 30 mins from the Slovenian border, 2.5 hours by train from Vienna.

If you want to check out more information about Graz, check out Austrian Links

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:An overlooked Austrian city, but worth a little detour

Last visit to Graz: Mar 1999
Intro Updated Sep 14, 2005
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Reviews (23)

Hauptplatz Things to Do (2)

Graz's main square is cobbled and pretty. It is the main hub for trams and for shops. There are lots of cafes there too.... more travel advice

City Cafes Restaurants (2)

Both cafes have lovely ice-cream & are great spots to rest whilst spending all your student allowance on clothes ;-) more travel advice

English language cinema Nightlife (3)

Figured Nightlife is the best place to put this tip. The Royal is where you can watch all the latest Hollywood... more travel advice

Home cookin' Restaurants (2)

Well, now that I think of it, I didnt ever go out to eat in Graz. I usually cooked at home or used the Student canteen... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All On your own
Shopping (3)
See All The main department store
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Blades & Wheels
Transportation (3)
See All Train
Local Customs (2)
See All People

Comments (30)

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jbtropics Feb 9, 2008 at 2:34 PM

Thank you, This looks wonderful. I am going to teach in Slovenia for 6 months and will def. go. JBTROPICS
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J.I.M Feb 1, 2005 at 5:28 AM

Nice pages, Graz is one of the places I'm really looking forward to seeing when I get to Austria :) Jim
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Weissdorn Sep 23, 2004 at 5:06 AM

Hey, I really enjoyed your stories here!
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Darcy10 Jan 31, 2004 at 6:58 AM

great descriptions!
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LarsLous Jan 17, 2004 at 8:16 AM

Nice page, nice tips
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Pakistaniguy Jan 8, 2004 at 5:09 AM

another place where i would love to go ! and now Ryan Air also goes there which means it won't be long that i would be in Graz :-) InshAllah. I hope u enjoyed ur stay in Graz !
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aramat Oct 16, 2003 at 3:21 PM

Temmel ice cream is one of the best in the world!!!! Nice page, I got a few ideas from you before my recent trip to Graz.
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patrikske Jul 5, 2003 at 6:04 AM

Nice page, good info, lovely pictures !
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lotharlerch Jul 5, 2003 at 5:22 AM

A great place to study. If you dont mind I would like to do one of the Styrian wine routes with you. Happy Birthday!
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jessicadf May 23, 2003 at 1:41 PM

Terrific page. You've made it look like a fun place to live for a while. Definitely worth a visit.