Austria Graz 2 Nights 3 Days Trip: In Search of Hidden Charms
Graz Introducing a 2-night, 3-day trip to Graz, a hidden gem city in Austria. Arriving in Graz after about five and a half hours by train from Budapest, it was a charming city that wasn’t too rushed, chosen after much deliberation with Prague. This trip explored the diverse charms of Graz, focusing on Graz Station, Graz Art Museum, Schlossberg, and Old Town of Graz.
Arrival and Accommodation Exploration
Upon arriving at Graz Station (Europapl. 4, 8020 Graz), the journey to our accommodation was filled with admiration for the city’s serene and beautiful scenery. Although there was a place suspected to be a nightclub near our accommodation, which made us consider refraining from going out at night, the overall tranquil atmosphere of the city was impressive. Among the four accommodations, we stayed in the most spacious and beautiful one, but the heating was somewhat lacking, leaving us feeling a bit chilly.
Graz Station
Arrived at Graz Station after about 5.5 hours from Budapest!
We came to Graz because it’s not a heavily visited tourist spot, but it’s still not a small city.
After considering Prague in the Czech Republic, we chose Austria as our destination because we thought the itinerary would be too packed. The place we chose was right here, Graz 😊
Graz Accommodation
Touching moments at the accommodation. It was spacious and beautiful, but the slightly disappointing heating was a minor flaw.
The Joys of Gastronomy and Strolling
Stepping out for a late lunch, every path we walked felt like a painting. We were completely captivated by the charm of this quiet, small city. The meal at ‘Hamburger Factory’ (Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz), a highly-rated burger joint near our accommodation, was undoubtedly the best of this trip. It was even more delicious than the lamb steak, and the friendly staff made the dining experience even more satisfying.
Hamburger Factory
We searched for restaurants near our accommodation and came across this highly-rated burger place.
A very, very satisfying meal.
It was the most delicious food I’ve eaten since coming on this trip (even better than the lamb steak…)
The staff were also very friendly!
During our stroll, we encountered a place reminiscent of the love lock bridge at Namsan Tower, which was intriguing. We briefly considered adding a lock for photos, but were content to enjoy it with our eyes.
Harmony of Art and Nature: Graz Art Museum & Schlossberg
We visited the Graz Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz, Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz) at my mother’s request. Although the entrance fee was 12 euros per person, it was an opportunity for a special experience in Graz, so we chose it without hesitation. While it was difficult to deeply understand the artworks, we spent our time appreciating them diligently.
Graz Art Museum
We visited the museum my mother wanted to see!!
Not because it was the Graz Art Museum, but just because lol
The ticket was 12 euros per person.
It was quite an expensive amount, but since there wasn’t much else to do in Graz, we paid without hesitation!
Although my understanding of the artworks was limited, I spent time appreciating them diligently.
Afterwards, we headed to Schlossberg (Schlossberg Graz, Am Schlossberg, 8010 Graz), which I wanted to visit. It was crowded, making it difficult to take photos, but the scenery we encountered along the stairs was breathtaking. We chose the stairs for exercise instead of the paid lift, but we were able to reach the summit without much difficulty, stopping to admire the views along the way. The clock tower, the garden, and the stunning view from the summit were truly unforgettable. The strong sunlight made it impossible to capture the scenery we saw with our eyes in photos, leaving us with a sense of regret.
Schlossberg
The clock tower visible above those stairs!
Schlossberg
There was a lift that allowed for a comfortable ascent, but since it was paid, we opted for the stairs.
It wasn’t an exorbitant price, but we decided to do it for exercise and to enjoy the view~
Schlossberg
Schlossberg
We stopped to admire the scenery at various points, so even though it was quite high, it wasn’t too difficult (of course, we took many breaks to take photos).
Schlossberg
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, we were greeted by a magnificent clock tower, a garden, and an incredible view…
The strong sunlight made it impossible to capture the scenery as we saw it with our own eyes, which was such a shame 😭
Schlossberg
Schlossberg
First of all, this was just the end of the stairs, not the top of the hill?
We decided to go all the way up.
Seeing children laughing and rolling on the grass reminded me of a scene from a movie.
Schlossberg
The scenery here was also… sad that it couldn’t be captured.
Schlossberg
Sitting at the outdoor cafe terrace and having a ginger ale felt so blissful.
After a busy time in Budapest, it felt like healing in Graz.
Of course, after a little bit of hiking lol
Schlossberg
Schlossberg
Romantic buskers and a truly final scenic photo.
It was fascinating that all the buildings had red roofs; apparently, they were all built a long time ago (probably).
The Charm of Old Town of Graz and Shopping
After descending, we moved to the Old Town of Graz (Old Town of Graz, Badgasse 3, 8010 Graz). We had heard there was a delicious Asian food stall in the square where the shopping streets converge, so we went there, but it was around 5 PM, so not many places were open. Fortunately, we found an Asian food restaurant selling something similar to dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken) and got it to go. On our way back to the accommodation, we also discovered a unique unmanned store.
Old Town of Graz
After descending, we came to the square in Old Town of Graz (where the shopping streets are) because we heard there was a very delicious Asian food stall.
There was some event happening in the square, but I’m not sure what it was.
Anyway, there were many stalls, but since it was around 5 PM, not many were open.
Fortunately, we found an open Asian food restaurant among them.
We got some dakgangjeong-like food to go!
We also saw an unmanned store on the way back to our accommodation.
It seems like you purchase at the central kiosk, and then it’s dispensed.
It was nice to see Buldak noodles too ㅎㅎ
While having dinner, we tried to book our train tickets for the next leg of our journey, but we were flustered by the price fluctuation system on the Omio app and decided to purchase them directly at the station the next day. The system where fares increase over time was truly bewildering. We highly recommend everyone to book train tickets in advance.
Second Day in Graz: Brunch, Shopping, and Wine
On the morning of the second day, we enjoyed a simple brunch of bread and coffee. In the Old Town of Graz, we shopped and found a souvenir and a wallet we liked, but we couldn’t purchase them due to the price. We ended up buying this wallet during our subsequent trip to Vienna.
Graz Station
And the train tickets that frustrated us yesterday.
We went to Graz Station to get them!!
The price was similar to the app, as more time had passed ^^
Everyone, book your train tickets in advance…
On our way back to the accommodation, we stopped by Villa Plus to buy wine and snacks, and had a delicious kebab for dinner at the highly-rated ‘Best Food Grill’. The filling and tasty kebab was truly satisfying.
Villa Plus
On the way back to our accommodation, we stopped by Villa Plus to buy wine and snacks!
Best Food Grill
And kebabs to fill our stomachs!
This place also had very high ratings and had even relocated and expanded lol
But it was really delicious…
It’s like a more filling Subway.
We opened the Tokaji wine we bought in Budapest on the accommodation’s terrace. Paired with cheese and fruit, the wine was absolutely delicious. We regretted only buying one bottle, considering how heavy it was.
Graz Accommodation
Our accommodation terrace as seen from the outside ㅎ
The structure seemed impossible in Korea, adding to the romance…
But it was actually too cold to go out and do anything ㅋ
Finally opened the Tokaji wine purchased in Budapest!!!!
The cheese and fruit were just accompaniments…
It was so delicious that I regretted only buying one bottle because it was heavy.
If someone told me they were going to Budapest again, I would definitely ask them to buy it for me 🙏
Best Food Grill
And the kebab we ate really deliciously.
Even half of it was filling, but it was so tasty that I ate it all ㅋ
Conclusion: Memories from Graz
On the third day, we departed for Salzburg from Graz Station, concluding our 2-night, 3-day trip to Graz. We also learned a tip about storing luggage on the train. Graz was a much more charming city than expected, offering diverse experiences including art, nature, gastronomy, and shopping.
Graz Station
And on the third day, we departed for Salzburg!! (Sudden development)
And the train only had overhead storage for luggage, which was very inconvenient, but it’s a great tip to put it in the spaces where the seats face each other!!!!!!!
