car hire graz
Pick up your hire car at Graz airport and you're ready to explore Austria's vibrant cultural hub. Book car hire graz airport now
the 60-second guide to graz
in its own head
"Vienna might have a reputation as Austria's cultural hub, but in terms of nightlife and beauty, the capital has nothing on us!"
but more realistically
Austria's second city is certainly a lively place, but as well as some cracking after-hours hotspots, its historic city centre is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe.
the vibe
There are six universities in the city, and the young student population helps to explain why the city has such a vibrant feel.
the natives
If you're visiting in winter, bring a bobble hat - temperatures usually drop below freezing. Summers can be pretty warm, though.
the weather
Theoretical physicist Erwin Schroedinger, mathematician Johannes Kepler and inventor Nikola Tesla are all associated with Graz, which suggests you're likely to bump into one or two scientists on your travels.
the local speciality
A trip to any Austrian city wouldn't be complete without indulging in an apple strudel (a sweet pastry) or a wiener schnitzel (a slice of breaded veal).
the celebrity
Arnold Schwarzenegger bid "hasta la vista" to his hometown Graz back in the 1960s.
did you know?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the man whose assassination sparked off World War One, was born in Graz.
they say
"Willkommen - Welcome - Benvenuto! No matter what language you speak, Graz will welcome you with an international smile and a hearty, Styrian 'Gruess Gott'!" - The Graz Tourist Board.
5 to see in town...
Graz's enchanting hill-top castle is the sort of thing you'd expect to see in an illustrated book of fairytales, and it offers some spectacular views of the city.
where to park?
Parking is available at PH Schlossberg in Sackstrasse 29, for around €3.40.
5 to see in town...
The town hall is one of Graz's most striking sights and dominates the city's famous Hauptplatz. Grab a coffee at the open-air cafe and enjoy the grand building in all its majesty.
where to park?
As it is within the city walls, there are plenty of places to park.
5 to see in town...
The city's football stadium was originally named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, and it's the home ground of the city's football team SK Sturm Graz.
where to park?
There is a 650-space onsite car park.
5 to see in town...
The gothic castle complex dates back to the 15th century, and these days it serves as the base for the local government.
where to park?
Street parking is available.
and 4 to drive to...
This beautiful national park looks like a setting straight out of The Sound Of Music, and while you may not see the von Trapp family dancing around, you'll definitely witness some breathtaking views.
how to get there?
Follow the A9, then merge onto the A1 - be aware that you may need money for the tolls as you enter Germany. Continue on the A8 and follow signs for Sachsenkam. The journey should take around four hours.
and 4 to drive to...
If all that foreign currency is burning a hole in your pocket, Seiersberg's Shopping City is the perfect place to spend it.
how to get there?
Head south-west on Joanneumring toward Schmiedg and take the B67c towards Grazer Bundesstr. Traffic depending, the journey should take no more than 15 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
The largest mountain in the region is a great place to take a scenic hike. And if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, Schoeckel has its own tobogganing track.
how to get there?
Follow the A9 and take exit 165-Knoten Deutschfeistritz-Friesach for the S35, toward Peggau/Deutschfeistritz/Bruck/Mur. Follow signs for S35/Bruck an der Mur, then merge onto Brucker-Schnellstrasse/S35. The journey will take just over an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
The Austrian Open-Air Museum is set in the grounds of a 13th-century abbey, and its courtyard has remained unchanged since the mid-1800s.
how to get there?
Follow B67/Grazer Bundesstr, then exit onto the A9. Follow signs for Enzenbach. The journey should take no more than half an hour.
ask a graz cabbie!
Local taxi driver Heinrich Erstweiler on car hire in Graz: "Graz is easy to get around by car and makes for a scenic drive, with quaint cobbled streets, small alleyways and squares. The Schlossberg rises out of the centre of Graz, and the views across the city from here are excellent - if you're driving, follow the Fuerstenstandweg road, branching off from the Steinbergstrasse. There are strict rules on street parking, so always look at the signs. And never park on red or yellow lines."