Graz is the second-largest city in Austria (after Vienna) and a popular tourist location, it is also the capital of Styria region. Graz is located in south east of Austria, on the banks of Mur river. Graz's "Old Town" is a World Cultural Heritage Sites as it is one of the best-preserved cities of Europe for its unique architecture and buildings. The average annual temperature of Graz is about 9°C. It is also a famous center of education with its six universities of over 40,000 students.
It is believed that the oldest settlement in Graz dates back to the Copper Age. It is about 200 km southwest of Vienna ( about 2 hours commute) and due to its geographic location it receives more sunshine per year and less rain. It is also the birthplace of California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Thal region), who is also a popular Hollywood actor. Graz is well connected by air, rail, road and bus. Within the city you can easily use the trams, local buses, taxi's, bicycles or your own car.
Famous tourist attractions of Graz:
1. Old Town: The UNESCO World Heritage organization added this "old town" to it's list in 1999 for the architecture of its buildings. The the old town has over 1000 buildings ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. Popular places to see in the old town are Schloßberg hill, Uhrturm clocktower, Neue Gallerie Museum, Schloßbergbahn, The Landhaus state parliament, Landeszeughaus armoury, Schauspielhaus theatre, Dom cathedral, Rathaus toontown, Burg castle, Gemaltes Haus building, Kunsthaus museum, Murinsel artificial island and Buildings, courtyards.
2. Schloß Eggenberg - A palace and a museum.
3. Osterreichisches Freilichtmuseum Stubing - An open-air museum of old farm houses.
5. Ruine Gosting vista point.
6. Lurgrotte - A large cave system.
7. Styrian Tuscany ( or the Steirische Weinstrasse) is a wine growing region of Graz.
8. Graz has several museums featuring paintings, sculptures, arts, science, nature, history, literature and religion.
9. Opera House Opernhaus.
Best time to visit Graz: April to September (summers)
