On both warm and cold days, a perfect start of the day begins in any case with a stroll across the beautiful Stadtpark. In the warm season, the farmers\u2019 market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, just in front of the Opera House, should be our destination. So we pass through both the green park and the history-charged center with its picturesque buildings. Then we continue on Herrengasse, the city\u2019s largest shopping mall, via Hauptplatz with the city hall and the Mur Bridge, along the famous Kunsthaus (a true architectural highlight!), and finally reach the farmers\u2019 market at Lendplatz. This is a popular meeting point for natives who desire a snack at the market stall \u201cS\u00fc\u00dfe Luise\u201d\u2013 the products originate exclusively from regional farmers. Then I recommend a visit to Graz Museum at the foot of Schlossberg Hill. No matter whether you are a Graz expert or for the first time in the city, exhibitions such as \u201c360\u00b0 Graz \u2013 the city from all perspectives\u201c will open up new views on the city!<\/p>\n
During the cold months, the promenade through the park ends at Burgtor. From there, go for breakfast at Caf\u00e9 Promenade, one of the city\u2019s oldest venues shining, after its reopening in 2015, in new splendor with a good portion of zeitgeist. My suggestion: the marvelously creative egg creations.<\/p>\n
For the warm months, I recommend a visit to Restaurant Eckstein situated directly in the pedestrian zone at Mehlplatz. Here is the city\u2019s true center pulsating with life, especially during the summer months. All around, gardens and terraces line the square. Just one hour spent here gives a wonderful impression of the city passing by, so to speak. My favorite dish: Beef tartar, a true Eckstein classic!<\/p>\n
Also in the cold season, Graz offers great places where very good food is served. My tip: \u00a0\u201cLandhauskeller\u201d is a renowned inn completely renovated in 2015 \u2013 where zeitgeist meets tradition. This is also reflected in the small menu with local classics such as (my tip!) the creamy veal goulash.<\/p>\n
No matter if freezing cold or actually warm: for the afternoon, some absolute \u201cmusts\u201d are on the program, enjoyable in all weathers. At first, \u201cSchlossbergbahn\u201d, a funicular operated since 1894, brings you on the Schlossberg Hill. Here, you may take a short coffee break at Caf\u00e9 Aiola Upstairs with a dreamlike view over the entire Graz region. An absolute must is also a visit to the Clock Tower, the city\u2019s famous landmark. Then return on foot to the historic district with its glockenspiel square where three times a day a puppet couple twists to various melodies in the gables of a house. This romantic scenery has a tradition: it appeared as soon as in 1905.<\/p>\n
Just round the corner, there is the city\u2019s most popular delicatessen store. Especially the numerous spread sandwiches of \u201cDelikatessen Frankowitsch\u201care legendary. Do as the natives do and enjoy a glass of wine or Prosecco!<\/p>\n
Mild summer evenings should best be spent in the rose garden of our Restaurant Florian. It is actually unparalleled in Graz \u2013 and thanks to its somewhat hidden situation, it is still something like an insiders\u2019 tip. Not just the romantic ones find there the perfect place for enjoying one or two glasses of an excellent wine in a picturesque environment. The cuisine captivates through its local straightforward and traditional dishes. My tip: try \u201cTafelspitz\u201d (prime boiled beef) and don\u2019t fail to order house-made \u201cSemmelkren\u201d (bread-horseradish sauce)!<\/p>\n
During the cold months, I recommend a visit to Stainzerbauer. This inn is atmospheric and absolutely authentic and has all features of a typical Styrian restaurant. The great wine list is another asset. And those arriving during Christmas time will find there far and away the most beautiful deco of the whole city. Stainzerbauer is a true local institution whose long tradition is preserved by its current owners with much love for detail and nonetheless carefully enriched with new elements. On a culinary level, this becomes evident as they serve, for instance, char from the Weizklamm Gorge or regional mountain lamb.<\/p>\n
The stylish conclusion of a perfect day is exceptionally (almost) independent from weather conditions since Graz has the right venue for actually all preferences tastes. Here is a selection of my favorite venues: the perfect view with impressing panorama is ensured by the Sky Bar on Schlossberg Hill, the \u201cscene\u201d meets at Eckstein Bar, and those preferring a sterling location should pay a visit to the Landhauskeller Bar in the heart of the historic center. Good cocktails are available at the Pfauengarten Buddha Bar and the Hemingway Bar in the old town. The Lui Weinbar has a quite relaxed atmosphere whereas Caf\u00e9 Mitte is young and freaky, both in the historic center, too.<\/p>\n
And some other highlights: the perfect Gin is served in Churchill\u2019s Bar in the university district and the best parties are celebrated at \u201cKottulinsky\u201c, right there, too. For after-business-drinks, people meet at \u201cKatze Katze Club\u201d in the Landhauskeller. And those going out for a short run will find, just round the corner, the casual Business-Bar at former \u201cDelikatessen Laufke\u201c or the classic Cohibar where they serve the best Cuba Libre and an exquisite selection of cigars.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On both warm and cold days, a perfect start of the day begins in any case with a stroll across the beautiful Stadtpark. In the warm season, the farmers\u2019 market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, just in front of the Opera House, should be our destination…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3833,"template":"","class_list":["post-3810","perfect-day","type-perfect-day","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n