2-Day Fun & Vibrant Friends' Weekend in Graz
A social, upbeat 2-day plan for a group of friends exploring Graz in summer: markets, rooftop drinks, modern art, a playful escape-room challenge, relaxed river moments and live music. Venues chosen for group-friendly atmospheres and easy bill-sharing.
Highlights
- Schlossberg & Uhrturm views
- Kunsthaus Graz (modern art)
- Murinsel & riverfront hangouts
- Lendplatz market and lively Lendviertel
- Escape room for a playful group challenge
- Rooftop drinks at aiola upstairs and live music at Postgarage
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic Graz sightseeing, market breakfast, modern art, sunset rooftop drinks and live music to start the weekend.
Morning bites at Kaiser-Josef-Markt (market breakfast)
Start with a lively market breakfast among local stalls — great for grabbing a variety of small bites to share and settling in as a group.
Tips from local experts:
- Split a few different stalls (cheese, sausages, pastries) so everyone can try; ask vendors for small tasting portions to share.
- Bring a couple of coins and small bills — some food stands prefer cash or have minimum card amounts.
- Aim for arrival by 09:00 to avoid the busiest lunch crowd and get the best selection of fresh produce and pastries.
Climb or funicular to Schlossberg & Uhrturm (panoramic city views)
Walk up or take the Schlossbergbahn to the Schlossberg plateau for iconic views and group photos by the Uhrturm (clock tower).
Tips from local experts:
- If you want photos with less crowd, time the visit mid-morning after the market (between 10:15–11:00).
- Groups: use the Schlossbergbahn (funicular) if anyone in your group wants to skip the steep steps — it fits bikes and large bags.
- Bring a lightweight jacket even in summer evenings on the hill; wind picks up and is perfect for sunset shots.
Lunch at Glöckl Bräu (traditional Styrian cuisine, group-friendly tables)
A convivial, centrally located tavern with big tables — great for tasting hearty Styrian dishes and local beers as a group.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance for a group of 4–6+; ask for one of the long wooden tables for a lively atmosphere.
- Order shareable platters (cold cuts/cheese) and local beers so splitting the bill is easy and social.
- Ask staff for daily specials and Styrian wines — they’re happy to recommend pairings for a group.
Afternoon at Kunsthaus Graz (modern art & interactive exhibits)
Explore the 'friendly alien' museum with contemporary exhibitions — accessible and photogenic, with room to wander as a crew.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy or reserve tickets online if a special exhibition is running — saves queuing time for groups.
- Look out for interactive installations — they make for fun group photos and playful moments.
- The museum café is small; if your group wants a post-visit drink, plan to move to nearby Murinsel or the promenade.
Murinsel stroll & riverside coffee break
Cross the sculptural Murinsel and relax with coffee by the river — a chill break before rooftop sunset plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Murinsel has a small on-site cafe — good for grabbing a single round of drinks to share while you lounge on benches.
- The island is popular for photos; take the quieter side facing the Kunsthaus for better group shots.
- If anyone prefers to sit, head to the nearby riverbank benches — easier for larger groups and conversations.
Rooftop sunset drinks at aiola upstairs (panoramic terrace bar)
Head to aiola upstairs for terrace cocktails and panoramic views — perfect for a lively group toast at sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a terrace table ahead (especially in June) and request a corner table for a lively group vibe.
- Time your visit 30–45 minutes before sunset to secure the best photos and watch the city lights come alive.
- Consider sharing a few cocktails and a platter — easier to split the bill and keeps things social.
Dinner at Der Steirer (modern Styrian with group dishes)
Hearty, modern Styrian dining in a friendly setting — menus suited to groups who want to share plates and local wine.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for sharing-style starters and a couple of main dishes to split across the table — great value and social.
- Tip the kitchen for trying regional specialties (pumpkin seed oil dishes are a Graz favourite).
- Request the bill split by card if your group prefers — staff are used to accommodating friends traveling together.
Live music & late-night vibes at Postgarage
Catch a local or touring gig at Postgarage — check the evening program and enjoy an energetic live-music scene.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the Postgarage events calendar in advance and buy tickets early for headline shows (venues can sell out).
- Postgarage gets lively — pick a pre-arranged meeting spot outside the venue in case your group splits up.
- Many shows are standing-room friendly; if you need seats, arrive early to secure a spot or check for seated events.
Day 2
Local atmosphere in the old town, a museum highlight, a playful escape-room challenge, market bites and relaxed end-of-day drinks — social and flexible for friends.
Morning stroll through Hauptplatz and Landhaus (main square & historic arcades)
Enjoy Graz's lively main square, street performers and the ornate Landhaus arcades — a low-key start with lots of photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Catch the square when shops first open to avoid mid-day crowds and grab coffee at a nearby café with terrace seating.
- The Landhaus courtyard is great for group photos — look for the arcaded passage and the fountain as a backdrop.
- If someone wants to skip walking, Hauptplatz is well served by tram stops nearby for easy regrouping.
Universalmuseum Joanneum (regional collections & highlights)
Visit key exhibits from the Joanneum collection — pick 1–2 sections (natural sciences or art) and focus for a relaxed group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask at reception which exhibits are brightest or most interactive this week — great to pick one section for the whole group.
- Cloakroom is available for bags; travel light so everyone can move quickly between rooms.
- If the group includes art lovers, prioritize the contemporary or local-studies wings for conversation-sparking pieces.
Escape room challenge: Exit The Room Graz
A 60–75 minute escape-room experience — perfect for energetic friends who like puzzles and teamwork.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a 4–6 person room in advance for the best mix of challenge and fun; rooms fill up on weekends.
- Confirm payment options ahead; many rooms allow a single person to pay and others to transfer their share later.
- Some rooms have physical elements — wear comfortable shoes and mention mobility needs when booking.
Lendplatz bites & market discovery (casual group lunch)
Head to Lendplatz for street-food-style stalls, craft snacks and a relaxed group lunch in the lively Lendviertel.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a mix of savory stalls and share small plates so everyone samples local specialties while keeping costs down.
- Lendplatz has outdoor seating and a festival vibe in summer — bring a lightweight picnic blanket for casual group seating.
- If you want craft beer options, ask vendors for local brewery recommendations in the Lend neighborhood.
Shopping & wandering on Herrengasse (independent shops and main shopping street)
Flexible shopping time on Graz's main shopping street — pick souvenirs, local design pieces or just window-shop with coffee stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into mini-teams to cover more shops and then regroup for coffee — easy way to keep the pace lively.
- Look for local design stores carrying Styrian crafts or pumpkin-seed oil souvenirs — less touristy than typical trinkets.
- Many shops accept cards but some smaller boutiques prefer cash — keep small notes handy for quick buys.
Afternoon gelato at Zanoni & Zanoni (classic Graz ice cream)
Grab a scoop (or three) at a beloved local gelateria — a relaxed sweet break and great for strolling around town.
Tips from local experts:
- Zanoni & Zanoni is popular — go for a mix of flavors to share and sit on nearby steps to people-watch as a group.
- Try regional flavors if available (pumpkin-seed influences or berry varieties) for a local twist.
- If the group is large, order a few scoops in multiple cups to keep lines moving and avoid crowding the counter.
Farewell dinner at Sternbräu (historic beer hall with big group tables)
Finish the trip with a lively dinner at Sternbräu — big spaces, local dishes and relaxed beer-hall vibes perfect for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table in the vaulted hall for the full communal atmosphere — staff are used to splitting bills for groups.
- Try the tasting platters or a few shared mains so everyone can sample different Styrian flavors.
- Ask for a recommendation of local beers on tap to pair with your dishes — Sternbräu has brewery options ideal for groups.
