Sustainable holidays in Graz

Tips for a more resource-conscious stay – from public transport and cycling to regional cuisine and certified accommodation.

It’s the talk of town, everybody wants to do it, but often we don’t know how it works. 

Discover practical tips for a more resource-conscious stay in Graz, from public transport and cycling to regional cuisine and accommodation with recognised environmental certifications. A nice add-on: when you take advantage of our suggestions you will always get in touch with locals and people living in Graz, making you a part of the city; because when you visit Graz you are never just a tourist or a guest. You are temporary local… 

By the way: the checkfelix booking portal ranked Graz among the top 3 in the world in the 2023 city index for responsible travelers (article only in German language).

View of Graz with the Schlossberg, the Clock Tower and the Kunsthaus. | © Graz Tourismus - Harry Schiffer

Personal tips by travel blogger and author Elena Paschinger

#DiscoverGrazRegion

Planning a trip to Graz and the Graz Region? Travel blogger and author Elena Paschinger has explored the destination many times and shares her experiences in a compact eBook. Download it to your smartphone, tablet or laptop and discover practical tips on getting around by public transport, accommodation with recognised environmental certifications, regional cuisine, nature, culture and many personal recommendations, photos and videos to help you plan your visit.

Guide to Exploring Graz

Discover Graz through its green spaces, walkable historic centre and regional experiences. Around 70% of the city area consists of green spaces, while the UNESCO-listed Old Town is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can enjoy regional cuisine, browse second-hand and fair fashion stores, discover cultural highlights and reach nearby hiking areas with ease. This guide also introduces practical information on public transport, environmental initiatives and local experiences to help you plan your stay.

Sleep

Graz's hotel industry is strongly characterized by owner-managed hotels. The hotels are usually deeply rooted in the city, mostly use regional products and services and, above all, promote the local economy, which in turn benefits the local population.  Long-term commitment and sustainability are particularly important to these businesses. Hotels are often passed down through generations in families. Tradition, authenticity and a family atmosphere characterize the corporate culture, which ensures a special hotel experience.

Eat

The best way to get to know Graz is by exploring the foodie scene. Graz is Austria’s Foodie Capital and has a lot to offer. Explore the city on a culinary city tour (only offered in German language) or visit our colourful farmers‘ markets and of course have a meal in one of partner restaurants of the "Capital of Delight". These restaurants clearly focus on regional and seasonal products. Fast fact: Graz offers the highest density of vegetarian/vegan restaurants of Austria.

Group of delivery riders in front of Velofood office in Graz. | © Velofood

Velofood

The delivery service by bike in Graz

Velofood is a local delivery service in Graz that brings your food order by bicycle. Food has the power to bring people together – whether it's family around the table, friends at your place or your favourite series for dinner. At home or at work, Velofood delivers your order by bike wherever you're hungry.

Find out more about Velofood

Shopping

Yes, even when shopping you can do something good. Graz offers a wide range of shops which are supporting charities, providing jobs for people in difficult life situations and giving them a new perspective for their future. 

You might wonder where to find the right souvenir? Make sure to visit our Information Center. There you will find lots of Graz souvenirs made (at least) in Austria and always supporting local handicrafts 

A Selection of Shops for Fair Fashion, Second-Hand and Vintage

in Graz

  • Zerum (Mariahilferstraße 13): A fair fashion label from Austria
  • Nachhaltige Kreisslerei (Sporgasse 24): Organic fashion
  • Kastner & Öhler (Sackstraße 7–13): Own sustainability area with fair fashion on the 2nd floor
  • Kauf dich glücklich (Murgasse 6): Berlin concept store - fashion for women, men and children
  • Grüne Erde (Sporgasse 27): Ecologically and socially fair manufactured products
  • mützenmafia (Mariahilferstraße 32): Sustainable hats, headbands & scarves as well as products from selected brands
  • Mafee (Kollonitschstraße 50a): Handmade baby and children's items in organic quality, special gifts for births - sustainable and made regionally with love.

Sightseeing

The best way to explore Graz is by walking, as the city is compact, relaxed and very easy to navigate. Make sure to join one of our many guided tours with our knowledgeable tour guides who have the best stories and all the history at hand. Easy to book directly through our website.

Tip: The Graz Card is a great deal to make the most out of your stay. It gives you free access to the most important museums of the city and free use of public transport, plus various reductions on tours and more entrances to museums in the region around Graz.

Couple and other cyclists in Graz, with the Graz Clock Tower in the background. | © Graz Tourismus - Tom Lamm

Discover Graz by Bike

Explore the city, the River Mur and the surrounding countryside on two wheels

Whether you're cycling through the historic Old Town, following the Mur Cycle Path or heading out into the Graz region, exploring by bike is a great way to experience the city. A well-developed cycle network, a variety of routes and plenty of excursion destinations make Graz an ideal starting point for your cycling holiday.

Discover more about cycling in Graz

Insider Tips

Explore more ideas for getting around Graz, discovering local experiences and planning your stay on the Sustainable Cities website and here:

Blog articles about "Sustainability" in Graz