Graz

The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site.

The Glockenspiel, which comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00.

The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild picture of plagues, which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.

Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg, a castle complex built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III which is today inhabited by the government of Styria.

The Schlossberg Schloßberg, the castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular Schloßbergbahn and elevator Schloßberglift will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views.

Clock Tower Uhrturm on the top of the Schloßberg, the symbol of Graz.

Eggenberg Castle Schloss Eggenberg. Early Baroque architecture with lavish state rooms. There is a small € 1.00 fee for entering the park surrounding the castle, which they likely will not charge if you say you intend to take the castle tour. The castle tour is highly recommended though, as it contains dramatic wall and ceiling paintings, elaborate ceramic stoves, and inlaid wood floors. Tram 1 direction Eggenberg/UKH Tel: 583264-0 free entry to the museum with euro<26 card

Kunsthaus

(http://www.kunsthausgraz.at/) is Graz's newest exhibition place. It's worth a visit, even if you only look at its design from the outside. It's right across the river from Hauptplatz at the Suedtirolerplatz Tram 1,3,6,7,14 direction Hauptbahnhof. You will definitely notice the blue bubble 3€ with euro<26 card

Murinsel

(http://cms.graztourismus....). Originally a temporary project during 2003 for the Cultural Capital of Europe Graz 2003 celebrations, people liked it enough so it stayed. Designed by the New York artist Vito Acconci, this accessible artificial island in the river, contains a stage for performances and a coffeehouse.

Joanneum Museum of Styria

Steiermärkische Landesmuseum Joanneum, Raubergasse 10. Tel: 8017-9716, (http://www.museum-joanneum.at/). cheaper with euro<26 card

Armory Zeughaus, in the Herrengasse Tel: 8017 9810, (http://www.museum-joanneu...). Open April 1 - October 31: M-Su 10AM-6PM; November 1 - March 31: M-Sa 10AM-3PM, Su 10AM-4PM; Adults €7, Groups €5.50, Students €3. Contains an amazing collection of arms and armor, from large two-handed swords and maces to the more modern pistols. Originally the local armory was built to readily equip the people in the event of an attack, and so the weapons you'll see here were made for use, not show. English tours are available; enquire early in the day to see what time one will be offered. If you are incredibly enthusiastic about weapons and ask nicely, your guide might treat you to further description of the use and care of the weapons after your tour is completed. Pictures are not allowed, but postcards with pictures of the main pieces can be bought in the gift shop. Be warned, this building gets extremely warm in the summer especially on the upper floors. Weapons enthusiasts may wish to go early in the day, or you may find your interest waning rapidly as the puddles form around your feet.

There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur river there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas, situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus (http://www.theater-graz.c...). Prices: (http://www.theater-graz.c...).

On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale or rather their wives do. Morning only. The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.

During the summer months, in the city centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz, along the Herrengasse, you may be fortunate enough to come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.

Football at the UPC-Arena, the home of GAK and SK Sturm Graz in the district of Liebenau, south of the city centre. Ticket prices from 22 to 36.50 Euros.