Graz sits right at the intersection of old-world charm and genuinely experimental design culture, and it punches well above its weight for a city of its size. Here's where to eat, drink, work, and wander like a creative who actually lives here.
Austria's second city has been quietly doing its own thing for decades, and creatives are starting to notice. Graz has a UNESCO-listed Old Town, a university population that keeps the energy young, and a design scene that's confident enough not to need Vienna's approval. It's compact, walkable, and surprisingly easy to feel at home in, which is probably why so many artists, architects, and makers end up staying longer than they planned.
Discover the city’s most creative districts, from vibrant cultural quarters to emerging areas where artists, designers and makers shape the local scene.
Lend is Graz's most creative neighbourhood, separated from the historic old town by the Mur River. Former workshops and courtyards have been transformed into studios, designer shops, and bars, with one of the city's best farmers' markets at Lendplatz running on weekday mornings.
Find inspiring coworking spaces where freelancers, studios and creative professionals work, collaborate and connect in a shared environment.
Spacelend is Graz's largest coworking space, with 1,400m² across two levels in an industrial-style building in the Lend district. Beyond flexible desks and private offices, it has a sauna, fitness facilities, and a kitchen, making it one of the better-equipped creative work hubs in the city.
Explore the cafés, bars and restaurants loved by creatives for meeting, working, socializing or simply finding inspiration over great food and drinks.
Dr. Bottle is a bottle shop and bar at Lendplatz where Graz's craft beer scene really comes into its own. Fridges are stacked with cans from Austria's best small breweries alongside European and American imports, with a few taps for fresh pours and enough room to linger and talk beer with the staff.
Aiola Upstairs is a restaurant and bar on top of the Schlossberg, accessible by funicular or glass elevator, with sweeping views over Graz's red rooftops and the surrounding hills. Glass fronts fold away entirely in warm weather, merging the terrace and indoor space into one. Go for sunset.
Der Steirer is a laid-back restaurant near the old town serving a modern take on traditional Styrian cuisine, from Backhendl with pumpkin seed oil salad to slow-cooked roast pork. It's one of those spots where locals actually eat, open daily from 11am to midnight.
Stammtisch am Paulustor is a restaurant set in the historic Palais Wildenstein in central Graz, with a shaded courtyard for regional cuisine at lunch and a more refined à la carte menu in the evening. They work with local producers and have earned a place in the MICHELIN Guide.
Paul & Bohne is a Styrian specialty coffee roaster with a cafe at Lendplatz where you can watch the roasters work while you drink. They source beans carefully, roast on-site, and serve proper filter coffee alongside espresso in the heart of Graz's most creative neighbourhood.
A curated selection of galleries, museums and contemporary art spaces that showcase the city’s cultural pulse and creative expression.
Kunsthaus Graz is a contemporary art museum in a biomorphic blue structure nicknamed the Friendly Alien, designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier for Graz's year as European Capital of Culture in 2003. It hosts a changing program of exhibitions focused on international contemporary art, design, and new media.
Browse design stores, bookshops and concept shops offering everything from art books to local design objects and creative inspiration.
Tash Living is a concept store and design studio at Hofgasse 7 in Graz's old town, combining interior design objects, lifestyle products, stationery, and design gifts with a platform for emerging local designers. It's part of Graz's official UNESCO City of Design places map.
Discover hybrid spaces, community hubs and relaxed hangouts where creatives gather, collaborate and exchange ideas.
Join local meetups, creative circles and communities that bring people together through shared interests and collaborative energy.
Whether you are a graphic designer, a photographer, a marketer, or a filmmaker, the Creative Lunch Club gives you the chance to regularly meet other creatives in your city for lunch.
Join the Creative Lunch Club and meet other professional creatives for lunch.Illustration Ladies is an international community for female and non-binary illustrators, creating space for connection, support, and visibility through meetups, drawing sessions, and workshops. It’s a space to share ideas, grow creatively, and support each other in an often isolating industry.
The key festivals, fairs and conferences that draw creative professionals together for talks, workshops, exhibitions and cultural experiences.
Designmonat Graz is a citywide celebration of design packed with exhibitions, talks and workshops, mixing international perspectives with local talent. Recent editions explored “The New Real,” looking at creativity in the age of AI.
Hands-on spaces offering tools, equipment and workshops for anyone interested in making, crafting, experimenting or bringing creative ideas to life.
Venues and stages that showcase live music, film screenings, performances and multidisciplinary shows across the city.
Parks, lookout points and outdoor spaces perfect for taking a break, finding inspiration or meeting others in a more relaxed setting.
A selection of design-forward and boutique hotels offering creative atmospheres, thoughtful interiors and inspiring stays for visiting creatives.
Lendhotel is a contemporary design hotel in the heart of Graz's creative Lend district, with each floor and room decorated with works from an extensive private art collection. The rooftop terrace has panoramic views over the old town.
Augarten Art Hotel is a Design Hotels member in Graz built by architect Günther Domenig, with over 200 pieces of contemporary art throughout the property. It combines the feel of a serious art space with solid hotel facilities including a pool and sauna, a short walk from the city center.
I love Creative Lunch Club because it harnesses the most human way of connecting, sharing a meal. It's an effortless way for creatives to build diverse connections and friendships across various fields and meet people they wouldn't otherwise.
Creative Lunch Club is a great way to get off your ass, meet random creatives, and share a meal. Perfect for getting inspiration, energy, and a different angle on things.
Everything about Creative Lunch Club makes me happy - the concept, the people and the vibe. It is such a fun way of getting to meet like-minded people and make new friends in your city!
