The city of Graz is located in the southeastern part of Austria and is the center of Styria.
The successful combination of urban areas with masterpieces of diverse architectural ensembles, the abundance of medieval attractions noticeably allocate graz among similar cities of Austria. Among other things, Graz can safely be called a "scientific film" of the state. The city has four largest national universities widely recognized worldwide. So it turns out, a little less than a third of the adult population of the city is students and the teacher - the professorship of educational institutions. I note that largely due to the unique monuments of art, the abundance of historically significant sights of the city of Graz is listed in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
And at all curious glory the city has due to the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger was born and grew here. The fans of the Hollywood actor and the famous bodybuilder, and just the locals are very even proud of this compatriot and in every way they advertise.
But get to the city of Graz is slightly problematic, although if there is an unlimited number of monetary signs in the family piggy bank, then the flights are quite suitable. But, and then there is no small "snag", there are no direct flights from the countries of the former USSR, you must first fly by flight to Vienna and then, with a transfer to domestic airlines to the city of Graz. The time flight is very short, it takes only about 30 minutes, but the price for such pleasure is too high and is 320 euros. Here you need to choose, or speed, or savings. But there are options. You can use land transport services or railway transport. Immediately notice, there are no direct bus routes to Graz and Vienna, you must "catch" passing flights, watching them on the bus stalls, which is inconvenient. There is a single economical option, a decent alternative to inconvenience and high cost - railway transport. Again, there are options to save on the ticket. The price of a regular train is 31 euros, travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is an opportunity to use the "group ticket" EINFACH-RAUS-Ticket for electric train, the price for the company from 2 to 5 people is reduced to 28 euros. This option is very profitable if you travel a large company or family, the truth increases the time on the way for approximately one and a half hours. This is not a misfortune, extra hour and a half in the train are compensated by beautiful views, and the comfort of the Austrian electric trains is not worth our "wrecks."
Arriving to the city, naturally becomes a question in choosing a place of residence. In the city there are quite a few hotels, hotel complexes and ate you did not book ion in advance, I will have a little bother looking for the most suitable.
I recommend paying attention to the beautiful, quiet and calm, and most importantly, the most expensive hotel "Meyers Gasthof Familie Orthacker". The hotel is an old, beautifully renovated one-story building with the date of construction - the beginning of the XVIII century (already a masterpiece of architecture). The hotel is designed for a small number of guests, in it just 17 rooms, 10 of which are single, 4 double and only 3 rooms -Thero. The most optimal option, if you travel a small company is to choose a double room. The price is very democratic 43 euros per day (38 euros per day for the single room). But, there is one, small, I would say still very significant "but" for a Russian-speaking person. The hotel is popular besides tourists and bikers also in people of unconventional orientation. Europe is a tolerant country, but I have such a tolerance of an alien, I had to move, you feel very awkwardly in the presence of gays, and the child's wrong example.
But there is always a way out, the benefit of people in Graz are very soulful, suggested, not even had to look. The Ibis Graz Hotel is located straight at the station, a little expensive, but not critical. Double room with decent amenities, sufficient comfort will cost 73 euros per day (single room - 63 euros). The place of residence includes excellent morning breakfast. By the way, as a later practice has shown, the hotel is much beneficial for the tourist. All near From the station Square in very simply getting to any, even the remote corner of the Graz.
The city is although small, but with a beautiful transport and developed junction.
Before any part of the city, any detached attractions will not be difficult to get. In the city there are buses, there are trams. Tickets are not at all expensive. The price of a ticket for these types of transport will be 1.7 euros. Such a ticket is valid limited time (1 hour from the date of purchase). A daily ticket will cost 3.7 euros, it can be purchased from the driver, it is possible in special street vehicles or at the hotel at the place of residence. By the way, in the city it is very fashionable to move on bikes, naturally highlighted bicycle paths on the roads. Rent of such transport will cost 9 euros at rental points.
And attractions in the Grace are even debugging. The first thing that rushes into the eye is Schlossberg Castle.
It is located on the hill, therefore visible from anywhere in the city. This is the most basic and visited attraction of the city, because it is from the construction (in the XII century) the history of the development of the city itself began. Castle - ancestor of a modern graz. To see all the sights of the systematic, without missing anything, I recommend the city map at the station, where all tourist routes are indicated. No special knowledge of the foreign language is required, everything is painted, painted quite accessible, it is difficult to confuse something or get lost.
I advise first to visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, Egueneberg Castle. This is quite enough for the first day, and this is only a small toliary of a huge number of cultural heritage of the city of Graz.
Do not forget that Graz is not only Klondike rare, historically valuable complexes and architectural monuments, the city is as famous by its wine traditions. Even some festivals, wine tours pass.
Thousands of connoisseurs of this alcoholic beverage come to the city. So, in addition to the inspection of historical masterpieces in the city, the mass of places where you can spend time, sit in beautiful restaurants, even play a casino (here on an amateur).
Summing up, boldly recommending the city of Graz for a good rest.