City in Styria, Austria
Graz
Austria's affordable student city, with a red-roofed UNESCO old town, Schlossberg views, markets and food. Easy and friendly for a longer solo stay; quiet in summer and slower than Vienna.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,930Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money41/100Better value than 40% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Air quality15 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet107 MbpsFixed broadband, Austria medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent tap water; public fountains in the old town are drinkable unless marked otherwise.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$79–146Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTrams and buses (Holding Graz)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in most shops and restaurants, but small cafés, farm shops and markets often want cash.Details
Where to stay in Graz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Innere Stadt (Old Town) | Walkable center with cafés, bars and sights |
| Lend and Gries | Murinsel and Kunsthaus area; cheaper food, multicultural |
| Geidorf and St. Leonhard | Student areas with cafés, bars and cheaper rent |
Apps that work in Graz
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lieferando | Widest restaurant choice |
| Wolt | Fast delivery in central areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ÖBB: Train tickets, times and Sparschiene fares
- WienMobil: Vienna public transport tickets and routes
- Taxis: Taxis are metered; book by phone or at the station rank. Trams and bikes cover most trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Austria.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in most shops and restaurants, but small cafés, farm shops and markets often want cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (Bankomat) rarely charge foreign cards; Euronet and independent machines add fees. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or add about 5–10%, telling the server the total when you pay.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever cards are accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
Emergency numbers
Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier shops or HoT SIMs at Hofer supermarkets; prepaid SIMs must be registered with ID. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Austria
Going to Graz solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.