Herrenplatz
Herrenplatz is Graz's vibrant central square, famous for its bustling market, iconic Glockenspiel, and stunning historic architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, local charm
Herrenplatz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, local charm

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Herrenplatz is Graz's vibrant central square, famous for its bustling market, iconic Glockenspiel, and stunning historic architecture.
"A must-visit for its lively market, charming Glockenspiel, and beautiful historic architecture!"
🎯 Arrive for the Glockenspiel
Catch the charming Glockenspiel show at 11 AM, 3 PM, or 6 PM for a dose of local whimsy. :musical_score:
🛍️ Explore the Market
Don't miss the vibrant market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for fresh produce and local treats. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Vibrant Market
Central Herrenplatz
A bustling hub of local produce, crafts, and delicious street food. A true taste of local life!

Glockenspiel
Herrengasse 16
Watch the charming Glockenspiel figures dance to music at set times. A delightful, whimsical spectacle.

Historic Architecture
Surrounding buildings
Admire the stunning Baroque and Renaissance facades that frame the square. A feast for the eyes!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigating Herrenplatz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for the Glockenspiel
Catch the charming Glockenspiel show at 11 AM, 3 PM, or 6 PM for a dose of local whimsy. :musical_score:
🛍️ Explore the Market
Don't miss the vibrant market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for fresh produce and local treats. :shopping_bags:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the square and nearby streets. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The architecture is stunning! Get your camera ready for beautiful shots. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for the Glockenspiel
Catch the charming Glockenspiel show at 11 AM, 3 PM, or 6 PM for a dose of local whimsy. :musical_score:
🛍️ Explore the Market
Don't miss the vibrant market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for fresh produce and local treats. :shopping_bags:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the square and nearby streets. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The architecture is stunning! Get your camera ready for beautiful shots. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Herrenplatz for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during market days and the charming Glockenspiel performances. The central location and beautiful historic architecture are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find it can get quite crowded, particularly on market days.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Herrenplatz is centrally located in Graz and easily accessible. Several tram lines, including lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, stop directly at the 'Herrengasse' or 'Jakominiplatz' stations, which are just a short walk away. If you're arriving by train, the main train station (Graz Hauptbahnhof) is a short tram ride or a pleasant walk from the square. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from nearby attractions as well.
Absolutely! Herrenplatz is a fantastic starting point or a central point to connect to many of Graz's main attractions. The historic Old Town, Graz Cathedral, and the Schlossberg are all within easy walking distance. It's a very pedestrian-friendly area.
If you're staying further out, public transport is your best bet. The extensive tram network in Graz connects most areas to the city center. Check the local transport website (Verkehrsverbund Steiermark) for the most efficient routes from your accommodation to Herrenplatz.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Herrenplatz is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. There are no admission fees for the square itself.
Herrenplatz is an open public space, so it doesn't have official opening or closing hours. You can visit it day or night. However, shops and cafes around the square will have their own operating hours.
For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of peak tourist season. Weekends, particularly Saturdays due to the market, and evenings when people gather, tend to be busier.
The Glockenspiel performance itself is free to watch. It's a public spectacle that takes place on the facade of a building on Herrenplatz.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Herrenplatz is a vibrant hub! You can enjoy the bustling market (Wed & Sat), watch the charming Glockenspiel performance, admire the historic architecture, relax at a cafe, and use it as a starting point to explore Graz's Old Town.
The Glockenspiel performs three times a day: at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. It's a short, delightful show featuring mechanical figures dancing to music.
The main market days at Herrenplatz are Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is when you'll find a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, flowers, and crafts.
Herrenplatz is largely flat and paved, making it generally accessible. The surrounding sidewalks are also usually well-maintained. However, some of the older buildings might have steps.
While there aren't dedicated public restrooms directly on the square, you'll find facilities in nearby cafes, restaurants, and public buildings. It's always a good idea to ask at a cafe if you need to use their facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market at Herrenplatz offers a fantastic selection of fresh local produce, regional specialties, cheeses, baked goods, honey, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. You can also find some delicious street food options.
Yes, Herrenplatz and the surrounding Herrengasse are lined with numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants offering everything from traditional Austrian cuisine to international dishes and excellent coffee. It's a great spot to grab a bite or a drink.
When in Graz, try 'Käferbohnen' (runner beans) with pumpkin seed oil, 'Backhendl' (fried chicken), and various pastries like 'Topfenknödel' (quark dumplings). The market is a perfect place to sample many of these.
Many cafes and restaurants in the city center, including those around Herrenplatz, offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always best to check menus or ask staff for specific choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Herrenplatz offers many great photo opportunities. Capture the Glockenspiel in action, the colorful market stalls, the intricate facades of the historic buildings, and the general lively atmosphere of the square. The view looking down Herrengasse is also iconic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful light for architectural shots. Midday is great for capturing the bustle of the market and the Glockenspiel. Evenings can be lovely with the square lit up.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in public spaces like Herrenplatz. However, be mindful of private businesses and individuals; always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people or inside shops.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the square and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for fitting more into the frame. A tripod might be helpful for low-light evening shots, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many cafes around the square offer kid-friendly options, and the open space allows them to move around. It's also a great starting point for exploring other family-friendly attractions in Graz, like the Schlossberg, which is easily accessible.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Many of the cafes offer reasonably priced coffee and pastries. Instead of a full sit-down meal, consider grabbing a 'Leberkäsesemmel' (a type of meatloaf roll) from a market vendor or bakery. The Glockenspiel performance is also a free cultural experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day to catch the best light – golden hour for warm tones, or evening for atmospheric shots with the square illuminated. The pedestrian-friendly nature of the area allows for easy exploration and finding the perfect vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Graz: Herrenplatz's Role
The square is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly on market days. The Herrenplatz market is a sensory delight, offering a wide array of fresh produce, regional delicacies, flowers, and artisanal crafts. This tradition of open-air markets has been a cornerstone of the square's identity for generations, providing a direct connection to Styria's rich agricultural heritage.
Beyond its commercial function, Herrenplatz is a cultural focal point. The iconic Glockenspiel, with its charming mechanical figures and melodic chimes, draws crowds at specific times of the day. The surrounding buildings, showcasing a blend of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, add to the square's historical grandeur and provide a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Experiencing the Glockenspiel
Performances occur daily at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Arriving a few minutes early is recommended, as the area around the Glockenspiel can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The music is a distinctive melody, and watching the figures twirl is a whimsical experience that appeals to all ages.
While the Glockenspiel is a relatively short event, its charm lies in its simplicity and historical significance. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to pause and appreciate the unique character of Graz. Many visitors find it to be a highlight of their visit to Herrenplatz.
Culinary Delights at Herrenplatz
Surrounding the square, a plethora of cafes and restaurants cater to every palate. Whether you're craving traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz, or looking for a quick coffee and pastry, you'll find plenty of options. Many establishments offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the lively ambiance of Herrenplatz while you dine.
Don't miss the opportunity to try regional specialties like Käferbohnen (runner beans) dressed with Styrian pumpkin seed oil, or indulge in sweet treats like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake). The culinary scene around Herrenplatz provides a delicious insight into the gastronomic culture of Graz and the wider Styria region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit