Graz: Cobblestones and Coffee
Just 200 km from Vienna, in the southern part of Austria, lies the European Capital of Culture of 2003: Graz. But it's not just culture, history, beautiful architecture, traditional shops, restaurants, and cafes this royal Austrian city has to offer. Simultaneously, Graz enjoys a really hip vibe with young people coming from all over the world to study here. Fun fact: students actually make up almost a fifth of its citizenry. Now, you can probably imagine what I mean with student vibe. With its cobblestone streets, rustic house-fronts, and dreamy window shutters in all the beautiful colors there are, it seems like a big version of the Viennese Spittelberg in the 7th district. Spittelberg is one of my favorite parts in Vienna, naturally, I am in love with Graz too.
Hence, Graz makes for a wonderful day-trip if you want to get out of Vienna for a bit. And, there is no doubt that staying in Graz longer than only a day will allow you to find plenty things to do.
It is actually quite a shame: I haven't been gracing Graz with my presence in forever. The last time I remember being here was when I was a child, traveling around Austria with my parents who were eager to show all famous Austrian landmarks to me and my little brother. Even though I might have only been between 6-8 years old, I remember it so clearly. In my humble opinion, I suppose I must have enjoyed it back then too.
So, right before Christmas, and after visiting Admont Abbey over the weekend, we walked the cobbled streets of Graz, ejoyed Chai Lattes at one of my new discoveries of favorite cafe stores, and held hands picking out cute Christmas tree decoration at the romantic Christmas markets.
See for yourself.
Walking down the main street, already gives you all the feels, doesn't it?
Those window shutters, and that balcony. Sigh.
Mulled wine and Christmas market love!
Cobble streets, bikes, and beautiful architecture.
Wasn't that a romantic walk through Graz?
I always spy with at least the corner of one of my eyes cute places and spaces. Green House is a sweet cafe we stumbled over when wandering around downtown Graz.
Yael didn't stand a chance, as I pulled him in to get some hot drinks to warm up. Stepping inside, my boyfriend must have spotted the convinced smile on my frozen face and then realized right away that I felt at home here at The Green House. I ordered a Chai Latte and Yael got his cappuccino. So, there we were: super relaxed and content with our lives.
As always, I did my research and found out that you can also sip on smoothies and cold pressed juices, as well as munch on vegan cakes and cookies. And, all of this is brought to you with lots of smiles from the friendly barista, who was so just so nice and patient with me as he answered all my questions, showed me to the upstairs (which is also really cozy by the way) and explained so many things to me.
The place was just recently opened by the owners of GINKO in fall of 2015. Let me say it like this: They did a hell of a job with the interior design of this place. With the epic (seriously, there is no other word for it) floor tiles, the hip and comfy chairs, and the cozy nooks the owners have just outdone themselves.
I have a weakness for cute spaces and this one has stolen a little piece of my <3.