Starting primary / elementary school in a foreign country is often a challenge. Here are a few tips to help get prepared. School Bag Most Volksschule kids carry a special type of large square backpack called a ‘Schultasche‘. They come in many different patterns – Starwars, dinosaurs, ponies etc and often include a matching sports […]
A mini oasis in the middle of the city! The upscale garden store Baumgartner am Paulustor has recently opened in the historic Palais Wildenstein at Paulustorgasse 8 (close to Karmeliterplatz). Full of stylish garden accessories, household wares, decorative items, plant pots and lots more. A pretty courtyard filled with flowers and plants also offers a […]
The former owners of Cafe Cultural Exchange have opened a stylish new bike shop & cafe at Körösistrasse 1 (corner of Keplerbrücke) Maghony Bikes & Bags is a full service shop, specialising in custom made vintage bikes, spare parts, service and repairs. Plus they have their own handmade canvas bike bags. Made to last a […]
The start of summer is often signaled by arrival of local strawberries in the farmer markets. For the freshest berries (and a fun family activity), the pick-your-own strawberry fields around Graz are very popular. They usually open from around middle / end of May. Opening times can depend on the weather and after busy days […]
If you are looking for fun but affordable kids activities during the summer, the city of Graz offers two great programs – weekly sport courses for only €10! and Freizeithits program (offered by partner organisations – see program for prices). Places are limited and go fast. To be eligible you must have your main residence […]
More and more 24 hr vending machines are popping up all over Graz to cater for after-hours shopping. They often offer freshly made food, milk, eggs, meat and produce from local farms and vendors. Many are on the outskirts of Graz or in shopping centers such as Centerwest – you can see a list here […]
Die Manukatur is a workshop in Gries with a great social purpose. They focus on helping people who are having a hard time entering the workplace and train them on traditional handicrafts, furniture restoration, monument preservation and textile repairs. They also have a small store where you can buy their handmade textiles and upcycled products. A […]
You may well have heard of the infamous GIS representatives who turn up on doorstops and demand to know if you have a TV or radio inside. If so they will expect you pay for a license (around €19 – €25 a month, or €7 for just a radio). Having a computer doesn’t count (unless […]
You may have already noticed the lines outside the new restaurant – Bowls & Pots on Sporgasse, They opened last month with a create-your-own bowl service (choose a grain, vegetables, protein, sauce & topping). Plus they have a selection of ready made bowls, rice dishes and rolls all under €10. They also have vegan options. […]
A few fun local blog and podcast recommendations about living in Austria or learning German. Vienna based, these two well-written blogs offer a witty and insightful look into Austrian life from a foreigner’s perspective. Curmudgeon in the Cottaage Up the Danube without a Paddle Travel blogs are another fun way to discover more about about […]
My Graz 