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What to do in Stuttgart, Germany

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From the epic Mercedes-Benz Museum to Germany’s second largest beer festival, this is my definitive guide to sightseeing in Stuttgart!

If you’re looking at what to do in Stuttgart then you’ve come to the right place. This blog post is packed full of advice and information so you can have the best weekend in Stuttgart.

I have to say I really love Stuttgart and it’s a city that too me by surprise. There are loads of fun things to do in Stuttgart, it’s incredibly easy to get around, it has some of the best shopping in all of Germany and it is also home to the 2 nd largest beer festival in the country.

You’ve heard of Oktoberfest, right? Well let me introduce you to Frühlingsfest, the less touristy and more authentic version of Oktoberfest. I went for just one day and I can honestly say it’s one of the most fun festivals I’ve ever been to. I can’t wait to come back here again just for this beer festival.

Stuttgart is also a city famous for cars with two awesome museums that’ll please any petrolhead – the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Stuttgart is one of the most popular places to visit in Germany.

Planning a trip to Germany? Then make sure you check out my city guides to Berlin , Dresden , Dusseldorf and the Bastei Bridge .

Are you looking for some of the best things to do in the city? Then check out my video on what to do in Stuttgart!

My Stuttgart itinerary

I spent a couple of days searching for all the best things to do in Stuttgart and I really loved the city vibes here.

From walking around the cobbled side streets in the Old Town to climbing to the top of the TV Tower, it’s easy to pack in lots in a short amount of time.

Also, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited visiting a library before. If you’ve never seen photos of the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart get ready to drool because this place is a photographer’s paradise. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Germany and I can’t recommend popping in enough.

So, if you’re heading to the city then make sure you check out my definitive guide to sightseeing in Stuttgart! I really hope you find this useful in planning your trip. If you have any questions at all just let me know in the comments below.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

There’s a reason why this is one of the top tourist attractions in Stuttgart.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates 130 years of motorcar history. There are more than 1,500 exhibits over 9 floors so it’s safe to say this place is massive.

The building of the Mercedes-Benz Museum is an architectural masterpiece. It’s uber modern with this sweeping design making it one of the best German landmarks in the country.

You start on the top floor which dates back to some of the world’s first cars and motorcycles. Then you spiral down through the museum as it takes you through the years all the way up to the modern-day speedsters and F1 cars of today.

The layout of the museum is really clever as everyone flows from the top to the bottom. As everyone is heading in the same direction it makes for a really nice and relaxed experience.

A few of my favourite cars were the Popemobile (infamous for being shot at) and Nico Rosberg’s 2016 F1 Silver Arrow.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is somewhat of a pilgrimage for car enthusiasts but I think everyone will love this place.

The biggest accolade I can give this place is Chloe loved it too and she really isn’t into cars!

This is included in the 24-hour sightseeing bus tour .

Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (Stuttgart Library)

Instaporn. That’s how I would describe the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart .

Opened in 2011, the library has become a mecca for book-lovers and photographers alike. What makes the library so distinct are the clean lines of symmetry – it’s almost as if you’re standing in a giant 3D bookcase.

I really enjoy architecture photography so I could’ve spent all day taking photos here, but do remember it is a library so respect people’s privacy and if you can turn off your camera beep then do so.

It’s also worth wandering around all the different floors. In one corner I discovered a cool robot system that was sifting through and sorting books then taking them off to other parts of the library.

It’s strange to add a public library as one of the top things to do in Stuttgart but I really think it’s worth a visit.

The library is open to the public from 9am till 9pm and it is closed on Thursday and Sunday. There’s a viewing platform on top of the building and a café on the top floor too.

Frühlingsfest

Get ready to party!!! As I’ve already said, Frühlingsfest is one of the best festivals I’ve ever been to.

Frühlingsfest is Stuttgart’s spring festival that takes place between the middle of April and the beginning of May every year.

Imagine big beer tents, long tables with everyone dancing on them, giant steins of beer being drunk, Bavarian costumes everywhere. It really is just like this.

What I really loved about Frühlingsfest though is it’s a festival for locals and Germans. I’ve heard that Oktoberfest is overrun with drunk Brits and tourists, but this felt like a proper local festival.

The best thing to do at Frühlingsfest is to just immerse yourself in the atmosphere. I bought myself a stein, jumped up on the table and danced to “bunga bunga bunga bungalow” even though I didn’t know the words. It was such a good experience.

Even though Frühlingsfest is the name of the beer festival, there are a number of beer tents dotted around the site so I really recommend you trying a few.

If you’re looking at what to do in Stuttgart then make sure you add this beer festival to the list!

Also, there’s a giant funfair at Frühlingsfest with loads of great rides and cuddly toys to be won (though I failed miserably in that department).

If you want to get a sense of how big Frühlingsfest is then ride the 47 metre ferris wheel for some of the best views around.

If you’re into your beer festivals then this is definitely one for you. I can’t recommend this event enough!

Fernsehturm Stuttgart (Stuttgart TV Tower)

Here’s an interesting fact for you – the Fernsehturm Stuttgart was the world’s first ever television tower built in 1956. How about that as a pub quiz fact!?

Standing at 217 metres-tall, you can see the TV tower from all over the city. However, it’s only when you stand underneath and crane your neck up that you appreciate how big it is.

As I’m always on the best viewpoints whenever I get somewhere I just had to head to the top of the TV. Up on the 148 th floor is an outside viewing platform (quite rare for a tower) which gives you 360-degree panoramic views of the city. I never realised that Stuttgart was surrounded by forests – it’s such a green city!

There’s also a restaurant at the Stuttgart TV Tower so I really recommend grabbing coffee or a bite to eat and drinking in the views.

The tower stays open until 23:00 in summer, and the sunset and Stuttgart’s lights are well worth the entry fee if you pick a clear day.

Tickets cost €9 per person and this is definitely one of the best spots for sightseeing in Stuttgart.

Sepulchral Chapel

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Stuttgart then head to the top of Württemberg hill.

Perched high upon Württemberg hill overlooking Stuttgart and the Neckar valley is Sepulchral Chapel. This is the burial chapel erected by King Wilhelm I as a monument to his beloved wife after her premature death in 1819.

As an ode to his wife, Sepulchral Chapel is also known as “the chapel of eternal love” making this one of the romantic spots in the city.

From the steps of the chapel you’ve got the best view of Stuttgart where you can clearly see sites such as the Mercedes-Benz Arena and the Fernsehturm.

Also, this is wine country (yes, Germany produces some amazing wines) and surrounding Sepulchral Chapel are these beautiful vineyards. If you’re coming all this way then I recommend going wine tasting at a couple of the vineyards or going on a few hiking trails in the area.

Markethalle

Markethalle is where you can travel around the world without having to leave the building.

As a gourmet destination the Markthalle has stalls selling specialty foods and exotic treats from all over. There’s baklava from Turkey, cold meats and cheese from Spain, arancini and prosecco from Italy and a hundred other tastes and flavours.

It’s best to come here with an empty stomach. I spent half an hour walking from stall to stall trying a few samples of food along the way. I eventually settled on a really nice aubergine and goats cheese sandwich from Spain and a mushroom arancini from Italy which I swear was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Up on the first floor there’s a little gallery. I suggest getting yourself a glass of wine and watching the world go by – it’s a great people-watching spot.

There’s an Italian restaurant there as well if you’re looking for a sit-down meal. A visit to the Markthalle is a must on any Stuttgart itinerary.

Kunstmuseum

When you’re sightseeing in Stuttgart you’ve got to add the Kunstmuseum on your list of places to visit.  

The Kunstmuseum’s bold design as a reflective glass cube is in stark contracts to the surrounding palaces in the Schlossplatz making this one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

Inside, the Kunstmuseum is home to the city’s modern and contemporary art museum. I spent an hour here wandering around and it was actually one of my favourite spots in the city.

Highlights of the museum’s extensive collection include some of the most important works by German artists Dieter Roth and Willi Baumeister, as well as the largest collection of important works by Otto Dix.

If you head up to the top floor then you’ll get an amazing view of the Schlossplatz.

Tickets cost €11 per person or is free with the Stuttgart city card .

Stuttgart Schillerplatz

Like architecture and looking at what to do in Stuttgart? Then check out the Schillerplatz.

A bit like with Düsseldorf , Stuttgart has a very beautiful old town known as Schillerplatz packed full of gorgeous buildings.

Right in the centre of it is a monument to Friedrich Schiller. He was a dramatist, historian, philosopher, poet and one of Germany’s most famous cultural giants.

The square is the site of a flower market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and in December joins the Schlossplatz and Marktplatz, on either side of Schillerplatz, as home to the Christmas Market.

I think Schillerplatz is one of the best photo spots in the city so make sure you bring your camera!

Stuttgart packing list

As you can imagine, I travel a lot. It comes with the territory of being a travel blogger! That being said, there are some things that I now can’t travel without. If you’re planning your Stuttgart itinerary, I’d really recommend taking these items with you:

• Sunglasses: Mens | Womens – These are an absolute must as soon as you step off the plane, holiday mode very firmly on!
• Cool felt hat – I always love travelling with a hat these days, especially during summer when the sun’s out.
• Rain jacket: Mens | Womens – Sorry guys, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a pac-a-mac or rain jacket that packs down small. Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it.
• Bum bag – Very easy and simple for wandering around a city and it means you can leave a big bag at the hotel room.
• Sleep mask – 100% take this with me on every trip.
• Ear plugs – Even if you’re staying in a 5* hotel, you might need ear plugs.

• Water bottle – I am a water bottle convert and I barely leave the house without one now. This is a great water bottle with a built in straw – it’s surprisingly handy!
• Waterproof phone carrier – Another game changer. I always use this when I’m on the beach to protect my phone from sand or when I’m kayaking to protect it from water.
• Portable charger – Does anyone travel without these now? This one is my favourite – just make sure you charge it before you get on the plane!
• Jabra earbuds – After trying so many different types of earbuds, these are now my go-to ones. Great for wandering around a city.
• Multi-adapter plug – This is the one item you’re most likely to forget.

A lot of people ask me “is Stuttgart worth visiting?” and I would say 100% yes. It’s a really trendy city with loads of things to do there, especially for a weekend away. Hopefully this blog post inspires you to visit here!

My trip to Germany was in association with Visit Germany , Visit Stuttgart & Eurowings for their #GermanSummerStories campaign highlighting some of the best cities to visit in Germany in the summer. As always, views are entirely my own and without bias.

If you’ve got any questions about what to do in Stuttgart then let me know in the comments below!

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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6 thoughts on “What to do in Stuttgart, Germany”

Sorry but if that’s as good as it gets, then I for one will not be wasting any part of my Holiday there. Want some where nice to spend the day, go to Riquewihr or Kaysaberg 68340 France or spend some time visiting Strasbourg Cathedral and take the Noddy Train before going for lunch in one of the hundreds of restuarants.

I could go on and bore you but lets call this a teaser as to what is realy out there if you do some research.

Mr Spence Eng

Thanks I think? I know different people like different things!

I also would like to know how to travel cheap in Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Thanks!

You best best is by bus and trains. Busses are usually cheaper (check out Flix Bus). Or car sharing is becoming more and more popular too. I hope that helps!

This is super helpful! Thanks!

You’re very welcome!

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A Weekend in Stuttgart: Best Sights and Tips

Stuttgart – what do you think, when you hear this city’s name? Until recently we had one major association: Stuttgart 21 – probably the most controversial railway project in Germany. Emphasis on the “had”. Fast forward to the present: we just got back from our city trip to Stuttgart and we can assure you that Stuttgart is much more than the construction site around the main station. In our travel guide we tell you our best tips for a weekend in Stuttgart – from sights and restaurant tips to the best views of the city.

1. Sights and Attractions

2. the most beautiful viewpoints in stuttgart, 3. our favourite restaurants and cafes in stuttgart, 4. transport: getting around, 5. our hotel tip: aloft stuttgart.

Stuttgart is not a city where you have to rush from one sight to the next, however, there are some places and buildings that are really worth seeing. Plus, we really like the motto “Quality over quantity”.

Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (City Library)

The Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart – City Library is probably the most photographed building in the city on Instagram. It was opened in October 2011 and is a symmetrical masterpiece, in our opinion – designed by the Korean architect Eun Young Yi, who is behind all the perfected lines and symmetry. When you first see pictures of the library, you almost suspect that it is a computer simulation. But we can assure you that the library really does look so bizarre.

Allow yourself about an hour for your visit – you will be super fascinated, we guarantee you! Oh, and they also have a roof terrace, but unfortunately the view is rather obstructed and therefore quite average.

Information about the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart

Address: Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart Directions: U-Bahn Station Stadtbibliothek (U5, U6, U7, U12, U15) Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm Photography and filming: only with prior approval! Photos with your smartphone are allowed without permission.

Grabkapelle Chapel on the Württemberg

Just outside of downtown Stuttgart lies the Grabkapelle chapel on the summit of the Wurttemberg, a 19th-century mausoleum. It is beautifully situated in the middle of the vineyards and in our opinion definitely worth a visit.

We would recommend you to visit in the late afternoon just before sunset. But beware: the Grabkapelle chapel itself closes its doors at 5 or 6 pm. Plan about 45 minutes to get there. We can assure you that it’s worth it!

Information about the Grabkapelle Chapel

Address: Württembergstraße 340, 70327 Stuttgart Directions: U-Bahn Station to Untertürkheim, Bus 61 towards Rotenberg (terminus). Opening hours: 1st April to 1st November: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, 2nd November to 30th Novemeber: Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm Admission: 4 Euro (free with the StuttCard)

Markthalle Stuttgart (Market Hall)

Something really cool and worth seeing is the historic market hall in the city centre. The traditional market stalls are located on the ground floor and in addition, there is a gallery with a residential and interior store called “Merz & Benzing”.

Information about the Markthalle Stuttgart

Address: Dorotheenstraße 4, 70173 Stuttgart / Directions: Underground station Charlottenplatz Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday from 7.00 am to 5 pm

Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is the largest and probably the most impressive square in Stuttgart. Situated in the middle of the city centre, there is no way you can walk past without noticing it. We thought it was great that the place was so busy: you find people resting in the meadow, drinking coffee or sitting at the edge of the fountain and chatting away.

Our tip: You have a really nice view of the Schlossplatz from the last floor of the Kunstmuseum. There is also a restaurant, which we did not try out as it seemed a little too fancy. You can still use the lift to get up there for free.

There are countless lookout points in Stuttgart, from which you have a great view of the city – especially at sunset, when locals and tourists flock to the hills. Just a little note: Bring comfortable shoes to Stuttgart! You will have to conquer some so-called “Stäffele” – which are stairs that you find scattered throughout the city.

Stuttgart Fernsehturm (TV tower)

The TV tower is one of the city’s landmarks. From the viewing platform you have a wonderful view of the city. The platform is not behind glass, meaning that its more open and unrestricted, which we think is great. We were there for the sunset and enjoyed a really nice atmosphere. Can definitely recommend this spot!

Information about the Stuttgart TV tower

Address: Jahnstraße 120, 70597 Stuttgart Directions: U-Bahn Station Ruhbank, from there its about 10 minutes walk Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 11pm, Friday to Sunday from 9am to 11pm Admission: 9 Euro (free with the StuttCard)

Eugensplatz

The Eugensplatz is smaller than we would have expected, but very nicely located. Especially in spring and summer, the place is definitely worth a visit. You can get an ice cream in the nearby ice cream parlour and then enjoy the view of the city.

Information about the Eugensplatz

Directions:  Eugensplatz (U15)

Killesberg Tower

The fascinating construction of the Killesberg tower alone, makes it worth a visit. It stands on the area of ​​the Killesberger Höhenpark, a very popular destination. Don’t worry though, because you will get there quite quickly with the U-Bahn as it’s just a few stations away from the main station. From the top you have a great 360-degree view of Stuttgart and the surrounding area.

Information about the Killesberg Tower

Address: Thomastraße 99, 70192 Stuttgart, Directions: U15 Killesberg Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from about 7am until dusk Admission: 50 cents

Kunstmuseum – Art museum

In search of a view over the famous Schlossplatz, we landed in the Kunstmuseum. On the last floor there is a restaurant, which we didn’t stop by as it looked a little too fancy – but you can enjoy exactly the same view from right beside it. You simply take the lift to the last floor of the museum and – voilà, you’re already there.

Information about the view from the Kunstmuseum

Address: Kleiner Schlossplatz 1, 70173 Stuttgart Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from morning until midnight

The Karlshöhe is one of the most famous and most visited lookout points in Stuttgart. Especially at sunset, many come here after work to drink and chill in the famous beer garden “Czechs & Sons”. Small note: to get a nice spot on a beautiful day, a little patience is required.

Another info for photographers: The sun sets behind the Karlshöhe. This means: one does not see the sunset from the beer garden itself, but “only” the sunlit city, which of course is very nice.

Information about the Karlshöhe

Address: Humboldtstraße 44, 70178 Stuttgart Directions: hop out at the U-Bahn station Marienplatz (U1, U21), from there, you walk over the Willy-Reichert-Staffel Opening Hours for Beer Garden: Monday to Sunday, from 11am to midnight

Weissenburgpark

The view from Weissenburgpark is also very pretty. You can visit the well-known Tea House, which is located in the Jugendstil-Pavilion. We can recommend you to visit, especially in the late afternoon or at sunset.

Information about Weissenburgpark

Address: Hohenheimer Str. 119, 70184 Stuttgart U-Bahn Station: Bopser (U5 U6, U7, U12, U17) Opening Hours for Tea House: March to October: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 11pm

Restaurant Reiskorn

Just fantastic! This place serves a mix of international cuisine from all over the world – the best of the best, so to speak. The restaurant is not purely vegetarian, but definitely suitable for vegetarians and vegans. There is a tiny, but wonderfully decorated courtyard and also a Schanigarten (with chairs and tables set up) in front of the restaurant. The only drawback is that they are only open in the evenings. Absolutely highly recommended!

Address: Torstraße 27, 70173 Stuttgart U-Bahn Station: Rathaus (U11, U21, U24)

Zimt & Zucker

Very nicely furnished and quiet café. There are cakes, tarts, breakfast, lunch and of course tea and coffee. We opted for the cheesecake, which was delicious.

Address: Weißenburgstraße 2C, 70180 Stuttgart U-Bahn Station: Österreichischer Platz (U1, U14, U21)

The Hüftengold is somewhat of an institution, because hardly will we come across a blog article about Stuttgart, which does not mention this place. They serve breakfast and lunch, with coffee and cake in between. We were there for lunch and had some very delicious food. Cool thing: For dessert, you have the choice of ordering an espresso with a half portion of cake.

Address: Olgastraße 44, 70182 Stuttgart U-Bahn Station: Olgaeck

The Lumen is located in the west of Stuttgart and is breakfast, lunch and dinner all in one. The place has a “shabby chic” style design and is very cozy – a bit like a large living room. We were there for breakfast and found it very delicious.

Address: Schwabstraße 65, 70197 Stuttgart U-Bahn Station: Schwab-/Babelstraße

By coincidence, we passed Eduard’s and, if we’re being completely honest, found ourselves attracted by its chic design. The restaurant is located in the pedestrian area of ​​Stuttgart next to the Great Market Hall. We can recommend a visit especially in spring and summer, as you can sit outside. Perfect for a little snack after sightseeing!

Especially in the city centre, you’ll find you can reach a lot of places on foot, but for other destinations (such as TV tower, Grabkapelle Chapel, etc.) you are dependent on public transport. Luckily, Stuttgart has a very large underground and rail network. We will share with you 2 ways of getting around Stuttgart:

Option 1: The StuttCard

If you plan to visit several sights, then the StuttCard is definitely worth it! We had one of these and loved it. With the StuttCard you have free admission to all museums and many other discounts. There is a particular variant in which the ticket for public transport is also included. For a 72 hours StuttCard pass, it will cost you 45 euros and you can easily order the StuttCard online.

You can book the ticket in advance here: StuttCard (with public transport)

Option 2: A 3-day ticket of the VVS

The Traffic Association of Stuttgart (VVS) offers a special 3-day ticket for visitors , in which this 19 Euros ticket also includes the ‘getting to’ and ‘getting from’ the airport journey. You will receive the ticket either at the airport (Tourist Information Centre) or in the Info Centre “i-Punkt” near the main train station (Königstraße 1 A).

We spent a total of three nights in Aloft Stuttgart and felt very at home. The hotel opened in 2015 and is therefore still fairly new. The rooms are not huge, but big enough. One of the best attributes was the bed: rarely do we experience such comfortable hotel beds.

The location of the hotel is next to the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) and not far from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Big plus: The U-Bahn Subway station called “Stadtbibliothek” is almost right at the doorstep. Despite some of the rooms facing the street, the windows seem to be extremely well insulated in blocking out external noise. We would gladly come back!

You can check out the hotel here: Aloft Stuttgart

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links & Invitation

We were invited by Stuttgart Tourismus for three nights, however, we paid for the majority of the restaurant visits mentioned here. We had the freedom of designing the program completely to our own accord. Many thanks to Stuttgart Tourismus for the great trip! This blog article contains affiliate links, so if you buy or book through these link, then we will get a small commission. This doesn’t change the prices for you at all!

Have you done a city trip to Stuttgart? Do you have any further tips for sights, activities or restaurants? We look forward to hearing your experiences!

You might also be interested in this

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11 Very Best Things To Do In Stuttgart

Nestled in the southwest of Germany, Stuttgart is a city that’s well worth a visit. You see, there are heaps of the best things to do in Stuttgart dotted all across the city – and just outside. This all makes it a great place to base yourself for a long weekend trip to visit the wider Baden-Württemberg region.

This all being said, it can be tough to nail down the best places in the city, especially if you haven’t visited this area of Germany before.

Over the years, we’ve visited Stuttgart many times and in different seasons. So, hopefully, we can show you some of the best things to do in Stuttgart whatever time of year you visit. 

Have the best time visiting Stuttgart. 

1.) Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Started in 1843 within a Neoclassical building, Staatsgalerie is still alive to this day. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Stuttgart if you’re into your art as it houses thousands of pieces inside. 

Now, Staatsgalerie Stuttgart was made even bigger with a newer annexe (in the 1980s). Inside, it holds art from the 20 th century, such as pieces by Picasso, Dali, Matisse, Salvador, Joan Miro and Franz Marc. It’s so impressive to see, even if you don’t consider yourself an art buff. 

Once here, you will be able to find Annibale Carracci’s Corpse of Christ and the 16 th -century Herrenberger Altar by Jerg Ratgeb in Staatsgalerie. Just keep an eye out for the pieces inside the original building, too. It mostly shows Baroque and Renaissance interests, with paintings and sculptures by Rembrandt, Rubens and Hans Memling. 

Oh yeah, and if you’re a student (under 21) you can also blag free entry, too. 

We loved it. 

Read more: Best places in Germany to visit  

2.) Mercedes Benz Museum

Now, if you’re into your cars, you’ll love the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Not only does it detail the long history of the brand but it also talks about future cars and technology, too. 

You see, part of the Mercedes Benz Museum focuses on the brand’s history while the other shows the amazing diversity of vehicles which Mercedes-Benz manufactured. 

Inside, there are over 160 vehicles and thousands of exhibits. 

Take a peek at the birth of the automobile with a visit to the Mercedes Benz Museum for a few hours and totally immerse yourself in everything Mercedes Benz. 

Also, if you want to make your trip around Stuttgart that bit easier (or you’re short on time), book this hop-on-and-off bus tour of the city. It’s a great way to get dropped off at the best places in Stuttgart – all without the hassle of organising your travel. 

Read more: Our visit to the Mercedes Benz Museum

3.) Porsche Museum

Not done with cars? Well, then head to the Porsche museum. It’s one of the best things to do in Stuttgart if you’re into your autos. That being said, two car museums might be too much if you’re not really into cars and their history. 

If you do decide to visit, one of the iconic things to do is see the Porsche Touchwall. It’s an interactive part of the Porsche museum and well worth exploring with the rest of the family.

Here, you can use touch frames to see over 3,000 photos, advertisements and drawings from Porsche’s archive.

In addition, Porsche in the Mix is another interactive area of the museum where you can play the sounds of horns, engines and brakes of the different models Porsche has developed through the years.

With these sounds, you can become your own DJ and create an original music track and send it to yourself via email.

4.) Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden

Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden are one of the most popular spots in Stuttgart to visit, especially on a warm sunny day.

Now, the Neo-Moorish-styled buildings were initially made for King Wilhelm I, who is a Swabian King, for it to serve as a private royal retreat.

Though nowadays, the buildings were then repurposed into a place for plants and animals. They specifically look after juvenile gorillas that were rejected by their mother. This way, the experts and zoologists can help rear the gorillas so they don’t starve. 

Oh, also, as you wander the Botanical Gardens, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the magnolia grove. It’s said to be the largest in Europe.

Afterwards, Book this Stuttgart river cruise across the city to Marbach. It’s a great way to chill out and give your feet a rest after a long day strolling the city. 

5.) Solitude Palace

Also known as Stuttgart Palace, visiting Solitude Palace is one of the best things to do in Stuttgart for its incredible history. 

Way back when Solitude Palace was originally built as a private hunting lodge by a former duke of Wurttemberg. It’s both beautiful inside and out. 

Perched on the outskirts of Stuttgart, you can find beautiful gardens you can stroll around before entering the palace itself. 

That being said, once inside, you can find several rooms to explore and art to see. We loved our visit and spent around 3 hours wandering the corridors and grounds of Solitude Palace.

6.) St John’s Church

The 19th-century St John’s Church is a Gothic church which holds heaps of history and is well worth visiting as you stroll Stuttgart.

This structure was carefully rebuilt after experiencing bombing attacks during World War II. However, the Tower of Johanneskirche was intentionally left unfinished to serve as a memorial.

Not only that, the details of the church inside have been carefully restored, and you’ll get to wander around and see the stunning architecture that makes up the church. 

One of the notable parts of the church is the stained glass windows. 

Afterwards, head through the Schillerplatz Square (which is the historic centre of Stuttgart).

Here, you’ll be able to pop into the Old Castle and see a structure that dates back over 1,000 years.

Plus, you’ll get to check out the Museum Württemberg (Landesmuseum Württemberg), too. 

Inside, you can check out the seasonal exhibits and the permanent collections that show off everything from Roman exhibits to ancient history. 

7.) Sepulchral Chapel (Württemberg Hill)

Experience a different kind of trip and adventure as you visit Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill. Commonly known as Grabkapelle Rotenberg whilst in Stuttgart, it’s a spot that’s well worth visiting whilst in the city.

Originally built in 1820 in memory of King Wilhelm I’s beloved wife, you can stretch your legs and explore the stunning neoclassical chapel and vineyards in the area.

Getting peckish? Head to the nearby Rotenberger Weingärtle restaurant. It’s a Swabian eatery that serves up some of the best Käsespätzle in the region.

8.) Stuttgarter Staffele

Stuttgart’s slopes around the city are mostly covered by several vineyards, which are known all across Germany for their delicious wines.

While Stuttgart has expanded over the decades, the stairways that winegrowers have utilized since the 19 th century remain.

This is the hidden Staffel. There are more than 400 hidden stairways in the city which are pretty epic to find.

These stairways will bring you several incredible views of Stuttgart and are well worth seeing.

One of the more popular stairways is the Willy Reichert Staffel. This will bring you to Karlshohe Park where you can also have a well-earned tipple in the summer garden.

9.) Public Library Stuttgart

One haven for book lovers in Stuttgart is the Public Library Stuttgart. It’s one of the best things to do in Stuttgart, especially if you consider yourself a bookworm. 

That being said, anyone can appreciate the beauty of this modern library and it’s well worth seeing as you pass.

With several books and floors found inside, you will never run out of reading nooks. This is also a nice chill, but of course, you should be mindful of other reading guests.

Now, whilst the library is pretty cool if you’re not intending to stay and read, it will likely just be a photo spot for 10-minutes. If that sounds like you, don’t make a special trip – just pop in if you’re passing. 

Oh, and if you’re hungry, there’s a little rooftop café located on the 8 th floor of the building, too. 

10.) Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

Said to be one of Europe’s largest Baroque buildings, Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is a must-see and one of the best things to do in Stuttgart. 

Once here, make sure to check out the lavish interiors and enjoy the many rooms that are so beautiful to see. 

Around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Stuttgart, it’s the kind of place you can visit for a lazy afternoon away from the bustling streets.

We ended up spending about 4 hours here (by which point we were so hungry) and totally loved it. 

Read more: Visiting Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

11.) Esslingen and Hohenzollern Castle

Fancy a day trip from Stuttgart? Well, hop in the car and head over to the medieval city of Esslingen .

Now, if you’re visiting in Winter, be sure to head across and explore the Christmas Market that uses fire to light the streets and feels like heading back to the 1600s.

It’s such a special experience – we spent about 5 hours here and loved it.

If that’s not your thing, head to Hohenzollern Castle which is just like a fairytale. I know that sounds totally cheesy but it really does feel like that. 

You’ll pay a small entrance fee to get inside the castle, but it’s well worth it. Just be sure to give yourself around 2-3 hours to go around the rooms and the grounds.

It’s such a great experience and well worth making the effort to see when visiting Stuttgart. 

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart (Germany)

In the vine-decked Neckar Valley, Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. For hundreds of years until the 19th century the city was the seat of the Counts and then the Kings of Württemberg, and they left behind royal palaces for that have become government buildings and museums.

Stuttgart was also the city of car-making royalty, as the place where the first car and motorcycle were invented by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler respectively. The headquarters for both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are in Stuttgart and the stylish new museums for both brands are not to be missed. These are a couple of examples of Stuttgart’s head-turning architecture, joined by an Art Nouveau market hall, a house by Le Corbusier and a state-of-the-art new library.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Stuttgart :

1. Staatsgalerie

This excellent art museum started out in 1843 and is still partly set within its original Neoclassical building.

In the 1980s the architect James Stirling helped raise the museum’s profile with an ambitious Post-Modern extension.

The newer annexe holds 20th-century art by Matisse, Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Piet Mondrian and Joan Miró.

The original building is filled with painting and sculpture up to the 1800s, with a particular interest in the Renaissance and Baroque masters like Rubens, Rembrandt and Hans Memling.

A couple of masterpieces to keep in mind are the Corpse of Christ by Annibale Carracci and Jerg Ratgeb’s 16th-century Herrenberger Altar.

2. Mercedes-Benz Museum

Visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in a curved metallic building with a double helix, is partly a journey back to the birth of the automobile.

Karl Benz invented what is considered the first true car in 1886. The double helix design allows for two parallel audio-guided tours; one dipping into the distinguished history of the brand, and the other showing the great diversity of vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.

And because of that double helix design you can swap from one tour to the other at any moment.

The two routes converge when you arrive in the present day and size up the brand’s 21st-century innovations.

In all there are 160 vehicles and 1,500 or more exhibits.

3. Porsche Museum

At Zuffenhausen, a little way up the road from Stuttgart, are the headquarters of another automobile brand of international fame.

The Porsche Museum has been around since the 70s but got a stylish redesign ten years ago and reopened in 2009. The museum uncovers the early days of the brand, and recounts the many innovations of engineer and founder, Professor Ferdinand Porsche, the man who invented the VW Beetle and the first gasoline-electric hybrid.

There are multi-sensual, interactive displays, like a new sound installation you can control and a “touch wall”. Timeless classics like 356, 911 and 917 are just some of an 80-strong fleet of vehicles at the museum.

What’s great is that nearly all are in driving condition and are transported around the world for heritage races; you can even look inside the workshop where they’re maintained.

4. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

This much-loved zoo and botanical garden is in the north of Stuttgart on the grounds of a royal palace.

The Wilhelma was first landscaped as a pleasure park during the reign of William I, and he picked a Moorish Revival theme for the royal bathhouse, which is a miniature version of the Alhambra in Granada.

The park opened to the public in 1880 and was rebuilt as a zoo following damage in the war.

There are more than 1,000 species at the zoo, exceeded only by the Berlin Zoo.

Drawing the most attention are the many great apes like chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans.

The steamy Amazon House is also special, growing 2,000 plant species among habitats for mammals, reptiles and fish.

And then there’s the botanical garden, which has Europe’s largest magnolia grove, thousands of orchid species and dozens of varieties of camellia and azalea.

5. Killesbergpark

Landscaped for a horticultural show in 1939, the Killesbergark is 50 hectares of gardens, fountains and sculptures in a former quarry on high ground in a northern borough of Stuttgart.

Eighty years later the park continues to host gardening events, and its Tal der Rosen “Valley of Roses” is a wonder in summer, as are the 200 dahlia varieties.

There’s a catalogue of public art in the park bringing both whimsy and sophistication.

Most eye-catching being the Killesbergturm, which we’ll come to next.

Children are also very well catered for: They can feed donkeys, ponies and goats at the farm, and in summer ride both a narrow-gauge steam railway and a diesel-powered tram.

6. Killesbergturm

The most memorable thing in the Killesbergturm is a 40-metre cable-stayed tower by the structural engineer Jörg Schlaich.

The award-winning, cone-shaped structure opened in 2000. Two sets of stairs in a double helix format lead to four platforms at 8, 16, 24 and 31 metres.

Combined with the high ground, it leaves you with a supreme, far-reaching view of the city and Neckar Valley.

The tower is safe, but when the wind blows you’ll feel it swaying in the breeze, which can be a bit unnerving if you’re wobbly when it comes to heights.

7. Schlossplatz

In the heart of Stuttgart, this square effuses power and gravitas.

A lot of that comes from the facade of the Neues Schloss, the Classical seat of the kings of Württemberg and HQ for ministries of the Baden-Württemberg state government.

The space in front has been a private pleasure garden and parade ground in its time, but today is a place for the people of Stuttgart to gather for open-air concerts or when there’s something big to celebrate.

A few steps back is a formal garden embellished with fountains and a monumental column for William I. On the south side is the Gothic Old Palace for the Counts of Württemberg, now the state museum, and to the north is the unmissable cupola of the Kunstgebäude, built for the Württemberg Art Association in the 1910s.

• 8. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

On the southwest corner of Schlossplatz is a modern landmark.

The facade of the Kunstmuseum changes depending on when you pass by.

By day it’s a large, reflective glass cube.

But when the interior is illuminated at night you can see the limestone walls behind the glass.

The design of the galleries inside is also exciting as they make use of a 5,000 square-metre system of disused tunnels in a subtle and imaginative way.

The museum was born in 1924 on the back of a donation by Count Silvio della Valle di Casanova and covers Swabian, German and Swiss art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Look for the works by the Realist and early Modernist Adolf Hölzel, and the Concrete Artist Dieter Roth.

Otto Dix takes centre stage though, for his Portrait of the Dancer Anita Berber from 1925.

9. Solitude Palace

Posted on a ridge to the west of Stuttgart is a residence and hunting retreat commissioned by the 18th-centruty Duke of Württemberg, Charles Eugene.

Solitude Palace is the Stuttgart equivalent to Berlin’s Sanssouci, a peaceful escape from court life, and the duke oversaw almost every aspect of the design.

You can see for miles from the top of this ridge, and at the northern gate watch the arrow-straight Solitudeallee extend all the way to the royal palace at Ludwigsburg 13 kilometres in the distance.

The palace has Rococo and Neoclassical architecture, and is enriched with glorious ceiling frescoes by the Frenchman Nicolas Guibal.

The best bit is the Weisse Saal (White Hall), under the palace’s striking central dome.

10. Königstraße

To get some real shopping done, go to the 1.2-kilometre boulevard leading diagonally through Stuttgart-Mitte.

Königstraße has been pedestrianised since 1977, and in 2014 received 12,795 visitors per hour, making it the third most frequented shopping street in Germany.

Nine out of ten shops on the street belong to chains, and all the usual names are on hand (Uniqlo, Zara, H&M). Königstraße has long been held in high regard by Stuttgart’s citizens, and once had residences for members of the Württemberg court.

Its current route was plotted by King Friedrich at the start of the 19th century when he relocated his stables and the Eberhardskirche to this street from Solitude Palace.

11. Württemberg Mausoleum

You can catch the bus or S-Bahn to Untertürkheim in the east of Stuttgart, where there’s a solemn royal memorial standing over rows of vines above the Neckar Valley.

The Württemberg Mausoleum was built by William I at the start of the 1820s following the death of his wife Catherine Pavlovna of Russia.

The memorial is in the Palladian style and is the resting place of Catherine, William and their daughter Marie Friederike Charlotte von Württemberg.

The chapel is open in the summer for sightseeing, and has dreamy vistas of Stuttgart.

Above the western entrance reads the inscription “Die Liebe höret nimmer auf“, “Love never ceases”. The family tombs are in the crypt, and the space below the dome produces a haunting echo.

12. Weissenhof Estate

In 1927 world’s leading architects were invited to design 21 buildings for the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition (German Association of Craftsmen). The project was overseen by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the estate is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of the 11 surviving buildings.

Sadly the remaining ten, including designs by Walter Gropius and Hans Poelzig, were claimed by the war, but what has been left is an unrivalled document of avant-garde architecture.

There are buildings by Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Peter Behrens and Jacobus Oud, all in one place.

13. Weissenhofmuseum

Le Corbusier’s building was intended as a showcase for his International style, and this pair of semi-detached houses has since become a museum.

They have his trademark clean lines, demonstrating the technical possibilities created by materials like steel, concrete and glass to increase airflow and the amount of natural light inside.

One of the semi-detached houses is a museum about the Weissenhof Estate, with lots of interesting details like plans, models and contemporary photos of the buildings that have been lost.

The other house has been left as Le Corbusier intended, complying with his “Five Points” and equipped with stowaway beds, sliding doors and a roof terrace.

14. Stiftskirche

The collegiate church in the Innenstadt has the same outline as a church constructed much earlier, in the 900s.

The oldest architecture on the current building is Romanesque style and from the 13th century, with later extensions in an Early Gothic (nave) and then High Gothic style (choir). The current church was built by the 13th-century Count Ulrich I, who resided close by at the Old Castle.

In the chapel of the south tower are tombs for him and his wife Agnes von Schlesien-Liegnitz.

After Ulrich I, and until 1677, the chancel became the burial place for every count of Württemberg . On the north wall is a row of memorial statues for all 11 counts, all sculpted during the Renaissance in 1574.

15. Linden Museum

Stuttgart has what many consider to be the finest ethnological museum in Europe.

The artefacts gathered from Africa, the Far East, Oceania and North and Latin America are like a trip around the world under one roof.

The pieces span hundreds of years and include Indian sculptures going back to the 700s, a 19th-century Native American transformation mask and 800-year old sculptures from Japan’s Kamakura Dynasty.

The collection has been assembled in stages since the 1800s, and now the museum’s aim is to showcase the beauty of other cultures, stimulate debate and promote understanding.

16. Markthalle

The city’s central market hall is a part of many people’s daily routine, even after total destruction in the war and then a fire in the 1990s.

As a gourmet destination the Markthalle has stalls selling specialty foods and exotic treats alongside staples like meat, cheese, vegetables, wine, confectionery and flowers.

The Markthalle was built in 1914 and has a graceful Art Nouveau design.

You don’t even need to look for anything in particular to appreciate the building and its soaring roof, immaculately presented stalls, bustling atmosphere and the scent of spices and freshly prepared food.

You can take it all in from the gallery on the first floor where there’s an Italian restaurant.

17. Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz

The new central library hall opened close to the Hauptbahhof in 2011 and was designed by South Korean architect Eun Young Yi.

The architecture and ethereal white interior put this on the list of things you have to see in Stuttgart.

The cube-shaped exterior is inconspicuous, apart from at night when its panels are illuminated.

But go in (entrance is free) and you’ll step into a huge, cathedral-like hollow space lit from above by a glass roof.

The bookshelves and reading areas line the walls and there’s an almost bewildering system of stairways linking each floor.

Go to the very top and there’s a cafe in the attic with clear views of Stuttgart.

18. Fernsehturm

Lots of Modernist television towers sprouted across Germany in the middle of the 20th century, but Stuttgart’s was the first, and its reinforced concrete construction would be replicated many times.

Topped off at 216 metres, the tower was completed by 1956 at an eye-watering cost of 4.2 million marks.

That sum would be recouped by the start of the 1960s through ticket sales.

You can see what the fuss was about by taking the lift to the observation decks at 150 metres.

The tower stays open until 23:00 in summer, and the sunset and Stuttgart’s lights are well worth the entry fee if you pick a clear day.

In the daytime you can relish the views with a cup of coffee and a pastry at the cafe.

19. Birkenkopf

The highest hill in Stuttgart is partly man-made.

Birkenkopf is a literal mountain of rubble cleared from the ruins of the city following Allied bombing in the Second World War.

That masonry added an extra 40 metres to a hill that now crests at 511 metres above sea level and has a prominence of around 300 metres over the Neckar River.

A walk to the top is an opportunity to reflect on the war, and a large piece of rubble beside at the summit has a plaque stating that the hill is a memorial to the dead and a warning to the living.

At the top you can see as far as the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura.

20. Landesmuseum Württemberg

In the Old Castle on Schlossplatz is a museum about the art, handicrafts, archaeology and ethnography of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

An intriguing fact about the collections is that they derive from the royal cabinets of curiosity first assembled in the 1500s.

In the underground vaults is an astounding assortment of Renaissance clocks, and you can go from there to the Ernesto Wolf Collection, which has gathered an array of glass encompassing four millennia.

Further up you can view the Crown Jewels of Württemberg, medieval sacred art and a marvellous variety of Celtic artefacts, like weapons, jewellery, tools and cookware.

And from the royal cabinet of curiosities are two of the world’s four surviving Aztec feather shields, a card game dating to 1430 and a celestial globe designed by the 15th-century astronomer Johannes Stöffler.

21. Neckarpark

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is in a 55-hectare complex for events, entertainment and sport on the right bank of the Neckar River.

As well as the museum, the Neckarpark contains the Mercedes-Benz Arena, home stadium of the football team, VfB Stuttgart.

Also in the park is the Porsche-Arena, for high-profile indoor sports, and various exhibition halls and sports facilities.

There are three sports teams and 12 sporting associations based in the park.

Try to come when there’s something big on, because the Neckarpark really kicks into top gear during a citywide event.

The largest of these are the three-week Cannstatter Volksfest in Autumn, and the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival), in late-April/early-May.

22. Standseilbahn Stuttgart

In Heslach to the southwest of Stuttgart there’s an elegant funicular railway shuttling up the slope from the Südheimer Platz U-Bahn station to the Stuttgart Degerloch cemetery.

The railway line is part of the public transport network, has heritage protection, and its cars are made from dark teakwood.

When it was complete in 1929 the Standseilbahn was the first semi-automatic cable railway in Europe.

Those two handsome cars are originals, even if one had to be restored after being hit by a tree in 1999. The trip to the top takes four minutes, and drops you off at a graveyard in the forest.

You could use the upper station as a starting point for a walk in the woods.

23. Gottlieb Daimler Memorial

Car aficionados can’t afford to miss this piece of automotive history on Taubenheimstraße.

The Gottlieb Daimler Memorial is the large shed where Daimler and fellow engineer Wilhelm Maybach worked tirelessly in the 1880s to develop a liquid petroleum engine that he hoped could power vehicles on land, water and even in the air.

It was here that they invented the first light sprinting motor, as well as a two-wheeled “riding wagon”, the first ever motorcycle and the “Neckar”, the first ever motorboat.

By 1887 the workshop had become too small and the pair relocated to a factory.

The old atmosphere of a workshop has been recreated, and there are models, photos, sketches, diagrams and a reproduction of that riding wagon.

24. Cannstatter Volksfest

For three weeks between September and October the Neckarpark Stuttgart puts on the second largest beer festival in the world, after Munich’s Oktoberfest.

The Cannstatter Volksfest began as a harvest festival to revitalise the city following a disastrous crop failure in the Year Without a Summer in 1816. This has burgeoned into a large-scale beer festival and funfair.

Seven huge tents seat thousands of revellers, and are named after the breweries that supply the beer.

The Fruchtsäule, a 26-metre column adorned with fruit, is at the heart of the celebrations and harks back to the time of the Württemberg monarchy.

And as for the funfair and market, you may never have seen something on this scale before.

There are 60 or more stalls, dozens of amusement stands, up to 100 places serving food, and all manner of rides like rollercoasters, carousels and Ferris wheels.

25. Stuttgart Christmas Market

There are no half measures in Stuttgart at Christmas time either.

Beginning on the last Thursday of November the centre of the city at Schloßplatz.

All the streets and squares north and west are overrun with hundreds of stalls.

Each open space has something different going on.

So at the Renaissance Courtyard of the Old Palace there are dignified concerts for seasonal classical music, while Schloßplatz itself is a winter wonderland with a fairytale theme, miniature railway and skating rink.

Stuttgart’s Christmas tradition is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1692.

25 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart (Germany):

• Staatsgalerie
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Porsche Museum
• Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden
• Killesbergpark
• Killesbergturm
• Schlossplatz
• Solitude Palace
• Königstraße
• Württemberg Mausoleum
• Weissenhof Estate
• Weissenhofmuseum
• Stiftskirche
• Linden Museum
• Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz
• Fernsehturm
• Landesmuseum Württemberg
• Standseilbahn Stuttgart
• Gottlieb Daimler Memorial
• Cannstatter Volksfest
• Stuttgart Christmas Market

20 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stuttgart

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Although Stuttgart, capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany , is widely known as a leading commercial center and home of two major automobile manufacturers, it is also one of Germany's most appealing cities for tourists.

A pair of outstanding art museums, two state-of-the-art automobile museums, one of Europe's top zoos, sumptuous palaces, and one of Germany's largest Christmas markets draw visitors year-round. Architectural attractions represent Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and contemporary styles.

Stuttgart is easy for tourists to reach and to tour, with its Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) right in the center, within a short walk of the main attractions. The excellent S-Bahn system is easy to use and connects the city center to the airport and outlying attractions.

Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in and around Stuttgart.

See also: Where to Stay in Stuttgart

1. The Mercedes-Benz Museum

2. schlossplatz, 3. staatsgalerie stuttgart, 4. the porsche museum, 5. ludwigsburg palace, 6. altes schloss and landesmuseum, 7. wilhelma zoological and botanic garden, 8. have lunch at fernsehturm stuttgart, 9. take the train to esslingen, 10. the grabkapelle on württemberg hill, 11. schloss solitude, 12. schillerplatz and stiftskirche, 13. shop at the christmas market, 14. kunstmuseum stuttgart, 15. drive the black forest high road, 16. killesberg park and tower, 17. climb to eugensplatz, 18. schweinemuseum (pig museum), 19. the weissenhof estate, 20. stay and play at monrepos palace, where to stay in stuttgart for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in stuttgart.

Stuttgart can trace its long love affair with the automobile back as far as 1887, when Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach set up shop here. The Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates that more than 130 years of automotive history in over 1500 exhibits that cover nine floors and put the invention and development of the automobile into the context of each era's technology, daily life, and society.

At the heart of the exhibits are 160 vehicles: some of the first ever built, auto racing legends, and prototype cars of the future. Among the cars is the world's first motorcycle — a Daimler — from 1885, which bears almost no resemblance to today's, except that it has two large wheels (it also has two smaller ones that look a lot like kids' training wheels!)

You don't need to be car crazy to have a good time here, but for automobile lovers, this and the Porsche Museum (see below) are the two best places to visit in Stuttgart.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, Stuttgart

The expansive Schlossplatz is the focal point of the city. Surrounded by buildings dating from Stuttgart's past as a ducal and royal capital, this vast open space is well-used. Its green lawns and benches are popular places to catch some sun, and its gardens are pleasant places to stroll in good weather. In November, the square becomes a children's Christmas Market, with a miniature village, holiday rides, and a skating rink.

The Jubilee Column , erected at its center in 1841, commemorates King William I's 25 years of rule. Here, too, you'll find a cast-iron bandstand (1871); a fountain; and pieces of modern sculpture by Calder, Hrdlicka, and Hajek.

Dominating one side of the Schlossplatz is the massive Neues Schloss or New Palace. Built in late Baroque style and completed in 1807, the palace - once home to former kings - is now used by the state government.

Forming the opposite side is Königstrasse the city's 1200-meter-long pedestrianized shopping street, one of Germany's longest and best shopping districts. It ends at the massive Hauptbahnhof , the city's main rail station and, until current renovations, a landmark of early German Modernism.

From one look at the colorful exterior of Stuttgart's State Gallery , you know it's not another stodgy museum. The 1984 opening of the new building, designed by James Stirling and itself a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, marked the transformation of the museum into one of the finest art collections in Europe - and one of Germany's most visited museums.

Although it has an excellent representation of German Renaissance art, as well as Dutch and Italian masters from the 14th to 19th centuries, the Staatsgalerie is best known for its outstanding collection of 20th-century paintings.

With a special focus on the Classical Modern period from 1900 to 1980, the collections include significant works by Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Max Beckmann, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso among others.

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 30-32, Stuttgart

The dynamic architecture of the building Delugan Meissl designed for the Porsche Museum , supported by a trio of V-shaped columns, is intended to portray the nature of the brand itself. Inside, you can follow the development of Porsche vehicles through exhibits and the 80-plus vehicles on display. Audio guides in English highlight themes, such as the "Porsche DNA" that lives on in every model since the first.

The most popular part of the museum, even for those with little interest in automobiles and racing, is the interactive 12-meter Porsche Touchwall , where you can use touch frames to browse through more than 3,000 drawings, photos, posters, and advertisements from the vast historical archive.

In the interactive Porsche in the Mix sound installation, unique in the world, you can play the sounds of engines, horns, and brakes of various models throughout the years and mix them into an original music track. After composing your own piece of Porsche music, you can send it to yourself via email.

Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

North of Stuttgart, in the small city of Ludwigsburg, is the vast and lavishly decorated Ludwigsburg Palace , one of Germany's largest and loveliest Baroque palaces. In decorating his private apartments here, Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg spared no expense, commissioning the great fresco painter Matthäus Günther to decorate the walls, and papering even dressing rooms with hand-painted wall coverings.

A highlight is the grand Marble Hall, with magnificent chandeliers and its ceiling fresco of clouds against blue giving the impression of open sky. The oldest preserved palace theater in Europe , a galleried confection built for the duke in 1757, still has its original stage machinery, with a collection of rare 18th- and 19th-century stage sets. The Theatre Museum shows some of the ingenious mechanisms for moving these and for creating the illusions of thunder, rain, and wind.

The neo-Classical Schloss Favorite is a smaller palace on the property, which you can tour. Ludwigsburg offers a number of things to see and do: in addition to touring the apartments and theater museum, you can explore the magnificent gardens. With its beautiful Baroque Marktplatz, Ludwigsburg is one of the best small towns in Germany . In December, this is the scene of a Baroque Christmas Market, and in the autumn, the palace grounds host a popular Pumpkin Festival .

Address: Schlossstraße 30, Ludwigsburg

Overlooking one side of Schlossplatz is the massive Altes Schloss or Old Castle. There is no trace of its 10th-century origins; the existing building with its beautiful courtyard surrounded by multiple arcades was built between 1553-78.

The impressive structure now houses the Württemberg Landesmuseum , with its fascinating collections of medieval art, musical instruments, watches, and clocks, as well as the magnificent Württemberg royal crown and crown jewels.

Especially interesting are the archaeological collections, with rare artifacts tracing prehistoric inhabitants of the caves in the Swabian mountains, including the world's oldest human artworks. Later Celtic, Roman, and medieval pieces include rich grave finds of weapons and jewelry.

The modern glass collection is among the best in Europe, and a superb costume and textile collection focuses on 18th-century European decorative fabrics and textiles from the Art Nouveau period. In the south wing is the 16th-century palace church, with tombs of famous former residents and royalty.

Address: Schillerplatz 6, Stuttgart

Read More: Top-Rated Castles in Germany

Today one of Germany's largest zoos , with more than two million annual visitors, Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden was created as a private royal retreat for the Swabian King Wilhelm I. The buildings were constructed in the Neo-Moorish style, which was popular among European royalty in the mid-19 th century, and set among gardens in a large, green park.

Among the many things that make this zoo and botanic garden so outstanding is the way the fanciful historic buildings have been repurposed as the setting for animals and plants — and how these two have been integrated. For example, the Moorish Villa is now home to a combined animal and plant house, and a pavilion that was once the king's vantage point overlooking the Neckar River is now the Main Entrance.

The Belvedere Pavilion above the Sub Tropics Terraces and the Damascene Hall are still in use, as is the covered walkway lined with decorative terra cotta.

A state-of-the-art complex for African apes was added in 2013, especially to accommodate the needs of gorillas and bonobos, only two of the nearly 1,200 species represented here. Each of these, as well as the 8,500 plant varieties, is shown in a specific house or enclosure representing its native geography or environment.

These include the House for Animals of Prey, the Tropics House, the South America Enclosure, and the House for Tree Ferns. Although it's one of the most popular things to do in Stuttgart with children, this park and zoo is appealing to all ages.

Address: Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart

The world's first television tower would be interesting enough, but the 217-meter-tall Fernsehturm Stuttgart has the added attraction of an observation deck and restaurant, with sweeping views that reach across the city and Neckar Valley into the Swabian countryside, as far as the Black Forest and the Odenwald.

The tower opened in 1956 and soon became a prototype for such structures as far away as Johannesburg and Wuhan, China. Stuttgart engineer Fritz Leonhardt proposed the innovative concrete construction, with the suggestion that it could become a tourist attraction, as well as a transmission tower, and it quickly became one of the city's most visited spots. To get here, take the U-7, U-8, or U-15 subway line or the #70 bus to the Ruhbank stop.

Another interesting tourist attraction on the edge of the city with far-reaching views is the Birkenkopf , a 511-meter-tall hill built after World War II entirely from the rubble of destroyed buildings. As remarkable as the views may be, it's a thought-provoking experience knowing you're standing on the detritus of a war-torn city while looking down on the new one that rose from its ashes.

Address: Jahnstraße 120, Stuttgart

Only about 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of Stuttgart, the town of Esslingen feels centuries away. Its position at the point where ancient trade routes crossed the Neckar River was strengthened by the building of two bridges early in the medieval era and grew into a major trading center, protected by a hilltop castle , whose ramparts and towers you can explore for lovely views of the old town and Neckar below.

Down in the Old Town, you'll feel as though you'd stumbled into the Middle Ages, walking along street after street lined with half-timbered buildings . More than 200 of these remain, dating from the 13 th to the 16 th centuries. Other highlights are the church of St. Dionys, with the unusual bridge between its tall towers, and the lovely red Town Hall with its glockenspiel , a clock where moving figures perform.

The easiest way to get to Esslingen from Stuttgart is by train, a 15-minute ride.

Perched high upon the Württemberg overlooking Stuttgart and the Neckar valley is the Grabkapelle , the burial chapel of Queen Katharina, erected by King Wilhelm I as a monument to his beloved wife after her premature death in 1819.

Built between 1820 and 1824, this beautiful structure consists of a domed rotunda in Neoclassical style inspired by the Pantheon in Rome (it's also where Wilhelm himself is buried).

It is considered the most romantic spot in Stuttgart, in part because of its beautiful setting, but mainly because of Wilhelm's inscription above the entrance to the chapel, "Love never dies," in memory of his lost queen.

Address: Württembergstraße 340, Stuttgart

Located on a scenic vantage point a few miles outside of Stuttgart's city center, Schloss Solitude (Solitude Palace) was built for Duke Karl Eugen in 1763 as a hunting lodge and summer residence.

Designed in the late Rococo and early Neoclassical styles, the most sumptuously decorated rooms are in the central pavilion. Its highlight is the radiant Weisse Saal (White Hall) with its lovely domed roof, intricate decorative goldwork, and frescoed ceiling.

Outside, you can stroll through the manicured grounds and along the Solitude Allee , a broad tree-lined avenue commissioned by Duke Carl Eugen, which extends for more than 13 kilometers between Solitude Palace and the Palace at Ludwigsburg.

Address: Solitude 1, Stuttgart

Flanking the Old Palace is Schillerplatz, an old town square with a monument to Friedrich Schiller, poet, philosopher, historian, and dramatist - one of Germany's most famous cultural giants. The square is the site of a flower market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and in December joins the Schlossplatz and Marktplatz, on either side of Schillerplatz, as home to the Christmas Market.

One side of the square is formed by the Alte Kanzlei (Old Chancellery), and on the southwest side is the old Fruchtkasten (Granary) dating from 1390, and adjoining it, the choir of the Stiftskirche.

The two unmatched spires of the Stiftskirche, the Collegiate Church, tower above the small remnant of Stuttgart's Old Town. Founded in the 12th century on the site an older 10th-century church, Stiftskirche was rebuilt in Late Gothic style in the 15th century and reconstructed in 1958 after heavy damage in World War II. Highlights include a magnificent series of 16th-century Renaissance figures of the Counts of Württemberg, as well as its 17th-century burial vaults.

Germany is known for its Christmas markets , and one of the largest and best is in Stuttgart, with more than 280 vendors set up in rustic log cabins filling Marktplatz and Schillerplatz and lining the streets and squares between them. Each cabin is decorated with evergreen boughs and twinkling lights, and their roofs are topped with elaborate holiday scenes and motifs — there's a lively competition for the prize as each year's best.

Vendors display an eye-boggling assortment of beautiful handmade gifts — wooden toys, pottery, intricate ceramic houses, embroidery, puppets, knitted mittens and socks, felted hats, and holiday decorations of all sorts. Food is everywhere: sizzling sausages, spicy cookies, marzipan, chocolate, and roasting chestnuts.

An entire side of Schlossplatz is devoted to children , with a carousel and a Ferris wheel with cars like giant Christmas tree balls. They can ride a miniature train through a doll-sized town, ice skate, or make their own Christmas presents and cookies at kids-only booths. Special events seem to be happening all the time — a colorfully costumed band marches by, and the old castle courtyard rings with a choral concert. The market opens in late November and continues through December 23.

• Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Europe
• Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe

The bold design of the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart 's large glass cube stands in sharp contrast to the palaces and other buildings overlooking the Schlossplatz. But its glass exterior and white limestone interior walls are an appropriate home for an outstanding collection of contemporary and modern art.

The lean, clean lines; open spaces; and subtle indirect lighting of the exhibition galleries highlight the bold images and striking colors of Modernist works on display in its 5,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Highlights of the museum's extensive collection include some of the most important works by German artists Dieter Roth and Willi Baumeister, as well as the largest collection of important works by Otto Dix. His satirical paintings portray German high society during the post-World War I era, and interpretive signage identifies the actual subjects, who include celebrities of the 1920s.

Special exhibits highlight particular movements and artists' groups, such as the Swabian Impressionists.

Address: Kleiner Schloßplatz 1, Stuttgart

One of the most beautiful drives in Germany is along the 70-kilometer (44-mile) Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, Black Forest High Road. The route is well-named, for it climbs along the ridge of the Baden-Baden mountain range, ascending to more than 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet) for spectacular views of the Black Forest valleys and over the Rhine valley and the Vosges mountains in France.

The High Road begins in Baden-Baden, a 1.25-hour drive from Stuttgart, and follows Rte. B500 south to Freudenstadt. Several highlights along the route invite stops. At the glacial Lake Mummelsee , you can follow the path around the lake or rent pedalos to explore it from the water.

A wilderness path on the Bühlerhöhe is a popular thing to do for hikers, and the Lothar Path is a fascinating look at how nature recovers from a devastating hurricane. In 1999 Hurricane "Lothar" felled 40,000 hectares (99,000 acres) of forests in Baden-Württemberg. The Lothar Trail takes visitors through the area on boardwalks, ladders, stairs, and bridges through and above the damaged woodlands, showing how the forests are regenerating without intervention.

All along the route are stopping points and restaurants serving traditional Black Forest dishes. You can return on the same road for a different perspective of the views, or you can choose a route through the eastern part of the Black Forest, through a series of charming half-timbered towns.

Originally laid out in 1939 as part of a major horticultural show, Killesberg Park is a lovely 123-acre open space offering visitors several things to do. Many of its structures date back to its opening and are still used for flower shows and events, but the most recent attraction is the unusual Killesberg Tower.

This 40-meter-tall cone-shaped observation tower is made of metal stairs that spiral upwards on steel cables. Its open-air construction can be a bit unnerving, as can the slight swaying feeling on the uppermost of the observation platforms.

For a closer-to-the-ground experience, tour the park on the narrow-gauge Killesberg railway; both diesel and steam locomotives pull cars through the grounds - departures are frequent, so you can wait for a steam run. If you are visiting Stuttgart in July, be sure to visit Lichterfest Stuttgart , a festival during which thousands of lanterns decorate the park.

Address: Stresemannstraße, 70191 Stuttgart

It's a long climb up the Eugenstaffel , the broad flight of steps that begins beside the State Art Museum and leads to the lovely park and scenic overlooks of Eugensplatz. Or you can save the climb by taking bus #42 up Alexanderstrasse from Charlottenplatz. Below are wide walkways leading down through a hillside of greenery and across the center of a stair-stepped waterfall that splashes its way through the park.

At the top stands a statue of Galatea, a figure from Greek mythology, dating from 1890. The park is one of the locals' favorite places to visit in the summer for its cool breezes, its views of the city, and the ice-cream shop, Pinguin, just across the street.

Certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Stuttgart — or in any German city — is a visit to the Pig Museum . If there is any form of art that depicts a pig, you'll find it here, from finely worked sculptures and masterly pastoral paintings to china knick-knacks and a pink papier-mâché pig princess in a tulle tutu.

The more than 50,000 pigs from all over the world are displayed creatively and with a sense of humor, filling 29 themed rooms. An entire room is devoted to piggy banks, another to stuffed toys, and an attic-like room is devoted to larger pieces of fork art. Exhibits with signs in English and German explore everything from pig history and science to mythology.

The Guinness Book of World Records included it as " The Largest Pig Museum of the World " and after seeing it, you won't doubt it. The museum is a bit out of the center, but easy to reach on the U-9 tram or Bus #56.

Address: Schlachthofstraße 2, Stuttgart

Above the northern part of Stuttgart near the Academy of Fine Art, the Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung) is a pioneering and influential housing development built in 1927 for an exhibition by the Werkbund.

This group of leading international architects, which included Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius, threw off the flowing decorative forms of the Art Nouveau movement and became leaders of the Modernists by embracing functional geometric building designs with little or no ornament.

The semi-detached housing units used new construction methods as well, with steel frames and prefabricated elements. Eleven of the project's 21 original buildings survive, and you can see and learn about them in exhibits at the Weissenhof Museum , located in one of Le Corbusier's buildings.

Address: Rathenaustrasse 1- 3, Stuttgart

A 30-minute drive or train ride from Stuttgart, Monrepos Palace (Seeschloss Monrepos) is well worth the trip. When you see this stunning Rococo building, it may be difficult to remember that it was built as a hunting lodge. Completed in 1768 for Duke Carl Eugen, it sits overlooking a small lake with two tiny wooded islands, and is surrounded by a walking path.

Although no tours are offered of the interior, the grounds and lakeside park surrounding the palace are open to the public and free of charge. To fully enjoy the experience, rent a rowboat and admire the grandeur of this beautiful spot, then enjoy a picnic in the park's gardens.

If you are up for a stroll, you can walk the 1.6-mile Seeschlossallee to visit the estate's second "lodge," Schloss Favorite (Favorite Palace). Although much smaller than its sibling, this lovely Baroque palace is open for tours. While you're in the area, you can easily walk to the nearby Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg (Residential Palace), for a tour of its grant halls and theater.

While you can enjoy the property's general ambience as a day guest, an overnight or two at Schlosshotel Monrepos gives you the chance to really live like royalty.

Address: Monrepos 19, 71634 Ludwigsburg, Germany

Stuttgart's main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is a five-minute walk from the Schlossplatz, around which you'll find several of the city's major tourist attractions and its main shopping streets. Surrounded by hills, downtown Stuttgart can be very hot in the summer, and many mid-range and budget hotels have no air conditioning. An excellent U-Bahn and tram system makes getting around easy from any location, so hotels set on the hills can be more comfortable after a summer day's sightseeing. These are all highly rated hotels in Stuttgart:

Luxury Hotels :

• Kronen Hotel Stuttgart is a 10-minute walk from both the station and Schlossplatz and is known for its bountiful breakfast.
• Guest room balconies at luxurious Waldhotel Stuttgart overlook a woodland park, a short U-Bahn ride to the center; its own fine-dining restaurant is one of several choices in the hilltop neighborhood.
• A short walk from the center, City Hotel Stuttgart is in a hillside neighborhood with restaurants and on a U-Bahn line.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A few blocks from the business district, Wartburg Hotel has small pleasant rooms and accommodating staff.
• Rooms are somewhat more spacious at Hotel Unger beim Hauptbahnhof, only a block from the train station.
• Smart, modern Maritim Hotel Stuttgart has spacious rooms in a quiet neighborhood with restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the center and on tram and U-Bahn lines.

Budget Hotels:

• Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte , in the pedestrianized business district, a block from the Hauptbahnhof and Schlossplatz, has small and plain but comfortable rooms.
• Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof offers basic rooms in an excellent location close to the train station.
• In the city center, Novum Hotel Boulevard Stuttgart City is just behind the Rathaus and three blocks from the Old Palace and historic Schillerplatz.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit near Stuttgart: Stuttgart sits at the northern edge of Baden-Württemberg's beautiful Black Forest region . Also at the edge of the Black Forest, in the Rhine River Valley , is the spa town of Baden-Baden .

Discovering More of Germany: A short train ride to the north of Stuttgart is historic Heidelberg , and the same train line continues north to Frankfurt . Our page on day trips from Frankfurt will give you lots of ideas for the best places to visit from here.

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The 15 best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state Baden-Württemberg and a wonderful stop in any German itinerary. The city with a population of 632,000 is often overlooked . Cologne, Berlin, or Munich are more popular, but not necessarily more beautiful. In this guide, I’m going to show you the top things to do in Stuttgart.

I lived one year in Baden-Württemberg and have been to Stuttgart many times. It’s maybe a little bit less exciting than other cities in Germany, but the lack of international mass tourism allows you to explore a more authentic side of my beautiful home country .

You probably won’t need to stay more than one day (I’ll recommend some hotels further down below), but there are quite some exciting tourist attractions in Stuttgart you can explore. In fact, you might want to get a Hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket * as it will be the easiest and fastest way to get around.

Anyway, let’s get started, eh?

Tip: Read my Germany packing list to come prepared! *affiliate link

Top things to do in Stuttgart

1. new palace & schlossplatz.

The Neue Schloss Stuttgart is probably the main tourist attraction in town. It was built in the second half of the 18th century and dominates the gigantic Palace Square ( Schlossplatz ) in the heart of the pedestrian area.

You cannot go inside as a couple of state departments are still located inside. There’s only a small archeological museum in one of the cellars, but that’s not why you should visit. The whole square is incredibly beautiful and you can just breathe in the atmosphere here.

2. Old Castle

Right next to the New Palace, you’ll find the Old Castle where the rulers of Baden-Württemberg lived before they decided they needed a more lavish place to represent their might. Inside, you’ll find the Landesmuseum Württemberg , which is beyond magnificent.

The archeological department houses some of the most important finds from the UNESCO World Heritage in Blaubeurren & Swabian Jura , though there is also an amazing treasure vault and quite interesting exhibits from the celts or the Romans. The famous Lion’s head of Vogelherd is one of the oldest sculptures on this planet and believed to be 35,000+ years old. And yet it looks like it was carved just yesterday.

It’s definitely among the top 10 museums in Germany. I love all the modern displays. They often offer hidden drawers with additional information or videos to put a certain artifact into context! So, definitely put it on your list of things to see in Stuttgart

3. Mercedes-Benz Museum

I’m not sure Stuttgart would be the same city it is today, without the invention of the first gasoline-powered car in 1886. Daimler, Mercedes, Maybach – some of the most important household names in the whole car industry converge in Stuttgart. Even 140 years later, the car industry still dominates Stuttgart.

One of the best places to get in contact with this prestigious history is the Mercedes-Benz Museum on the outskirts. Over 1,500 exhibits, nine levels, and 16,500 m² of exhibition space will be a true highlight for all enthusiasts of motorized means of travel.

4. Wilhelma

Stuttgart is also the home of the fantastic Wilhelma . It’s a huge zoo and botanical garden built in a historical park. It’s both among the most visited and most popular zoos in Germany and their great-ape projects have been setting new standards for the breeding of these endangered species since 1972.

It’s one of the best things to do in Stuttgart with kids and quite an enjoyable place to go for a walk. They got over 1,200 species and 6,000 different plants from all climate zones of the planet. In short, don’t miss it!

5. Porsche Museum

There are two important automobile museums in Stuttgart. If you are a fan of fast cars, then the Porsche-Museum is a must-see. The building is quite spectacular as well, so if you are an avid photographer, then there are actually two reasons to visit!

The museum is a bit smaller than the Mercedes-Benz museum and there are only a bit less than 100 vehicles on display. Still, it’s an exciting place and you’ll be able to get close to some of the most iconic cars in the world.

6. Public Library Stuttgart

Book-lovers harken! The public library in Stuttgart will be your best bet to view a glimpse of paradise. The Stadtbibiliothek Stuttgart is only a short walk away from the central station and is an Instagram dream come true.

There is also a beautiful rooftop café on the 8th floor which you should definitely check out. Other than that, just explore the mighty cube, pick a book, sit down, and breathe in the fantastic architecture. There is little not to love about this place!

7. Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

There are quite a lot of art museums in Stuttgart, but the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart is probably the most popular one. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of old masters, Bauhaus and modern paintings. They usually also have a temporary exhibition.

I do want to be honest with you, though: The State Gallery can’t live up to the fabulous art museums in Munich . But it’s still an interesting place – especially on a rainy day!

8. Day trip to Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

Do you want to visit one of Germany’s fairy tale castles? Then the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace should be on your list. It’s a fantastic half-day trip from Stuttgart and here you can actually visit the actual palace and marvel at the lavish interiors. The park around the castle is equally magnificent.

Make sure to also visit the exquisite Favorite Castle ( Schloss Favorite ) while you are in town. The Baroque hunting lodge might be somewhat small, but it’s oh so pretty!

9. Solitude Palace

If you don’t want to drive all that far, Solitude Palace is an excellent alternative. It may be smaller, but it’s quite enchanting nevertheless. Also, the views from the palace of Stuttgart is nothing short of breathtaking.

12. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Baden-Württemberg’s capital has a fantastic home for contemporary art. The Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is definitely worth a visit and you’ll find it right across the street from the new palace.

I particularly love the restaurant on the top floor. The food is quite excellent and you’ll have a fantastic view of the inner city from here. It’s certainly not the cheapest place, but I personally think it’s worth it. Don’t expect traditional Swabian food, though!

10. Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill

Another beautiful view-point in Stuttgart, especially for watching the sunset, is the Sepulchral Chapel on the Württemberg Hill . The neo-classic memorial is so beautiful and houses the remains of King William I. of Württemberg and his second wife.

I really love this place – it’s just so serene and beautiful. Downtown Stuttgart can be quite busy and here you will get a good feeling for the beauty of the whole areas surrounding the capital of Baden-Württemberg.

12. Stiftskirche Stuttgart

Right in the heart of the city, you will find the Sfitskirche (“collegiate church”) – the most important Evangelical-Lutheran Chuch in Württemberg. It was bombed heavily during World War II, but its foundations can actually be traced back to the 10th century.

The interiors are rather plain and functional, but it’s two characteristic bell towers are still one of the most famous landmarks in Stuttgart. Some of the reliefs and windows survived WWII (mostly because they were taken out of the church in time). The mixture of old and new is quite interesting.

13. State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart

Stuttgart has quite an amazing natural history museum. If you are traveling with kids, then the Naturkunde Museum has to be on your list of things to do in Stuttgart. It’s quite an interactive place with lots of taxidermies of the most popular species on this planet.

14. Carl-Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart

Would you like to visit outer space? Well, right now it seems like you will need a lot of money to ever do so. But there’s a cheap solution – at the huge Planetarium Stuttgart , you can enjoy daily virtual reality shows that take you into space. Tickets are usually just 5 to 10€ (depending on the show) and it’s quite worth it!

15. Fernsehturm Stuttgart (television tower)

Would you like to get very high and enjoy a view of Stuttgart and the rest of Swabia? Then consider visiting the television tower . At the top of the 217-meter high tower, you can even find a restaurant. The perfect spot to observe the sunset!

Fun fact: The Stuttgart Television tower was the first of its kind in the world when it was finished in 1956 and served as a model for many other towers in the world. Before, most cell towers favored the construction used for the Eiffel Tower.

Other places to visit in Stuttgart

Stuttgart might be the capital of Baden-Württemberg, but there are actually not that many other popular things to do in the city. I personally love the Church at the Feuersee (“fire lake”). It’s one of the best photo spots in Stuttgart.

Also, you shouldn’t forget that there is a beautiful Opera and a famous theater just right behind the Palace. The Killesberg Park is a popular place where locals go for a walk.

Architect fans might enjoy visiting the cubist Weissenhof Estate or the Weissenhofmusuem at the House Le Corbusier.

Please keep in mind that some of the tourist attractions in Stuttgart (like the Wilhelma or the Porsche Museum) are not exactly in the city center. Even though the number of highlights is somewhat limited, it will take quite a bit of time to explore them – especially if you plan to explore the surrounding hills.

Where to stay in Stuttgart

Because Stuttgart is such an important center for the car industry, you’ll find plenty of options to stay a night in the city. Remember that Stuttgart has quite an excellent public transport system , so it’s doesn’t really matter a lot if you stay in the middle of the city or not.

For business trips, I personally am a huge fan of Motel One as they are always a combination of stylish, inexpensive and practical. I actually prefer them to many average luxury hotels (which is usually my preference). Anyways, here are my recommendations:

Luxury hotel in Stuttgart

• Le Méridien Stuttgart
• Hotel Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin

Mid-range hotels

• Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart
• Maritim Hotel Stuttgart

Budget hotels in Stuttgart

• Motel One Stuttgart
• ibis Styles Stuttgart

Best time to visit Stuttgart

I don’t think there is a good or bad time to visit Stuttgart. There will be a Christmas market in December which is quite lovely, but other than that, it really doesn’t matter when you visit . Weekends are usually quite busy, while a lot of museums will be closed on Mondays.

Things will be a bit busier during the European summer holidays, but nothing you would notice if you are familiar with other popular spots (like Neuschwanstein Castle , etc).

How to get from Munich to Stuttgart

There are regular train connections between Munich and Stuttgart . The highspeed trains take 2 hours and arrive at Stuttgart central station. They depart almost every hour. You can check your schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the German Railway Service .

There is also a bus between Stuttgart and Munich , but it only stops at the airport or further outside of the city . It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes (depending on the traffic), but only costs 9,90€. The train ticket will be around 50€. For budget-sensitive travelers, it can be a viable alternative, as there are very frequent & cheap connections between the airport and the city center.

You could also rent a car , which would make sense if you are traveling in a group of 3 or four. It won’t be faster than the train and will probably take around 2 hours and 30 minutes (just like the bus). Still, it’s a fairly easy route as the autobahn A8 connects the two towns. Just follow the signs saying “Stuttgart” which you will find on all major roads around Munich (or use google maps) to find your connection to the autobahn.

If you take the train, it is even possible to do a day trip from Munich to Stuttgart . I did it quite a couple of times!

Is Stuttgart worth visiting?

Stuttgart is a lovely town and certainly has its very unique charm. For car lovers, it’s certainly a must-visit. If you compare it to places like Bamberg or Nuremberg it probably can’t keep up. Stuttgart doesn’t have a medieval old town with half-timbered houses and neither is it a UNESCO World Heritage site like Bayreuth or Regensburg .

But it can be a nice stop in an extended Germany itinerary. The Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Wilhelma Zoo, and the Landesmuseum are true highlights and they could easily occupy you for a day! So, don’t hesitate to visit.

So, this was my guide to the best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany. I hope I was able to inspire you. Make sure to ask any questions in the comments below.

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Stuttgart Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Stuttgart, Germany

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S tuttgart, Germany, is the 6th largest city and is often overlooked for more popular destinations like Berlin and Munich . This can be an advantage as travelers will immerse themselves in a more authentic side of Germany. Getting to know Stuttgart will be the most memorable experience for any traveler. It’s an idyllic city with excellent transportation options and an exciting mix of modern, natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

We highly recommend spending more than a few days in Stuttgart to get the best experience. If you want some ideas on what to do during your stay in Stuttgart, here’s a list of the 15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany.

1. Visit the Stunning Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is the stunning palace square located in the heart of the city. It’s overlooked by the historic New Palace and surrounded by restaurants and other historic buildings.

Visiting Schlossplatz and being surrounded by the historic parts of the city is a great experience. During hot days, people can lounge on its grassy areas and admire the scenic environment.

2. Check out the Mercedes-Benz Museum

Stuttgart can boast of having a thriving car industry and being home to some of the world’s most recognizable and prestigious car brands. The city is where Mercedes-Benz first got its start 140 years ago, and it’s still where the brand calls its home.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum to view impressive historic collections that any car enthusiast will enjoy.

3. Relax in Nature at Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden host an impressive 10,000 species of animals from around the world. It’s pretty famous for its gorilla exhibit, which is the largest in Europe.

Another impressive aspect of this historic green facility is its gardens which contain over 5,000 different plant varieties. It’s highly recommended to visit during the spring.

4. Get Lost in Stuttgart City Library

Book lovers should head to Stuttgart City Library. It offers a minimalist modern design in a 9-story cube-shaped building, utterly unique for a library. Exploring the library is free, where visitors can relax and read literary pieces from all over the world.

The library also boasts having basement lockers for visitors, a rooftop terrace, and a cafe.

5. Shop Local and International Delicacies at Markthalle

Markthalle, or Market Hall when translated, is Stuttgart’s huge historic public market with 33 stalls. There’s a vast selection of goods to choose from representing delicacies and products from different parts of the world.

Don’t forget to also explore the second floor where you’ll find home good items and a restaurant.

6. Marvel the Gothic Architecture of St. John’s Church

St. John’s Church, or Johannekirche as known by the locals, is a stunning gothic-styled church located on a peninsula overlooking a lake called Fire Lake, or Feuersee. Simply admiring the church strolling along the lake makes for a spectacular sight and photos.

After being damaged during WWII, the church was restored but left its tower unfinished to serve as a war memorial.

7. Explore Stuttgart Palace

Just a few miles outside the city center, located atop a vantage point is the Stuttgart Palace, also known as Solitude Palace. It was built in 1763 to serve as a lodge and hunting grounds for Duke Carl Eugen von Wurttemberg.

Visitors can explore its impressive white halls and stroll through its expansive grounds. The sight of Stuttgart from the palace is also stunning.

8. Take in the Views at Fernsehturm Stuttgart

Stuttgart boasts of being the home of the first television tower in the world. The Fernsehturm, simply known as Television Tower, was built in 1956 and stands 217 meters high.

Visitors can ascend the tower and find a panoramic view of Stuttgart and miles beyond the city. There is also a panorama cafe at the top visitors can enjoy.

9. Climb the Killesberg Tower

Another tower to climb in Stuttgart, but only describing Killesberg Tower doesn’t paint the whole picture. Killesberg Tower is a beautiful work of art made up of metal stairs and connected steels spiraling 40 meters tall.

Visitors can climb up its steps at Killesberg Park to get a fantastic view of the surrounding nature and the city.

10. Go Back in Time at Esslingen

Take a day trip to Esslingen, just 17 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Explore the city’s Old Town, where the historic buildings and cobbled stone streets make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

Some of these buildings go back to the 13th to 16th centuries. Other must-see sights are Esslingen Castle, the red Town Hall, and St. Dionys church.

11. Take Part in the Celebrations at Volksfest

Everyone knows about Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, which is simply the largest Volksfest celebration in the country. But if you want a less touristy Oktoberfest, heart to Stuttgart, which celebrates Volksfest or People’s Festival annually at Cannstatter Wasen for three straight weeks.

There will be drinking, amusement rides, games, food, and all-around merrymaking.

12. Take a Half-Day Trip to Ludwigsburg Palace

Travel to the north of Stuttgart and join a 90-minute long tour to explore the fairy-tale-like palace called Ludwigsburg Palace. This massive palace is the largest Baroque-style palace in Germany and also one of the largest in Europe.

Visitors can step inside and view its beautiful halls, theater, churches, and over 400 palace rooms.

13. Marvel at More Cars at the Porsche Museum

The second best thing to do in Stuttgart for car lovers is to visit the Porsche Museum. It’s smaller than the Mercedes-Benz Museum, but its innovative interactive exhibits unique to the museum and over 80 displays of iconic Porsche vehicles serve as an excellent experience.

14. Hike up Birkenkopf

Birkenkopf is one of the most somber reminders of the events of WWII in Stuttgart. Also known as Rubble Hill, Birkenkopf is a man-made hill made out of the city’s rubble during WWII.

It’s the highest hill in Stuttgart, 511 meters high. Walking up the hill offers excellent views of Stuttgart while also lessons from the destruction of war.

15. Shop at Stuttgart Christmas Market

If you’re visiting Stuttgart during the Christmas Season, don’t miss out on going to its Christmas Market to immerse yourself in the holidays. Sprawled across the city’s downtown area, over 200 stalls selling Christmas goodies compete on which one can have the best Christmas decorations.

Visitors can buy gifts, Christmas treats and get the best experience out of the holiday season.

Stuttgart Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Stuttgart hotels and resorts via Agoda , Booking , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Stuttgart, Germany? Follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , Twitter ,  Instagram , Bloglovin, and Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

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Home » Europe » Germany » Stuttgart

Where to Stay in Stuttgart (2024 • COOLEST Areas!)

You’re going to LOVE Stuttgart. This city is so unique and is bursting with activities to fill your time with.

As the capital city of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, Stuttgart is a large metropolitan city. The city is filled with lush green spaces that wrap the city like the seaweed on a sushi roll. Keep an eye out for Schlossgarten, Rosensteinpark and Killesbergpark – they are the best.

You can’t talk about Stuttgart without talking about Mercedes-Benz and Porshe, who both famously have headquarters and museums here. You know how I said you’re going to love Stuttgart? If you’re into cars, you’ll be bloody head over heels for it!

Sounds pretty good so far, right? Deciding to visit Stuttgart is the easy part – who could resist this exciting city? But deciding where to stay in Stuttgart, now that’s not so easy. Stuttgart is the largest city in Baden-Württemberg, which means that it covers a lot of ground.

Lucky for you, you’ve got me to help you! I’ve compiled the best places to stay depending on your travel style and budget. I’ve even included the best places to stay and things to do in each – you’ll be an expert on Stuttgart and ready to book your trip in no time!

Whether you can get up close and personal with some of the finest cars ever created, enjoy a beer and a bratwurst or sip your way through some of Germany’s best vineyards – I’ve got you covered.

So, let’s get down to business and find the best place to stay in Stuttgart for you!

Where to Stay in Stuttgart 

Stuttgart neighborhood guide – places to stay in stuttgart, stuttgart’s 5 best neighborhoods to stay in, faq about finding a place to stay in stuttgart, what to pack for stuttgart, don’t forget travel insurance for stuttgart, final thoughts on where to stay in stuttgart.

Looking to get the decision of where to stay in Stuttgart over as quickly as possible? These are our top two recommendations for places to stay in Stuttgart.

Jugendherberge Stuttgart International | Best Hostel in Stuttgart

The Jugendherberge Stuttgart International, which also goes by the name the Youth Hostel Stuttgart, is situated halfway up a hill in Stuttgart-Mitte. With beautiful views of the city below, and several common areas, this hostel gives guests plenty of room to breathe. There is a TV room and a bistro inside so guests can enjoy more than just comfortable beds and clean bathrooms!

Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Stuttgart before starting your backpacking adventure!

Hotel Spahr | Best Hotel in Stuttgart

Hotel Spahr is a fairly priced hotel in Bad Cannstatt that is chalk full of retro vibes. We love this specially preserved and styled hotel. Everything is done with the utmost care. Each room has even been individually designed. And it’s super close to public transportation, which is definitely where to stay in Stuttgart for the first time!

Convenient private room | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart

Stuttgart has a lot to offer, so you want to make sure you’re staying in the right area during your first visit. This Airbnb offers you a good location. It’s close to public service and multiple hotspots are in walking distance. You can either take the train or metro to get around quickly. The home is shared with other Airbnb guests, but you’ll have a private room completely to yourself.

Stuttgart-Mitte

Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic city center of Stuttgart. The name itself means city center and is located true to its name, at the very heart of Stuttgart.

Bad Cannstatt

Bad Cannstatt is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart as it’s located just outside the central districts. Despite being slightly outside of the central areas, Bad Cannstatt has some of the most iconic sights in Stuttgart.

Degerloch is just a quick train ride from the center of the city and is one of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods for those traveling with their family. When you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, look no further than Degerloch.

Stuttgart West

Stuttgart West is one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart, given it’s abundance of restaurants, cafes, and theatres all while being close to, but not directly in, the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Stuttgart Ost

Stuttgart Ost is the eastern side of the city of Stuttgart. It is just a few minutes walk from the city center, but it is where locals live and go about everyday life. It’s certainly not brimming with tourists.

Stuttgart, Germany was first founded in the 10th century and was initially named Stutengarten, which translates to “mare’s garden.” Today, it is the 6th largest city in all of Germany and is most famous for being home to the luxurious automobile company headquarters, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. 

Stuttgart lies on the banks of the beautiful Neckar river and is just about an hours drive from the Black forest. It is also approximately an hour from the beautiful Swabian Jura mountains. Given Stuttgart’s location, there are lots of wonderful day trip options. But as long as you are in Stuttgart city proper, you’re going to need to figure out where to stay in Stuttgart. With so many wonderful areas to choose from, it can feel a bit intimidating. 

Luckily, Stuttgart is laid out in a pretty clear way. Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic heart of Stuttgart. It is located in the dead center of the city, in between Stuttgart-North, West, East and South. Conveniently named parts of the city, eh? Stuttgart-Mitte actually is German for Stuttgart-Center, so that name is perfectically sensical as well. The neighborhoods of Stuttgart that are a little farther out, like Bad Cannstatt and Mohringen don’t have such easy names but are still filled with beautiful sites and plenty to do. Let’s dive in deeper into Stuttgart and cover the five best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart. 

Just remember when visiting Stuttgart that the locals speak the local Schwäbisch dialect of German, so even if you speak German, you might struggle to understand their language a bit!

Ready to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Stuttgart? We’re ready to spill some secrets. Readers, read on!

#1 Stuttgart-Mitte – Best Area to Stay in Stuttgart for Nightlife

Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic city center of Stuttgart. The name itself means city center and is located true to its name, at the very heart of Stuttgart. The city center is bustling with activity and it’s definitely where you want to stay if you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart for nightlife. 

The city center is full of big commercial shops and tall office buildings. It is crossed by the renowned Königstrasse Avenue, one of the most popular shopping areas in all of Stuttgart. Along with wonderful shopping, the city center is the main cultural hub of Stuttgart with beautiful art museums and famous theaters like the Friedrichsbau Theater. For the party lovers out there, Mitte is the best area of Stuttgart for epic clubs and bars. From the John Cranko Lounge to the Fou Fou Cocktail Bar, the party is on in Stuttgart-Mitte.

The city center is one of the best places to stay in Stuttgart as it’s simply pulsing with things to do and places to see . From the Landesmuseum Württemberg historical house exhibits to theatre shows at the Staatsgalerie, there hardly feels like there’s ever enough time to see and do everything you want to in Stuttgart-Mitte. Even if you’re just trying to figure out where to stay in Stuttgart for one night, Stuttgart-Mitte is the way to go. 

Jugendherberge Stuttgart International | Best Hostel in Stuttgart-Mitte

The Jugendherberge Stuttgart International, also called the Youth Hostel Stuttgart, is located just on the very edge of Stuttgart-Mitte and is halfway up a hill. Its strategic position gives guests a gorgeous view of Stuttgart. There is a huge breakfast buffet every day too, so you can start your day with a happy belly! The metro and bus stop are also just a quick three minutes walk from the hostels front doors. And with hostel prices, it’s where to stay in Stuttgart-Mitte on a budget.

Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof | Best Hotel in Stuttgart-Mitte

Very conveniently located in the city center, the Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof offers guests budget friendly hotel rates. Situated just across from the central railway station and just a quick five minute walk from the famous Königstrasse Avenue, you can’t get a better spot than this hotel. The rooms are bright, big, and have comfortable beds.

Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin | Best Hotel in Stuttgart-Mitte

A beautiful hotel with a huge swimming pool, the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin is the perfect luxury hotel in the city center. It is very close to all the popular sites, and is a great fit for those who are looking to stay in total comfort. It’s a boutique-style hotel with wonderful staff!

Apartment in heart of city | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart-Mitte

This charming little apartment is perfect if you want to explore the German nightlife in Stuttgart. It’s located just a short walk away from the lively streets, which are filled with bars, pubs and clubs but far enough from all the buzz, so it’s quiet at night – you’ll love this area. The Airbnb is cute, nicely decorated and makes you feel like you’re at home.

Things to do and see in Stuttgart-Mitte

• Head on over to the top-rated bars and clubs in the city center, Proton the Club is one of the most popular to go for dancing
• Check out the historical house exhibits at Landesmuseum Württemberg, including the Old Castle
• Let your jaw drop at the modern art shows at Staatsgalerie
• Snap a photo at the gorgeous Schlossplatz fountain at the very heart of the city center
• Tour the inside of the Grand Palace, the beautiful baroque castle that was once the residence of kings, and now serves as the offices for government ministries.
• Walk around the glass box museum called the Kunstmuseum that is filled with the work of artist Otto Dix
• Catch a show at the Friedrichsbau Theater
• Go shopping along Königstrasse Avenue

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#2 Bad Cannstatt – Where to Stay in Stuttgart for the First Time

Bad Cannstatt is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart as it’s located just outside the central districts. Despite being slightly outside of the central areas, Bad Cannstatt has some of the most iconic sights in Stuttgart. Bad Cannstatt a true tourist magnet. 

There is actually a rich mineral natural spa called MineralBad springs and is actually the second biggest natural spring in all of Europe. 

Stuttgart is the famous home for the automobile industry of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and Bad Cannstatt is where both of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums are located. If you’re visiting Stuttgart, it’s likely you want to check out these dazzling museums. And after a day at the museums, relax in the natural mineral springs before dinner. It is days like that that makes Bad Cannstatt one of the best places to stay in Stuttgart.

If your timing is right, Bad Cannstatt is also where some of the biggest beer festivals happen in Stuttgart. We are talking about the Cannstatter Wasen and Cannstatter Volksfest people! These absolutely epic beer festivals are worth planning your entire trip around. If it’s at all possible to visit Stuttgart during one of the festivals, stay in Bad Cannstatt and get ready for the time of your life!

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Bad Cannstatt is also where VfB Stuttgart calls home, the most famous football club in Stuttgart. 

B&B Hotel Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt | Best B&B in Bad Cannstatt

The B&B Hotel Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt is a budget-friendly place to stay in Stuttgart. The rooms are clean and the staff are kind. And the location is easily accessible by public transportation. The morning buffet breakfast is fantastic! If you’re wondering where to stay in Bad Cannstatt on a budget then look no further than this affordable B&B.

Hotel Geissler | Best Hotel in Bad Cannstatt

The Hotel Geissler is a great value hotel, promising guests a comfortable stay at a reasonable rate. They are known to have a rich breakfast available daily, and have very large beds. An added perk is that the Hotel Geissler is surrounded by lots of restaurants.

Hotel Spahr  | Best Hotel in Bad Cannstatt

We love the retro vibes at Hotel Spahr, which couldn’t be cooler! It is carefully preserved and done with plenty of style! From Hotel Spahr it is less than a 30 minute walk from the football stadium, and there is a train stop quite close to the hotel. It’s one of the best Stuttgart Hotels because of it’s unique, retro style!

Convenient private room | Best Airbnb in Bad Cannstatt

Things to do and see in bad cannstatt.

• Catch a VfB football match at the Mercedes-Benz arena
• Visit both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums
• Take a relaxing and rejuvenating dip in the MineralBad natural mineral springs 
• Let the beer flow and keep flowing at the local beer festivals like Cannstatter Wasen and Cannstatter Volksfest 
• Visit the Wilhelma Zoo and see some darling animals from elephants to flamingos
• Enjoy a beautiful picnic at Kurpark and try to catch some sunshine

#3 Degerloch – Best Neighborhood in Stuttgart for Families

Degerloch is just a quick train ride from the center of the city and is one of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods for those traveling with their family. When you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, look no further than Degerloch. 

Experience a slice of peace and quiet in Degerloch, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, all while still having it easily accessible. You won’t feel isolated, but you’ll feel just far enough away to enjoy some silence and serenity. 

As a quiet suburban neighborhood, Degerloch has lots of room and space for kids to play. There is also not a lot of traffic in Degerloch, which makes cycling around the neighborhood a wonderful way to explore!

Typical german home | Best Airbnb in Degerloch

This massive home has a proper german vibe to it. Furnished very comfortably, this Airbnb will feel like a home far away from home. Fitting up to 5 guests, it’s perfect for big families as well. The neighborhood is super peaceful and calm, with a great connection to public transport options. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can choose from various different restaurants and cafes which are close by.

Oase der Ruhe Nähe Messe Stuttgart | Best Hostel in Degerloch

As the biggest budget friendly option in Degerloch, the Oase der Ruhe Nähe Messe Stuttgart isn’t as fancy or as well-decorated as the other hotels out there. But what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for with price. If you’re looking for a deal in Degerloch, this hotel is for you.

Waldhotel Stuttgart | Best Hotel in Degerloch

This lovely 4-star hotel is just a fifteen minute drive from the center of Stuttgart but it is enclosed in forest surroundings. You’ll feel tucked away from the city amidst the beautiful trees. When wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, the Waldhotel is the perfect choice.

Hotel Waldhorn | Best Hotel in Degerloch

Reasonable prices and cozy rooms, Hotel Waldron is a wonderful hotel in Degerloch. It is a family-run hotel and indeed has a very friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stay with kids in Stuttgart. The hotel also offers guests free parking, which is a huge bonus!

Things to do and see in Degerloch

• Cycle around the area and get a feel for the neighborhood
• Take a charming tram to and from the city center
• Visit the ForstBW, the House of the Forest, for a lovely walk in the woods and fun exhibits for the kids to see
• Enjoy a delicious traditional German meal at Gasthaus Zum Hirsch
• Go for an easy and fun hike at Falsche Klinge
• Stop in to the beautiful Galerie TonArt music store and see traditional handcrafted musical instruments

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#4 Stuttgart West – Coolest Place to stay in Stuttgart

Stuttgart West is one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart, given it’s abundance of restaurants, cafes, and theatres all while being close to, but not directly in, the hustle and bustle of the city center. In Stuttgart West you’ll feel a bit more like a local. You’ll have to hunt down those neighborhood hidden gems yourself, or just follow our handy dandy list below of some of our favorite Stuttgart West neighborhood treasures. From indie shops to global eateries, there’s lots to discover! 

Home to the university, Stuttgart West is filled with students which always means lots of events, nightlife, and shopping awaits you. University students always up the cool factor don’t they? With the beautiful lake Feuersee and the picture perfect Rot and Schwarzwild Park, Stuttgart West is definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart.

Kulinarium an der Glems | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West

The Kulinarium an der Glems is located in a gorgeous location on the edge of West Stuttgart. It’s a charming styled hotel that almost feels more like a villa. It resides near the Bärensee lake and immersed in lovely green surroundings. The restaurant is lauded for its amazing food, and you may even spot some goats in the garden. Goats! What’s better than goats!?

Waldhotel Schatten | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West

The Waldhotel Schatten is located in a profoundly green location, on the outskirts of Western Stuttgart. It’s truly away from the noise, tucked into a little green oasis. This historic 1783 hotel has been luxuriously renovated to maintain all it’s charm while bringing it into the 21st century.

Very chic apartment | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart West

This chic apartment is located in one of the old german buildings but has been completely renovated inside. The host has a great eye for detail, since everything fits perfectly, from furniture to amenities and colours. You’ll have numerous restaurants just moments away from your doorstep, as well as cute and unique cafes. The nightlife is exciting too in this area, but don’t worry, your neighborhood is quiet and peaceful.

campus.guest Hotel | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West

Only a five minute walk from the Stuttgart City Forest, the campus.guest hotel has modern, clean, bright rooms that are affordable priced. There is a delicious buffet breakfast each morning for guests to enjoy on the terrace or in the bistro itself. 

Things to do and see in Stuttgart West:

• Relax at the Rot and Schwarzwild Park and try to spot some deer wandering through their natural habitat
• Go ice skating on the Feuersee Lake in the winter, as the lake completely freezes over in the colder months
• Stop by St. John’s Church built in the gorgeous Gothic Revival style 
• Hike to the Birkenkopf, the highest point from which to view Stuttgart below 
• Walk through the forest and find the Heslacher Wasserfälle beautiful cascading water stream
• Nom on the delicious pancakes on Lumen or enjoy some Italian culinary delights at Vapiano or the warm and spicy Turkish food at Sultan Saray
• Grab a pint at 7Grad Club and More and enjoy their wonderful outdoor seating

#5 Stuttgart Ost – Where to Stay in Stuttgart on a Budget

Stuttgart Ost is the eastern side of the city of Stuttgart. It is just a few minutes walk from the city center, but it is where locals live and go about everyday life. It’s certainly not brimming with tourists. You definitely  won’t feel lost in a horde of travellers. Stuttgart Ost also isn’t the prime location for all the iconic and popular sites of Stuttgart , however there are some fun things to see from the historic Berger Church to the unique pig museum, called the Schweine Museum. Best of all? It’s where to stay in Stuttgart on a budget.

This eastern district hugs the Necktar River and has some beautifully landscaped parks to enjoy. There are tons of charming restaurants to wander into and space to enjoy. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Stuttgart to stay in for those who looking for hotel deals and steals, while not being crammed into a hostel dorm room.

Budget Airbnb with style | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart Ost

This Airbnb isn’t the cheapest but still affordable, especially if you bring some friends along. There are two bedrooms with double beds, so you’ll be able to fit 4 people – enjoy the home as a group and split the bill at the end. The home is very spacious and super stylish, with a great view of the city and amazing interior design.

Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost

The Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz almost qualifies as a hostel with its mega low prices. Prices like these aren’t often seen in Germany without a dorm room being mentioned in the same sentence. The Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz has small, quaint rooms that are very modern and clean. All rooms also have a private bathroom attached. The daily breakfasts to be enjoyed out on the terrace are are a big perk.

Hotel Discovery | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost

The Hotel Discovery is family-owned and couldn’t be more amazingly located— just 800 meters from the Mercedes-Benz Arena. We are particularly keen on their gorgeous breakfast buffet room. Eating breakfast there is the perfect way to start your day!

S-AN Daily Room Stuttgart Zentrum | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost

The S-AN Daily Room Stuttgart Zentrum in Stuttgart Ost is a great accommodation option for those who are looking for bright, modern rooms and pristine clean bathroom facilities. Even better, the hotel is located near the most iconic sites. All rooms come with everything you need from a kitchen to a TV to a hairdryer!

Things to do and see in Stuttgart Ost

• Sample the Portugese culinary delights at Tasca im Feui
• Spend the afternoon walking around the gorgeous Park Villa Berg, which spans an entire 24 acres and tour the  – Renaissance-styled 19th century Villa Berg
• Visit the iconic Berger Church, originally built in the 13th century 
• Check out the quirky pig museum, the Schweine Museum 
• Snap a photo of the Gaskessel Stuttgart historical landmark
• Have a scrumptious curry lunch at Vinayaga Indian restaurant

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Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Stuttgart and where to stay.

Where is the best place to stay in Stuttgart?

Bad Cannstatt is our top pick. It is one of the best places in Stuttgart to access the most iconic attractions, but located beautifully away from the busiest area.

Which is the best area to stay in Stuttgart on a budget?

We recommend Stuttgart Ost. This area is not dominated by tourism, so you can find beautiful places to stay without breaking the bank. We love Airbnbs like this Secret Escape Apartment .

What are the best hotels in Stuttgart?

Here’s our top 3 hotels in Stuttgart: – Hotel Spahr – Hotel Geissler – Hotel Astoria am Urachplatz

Where is good for families to stay in Stuttgart?

Degerloch is great. This neighborhood avoids all the hustle and bustle of the city, but you can still jump into it whenever you want to. This natural area is so fun for families.

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Stuttgart, Germany is a wonderful place to visit and is filled with amazing places to stay. From the more natural environments of Stuttgart-West and the quiet tree-lined surroundings of Degerloch, there are plenty of surprises to discover in all of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for the coolest place to stay in Stuttgart, Stuttgart West is the way to go. Kulinarium an der Glems is our favorite hotel, with it’s lovely location and charming style.

Our favorite hostel in Stuttgart is the Jugendherberge Stuttgart International in Stuttgart-Mittle. With plenty of common areas and beautiful views of the city below, this hostel is hard to beat!

If you’re looking at where to stay in Stuttgart for your first time, the Hotel Spahr in Bad Cannstatt is our top choice. With it’s carefully preserved retro style, the Hotel Spahr is a treat. 

Do you have any Stuttgart travel tips to share? We’d love to hear them! Write us a note in the comments below.

• Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Germany .
• Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Stuttgart .
• Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe . 
• Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
• Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Stuttgart?

Are you thinking about visiting Stuttgart, Germany? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

• Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting?

Reasons to Visit Stuttgart

• In the Summer?
• In the Autumn?
• In the Winter?
• In the Spring?

What is Stuttgart most famous for?

• What is Stuttgart most known for?

What is the most famous sight in Stuttgart?

• How touristy is Stuttgart?

How long should I spend in Stuttgart?

Is stuttgart worth visiting.

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Stuttgart is a manufacturing center that mixes old and new seamlessly. The city plays an influential role on the automotive industry and it has a strong commercial economy that attracts international workers and students. The city also has some interesting historical sights as well gardens and zoos.

Authenticity Stuttgart has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Stuttgart worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Stuttgart, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy an evening out.

Is Stuttgart worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Stuttgart. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.

Is Stuttgart worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Stuttgart can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Stuttgart is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and dance the night away. Also, you can experience the big city activities.

Is Stuttgart worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Stuttgart. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (53°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Stuttgart

Not As Family-Friendly While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

The Cost Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Stuttgart might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Stuttgart here or see if Stuttgart is expensive here .

Stuttgart is most famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. People visit this impressive city for its great food, nightlife, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums. It is often described as commercial, diverse, dynamic, modern, and authentic.

The most popular sight in Stuttgart is The Mercedes-Benz Museum . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Stuttgart on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Mercedes-Benz Museum and other attractions here .

How touristy is Stuttgart? Is it a popular city to visit?

Stuttgart is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $53
• Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $70
• City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
• Stuttgart Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $286
• Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
• Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
• Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $43
• Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

The ideal length of time for a trip to Stuttgart is two to four days. Since Stuttgart has activities such as dining, nightlife, and shopping, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Stuttgart? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Stuttgart? .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting: 10 Best Things To Do

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Compared to other European cities I’ve explored, Stuttgart is among that offers a distinct travel experience.

This city does not boast an abundance of cultural attractions. However, it shines in offering amazing automotive experiences, a rich industrial history, and striking modern architecture that will surely pique the interest of enthusiasts.

Interestingly, home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, Stuttgart is Germany’s Car Capital. I may not be a car enthusiast or inclined towards materialism or a fan of modern architecture, but as an engineer, I find the technological innovations you can discover in Stuttgart so fascinating.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into these modern wonders and uncover a slice of its heritage, this article will serve as your gateway to discovery.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.

Use the table of contents to skip to topics.

Many people on the internet say Stuttgart is not worth visiting, but it is not entirely true at all! Perhaps they just need more research and the city needs more promotion. In a way, Stuttgart is quite an interesting city.

Stuttgart, a city that rose like a phoenix from the ashes of World War II, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and progress.

The city has a long history, dating back to the mid-10th century, with its fertile soil attracting prehistoric settlers to the Neckar river valley. The city’s journey through time saw it under the rule of various powers, from the Romans who built a fortress in Cannstatt, to the Franks and the Carolingians.

But it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that Stuttgart truly began to transform. As the capital of Baden-Württemberg, it became a beacon for engineering, automobile manufacturing, and emerging technologies, paving the way for a wave of modern architecture and infrastructure.

The scars of World War II left Stuttgart in ruins, but from this devastation emerged an opportunity. The city was reborn in the post-war era, its skyline reshaped with modern buildings that stand as symbols of resilience and forward-thinking.

If you’re mapping out a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Germany , Stuttgart seamlessly slots into your travel plans. Tucked in close proximity to the magical Lichtenstein Castle and a mere hour’s journey from the enchanting Black Forest , Stuttgart serves as a convenient gateway to some of Germany’s most awe-inspiring sights.

To give you an in-depth idea of why to consider Stuttgart for your trip, here are the 10 reasons:

1. Discover a Heritage: Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz, the largest and most beautiful square in Stuttgart, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this German city. Surrounded by stunning buildings from different periods of history, such as an old castle, an elegant palace, and a modern museum, it’s the first and foremost place of interest in Stuttgart that makes the city a worthwhile destination.

You can explore these attractions or simply enjoy the view of the “Jubiläumssäule”, a 30-meter column in the center of Schlossplatz that celebrates the 60th birthday of King Wilhelm I of Wurttemberg. Schlossplatz showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Stuttgart, and offers a lot of fun and learning opportunities for travelers.

Neues Schloss

Neues Schloss is a stunning palace from the 18th century, right next to Schlossplatz. The kings of Wurttemberg used to live there. It looks a lot like the famous Versailles in France, because one of the guys who designed it was a big fan.

Today, the palace still has these amazing fountains and paintings on the walls. However, it’s now where the government of Baden-Wuerttemberg works. So if you want to see the inside, you have to call or email them first. You can find their contact info on their website .

Altes Schloss

Do you like old castles? Then you should check out Altes Schloss, or Old Castle. It’s right next to Neues Schloss. It goes back to the 10th century, can you believe it? That’s where the Wurttemberg dukes lived before they moved to the new palace in the 1700s.

Now it’s a museum with a chapel that still works. You can see the amazing courtyard that looks like it came from Italy in the Renaissance. And guess what? The museum is free!

You can see all kinds of cool stuff from the history of this region, from ancient times to now. They have old bones, swords, paintings, and more. And if you want to see how the royals lived, you can see their crown, scepter, jewels, and more.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Do you like modern art? Then you should check out the Modern Art Museum of Stuttgart. It’s a huge glass cube at the corner of Schlossplatz. You can’t miss it, it’s architecture is a head-turner. The museum has artworks by Adolf Holzel, Otto Dix, and other artists from this region. There are more than 15,000 artworks to see.

And the best part? The top floor of the museum has an amazing view of the city and the hills. You can see the whole Schlossplatz and beyond. It’s especially beautiful at night, when the city lights are on. You can also watch the sunset from there. It’s a great place to enjoy art and nature.

It costs 11 EUR to get in, but you can also join a tour for 4 EUR if you speak German. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. But on Fridays, it stays open until 9:00 pm. How cool is that? You can find more information and updates on their website: kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de .

2. A Fan of Porsche? Visit Porsche Museum

If you’re a car lover, you’ll love the Porsche Museum it’s another fantastic tourist attraction enough to be a reason to visit Stuttgart. Porsche Museum is not just a museum, though, it’s a futuristic wonderland of cars. They have more than 90 cars on display, from the classics to the cutting-edge. You can also learn about the history and the tradition of the Porsche brand.

The cars inside the museum are so awesome, you’ll be dazzled. Especially the Porsche 356 “No. 1” Roadster, the Porsche 911, the Porsche 550, and the 917. They are legends in the car world. You really have to see them in the museum!

And you know what else? The museum itself is a masterpiece. It looks like a spaceship. And you can even rent a Porsche and drive it around. How cool is that? The museum also has a workshop where you can see how they restore the old cars. They use the latest technology and skills. It’s amazing to watch.

Are you interested in visiting Stuttgart and the Porsche Museum? The museum is located in Zuffenhausen, a short train ride from Stuttgart central station. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get there. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The ticket costs 10 EUR. You can enter the museum until 30 minutes before closing time.

3. Do You Like Mercedes-Benz? See Mercedes-Benz Museum

Car enthusiast travelers will find Stuttgart their haven, especially because of Mercedes-Benz Museum. Well, it’s not just another museum in Stuttgart, it’s a reason to go there. Why? Because it shows you more than 135 years of car history in one place.

And the museum itself is a beauty. It’s a stunning building that makes you want to see what’s inside. And what’s inside? More than 1500 exhibits and 160 cars. They are spread over 9 floors, covering 16,500 sq.m. of space. They are in chronological order, so you can follow the story of cars from the beginning to now.

The museum has 7 sections, called Legends. Each one shows you how cars looked and worked in different times. You can see not only Mercedes-Benz cars, but also their documents and photos. They give you a deeper understanding of how cars evolved.

The first Legend shows you the birth of cars in 1886. The first cars were like horse carriages, really. They are so interesting to see. The last Legend shows you the successes of the Mercedes-Benz brand. And in between, you can see how cars changed with diesel, war, politics, and environment. It’s a fascinating journey through car history.

Do you want to go to the Mercedes-Benz Museum? It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. But make sure you get there by 5:00 pm, because they won’t let you in after that. The ticket costs 10 EUR. You can find more info and updates on their website: the Mercedes-Benz Museum website .

4. Relax With a View: Killesbergpark and Tower

Another reason to visit Stuttgart are its some awesome off-the-beaten-places, like Killesbergpark and its tower. You can get there in minutes from the city and the museums. It’s a great way to relax after exploring the city and its museum, of course, and have fun.

Killesbergpark is a beautiful park in the north of Stuttgart that has a pool, an amphitheater, and a petting zoo. Here, you can also relax by a small lake and unwind on its beer gardens. To me, however, the best things in the park are the tower and the green and peaceful meadows. The tower gives you a stunning view of the city and the hills.

And if you go in July, you can see the Lichterfest Stuttgart in Killesbergpark. It’s a festival where people light up the park with lanterns and fireworks. It’s magical.

You can get to Killesbergpark by subway from Stuttgart Central Station. It’s only a 5-minute ride. The first thing you’ll see after you arrive is the meadows which look so different and cool.

The southern fields of Killesbergpark captivate me with their unique architecture. Trails meander through the grass, creating a maze of irregularly shaped meadows that are perfect for Instagram. From an aerial view, it’s a labyrinth in nature.

The park also features a scenic train, with its station nestled at the northeast end of these meadows, just beyond the residential area. The Killesbergpark Railway, operating diesel locomotives and occasionally steam ones during special events, adds a touch of nostalgia. However, it only runs from April to October.

Just north of the train station is the park’s jewel – the Killesberg Tower. This architectural wonder, built using “cable-stayed bridge technology”, stands tall in the center of the park.

While admiring the Killesberg Tower from the ground is impressive, the opportunity to ascend it is truly exciting! The tower soars 40 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the park. From the top, you’re also treated to a stunning cityscape.

The tower welcomes visitors from 7:00 am until dusk, weather permitting. However, it remains closed in snowy or icy conditions. For a mere 1 EUR admission fee, you can experience this remarkable climb.

5. Dine With a Panoramic View: Stuttgart TV Tower

Are you a fellow traveler, always in pursuit of breathtaking views? If so, Stuttgart beckons you with its iconic TV Tower! This tower is not just pivotal to Stuttgart’s communication and tourism but also marks a milestone in civil engineering as the world’s first reinforced concrete telecommunications tower.

Despite initial debates over its construction technique, this 216-meter structure has emerged as one of Stuttgart’s top attractions. From its 150-meter high observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and even catch glimpses of the Swabian Alps and the Black Forest on sunny days.

The top also offers views of the rolling hills and local vineyards nearby, making it a perfect spot for sunset viewing. For a romantic experience, dine at Restaurant Leonhardts with its 360-degree vistas ensuring a feast for both your eyes and taste buds! If you prefer to relax with a drink while sightseeing, the Panorama Cafe is your go-to spot! Just keep an eye on the weather.

There is no reservation for Panorama Cafe, only in Restaurant Leonhardts. So if you’re planning a date, you know what to do! You can contact the restaurant from their email addresses on the tower’s  website .

Here is the summary of Stuttgart TV Tower’s opening schedule:

Panorama Cafe

• Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Sunday and Holidays – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Restaurant Leonhardts

• Saturday – 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Sunday – 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

6. Marvel at Modern Architecture: Public Library Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a great destination for architecture enthusiasts, with its castles and palaces whisking visitors back in time and its stunning modern museums showcasing minimalism at its finest. But the architectural wonders don’t stop there. Like the Stuttgart Public Library, it is a must-see.

Stuttgart Public Library is a quick stop on your Stuttgart tour, but if you’re a photographer or an Instagrammer, it’s a destination in itself! This modern architectural gem, with its cube shape and 45-meter edges, is simple yet striking. Its facades feature 9 x 9 frosted glass brick windows that are mesmerizing from afar, especially on sunny days.

At night, it transforms into a spectacle as the light from its windows changes colors, creating patterns of blue and white light. The library’s interiors are equally photogenic. For the best views inside, head straight to the eighth floor (or anywhere between the 6th and 8th) and peek over the mezzanine.

The elegant white decor, pleasingly arranged lighting, shelves, and chairs make for a picture-perfect scene. Plus, visiting the Stuttgart Public Library is one of the free activities you can enjoy in the city – there’s no entry fee! It’s open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from Monday to Saturday but is closed on Sundays and holidays.

See the  library’s official website  for more information.

7. Explore a Garden Zoo: Wilhelma

Stuttgart, known for housing two of the world’s major car brands, also boasts one of Europe’s largest combined zoological and botanical gardens. Named Wilhelma, this park is a must-visit when in Stuttgart.

Dating back to the mid-19th century under the reign of King Wilhelm the First (from whom the park gets its name), Wilhelma showcases Moorish architecture, which was in vogue at the time. The park’s buildings echo the architectural styles found in Spain’s Alhambra. This unique blend of architecture and nature draws 2 million visitors annually!

But it’s not just the architecture that attracts tourists – Wilhelma is home to a vast collection of animals and plants. In fact, it ranks second only to the Berlin Zoological Garden, with over 11,000 animals from 1,200 species.

Travelers can bask in the freshest air, courtesy of plants from various regions! Wilhelma is home to nearly 6000 plants. In my opinion, it’s quite like Germany’s own Garden of Eden. You’ll absolutely adore spending time by Wilhelma’s pond.

Make your way to the fountain at the pond’s west end for the most Instagram-worthy view of the park. From there, you can see Damaszenerhalle (hall) at the opposite end of the rectangular pond. The pond is flanked by trees on both sides, creating a symmetrical garden layout that leads the eye to Damaszenerhalle – a sight that’s truly picture-perfect.

But don’t just admire Damaszenerhalle from afar. Step inside to marvel at its stunning Moorish-style interiors, complete with a golden chandelier, exquisite stucco marble walls, and ceiling paintings. And let’s not forget the greenhouse in the Moorish Villa! It’s arguably Wilhelma’s most iconic building, and its beautiful exterior might just remind you of Spain’s Crystal Palace.

Wilhelma has different opening hours per season:

• May to August (summer): 8:15 am to 6:00 pm
• April and September (shoulder): 8:15 am to 5:30 pm
• March and October (spring and autumn): 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
• November to February (winter): 8:15 am to 4:00 pm

The entry fees are:

• Adults – 20 EUR
• Students (18 to 28 years old) – 13 EUR
• Children (6 to 17 years old) – 8 EUR
• Toddlers – FREE

See all details from the official website of Wilhelma . Don’t forget to check for updates and announcements!

8. Immerse in Tranquility: Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg hill

Another compelling reason to visit Stuttgart lies in its heritage sites located within the city’s scenic locales. These destinations offer a threefold experience – learning about Stuttgart’s heritage, appreciating beautiful architecture, and relaxing amidst nature.

Two such sites worth visiting in Stuttgart’s countryside are the Sepulchral Chapel on Wurttemberg hill and Castle Solitude. The Sepulchral Chapel serves as the mausoleum for Wurttemberg royals, including King Wilhelm, his wife, and daughters Catherine and Charlotte. Above their tombs is a chapel with exquisite architecture.

While some might find visiting a mausoleum off-putting, there’s more to discover here. The chapel is part of a compound that includes houses for the priest and psalmist. Particularly charming is the priest’s house, which resembles a Tuscan villa and offers tranquil scenic views.

Atop Wurttemberg hill where the chapel stands, you’ll find breathtaking vistas of vineyard-covered rolling hills and sweeping panoramas of the city.

While the panoramic views outside are captivating, stepping inside the sepulchral chapel is a must. The interior showcases elegant Roman architecture, most notably in its dome. Light streams through its glass-covered cupola, evoking images of Rome’s Pantheon.

The Sepulchral Chapel welcomes visitors during the warmer months, from April through November. You can explore the buildings, including the chapel and priest’s house, from noon until 5:00 pm. The open grounds remain accessible to all until dusk.

9. Wander and Take Photos: Castle Solitude

Did you know tucked away in the hilly western part of Stuttgart is an 18th-century Rococo palace? It’s one of Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttemberg’s masterpieces, and he named it Solitude Palace. Initially, he planned for it to be his hunting lodge, but it quickly became a hotspot for official receptions.

The duke also used Solitude Palace as a grand display of his royal power. The palace’s lavish style and stunning architecture are still a sight to behold today. And let’s not forget the scenic views – they must have left the duke’s guests in awe. That’s why Solitude Palace, a heritage site, is a must-visit when you’re in Stuttgart.

Solitude Palace isn’t just a standalone building. It’s more like a complex that includes the main palace, a garden, and two additional wing buildings. You’ll also spot smaller buildings on the sides that serve different purposes.

But the real eye-catcher is the main building sitting proudly at the center of the compound. Its facades are a mix of stucco marbles, French doors, and Corinthian columns – so elegant! And those grand staircases? I’m pretty sure they’ve been featured in a ton of wedding prenup photoshoots.

Solitude Palace is more than just a single building – it’s a collection of impressive parts that leave visitors spellbound. The White Hall, Marble Hall, and Palace chapel are particularly stunning. One peek inside the White or Marble Halls and you’ll feel like you’re living a fairytale!

While most of the palace showcases Rococo architecture (like in the Duke’s apartments, Assembly Room, Music Room), these halls and the chapel offer something different. The chapel combines Rococo with Neoclassical style – just check out its elegant all-white walls and ceiling.

And don’t miss the golden-framed oval fresco painting in the center of the ceiling that depicts Jesus’ resurrection. The White and Marble Halls feature classic style architecture with elements of early Italian Renaissance and classical Greek design.

If you’re thinking about visiting Solitude Palace, keep in mind that you’ll need a guided tour to enter and see the rooms – but note that these tours are conducted in German only.

Even if you don’t speak German though, there’s still plenty to enjoy around the palace – hiking & bike trails, picnic-perfect meadows, scenic avenues… Plus there’s a restaurant and a cafeteria for when you’ve worked up an appetite from exploring. There are also plenty of peaceful spots where you can just sit back and take in the views – which are amazing by the way!

Below is the schedule of opening hours of the Solitude Palace. But if you’re planning to visit, I recommend checking the palace’s official website (schedule of guided tours included). Solitude Palace is often used for events, so yeah…

The admission fee is 5 EUR which already includes the guided tour.

10. Discover The Versailles of Swabia: Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

Have you heard about Ludwigsburg Residential Palace in Baden-Wurttemberg? It’s one of the most gorgeous places around. Some even dub it the “Versailles of Swabia.”

It’s got this elegant charm that never fails to impress visitors. Plus, it’s massive – spanning 32 hectares (that’s 79 acres), it’s the largest palatial estate in Germany. The palace showcases a mix of architectural styles – Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical. So, there’s no chance of getting bored while marveling at this 18th-century gem.

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace isn’t just about its stunning looks. It also has museums that transport you back to the 18th century. That’s another reason why Stuttgart is worth a visit – but I’ll get into that later.

By the way, Ludwigsburg Palace is actually located in Ludwigsburg, a town just a short 15-minute train ride north of Stuttgart. You’ll need to walk for a few minutes or take a short bus ride after getting off the train.

But once you arrive at Ludwigsburg Palace, you’ll be welcomed by an expansive and beautiful garden known as Blühendes Barock, or Blooming Baroque gardens. I bet you can guess what to expect from the name alone!

Blühendes Barock could be considered Germany’s most breathtaking garden. Its vibrant flowers and meticulously maintained plants, arranged in various geometric patterns, are simply stunning. The garden, which graces the front of the new central building, seems as if it’s been lifted straight from a storybook!

The view from the top of the staircase is particularly enchanting, where one can clearly see the captivating irregular patterns formed by the garden plants. But the garden is just the beginning; Ludwigsburg Palace has so much more to offer. This palace complex boasts a multitude of splendid buildings.

To fully appreciate Ludwigsburg Palace, visitors may need anywhere from three hours to half a day. The palace complex includes two central buildings (new and old), multiple chapels, royal apartments, an ancestral gallery, and even its own theater!

What’s really cool about Ludwigsburg Palace? It’s gotta be their museums and exhibits. Picture yourself stumbling upon a gallery showcasing original clothing from the 18th century. Or feasting your eyes on delicate ceramics featuring contemporary art.

Got kids? Take them to Kinderreich, an interactive museum where they can experience life during the Baroque period. They can even dress up as a prince, duke, or princess and play games just like the royals did back in the day.

But there’s more! Ludwigsburg Palace is packed with beautiful sights and architectural masterpieces. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss these two spots:

• The Order Hall (now a Throne Room). With its chandeliers and frescoes, it’s like stepping into a royal dream!
• The Marble Hall in the New Central Building. It’s so grand it’ll make you feel like you’re at a royal ball. And don’t forget to look up at the frescoes – it’s like peeking into heaven. Plus, that chandelier is a real showstopper.

You can only visit most parts of the Ludwigsburg Palace with a guided tour. Check the  visitor information page  of the palace to learn what you need to know before going. Below’s the summary for your convenience.

The entry fee is 8.50 EUR and the opening hours are:

• March 15 to November 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• January 10 to March 14, 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

More Things To Do in Stuttgart

The ten places mentioned aren’t the only attractions/reasons to visit Stuttgart. If you love museums, check out  Linden Museum  and  Pig Museum . Others you can try are  Karlshöhe ,  Weinwanderun , and  Marienplatz Square . 

Looking for a stress-free way to explore Stuttgart? Check out Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off. Their buses will take you straight to all these amazing attractions I’ve mentioned. Forget about figuring out routes and schedules. Just jump on the bus, sit back, and make the most of your Stuttgart adventure!

Learn more details about  Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from Get Your Guide .

So, you’ve wrapped up your day trip in Stuttgart and you’re thinking about heading back to your hotel or grabbing dinner at the usual spots, right? Well, hold up! How about trying something a little different?

There’s this great restaurant by the River Neckar called Riverhouse S-Münster. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening in Stuttgart. They’ve got raclette, wines, a huge variety of sausages and cheese, fresh veggies, potatoes – the works! Plus, they even have a comedy show (it’s in German though).

Learn more details about  Riverhouse S-Münster from Get Your Guide .

If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to check out Bad Cannstatt. It’s a culinary journey through Stuttgart’s oldest district that’s sure to delight your senses. This is where you’ll find the best of Stuttgart’s regional cuisine. Have you tried the classic Hefezopf, a braided bread? Or how about Maultaschen, pasta filled with meat or cheese and served in a clear soup?

Learn more details about  Bad Cannstatt culinary excursion from Get Your Guide .

How To Get To Stuttgart

If you’re planning a trip to Stuttgart, Germany, here’s what you need to know:

Stuttgart Airport, or STR, is the sixth biggest airport in Germany. It’s about 8 miles from the city center and is a major hub for Lufthansa, along with many other global airlines. Once you land at Stuttgart Airport, you’ve got a few options to get to the city center:

• You can hop on the S-Bahn, a suburban train system. Lines S2 and S3 will get you to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, in about 27 minutes.
• There are also several bus lines that run between the airport and the city center. This trip will take you about 40 minutes.
• If you prefer a taxi, you can find them right outside the airport terminal building. A taxi ride to the city center takes about 25 minutes and will cost around €35, depending on traffic and your exact destination.

Stuttgart is well-connected by train to other major cities in Germany and Europe. For example, a train ride from Frankfurt to Stuttgart takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes. From Munich to Stuttgart, it’s about 2 hours and 7 minutes. There are also direct trains from other major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

If you’re driving, Stuttgart is at the intersection of the A8 and A81 autobahns. Driving from Frankfurt to Stuttgart takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Munich to Stuttgart, it’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Here are some additional tips for your trip:

• If you’re arriving at Stuttgart Airport on a weekend or during peak season, consider booking your S-Bahn or bus tickets in advance.
• If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, a taxi from the airport to your hotel might be your best bet.
• Stuttgart has an excellent public transportation system, so getting around the city without a car is easy.
• If you’re staying in the city center, consider purchasing a Stuttgart CityPASS. It gives you free admission to many of the city’s top attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.

How To Get Around In Stuttgart

When it comes to getting around Stuttgart, you’ve got several options.

The city boasts a reliable and integrated public transportation system that includes the S-Bahn (suburban trains), Stadtbahn (U-Bahn or underground metro), and buses.

The S-Bahn is a suburban train system that serves Stuttgart and its surrounding districts. It’s got 7 lines and 83 stations, covering over 200 km. During peak hours, you can catch a train every 15 minutes.

The U-Bahn, also known as the Stadtbahn or light rail, covers most of Stuttgart with its 14 main lines. It’s got over 203 stations spread over 257 km of track. You can catch a ride from 4 in the morning until 1 at night.

Buses in Stuttgart are great for shorter distances. They share the road with cars and bikes, but they’re usually on time unless there’s a major accident. You can buy tickets for all these services at ticket machines at the respective stations. If you buy a single ticket, you’re good to go. But if you buy a ticket for four trips, remember to validate it for each trip.

If you’re planning to drive, keep in mind that Stuttgart is located at the intersection of the A8 and A81 autobahns. However, parking can be tricky and many areas in the city center are designed for pedestrians.

Renting a car can give you more flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re planning to visit places outside of Stuttgart or if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or with family. However, keep in mind that parking in the city can be challenging and many areas in the city center are designed for pedestrians.

If your activities are mainly in the city center and well-connected areas, public transport might be more convenient. If you plan to explore outside the city or prefer having control over your schedule without depending on public transport timings, renting a car could be beneficial. 

How Many Days In Stuttgart?

I find Stuttgart to be a fantastic destination, though it may not suit everyone’s tastes.

Personally, I’m not a car enthusiast, but the city’s hidden gems and picturesque landmarks hold a special appeal for me. And let’s not forget Ludwigsburg’s Residential Palace—it’s a must-see!

When it comes to exploring Stuttgart, you’ll want to set aside at least two days to fully savor what the city has to offer. This includes visits to the car museums, exploring Stuttgart’s iconic landmarks, and embarking on day trips to nearby attractions like Ludwigsburg’s Residential Palace or Lichtenstein Castle.

For instance, you can dedicate your first day to exploring the car exhibits and then indulge in a delightful dinner at the iconic Stuttgart TV Tower in the evening.

On day two, you can delve into the city’s landmarks or venture out for day trips to nearby destinations. Stuttgart can also serve as a strategic starting point for exploring the beautiful places in Baden-Württemberg. In fact, you can experience the charm of Stuttgart in just two days, and I’ve got some exciting and unique activities lined up for you below.

Where To Stay In Stuttgart?

You can find the best hotel deals in Stuttgart from this link . You may use the map feature of the website so you may easily see your convenient location for the attractions in Stuttgart you’ll be visiting.

What To Visit Next After Stuttgart?

From Stuttgart, you can quickly reach the Black Forest and Lichtenstein Castle —which are two of the most beautiful places in southern Germany. Whether you have a car or prefer public transportation, you can reach these places within 1 to 2 hours.

Southern Germany is dotted with beautiful towns; you must see them too. If you like visiting magical, scenic, and historical places, you can discover them with my post, The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Southern Germany . Like Stuttgart, the major cities in southern Germany, like Munich and Nuremberg , offer quick access to the best destinations in Southern Germany.

From Munich, you can go straight to the most scenic towns in Germany in the Bavarian Alps:

• Neuschwanstein Castle . A REAL fairytale castle perched on a hilltop.
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen . The town where you can quickly access Zugspitze and Eibsee.
• Mittenwald . It is a small town with houses with beautiful Lüftlmalerei/murals.
• Berchtesgaden . You’ll love the lakes and churches here and the view from the Eagle’s Nest.
• Oberammergau . This is the town famous for its Passion Play. It is also filled with culture and Lüftlmalerei. Perfect for a lovely stroll.

See how you can visit towns in Bavarian Alps from Munich using my Bavarian Alps 3, 7, and 10-day Sample Itineraries .

From Nuremberg, you can quickly reach the historic and picturesque towns in Franconia:

• Bamberg . Perhaps, it has the most beautiful old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) in Germany. You got to taste their smoked beers!
• Wurzburg . Are you an architecture/art enthusiast? Come here to see the most impressive frescoes and rococo buildings.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber . It’s the face of Germany on the internet (Plönlein).

If you’re looking for a city to visit outside Germany, check out the cities below ( Click their names to see why they are worth visiting ):

• Strasbourg —it is the closest French city to Stuttgart. It is also Europe’s capital, and it’s packed with beautiful landmarks that were built in different eras.
• Milan —shopping, fashion? You can also discover so much about Leonardo da Vinci here!
• Geneva —like Stuttgart, Geneva is an underrated city. But for me, it has a fascinating historic center and fun day trips to France and Switzerland.

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I'd appreciate your suggestions.

I think the answer depends on your interests! If you tell us some then we can help better

Having lived in Stuttgart for 8 years and loving it, I have no trouble recommending it as an excellent destination. Have a look at what I wrote in #1 of http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187275-i116-k6068438-Stuttgart_as_a_base-Germany.html#49932873 which will have several months' worth of excellent things to see and do in and around Stuttgart.

I'm interested to see the city but also would love to see natural views as well.

I'm also interested in art & culture. I know my interests are confusing I wanna see & do everything but I have limited time only 5 days.

It's also much smaller than the other two cities so you have both sides: city and nature.

(I am a bit biased as I grew up in Stuttgart ;o) )

berlin. munich is so expensive... stuttgart, for what?

@ RastaPasta, you've obviously never been to Stuttgart!

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