tourist attractions stuttgart

21 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stuttgart

Written by Michael Law and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 7, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Stuttgart is 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, and sumptuous palaces draw visitors year-round.

The city is at its best in the summer when the public gardens are in full bloom and the surrounding hills are a carpet of green. Winter can also be a great time to visit, especially if you are visiting around the holidays when one of Europe's best Christmas markets springs to life. Any time of year you can enjoy the architectural attractions representing Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and contemporary styles.

Stuttgart's main attractions are close to one another and easily walkable. For those located a bit further out, the S-Bahn train system makes getting around effortless and it also connects the city center to the airport.

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. Schlossplatz

2. mercedes benz museum, 3. porsche museum, 4. day trip to esslingen, 5. ludwigsburg palace, 6. altes schloss and the wurttemburg state museum (landesmuseum), 7. christmas markets, 8. wilhelma zoological and botanical garden, 9. stuttgart fernsehturm (stuttgart tv tower), 10. stuttgart market hall (markthalle), 11. staatsgalerie stuttgart, 12. the grabkapelle on württemberg hill, 13. schloss solitude, 14. schillerplatz and stiftskirche, 15. kunstmuseum stuttgart, 16. drive the black forest high road, 17. killesberg park and tower, 18. climb to eugensplatz, 19. schweinemuseum (pig museum), 20. the weissenhof estate, 21. stay and play at monrepos palace, how to use your time effectively in stuttgart, where to stay in stuttgart for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in stuttgart.

The easiest way to start your exploration of Stuttgart is to begin at the Schlossplatz. This wonderful public square features the towering mid-19th century Jubilee Column and the Neues Schloss or New Palace (once home to former kings, it's now used by the state government). You'll also find you'll find a cast-iron bandstand (1871); a fountain; and pieces of modern sculpture.

Beautiful public gardens spring to life each summer. Come late November; the column is lit with Christmas lights, and a giant Ferris Wheel is erected in front of the palace when the Christmas Market begins.

The area around the Schlossplatz is filled with restaurants, shops, and museums, making it a pleasant place to stroll about with no particular destination in mind. Walk past the Neues Schloss to the northeast to find the expansive Oberer SchloBgarten with a large pond and towering trees. You'll also find the Staatstheater , which dates from the early 20 th century.

To the northwest is Königstrasse, a 1.2-kilometer-long pedestrian-only street full of European brand-name stores. This is one of Germany's longest and best shopping districts.

For the best view of the Schlossplatz , try this local's secret; walk in the Kuntsmusuem and take the elevator to the top floor, the same level as the CUBE restaurant. Walk to the floor-to-ceiling windows for incredible views, or even better, pop in for an espresso or light lunch at the restaurant, one of Stuttgart's more popular dining venues.

The Schlossplatz has its own metro stop and is easy to reach.

The Mercedes Benz Museum is more than a museum dedicated to vehicles, this huge museum (over 180,000 square feet) covers 130 years of automobile history and changes in society and world events, including both world wars. Cars, buses, and even the Popemobile and the SUV used in the movie Jurassic Park are on display, along with race cars and airplane engines.

The building itself is an attraction, an architectural marvel in the form of a double helix. As you walk up the long staircase to the entrance you can't help but be awed by how the eight-story-high circular wraparound design stands in stark contrast to the surrounding square and utilitarian buildings.

Start your tour by taking the elevator to the 8 th floor and then walking down the wide circular walkway with displays on each floor. Along the way, exhibits trace the development of the automobile engine from its humble beginnings when Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler first created it, right through to the 20 th century. The museum is also forward-looking as it provides commentary and exhibits on the next evolution of automobiles .

If you are looking for that perfect photo to post on your social media, wait until you reach the ground floor and shoot upwards past the cars on pedestals. If you're looking to grab a bite after your tour, Bertha's restaurant on the ground floor is excellent.

One thing to note about a visit here is that the museum is located a fair distance from the train station . The route is well marked, but count on about a 15-minute walk. Free lockers (with somewhat complicated locks) are provided, and they are located to the far right of the main entrance.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, Stuttgart

Porsche's vehicles, with their sexy lines and powerful engines, have been aspirational cars for generations. If you want your own dose of inspiration, head to the Porsche Museum where the company's history and cars are on display at this world-class museum.

Take the long elevator ride up to the museum floor and be prepared to be awed. 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.

Just follow the arrows and wind your way upwards through the museum from the earliest models to the most current production vehicle. Displays are informative and, in some cases, interactive. 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.

You can sit in some of the vehicles to experience the feeling of being in the driver's seat of these expensive vehicles. In fact, you can have your photo taken in one of the cars on display . Photos are printed off and free for you to take with you.

The museum is easily accessible with its own train station just steps from the main entrance .

Address: Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

Located only a ten-minute train ride from downtown Stuttgart , Esslingen is an easy trip and well worth the effort. The city has a medieval village area with a fairy tale feeling about it. Half-timbered houses dating from the 13 th to the 16 th centuries, sloping streets, massive gothic churches, and Town Hall with its glockenspiel (a clock where moving figures perform) are all part of the attraction. The Burg, a castle on the hill, provides impressive views of the vine-draped hills and the Neckar river.

As you wander through the cobblestone streets, be sure to take a break and grab a bite at one of the town's numerous restaurants famous for the local Swabian cuisine featuring unique dishes, including Maultashen and Spätzle.

Esslingen is also home to one of Germany's most unique, and some say best, medieval Christmas markets . Instead of standard Christmas market booths, the Esslingen version requires that all the vendors create booths using items only available at that time and that the vendors dress in period costumes. The whole scene is like stepping back 700 years in time, drawing you into a festive, yesteryear atmosphere.

Finding the medieval town center is easy; exit the train station and walk straight until you come to the pedestrian-only street, take a right and then an immediate left on Bahnhofstrasse street.

A trip here can easily be combined with a stop-in at the Mercedes Benz Museum, they are on the same transit line , S1.

Ludwigsburg Palace is the perfect place to start if you've never been to a Baroque Palace. Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttemburg had a bit of a chip on his shoulder about keeping up with his peers and went on a quest to turn a former hunting lodge into a grand palace. Along the way, he hired the best artists, painters, masons, and other tradesmen to create one of Germany's largest and loveliest palaces .

Highlights include the grand Marble Hall, with magnificent chandeliers and ceiling fresco frescoes by Matthaus Gunter of clouds against blue giving the impression of an open sky; and the oldest preserved palace theater in Europe . This lovely small theater contains fully functioning stage machinery and sets dating from the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

The palace grounds are also impressive, with well-tended gardens (separate admission) and the smaller but more ornate Schloss Favorite Palace located on a hill nearby (separate admission).

Note that the palace can only be visited on a one-hour guided tour , and English tours are only at specific times.

Be sure to take a short stroll from the palace to the town of Ludwigsburg, one of the best small towns in Germany . The historical city center is a delightful example of a well-preserved city center and full of interesting shops and restaurants. From late November until just before Christmas this is the scene of a Baroque Christmas Market , and in the autumn, the palace grounds host a popular Pumpkin Festival .

Ludwigsburg is North of Stuttgart and the palace is about a 20-minute walk from the train station through the center of the city. Alternatively, just hop on bus 421 and get off at the Ludwigsburg Residenzschloss, about a six-minute ride. If you take a taxi from the train station be sure to tell or show them the Residenzschloss entry or you may end up at the gardens and be faced with a long walk around to the main entrance.

Address: Schlossstraße 30, Ludwigsburg

Overlooking one side of Schlossplatz is the massive Altes Schloss or Old Castle which houses the impressive Wuttemburg State Museum. This is a worthy diversion even if you aren't a big fan of museums. Compact and easily toured, the museum has some interesting displays that tend to impress rather than overwhelm.

One of the museum's highlights is the historical artifacts from the dawn of mankind. Looking at these ancient works makes you pause and wonder what our generation will leave behind that will be equally as impressive in its own way.

Especially interesting are rare artifacts tracing prehistoric inhabitants of the caves in the Swabian mountains, including the world's oldest human artworks .

Another highlight is the famous Wuttemburg treasure of gold and silver and rare medieval artwork . This area of Europe has been fought over, conquered, and reconquered over the ages, and it's fascinating to think that the Romans were once in charge here.

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.

The museum has a large, airy, and bright seating area perfect for a rest, even if you don't tour the facility.

Address: Schillerplatz 6, Stuttgart

Read More: Top-Rated Castles in Germany

Stuttgart is one of the best places to enjoy Christmas Markets in Germany . When the days get short, and the temperatures drop, locals and tourists head to the city's historical center and surrounding areas to enjoy the lights and festivities of these special places.

In Stuttgart, nearly 300 vendors line the narrow streets off the Schlossplatz selling all manner of Christmas ornaments, crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, food, and hot drinks. 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.

The market has been operating in some sort of form in this location for over 300 years. Today it's still a popular gathering spot for friends and families out for a stroll past the wonderfully decorated cabins. To make the most of your visit, grab a hot beverage from one stall, a sausage on a bun from another, and cap it off with a chocolate treat from another. It's best not to have any particular destination in mind; go with the flow and see where your feet take you.

Most of the market is down the side streets and in the Marktplatz and Schillerplatz , but a portion is located right on the Schlossplatz. Here, you'll find a roller-skating rink, rides for the children, and a giant Ferris Wheel by the Jubilee Column. To get the best free view of the scene, take the elevator up to the 4 th floor of the Kunstmuseum (the one that looks like a glass box). The elevator is to your right, near the gift shop.

Locals suggest strolling the entire market but afterwards set yourself up in the Schillerplatz with a hot drink and a bite to eat. This compact area is packed with some of the best food and drink vendors and has the most tables (a rarity!), a very festive atmosphere, and is surrounded by historical buildings.

The Stuttgart Christmas Market starts around the 27 th of November each year and runs until December 23 rd .

Esslingen Christmas Market

There are many Christmas markets in and around Stuttgart, but the most unique one is in Esslingen. The market is located in the old town center of Esslingen and is different from other markets in the area. You'll find 180 booths in two separate areas, a traditional section similar to Stuttgart or Ludwigsburg, and a medieval section where everything is designed to look like it's from the Middle Ages .

The medieval section is an absolute must-see, filled with booths made from materials commonly used during that era. The booths boast timbered structures and canvas tops, while the booth keepers are dressed in period costumes. As you wander through the market, you'll hear minstrels playing 700-year-old tunes and encounter multiple stages offering performances by magicians, theater groups, and eclectic entertainers, including fire eaters. You'll also have the opportunity to witness traditional crafts like blacksmithing, glass blowing, felting, and woodworking being demonstrated, with their wares available for purchase.

At night torches provide an eerie sort of festive feel to the place and it's not difficult to imagine yourself back in time. The market is a delight to photograph and experience.

The Esslingen Christmas Market runs from the 3rd week of November to December 21st.

Ludwigsburg's Christmas market

Ludwigsburg's Christmas Market has a Baroque theme , just like the rest of the Old Town and the nearby palaces. Set in the main square, this compact and orderly market is easy to navigate and perfect for those looking for a smaller, less crowded event.

Over 160 booths sell Christmas decorations, glove puppets, music boxes, and other treasures. Warm drinks are on offer along with traditional market food, but what sets Ludwigsburg apart from other markets is the local cuisine of Holzofendinnede - a German take on tarte flambé cooked in a wood-fired oven, and Schupfnuden (potato noodles). For those with a sweet tooth the gingerbread served hot from the oven is the perfect snack on a cold December night

The Ludwigsburg Christmas market runs from the 3rd week of November until December 22nd.

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Although this is one of Europe's largest zoological parks , visitors from North America could be forgiven for thinking that it feels small, and compared to what you find in San Diego or other major centers, it is. What is most impressive is the Neo-Moorish architecture, a good selection of unique animals, and stunning botanical gardens .

The zoological park is a fantastic family outing. Be sure to catch one of the animal feedings and keeper talks that take place roughly every hour. Something that's always a hit with the kids is the elephant bathing; times change frequently, so check out the schedule at the elephant house.

The African Apes complex is also worth a visit; home to gorillas and bonobos, this facility is one of the best in Europe. Other highlights include areas devoted to the tropics, South America, and Animals of prey.

Each December the zoo comes alive at night with festive decorations , light shows, fiery water features, and booths selling warm drinks, savory favorites, and sugary treats guaranteed to send your kids into the stratosphere.

The Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden was created as a private royal retreat for the Swabian King Wilhelm I. 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 Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden is easily accessible with its own train stop.

Address: Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart

The world's first television tower would be interesting enough, but the 217-meter-tall ((710 ft)) Fernsehturm Stuttgart has the added attraction of observation decks and a 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.

This attraction can be a fun diversion for families but appeals to everyone. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the 360-degree views from one or both observation decks. See if you can spot Stuttgart's historical city center with the Neues Schloss or the Black Forest off in the distance.

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.

A café serves light lunches, coffee, and other beverages.

The grounds around the Fernsehturm are forested and crisscrossed with walking trails . For the kids, several play structures are located near the tower's base.

Getting to the tower is also half the fun, take the U15 train for a scenic ride up the hill through some of Stuttgart's less-visited neighborhoods. You can also take the U-7 or U-8, subway line or the #70 bus to the Ruhbank stop.

Address: Jahnstraße 120, Stuttgart

Existing in some form in this location since 1300 , Stuttgart Market Hall is the place in the city to get the best fruit, vegetables, spices, breads, meats, and cheeses. Housed in a wonderfully restored 20th-century building complete with a stunning glass ceiling, the market bustles with shoppers searching for tasty treats.

Some locals claim the market has the best bakery in the city. It's best if you check it out yourself! On the second floor, the wonderful Italian restaurant serves authentic dishes. Try to get a table on the terrace overlooking the market.

The market is located behind the Old Castle ; pop in here after visiting the Wurttemburg State Museum.

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

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 of 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.

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.

The museum has a well-regarded restaurant on its top floor called CUBE with floor-to-ceiling windows providing amazing views out over the Schlossplatz.

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 27 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 grand 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 has a lot to offer to its visitors, and deciding what to see and when can be a bit overwhelming. If you only have a day to spend, you might want to start by exploring the central city with its beautiful plazas and parks. For lunch, you could try the Market Hall, and in the afternoon, you could visit either the Porsche or Mercedes Benz museums.

Not interested in cars? No problem, you can skip the auto museums and go shopping along Konigstrasse, or check out the high-end stores near the Markethall. In the evening, you can have dinner at a local restaurant that serves delicious Swabian cuisine.

If you've got two days, do all the above, then layer on a day trip to the medieval town of Esslingen with a stop at the Mercedes Benz Museum on the way. Three days allows you to do everything and then add on a trip out to the palaces of Ludwigsburg with a lunch in the Old Town followed by a visit to Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden in the afternoon.

No matter what you choose to do, getting around on public train transport is easy and inexpensive.

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.

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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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From june 14 to ju­ly 14.

In summer, Stuttgart will be one of the ten German venues for UEFA EURO 2024. While the matches will be played in the Stuttgart Arena, a colourful programme with public viewing awaits in the fan zones in the city centre. Here you will find everything you need to know about UEFA EURO 2024 in the host city of Stuttgart.

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StuttCard Bous

Porsche Mu­seum Stut­tgart

The Porsche Museum has been presenting automotive history and “Fascination Porsche” in an incomparable style ever since 2009. The impressive building is located in the heart of the company’s home city of Zuffenhausen and was designed by the Delugan Meissl architectural firm of Vienna.

RegioRad Station

TopStop CityTour

Mer­cedes-Benz Mu­seum Stut­tgart

Take a journey through more than 130 years of fascinating automotive history – and on into the future. Enter the only place in the world capable of documenting the unbroken history of the automobile from its very beginning.

Weis­sen­hof Es­tate with Weis­sen­hof Mu­seum

The semi-detached homes designed by Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the Twentieth Century, shows the aesthetic, social and technical upheavals of the Moderne.

Sepulchral chapel Württem­berg

Former ancestral seat of the Wuerttemberg noble family

In­foTurmS­tut­tgart – Stut­tgart-Ulm rail­way pro­jekt

Find out all about the Stuttgart-Ulm railway development project at the comprehensive exhibition in the Tower Forum at Stuttgart's main railway station. Demonstration models, fascinating background information and a host of interesting details await you. In addition, you can look forward to the wonderful panoramic view over Stuttgart from the Tower Forum's observation deck.

Württem­berg State Mu­seum

The Württemberg State Museum offers its visitors a stimulating presentation of the history of our state from the Stone Age to the present time.

Wil­helma

A unique combination of zoo and botany awaits you in Germany's only zoological and botanical garden.

Solitude Palace

The Solitude Palce in the forests to the west of Stuttgart also is the work of the constructional minded Duke Carl Eugen. The castle itself served for the purpose of representation, for the accommodation of living, social, dining and servants' rooms, on its back side a series of so-called cavalier's buildings were constructed.

SWR Tele­vi­sion Tower

After a construction time of 20 months, operation of the Stuttgart television tower was started on 5 February 1956. With its impressive height of 217 m, it is the original model for the television towers from around the world.

Mar­ket Hall Stut­tgart

The Market Hall Stuttgart is a specialties and gourmet temple with tempting offers for living and garden culture and further attractive shops. Fruit and vegetables from around the world are offered in an appetizing manner.

Neues Schloss (New Castle)

With the New Castle, Duke Carl Eugen von Wuerttemberg (1744 - 1793) had the last large Baroque residence castle facilities in Germany built. He demanded from the city and the Wuerttemberg representatives of the orders that they build a "proper residence which is convenable to his royal dignity and the amplitude of his royal household" because he wanted to make Stuttgart to a second Versailles.

Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

The Old Castle goes back to a water fortress built in the 10th century for the protection of the stud garden (which gave Stuttgart its name). Today the Wuerttemberg State Museum and the childrens museum "Junges Schloss" are located in the Old Castle.

Schlossplatz Stut­tgart (Palace Square)

Stuttgart's Palace Square is the vibrant heart of the city, but at the same time it's a place to linger, within easy walking distance of many of the city's attractions.

The Staat­sop­er Stut­tgart (state op­era)

The Staatsoper Stuttgart is one of Europe's foremost opera houses and at the same time a branch of Europe's largest tripartite theatre. The Staatsoper repeatedly provides important impulses for today's music theatre scene and enjoys a reputation as one of the world's leading opera houses.

Castle Ess­lin­gen

Esslingen am Neckar

In spite of its name, the "Burg" was never the seat of a noble family. It was the citizens who, when constructing their town fortification, built part of the wall up the hillside – and therefore prevented a possible enemy from taking advantage of the favourable attacking position.

Got­tlieb Daimler­'s birth­place in Schorndorf

Gottlieb Daimler – the pioneer of automotive history – was born on 17th March 1834 in the Höllgasse in Schorndorf. The house where he was born was acquired by Daimler Benz in 1979 and restored, and today serves as a museum and meeting centre for the Daimler company.

Mo­tor­world Re­gion Stut­tgart

A forum for driving culture. The Motorworld Region Stuttgart is a highlight for classic car enthusiasts! At the Motorworld, classic cars and collector's pieces can be bought and sold, restored and serviced by professional providers.

Mu­seum of Pop­u­lar Cul­ture – Walden­buch Castle

Stark contrasts: a documentation of everyday life within the splendid ambience of the former hunting castle of the dukes of Württemberg. Living quarters, pictures, clothing, advertisements and lots more besides give insights into the culture, lifestyles and mentality of broad sections of the population from the 18th century up to the present day.

Mu­seum Ritter and Chocol­ate Ex­hib­i­tion

Square, delicious, sensational – in Waldenbuch everything revolves around the Square. Directly adjacent to the Ritter Sport chocolate factory, Marli Hoppe-Ritter's extraordinary art collection is on show at the Museum Ritter. Next door there's a chocoholic's paradise.

Schiller­'s Birth­place

Marbach am Neckar

"Schiller in Marbach" is the straightforward title of the new permanent exhibition in the house of Schiller's birth, which was opened on February 2, 2009 by Minister President Günther H. Oettinger. It traces the poet's first four years, which he spent at his birthplace. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of the veneration of Schiller and shows that the history of the city of Marbach has been closely bound to Schiller's remembrance since the mid-nineteenth century.

Welcome to Stuttgart!

Stut­tgart in 1, 2, 3 days

Stuttgart and its surrounding region have a lot to offer! Whether you're looking for culture, shopping or enjoyment - we've put together some ideas and suggestions as to how you can get a good overview in just a short time.

Stuttgart Citytour

Hop-on / Hop-off Open-Top Bus Tour

You can get on and off the bus at any of the stops, just as you please. Each hop on/hop off-ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you have plenty of time to explore the city.

from € 20.00

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Must-see attractions in Stuttgart

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

The neoclassical-meets-contemporary Staatsgalerie bears British architect James Stirling’s curvy, colourful imprint. Alongside big-name exhibitions, the…

Schlossgarten

A terrific park for a wander right in the heart of the city, Stuttgart's sprawling Schlossgarten threads together the Mittlerer Schlossgarten, with its…

Schlossplatz

Stuttgart's pride and joy is this central square, dominated by the exuberant three-winged Neues Schloss, an impressive, Versailles-inspired baroque palace…

Schloss Solitude

Domed Schloss Solitude, perched above Stuttgart, was built in 1763 for Duke Karl Eugen of Württemberg as a hunting palace and summer residence. Blending…

Bohnenviertel

To really slip under Stuttgart’s skin, mosey through one of the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods. Walk south to Hans-im-Glück Platz, centred on a…

Weissenhof Estate

Architecture enthusiasts are thrilled by the recent opening of the Weissenhof Estate, following many years of restoration. Built in 1927 for the Deutscher…

Fernsehturm

Whether you think it a marvel or a monstrosity, the 217m-high Fernsehturm is one of Stuttgart's most visible landmarks, with its needle-thin concrete…

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Occupying a shimmering glass cube, this gallery presents high-calibre special exhibits alongside a permanent gallery filled with a prized collection of…

Porsche Museum

Like a pearly white spaceship preparing for lift-off, the barrier-free Porsche Museum is a car-lover's dream. Audioguides race you through the history of…

Mercedes-Benz Museum

A futuristic swirl on the cityscape, the Mercedes-Benz Museum takes a chronological spin through the Mercedes empire. Look out for legends such as the…

Grabkapelle Rotenberg

When King Wilhelm I of Württemberg’s beloved wife Katharina Pavlovna, daughter of a Russian tsar, died at the age of 30 in 1819, the king tore down the…

Schweinemuseum

Billing itself as the world’s biggest pig museum, the Schweinemuseum is one heck of a pigsty: 50,000 paintings, lucky trinkets, antiques, cartoons, piggy…

Max-Eyth-See

When temperatures soar, Stuttgarters head to Max-Eyth-See for pedalo fun on the lake and picnicking beside the Neckar River. Murky water rules out…

Landesmuseum Württemberg

An archway leads to the turreted 10th-century Altes Schloss, where this museum features regional archaeology and architecture. The historic booty includes…

Planetarium Stuttgart

This pyramid-shaped planetarium uses up-to-the-minute technology to virtually propel you into outer space, with highly realistic projections of…

Some of the best views of Stuttgart are from the the top of the tower jutting out from the main train station. A free lift (elevator) deposits you right…

Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten

Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten is a quirky mix of zoo and botanical gardens. Kid magnets include semistriped okapis, elephants, penguins and a…

Neues Schloss

Standing proud on stately Schlossplatz, the three-winged Neues Schloss is Duke Karl Eugen von Württemberg’s answer to Versailles. The baroque-neoclassical…

Oberer Schlossgarten

The Oberer Schlossgarten is framed by eye-catching landmarks such as the columned Staatstheater and the ultra-modern, glass-clad Landtag.

Kriegsberg Vineyards

The Kriegsberg vineyards rise up just north of the Hauptbahnhof. It's a fine place for a blow-away-the-cobwebs stroll, especially when autumn paints the…

Unterer Schlossgarten

The Unterer Schlossgarten is a ribbon of greenery rambling northeast to the Neckar River and the Rosensteinpark, home to the zoo.

Württembergischer Kunstverein

Identified by its copper cupola, this gallery stages thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions. There are free guided tours (in German) at 3pm on…

Schillerplatz

Cobbled Schillerplatz is where the poet-dramatist Friedrich Schiller is immortalised in bronze.

Mittlerer Schlossgarten

The fountain-dotted Mittlerer Schlossgarten draws thirsty crowds to its beer garden in summer.

One of Oberer Schlossgarten's most eye-catching landmarks is the ultra-modern Landtag, a glass rectangle housing the state parliament.

Friedrich Schiller Statue

The poet-dramatist Friedrich Schiller is immortalised in bronze on cobbled Schillerplatz.

A bronze equestrian statue of German Emperor Wilhelm I (r 1871-1888) stands proud on Karlsplatz.

Stiftskirche

Topped by two mismatched towers, this largely 15th-century church has Romanesque origins.

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The Top 11 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is underrated, and it knows it. Perhaps that is why it doesn't try too hard and effortlessly puts out some of the best attractions in Germany for car lovers , architecture nerds, and beer buffs.

Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wuertemberg in southwest Germany. Almost 600,000 people live in the city, with 2.7 million in the greater Stuttgart area.

The city is about 200 km south of Frankfurt and 200 km northwest of Munich, and is  well-connected to the rest of Germany , as well as greater Europe.

Stuttgart has its own airport (STR). It is connected to the city by S-Bahn for 3.40 euros. It's also quite easy to fly into nearby airports.

The city is also well connected by rail, with Deutsche Bahn (DB). If you prefer to drive in the car city of Germany, the state highways A8 (east-west) and A81 (north-south) connect here, called Stuttgarter Kreuz . Follow signs for Stuttgart Zentrum to get into the center. 

Once within the city, Stuttgart's city center is easy to travel by foot, but there is also excellent public transportation consisting of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (local rail), and bus.

Indulge in Love of the Car

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Stuttgart is a car city. The first petrol-powered automobile was created here in 1886 and the city is still home to two of the greatest car brands in the world, Mercedes and Porsche. Both have a world-class car museum in the city.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

The famed Mercedes-Benz brand is celebrated in this temple to the car. It has a unique cloverleaf architecture of three overlapping circles with a triangular atrium in the center in the shape of a Wankel engine.  

The museum holds more than 160 cars from the invention of the automobile to the slickest new design. A free audio tour takes reverent fans through the museum and the storied history of Mercedes-Benz.

If you want to see the car under construction, guided tours of Sindelfingen plant are available.

Porsche Museum

Around 900,000 people visit this museum every year. It contains 80 exhibits of rare Porsche. World-famous autos like the 356, 550, 911 and 917 are on display. Over 90 percent of the historic vehicles are still operating and frequently take to the road as a “mobile museum” at race events and presentations worldwide.

Film footage and mobile audio guides add to the experience with special attractions for children visiting the museum. The museum is also the starting point for factory tours .

Party Like It's Oktoberfest

Twice a year, Stuttgart's festival grounds fire up the riesenrad (Ferris Wheel) and beer tents.

Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) and Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest(Stuttgart's Spring Festival) happen in the fall and spring , respectively. The fall festival began in 1818 as a harvest festival and resembles its more famous big brother . The Spring Festival only began about 80 years ago, but is actually the largest of its kind with 1.5 million visitors each year. At both events there are well-respected regional brews, mountains of delicious German food, traditional costumes, and endless merriment .

Relax Like the Royals

Schlossplatz is a central square, named for the the massive Neues Schloss (New Palace) that surrounds it. The palace was built in the early 1800s in the Baroque style. Kings have been replaced by bureaucrats as it is now the seat of state government. Tours are only available by special arrangement, but the best part is just luxuriating in this tranquil environment. 

Also on Schlossplatz is Altes Schloss , the Old Castle. A castle has been on this site since the 10th century with multiple renovations, periods of destruction and rebuilds. The current structure is from 1553 and is home to Württemberg Landesmuseum . The museum holds fine medieval art, mechanics, and the Württemberg crown jewels. Plus, some of the royals never left. The south wing is the site of the 16th-century palace church with tombs of famous former residents.

Experience Library Chic

This white cathedral to the written word is a destination for library lovers and Stuttgart citizens. Stuttgart's public library has an impressive modern design with features like solar power glass roof, sliding slat windows to prevent glare, wrap-around balcony, and rooftop terrace. All of this is wrapped around an empty central section called the "Heart". The space is also used for events, and it's fit for the hottest fetes in the city. There is a total of 500,000 media units available for public use. Visitors can use the sound studio, browse the music section (with LPs), use notation software, play on the children's floor, make use of the library in the middle of the night (cubby system open 24 hours), and even check out pieces of art. The charity-run Café LesBar provides refreshments for the body once the mind is sated.

Check Out the View From the World's First Television Tower

Fernsehturm Stuttgart (TV Tower) is from the 1950s and dominates the Stuttgart skyline at 217 meters high. Once controversial in its design (and cost), it has become the main model for television towers for around the world and the beloved symbol of the city.

While it usually blends into the scenery of the surrounding woods, visitors to the tower can admire the city from a beautiful new angle . Located on the Hoher Bopser , visitors can see everything from the Black Forest to vineyards to the Swabian Jura (Swabian Alps).

Study Up on the Pig

Germany has some of the best museums in the world. It also has some of the weirdest. Stuttgart is the proud home of one of these museums.

Stuttgart's Schweinemuseum is the largest pig museum in the world. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, there are over 40,000 pig artifacts here in 25 themed rooms from piggy banks to the golden pig room.

If all that learning makes you hungry, there is a delicious restaurant on the ground floor that serves up the pork.

Explore one of Germany's Largest Baroque Palaces

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Ludwigsburg Palace is located just 20 minutes from the city center and is one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany.

There is an impressive marble hall, baroque gallery, ceramics museum, and even an interactive area for kids. Outside, visitors can walk the grounds for free and admire the grounds and lake.

In the fall, take part in the palace's silly side with the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival . One of the largest pumpkin festivals in the world, thousands of pumpkins are used for decoration, weighed in for a europe-wide competition, and some massive pumpkins are even used to in a boat race. Another special event is the annual Christmas market.

Stuttgart is actually one of the greenest cities in Germany with many parks breaking up the urban areas, and vineyards surrounding the city.

Höhenpark Killesberg (Killesberg Park), opened in 1939 as part of a horticultural show, is a premiere park in the city. Over 100 acres of flowers, meandering gardens and open space offer a break from city living. Sunbathe on the lawn, or admire the impressive Killesbergturm (Killesberg Tower). This 40-meter-tall observation tower makes use of cables to provide for a spectacular view of the park.

To see all that the park holds, Killesberg Railway takes visitors on a 2,294 metre (7,527.4-foot) loop around the park during the summer. Two of the historic engines are powered by diesel and two by steam, making for an epic journey in either instance.

In July, Lichterfest Stuttgart lights up the park with thousands of lanterns for a magical experience. About 38,500 visitors participate each year.

Eat Your Weight in Spätzle

Other Germans can be snarky about Swabia (a cultural region of southwest Germany with its own history and dialect), but everyone loves the Swabian national dish— Spätzle (noodles). It is served throughout the country, but absolutely must be eaten in Stuttgart.

Spätzle are good with practically everything, from cheese and onion to sauerkraut, and bacon, but a particularly Swabian version is Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle (Swabian noodles with lentils).

Another typical Swabian dish is Maultaschen , pillow-like dough pockets filled with spinach, meat or cheese. They somewhat resemble Italian ravioli with a different flavor profile and are eaten in a meaty broth or served as the main course.

While everywhere will serve this regional staples, Stuttgarter Stäffele in Stuttgart is highly recommended for its traditional fare and atmosphere.

Admire the Work of an Architectual Legend

Seventeen projects by architect Le Corbusier were inducted into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites , and one of those is in Stuttgart.

The Weissenhof Estate is a pioneering and influential housing development built in 1927 for an exhibition by the Werkbund , a group of leading international architects. Eleven of the original buildings remain and are currently occupied. There is also the Weissenhof Museum within Le Corbusier's home.

Sleep in a Car

If your car mania isn't satisfied by the museums, the V8 Hotel within the Motorworld complex centers you sleeping hours on the automobile. It features 34 themed rooms with vintage cars, racing gear and even a drive-through cinema room. The highlight are the rooms where the bed is cleverly fit into the automobile, meaning you can steer your dreams from the driver's seat. For example, check out the luxury Mercedes suite .

(And if you want a more traditional room near the epicenter of cars, they have that too.)

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23 Best Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Both the capital and largest city of Baden-Wurttemberg state, Stuttgart has much more to it than just Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. While it is known as the ‘cradle of the automobile’, the manufacturing hub also has excellent museums, lavish historic palaces and gorgeous green areas to explore.

Spread across numerous hills and valleys alongside the Neckar River, it has long been an important center of commerce. Due to this, Stuttgart was heavily bombed during the Second World War with almost all its historic center sadly destroyed. Nowadays, there are well-restored castles, churches and palaces to see and some amazing modern buildings hosting fine art collections.

It also lies just short public transport journeys away from some stunning estates and atmospheric old towns like Esslingen and Tubingen. The best things to do in Stuttgart for many visitors though is visiting its two state-of-the-art automobile museums. The traditional Christmas market also sees many millions pour in each winter to celebrate, shop and enjoy the festive ambience.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Stuttgart

23. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

The eye-catching Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is housed in a giant, glass cube, completely in contrast to all the traditional buildings around it. Located on the corner of Schlossplatz, it has a very impressive array of contemporary artworks for you to peruse.

While the origins of its extensive collection date to 1924, the museum’s magnificent modern building was only unveiled in 2005. In its equally arresting exhibition spaces which actually include a series of disused underground tunnels, you can see thought-provoking paintings, photos and sculptures. Big names displayed here include Otto Dix, Dieter Roth and Adolf Holzel among many others.

Asides from admiring its unique artworks, architecture and installations, its top-floor restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and square below. Delightfully lit up at night, the museum also regularly hosts interesting temporary art exhibitions.

22. Grabkapelle on Württemberg Hill

Perched high atop Wurttemberg Hill overlooking the winding Neckar River is the very regal-looking Grabkapelle. A peaceful and picturesque place, the ornate mausoleum lies just twenty minutes drive directly east of the center.

Built between 1820 and 1824, its Neoclassical-style chapel was commissioned by King Wilhelm I for his treasured wife Queen Catharina who had died prematurely just a year earlier. The long-reigning monarch and their daughter were also later buried in its crypt.

Other than gazing out over the gorgeous vineyards and rivers below, you can also enter the historic building and marvel at its massive rotunda. Inspired by the queen’s Russian Orthodox faith, it is lined by some soaring columns and striking statues of the Apostles. Altogether, its scenic setting, views and architecture make the mausoleum well worth visiting if you have the time.

21. St John’s Church

Just a short walk west of the city center is one of its most beautiful buildings: the Gothic Revival-style St. John’s Church. Surrounded on three sides by a smallish pond, its fantastic facade, belltower and flying buttresses make for some phenomenal photos.

Very nearly destroyed during the Second World War, it is now known as the ‘church without a top’ as everything apart from its spire was rebuilt. This was to commemorate the lives lost, the destruction wrought and to stand as a memorial against war.

After having snapped some pics of its weathered sandstone walls from across the Lake of Fire, head inside to see its elegant arches, balconies and enormous organ. Its fine stained-glass windows and fetching columns also look a treat. Thanks to both its moving story and marvellous architecture, the church was one of our favorite buildings in the city.

20. Day trip to Tübingen

If you want to see a bit more of Baden-Wurttemberg, then the attractive university town of Tübingen is a great day trip option. Just a forty-five minute train ride south of Stuttgart, its enchanting Old Town is full of colourful medieval buildings, lively bars and some nice old churches.

Tucked away amongst hills and forests along the Neckar, its charming cobbled streets and crooked half-timbered houses look very much as they would have done in the 1600s. Thankfully spared from bombs during WWII, its remarkably well-preserved center is the main place to amble about.

Besides checking out its old city hall, castle and the colossal St. George’s Church, many people take boat trips along the idyllic river. Around the central Marktplatz, there are also tons of terrific bars and beer gardens and some museums to visit too. Due to its sizeable student population, Tubingen has a very vibrant, youthful feel with festivals and cultural events constantly taking place.

19. Weissenhof Estate

An absolute must for architecture lovers is the wonderful Weissenhof Estate on the northern side of Stuttgart. As its hillside site, you can tour around eleven incredible buildings designed by influential architects in the twenties. There is also a small museum that presents the pioneering project and the architectural styles on show.

For the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition of 1927, twenty-one simple yet stylish modern buildings were erected around the estate. The aim was to showcase how good-quality housing could be provided in a cheap and efficient manner. Taking part were renowned international architects such as Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier.

While the rest were sadly damaged or destroyed during the Second World War, the remaining ones are fascinating to explore. On tours, you’ll learn about their innovative modernist approach to design and be able to admire all the functional, sleek living spaces they created. The museum also features exhibits on each architect and the significant impact the housing project had on modern architecture.

18. Solitude Palace

Yet another architectural gem to stop by is the stunning Solitude Palace. Set atop an elongated ridge just west of town, the romantic-looking Schloss Solitude is surrounded by manicured grounds and gardens.

Completed in 1769, the Rococo-style palace was used as a summer residence and hunting lodge by Duke Charles Eugene. Very elegant, its central domed roof overlooks its pretty pale yellow walls and the lovely woodlands, gardens and viewpoints around them.

Guided tours in German can also take you around its sumptuously decorated interior. Here, you’ll see lavish ballrooms and halls all decked in glittering gold and glass while fabulous frescoes and shining chandeliers lie overhead. Pamphlets in English are handed out to non-Geman speakers.

While it certainly is a serene spot, we’re not sure if it justifies the travel time from the center (at least by public transport). You really need to take the tour otherwise it doesn’t take all that long to photo its opulent pavilion. There is a cafe and some hiking trails though should you want to linger longer.

17. Go Shopping at Outletcity Metzingen

If after all the sightseeing and day trips you want to shop until you drop, then Outletcity Metzingen is definitely the place to go. Although it lies about forty minutes drive south of the city, the massive mall has over 150 sparkling stores to peruse, run by the world’s biggest luxury brands.

Beautifully laid out and designed, its hundreds of chic shops and a handful of restaurants impressively make it Europe’s largest outlet. Each year, thousands upon thousands of eager shoppers flock here for its huge discounts on designer accessories, clothing and shoes. Among the most popular draws along its fashion mile are the enticing outlets of Burberry, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.

If you need a break from hunting for bargains, it has both fine dining and fast food options on offer. A shopper’s paradise, it is almost impossible to leave Outletcity without at least some new cool clothes and unbeatable deals on designer wear.

16. Hike to Rubble Hill

On the way back to the center from Solitude Palace is the remarkable Rubble Hill; the highest in the area. Boasting some breathtaking scenery, nature and views, it also has a very interesting and unusual story behind it.

Known as Birkenkopf in German, the soaring summit of the 511 meter-high hill was built out of the rubble collected from the city center following WWII. These ruins added an extra forty meters to the mount with huge pieces of buildings and broken facades lining the winding route to the top.

Here you’ll find a large steel cross overlooking the center and quiet green spaces to sit, contemplate and take in the views. A plaque explains that Rubble Hill ‘stands as a memorial to the victims and a reminder to the living’. While the atmosphere was quite heavy, we’d highly recommend visiting for its unique history and sweeping panoramas over Stuttgart.

15. Public Library Stuttgart

Another place we really enjoyed seeing was the Public Library Stuttgart for its photogenic, light-filled interior. Lying just a ten minute walk from the main train station, its simple cube-shaped structure can be found alongside the countless shops and restaurants clustered about Mailander Platz.

Designed by South Korean architect Eun Young Yi, the state-of-the-art library was inaugurated back in 2011. While its looming facade is not all that special (apart perhaps from when it’s colorfully lit up at night), its interior really is a feast for the eyes.

First, take the lift up to its eighth floor for the best view over its very aesthetically pleasing main room. Lined by brightly lit bookcases, it is sleek and white with loads of straight lines while a bewildering series of staircases connect each level of its cavernous interior. You can take some great photos here with a cafe and rooftop terrace also located in the library.

14. Neckar Park

Packed with fun things to see and do, Neckar Park lies along the right bank of the river, just a short drive northeast of the center. At the expansive multi-use complex, you can attend exciting concerts, exhibitions and sporting events or visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

Sprawling across a ginormous area, the park contains numerous event spaces and arenas. Among them are the Porsche-Arena which puts on all kinds of thrilling indoor sporting events and the much larger MHPArena home to the city’s football club VfB Stuttgart. Its Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle also hosts exhilarating concerts by big name acts.

Other than catching an action-packed game or touring around the museum, there are also swimming pools and sports facilities to make use of. Neckar Park also hosts both the Cannstatter Volksfest and Fruhlingsfest in the Autumn and Spring of each year. These three-week-long fun fairs have tons of rides, attractions and food stalls to enjoy. For adults, there are also vast beer tents full of rowdy revelers!

13. Visit Hohenzollern Castle

If you have a bit of extra time in town, it is well worth visiting the humongous Hohenzollern Castle, an hour’s drive south of Stuttgart. The second-largest in all Germany, it has a large collection of artistic and architectural treasures to inspect.

Perched atop the mighty mount of the same name, the colossal castle is the third one to occupy the same strategic spot. While the first was constructed in the early eleventh-century, its soaring towers , sturdy walls and sumptuous halls date to 1867.

The ancestral seat of the Imperial House of Hohenzollern, its palace and treasury display a startling collection of artifacts and artworks. These include not just old suits of armor and glittering jewels but phenomenal paintings, statues and swords too. A must for art and history lovers, its exquisitely decorated interiors, incredible architecture and outstanding views all make for a memorable day out.

12. Konigstrasse

Running right through the center of the city is the very lively Konigstrasse; Stuttgart’s main shopping street. Bordered by hundreds of top-class shops and restaurants, it is much more convenient to stop by Outletcity’s high-end stores.

One of Germany’s longest pedestrian streets, it starts from the main station and stretches well over a kilometer in length. Divided in two by the picturesque Palace Square, the busy boulevard has lots of leafy trees providing some much needed shade down its center. Some small fountains and benches are also dotted here and there.

To either side are elegant boutiques, enormous department stores and plenty of fast food eateries. It also has innumerable cafes and restaurants lying alongside it and the surrounding streets too. With everything so close to hand, it is almost impossible to visit Stuttgart and not pass by Konigstrasse at some point or other.

11. Porsche Museum

Long one of Stuttgart’s top tourist attractions, the fantastic Porsche Museum can be found on its very northern outskirts. Housed in a very futuristic-looking building, it traces the history of the automobile brand with dozens of cool classic cars of course displayed in its sparkling showrooms.

Located just outside of Zuffenhausen where the luxurious carmaker’s headquarters is based, it now has over eighty vehicles to admire. Interactive exhibits highlight how the design and engineering of the stylish cars have evolved over the decades. As well as examining all its photogenic, flashy Porches, you can take tours of its workshop to see how they’re produced and maintained.

Just as impressive is the marvelous modern building of the museum itself. Only opened in 2009, its cutting-edge architecture and brilliantly laid out bright white interior perfectly present the iconic race cars of the internationally-renowned brand.

10. Ludwigsburg Palace

Fittingly known as the ‘Versailles of Swabia’, the large and lavish Ludwigsburg Palace has hundreds of resplendent rooms and immaculately maintained gardens to explore. In addition to marveling at all its magnificent halls and apartments, it also contains fashion, ceramics and theater museums.

Originally intended to be a hunting lodge, it eventually expanded into the largest palatial estate in the country. Duke Charles Eugene really spared no expense with over 450 impeccably decorated rooms now found across its eighteen beautiful Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical-style buildings.

Completed in 1733, it now has terrific guided tours to take around its royal apartments. As you amble about, you’ll hear about its interesting history and the dukes of old who lived here. Highlighting their extraordinary wealth and power are the stunning chandeliers and statues, frescoes and paintings on show all around you.

After gazing at all its glittering treasures and stopping by a museum or two, you can saunter about its gorgeous grounds and gardens. This really is a treat as English landscaped sections feature next to symmetrical French and terraced Italian gardens too. All in all, the immense palace and the park around it certainly warrant a visit. It normally takes half an hour to reach them from the center of Stuttgart.

9. Killesberg Park

Another hugely attractive outdoor area to stroll around is the ginormous Killesberg Park on the north side of town. Home to lots of gardens, fountains, woods and wide open spaces, it is a very pleasant spot to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in nature.

Formerly a quarry, its expansive site was transformed into a park for a major horticultural show back in 1939. Since then, locals and tourists have headed here to walk and cycle amongst all its blooming flowerbeds and reflective ponds. There are also some animal enclosures to see containing goats, llamas and flamingos and a small train to hop on that takes you around the park.

One of its main attractions is its forty meter high observation tower which has a very cool design as open-air stairways spiral their way up to the top. From here, you bask in commanding views out over the park and city in the distance.

Each year, Killesberg also hosts the enchanting Lichterfest Stuttgart which sees thousands of lovely lanterns strung up amidst its trees.

8. Landesmuseum

Offering up a fascinating look into Wurttemberg’s rich history and cultural heritage is the outstanding Landesmuseum. Packed with ancient artifacts and interactive exhibitions, it occupies the Old Castle along one side of Palace Square.

Established in 1862, the museum’s collections actually date back even further to the ‘cabinet of arts and curiosities’ assembled by the dukes since the sixteenth-century. It certainly lives up to its original name as everything from Aztec feather shields and centuries-old celestial globes to medieval art and musical instruments are on display. You can also see the wonderful Wurttemberg crown jewels here among many other treasures.

Delightfully presented, all its old glasswork, jewellery, statues and weapons are amazing to see with something new, interesting and unusual popping up wherever you look. For us, the museum was by far one of our favorite places in Stuttgart thanks to all these unique artifacts. The castle also has a charming courtyard to take pictures in containing a dramatic statue of Eberhard I on horseback.

7. Zoo Wilhelma

One of the favourite things to do in Stuttgart with families, Zoo Wilhelma is home to thousands of exotic animals from all around the world. One of the largest in the nation, its spacious exhibits are set amongst lovingly landscaped grounds with beautiful botanical gardens also making up part of its complex.

Once the private retreat of King Wilhelm I, its grand grounds were first opened to the public in 1919. Since turning into a zoo, it has amassed quite the collection with over 11,500 animals of some 1,200 or so species now represented. These include not just ginormous giraffes and hippos but adorable orangutans and playful penguins too.

What’s more, many of its cute residents live in repurposed Moorish Revival buildings that were built back in the nineteenth-century for the king. Along with all its pretty animals and plants, these elegant structures only make the zoo even more memorable to explore.

6. Take the train to Esslingen

As it lies so close by, it is definitely well worth taking the train to Esslingen to see its atmospheric Old Town. Only half an hour away, getting lost amongst all its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Nestled in the Neckar Valley, the former free imperial city thrived for centuries as an important center of trade. Remarkably well-preserved, its center boasts well over 200 attractive old buildings that date to between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. You can snap some fabulous photos of its historic houses and canals from the Old Town’s small stone bridges.

Overlooking everything are the weathered ramparts and towers of Esslingen’s hilltop castle. From up high, you can gaze out over all the city’s red rooftops and verdant vineyards below. The town’s other main site is the Church of St. Dionys which looks quite unusual as a lofty bridge connects its two tall towers.

5. Stuttgart Christmas Market

One of the best times of year to visit Stuttgart is in winter when its magical Christmas Market is held. For around a month, over 280 rustic log cabins pack the streets and squares. Here vendors sell everything from handmade arts and crafts to seasonal food and holiday decorations.

One of the oldest and most traditional in all of Europe, the market’s origins impressively date way back to 1692. The city certainly goes all out as its hundreds of stands are draped in tinsel and twinkling fairy lights. While some sell wonderfully made wooden toys, knitted clothes and brightly coloured baubles, others have tasty gluhwein, roast chestnuts and sausages for you to try.

Palace Square also has a special children’s fairytale land for young ones to enjoy. As well as a Ferris wheel and miniature train, it has a sizable skating rink to shoot around. In a country renowned for its Christmas markets, Stuttgart’s is still one of the largest and loveliest. To top it all off, choirs, marching bands and other performers all also put on scintillating shows during the month.

4. Staatsgalerie

Just a stone’s throw from the Old Castle and Palace Square is the Staatsgalerie; another of the city’s standout sights. One of Germany’s most popular museums, it houses an exceptional collection of art that spans more than seven centuries.

First opened in 1843, its 5,000 paintings, photos and sculptures are now spread across a number of buildings. In its original Neoclassical-style gallery, visitors can examine unbelievable paintings by Dutch and Italian masters. Exquisite German Renaissance artworks are also presented here.

While these masterpieces are already incredible to see, the museum is most known for its collection of twentieth-century art. These are displayed in an appropriately colourful and contemporary building designed by James Stirling that was quite controversial when it was first unveiled.

Just as eye-catching as its slanted shapes and bright purples, greens and blues are of course the art installations within. With everyone from Dali and Kandinsky to Miro, Matisse and Picasso, it was probably one of the best modern art museums we’ve been to.

3. Fernsehturm Stuttgart Observation Deck

For the best views imaginable over the city and its scenic surroundings, head up to the Fernsehturm Stuttgart Observation Deck. Visible for countless kilometers around, the now iconic landmark rises dramatically from its hilltop setting southeast of the center.

The prototype for all modern telecommunications towers, it was completed in 1956. The very first to be built out of reinforced concrete, its tower and antenna soar a staggering 216 meters in total. While the city’s inhabitants were initially skeptical, the Fernsehturm has been very popular ever since.

From its 150 meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy phenomenal panoramas over Stuttgart, the Swabian countryside and even the Black Forest far off in the distance. If you want to drink in its epic views even longer, there is also a little cafe where you can sip a coffee while looking out over all the spectacular scenery before you.

2. Palace Square

The heart and soul of life in town, the expansive Palace Square is lined by many of Stuttgart’s most important and impressive buildings. Known in German as Schlossplatz, its wide-open gardens, plaza and green spaces have now been its focal point for centuries.

Dominating one side of the square is the enormous Neues Schloss which was erected back in 1807. Now home to various ministries of the Baden-Wurttemberg state government, its lovely late Baroque facade makes for some fantastic photos with the gigantic Jubilee Column rising in the foreground.

One of the square’s main landmarks, the massive monument looks quite the sight with the twin fountains and flowerbeds around it. Also attracting lots of attention is its ornate iron-cast bandstand, the Old Castle and cube-like Kunstmuseum.

After wandering along the rather drab, grey Konigstrasse, we were amazed to see the picturesque square suddenly opening up before us. Our favorite part of the city center, it has a very vibrant feel with plenty of people strolling about. Concerts and festivals also take place here from time to time.

1. Mercedes-Benz Museum

With its astonishing architecture, interesting exhibits and, of course, all its seriously cool cars, it is no wonder the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the most-visited attraction in Stuttgart. Part of Neckar Park, it covers over 130 years of automotive history with even non-petrolheads sure to be impressed.

Founded in 2006, the enthralling exhibits and antique vehicles occupy a magnificent modern building just outside the Daimler factory. Once past its glinting glass and metal exterior, you’ll find over 1,500 exhibits spread across nine floors. These start with Karl Benz creating the first car in 1885 and take you right up to the present day.

While learning about its invention and evolution is fascinating, the highlight is inspecting the roughly 160 classic cars and modern vehicles on show. Delightfully displayed (the museum is a work of art), these include early carriages, old trucks and legendary race cars.

With so many historic old vehicles and iconic designs to see, the Mercedes-Benz Museum really is a must, even if you’re not particularly interested in cars.

Where to Stay in Stuttgart

The most convenient part of the city to stay in is the centre or around the train station. This means you can easily see the attractions in Stuttgart or hop on a metro, tram, bus or train to ones further away.

One such option is the quiet, relaxed Hotel Royal . Located within walking distance of Konigstrasse and Schlossplatz, it has comfy, modern rooms that guarantee guests a wonderful stay. The four-star hotel also has friendly, welcoming staff and a top-class restaurant serving both local German dishes and international cuisine.

Just a tiny bit further out of the center is the peaceful Pension am Heusteig . Simple and small, it provides excellent value for money with the informal guesthouse still only lying fifteen minutes from many main sights. Aside from clean, well-equipped rooms, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast either in its dining room or out on the terrace.

How to get there

Well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe, the city is served by Stuttgart Airport on the southern outskirts. High-speed trains can also whisk you to Frankfurt Airport – one of the continent’s main aviation hubs – in just an hour.

As it is also an important rail hub, cities such as Augsburg, Cologne and Frankfurt are only a couple of hours away. It also runs high-speed international services to Strasbourg, Vienna and Zurich. Even Paris can be reached in just over three hours by train.

Dozens of long-distance buses from all around the country and further afield also check in at the city each day. As Autobahn A8, A81 and A381 all pass by its outskirts, you can quickly drive to and from Stuttgart in no time at all.

Once you arrive, its efficient network of buses, metros and trams will take you wherever you need to go. Other than using the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, your best bet is to walk if you don’t have far to go.

Approximate travel times:

• Heidelberg – 1.5 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• Freiburg – 2 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Strasbourg (France) – 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by train
• Munich – 2.5 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train
• Zurich (Switzerland) – 2.5 hours by car, 3 hours by train
• Frankfurt – 2 hours by car, 1 hour 15 minutes by train
• Paris (France) – 6 hours by car, 3 hours 30 minutes by train
• Vienna (Austria) – 7 hours by car, 6 hours by train

Best Time to Visit Stuttgart

Spread across rolling hills and valleys along the Neckar River, Stuttgart lies in the southwest of Germany, not far from the Black Forest. Already very green, it is most pleasant to visit in summer when temperatures average 21 to 24°C (70-75°F).

While this is also the busiest, most expensive season, strolling about the centre and its hills and forests is particularly lovely in the warm weather. This is also when popular events like the JazzOpen and Stuttgart Summer Festival are held.

Autumn also sees its world-famous Volksfest take over its fairgrounds. Aside from enjoying the beer festival, parade and amusement rides, temperatures of 14 to 20°C (57-68°F) mean you can still enjoy some outdoor activities. Although the weather is unpredictable, people still pour in for its ten-day Weindorf wine festival.

Until spring, the city is rather cold, dull, wet and windy. Its festive Weihnachtsmarkt – one of Germany’s oldest and most traditional Christmas markets – does attract millions of visitors though in the dark of December.

While April and May are among the rainiest months in Stuttgart, the return of life and color to its hills and parks can make it a nice time to visit.

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28 Wonderful Tourist Places to See and Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is the capital city of the Baden-Wurttenberg state in Germany. It sits on the banks of river Neckar and is surrounded by the Swabian Alps and the Black Forest. The city has a rich history and some of the best things to do in Stuttgart revolve around exploring historical sites and museums.

Many of these were damaged, some even destroyed, during the bombings of WWII. The city has managed to restore some of the important sites. So you can still witness some of the best things to see in Stuttgart as they were before the bombing. Going a step further, Stuttgart took the rubble from the bombings and turned it into a hill. You will spot pieces of some Stuttgart attractions on the Rubble Hill.

In the city, you will see some incredible historical sites. Stuttgart tourist attractions include palaces, churches, public squares, and castles. Some of these date back to the 10th century. Many of these have been restored after the bombings. The palaces of this city are especially well-known for being the largest ones in Germany and Europe in certain aspects. These are also the best places to visit in Stuttgart to learn about the political and aristocratic history of the city.

Alongside ancient, the city is also home to some amazing works of modern architecture. The Stadtbibliothek, Kunstmuseum, and Weissenhof Estate are the most incredible places to see in Stuttgart . Among these, Weissenhof is also included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The other popular aspect of the city’s history revolves around cars. It is given names like the “Cradle of the Automobiles” and “Capital of Cars”. The museums of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are the most popular attractions in Stuttgart, Germany.

Aside from history, one of the most popular reasons to visit Stuttgart is the Cannstatter Volkfest, the second-largest beer festival in the world. Even without the festival, you can try some amazing local beers when you travel to Stuttgart.

The city is also close to the Neckar Valley and is home to some great vineyards. These are the best places to see near Stuttgart, not only for the wine but also for the scenery. There are few places in the world where you can enjoy fun locally brewed beers and elegant wines straight from the vineyards in the same trip.

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Table of Contents

Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Stuttgart, Germany

1. mercedes-benz museum.

This museum covers more than 130 years of the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand. You will get to see the evolution of the company, its vehicles, and automobile technology. It is one of the best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Mercedes-Benz brand originated in Stuttgart and became one of the biggest automobile brands in the world. The museum has more than 1500 exhibits and 160 vehicles on display.

Alongside history, the museum also gives you a peek into the future of automobiles. The technologies in years to come are truly mesmerizing to witness. When you visit Stuttgart, you must reserve about 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum.

2. Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart)

This was the first TV tower in the world made from concrete. It stands 213 meters tall and is recognized as a ‘Historic Landmark of German Engineering’. It is one the best spots for Stuttgart sightseeing.

You get amazing panoramic views from the top. People can also enjoy nice meals during the day and drinks at night from the cafe/bar in this tower. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to admire the views from this tower.

I suggest you should get your Tickets to Stuttgart TV Tower in advance.

3. St. John’s Church (Johanneskirche)

This protestant church was built in the late 1800s. It is known for its incredible Gothic Revival architecture. Despite desolation in WWII, it has been recreated quite well. It is one of the best things to see in Stuttgart.

The stonework is one of the most impressive features of the exterior. Inside the church, you will get to see ages of artistic treasures. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

4. Schillerplatz

This square used to be the city centre and historical heart of Stuttgart. The square has witnessed some historic events and is surrounded by some of the best places to visit in Stuttgart, Germany.

You will be close to historical sites such as Collegiate Church, Altes Schloss, Fruchtkasten building, Museum of Wurttemburg, and several others. The square and surrounding buildings received significant damage during the Second World War and were reconstructed.

The square is also popular for cultural events, festivals, and activities to do in Stuttgart. It hosts a market twice a week and celebrations during festivals. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

5. Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

Also known as Altes Schloss is one of the most important historical attractions in Stuttgart, Germany. The castle is built on the site of Wasserburg Castle which dates back to the 10th century.

Altes Schloss faced many tragedies including battles, fires, and bombings. It evolved over the ages and was also reconstructed several times. The castle is now home to several Stuttgart tourist attractions including historical buildings and museums. You will need at least 2 hours to tour the entire castle.

6. State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart)

This museum is dedicated to classical artworks. The building and much of the artworks within were damaged during WWII. Some of them survived, while some were restored.

The exhibits include German artworks created between the 1300s and 1500s. You will also get to see Italian paintings created between the 14th and 19th centuries. It is one of the best Stuttgart attractions for history and art lovers.

You will come across the works of renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Joan Miro, and several others. You will need about 2 to 3 hours from Stuttgart travel to tour this entire museum.

7. New Palace (Neues Schloss)

Built during the 18th century, this Baorque-style palace is one of the most magnificent places to see in Stuttgart, Germany. The palace now serves as a government office. So you can only explore the palace with a guided tour.

The tour gives you a glimpse of various sections of the palace. You will appreciate the vast size as you explore it. The tour also tells you about the various events that happened and the people who resided in the palace. You will need about two hours to tour this palace when you visit Stuttgart.

8. Schlossplatz

This square used to be a part of the pleasure garden and also served as a parade ground. Similar to the New Palace, the square also exhibits several architectural styles including Classic, Rococo, and Baroque.

The biggest attraction of the square is the central Jubilee Column. On top of the column stands a statue of Concordia, the Goddess of Harmony. It is one of the top places to go in Stuttgart for sightseeing. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore the public square.

9. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a wonderful building designed by Jehle and Hascher. The exhibitions keep changing at this museum, so you should check their website. The exhibits primarily focus on paintings and graphic arts. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

10. Porsche Museum

This museum showcases the history of the automobile brand Porsche and sits right outside the company’s headquarters. The museum traces the brand’s story to its origin in 1976.

The museum has more than 80 models on display from various eras. In total the museum has more than 300 restored vehicles. It is a must-see in Stuttgart for automobile enthusiasts. The museum also looks into the racing, engineering, and innovation history of the brand. You will need about an hour or so to tour this museum.

11. State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart)

The museum covers a variety of subjects including paleontology, geology, biology, zoology, and so on. The wonderful interactive exhibits make learning interesting. It is one of the must-do in Stuttgart for families with children.

You will get to see fossils and reconstructions of various plants and animal species from the present as well as bygone eras. You will need about 2 hours to tour this entire museum.

12. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

This zoo and botanical garden houses more than 11,00 animals and 6,000 plants. You will get to see Gorillas, Gibbon, Lions, Elephants, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebras, Hippos, Snow Leopards, Flamingos, and many more. The zoo also has other fun things to do in Stuttgart including feeding sea lions, sheep, crocodiles, penguins, gorillas, caimans, and bonobos. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the zoo and the botanical gardens.

13. Königstraße

Also known as the Shopping Mile, this street is the longest pedestrian-only shopping street in Germany. You will find products from Germany as well as other countries. The street is home to many international brand stores. It is also the best place to go for street food, bakery goods, beverages, and fine dining during sightseeing in Stuttgart, Germany. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this street.

14. Württemberg State Museum (Landesmuseum Württemberg)

This museum focuses on the Wurttemberg region of the Baden-Wurttemberg state. It looks into 150 years of history including politics, warfare, architecture, and culture of the region.

You will go all the way back to the Paleolithic age to trace the origins of civilization in the region. It is one of the best places to visit in Stuttgart to get a perspective on the city. You will see how the culture of the region evolved under different rulers. It takes about an hour or so to tour this museum.

15. Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude)

This palace was built in 1763 for Duke Carl Eugen von Wurttemberg for lodging and hunting. The palace is one of the top attractions near Stuttgart. The stunning yellow facade with elegant design elements gives this palace a distinctive look. The interiors are as lavish as you would expect from the aristocracy of the 18th century. You will need about an hour to tour this palace.

16. Markthalle Stuttgart

This is the place where you get in touch with the food culture of Stuttgart. You will see a variety of items including fresh produce, home-made goods, food products, local dishes, street food, snacks, bakery goods, beverages, wines, and more. It is also one of the best places to go in Stuttgart if you to interact with the locals. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the place.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Stuttgart Market Hall .

17. Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill

Also known as the Wurttemberg Mausoleum, this church was built by King Wilhelm I in honor of his wife Katharina. The Mausoleum was designed by renowned Italian architect Giovanni Salucci.

It is one of the best places to see near Stuttgart. The elaborate design of the church is decorated with reliefs, carvings, sculptures, and paintings. The interiors reflect the Russian Orthodox culture of the Queen. While the exteriors are inspired by the Renaissance structures of Italy. You will need an hour to tour the Chapel.

18. Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung)

This estate was built in 1927 for the Deutscher Werkbund Exhibition. The architectural plans came from a competition and are considered one of the most important modern architectural works in the country.

The complex comprises 11 buildings and is now part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore the estate to admire these works of modern architecture.

But, if you want to learn more about them, you should visit the Weissenhof Museum. It will tell you the entire story of this housing estate and how it contributed to the world of architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this estate.

19. Killesbergpark (Höhenpark Killesberg)

This huge park sits right in the middle of the city. It is the top spot for fun things to do in Stuttgart, Germany. The park has several acres of landscaped gardens along with various attractions, activities, and facilities.

The park has beautiful landscaping with flower gardens, sculptures, and fountains. The park also has its own tram railway that you can ride to tour the place. There is also a farm and petting zoo for children.

The park is also home to Killesberg Tower. It is one of the most popular attractions in Stuttgart for panoramic views. Upon climbing 174 steps of this tower, you get an incredible view of the city and the Swabian Forest around it. You can easily spend a couple of hours from Stuttgart travel exploring the park.

20. Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche)

Also known as the Collegiate Church, this is one of the most important historical sites in the city. It dates back to the 12th century and is renowned for its historical and cultural significance.

The church is also one of the best things to see in Stuttgart. The architecture seamlessly blends Gothic elements with a classic Baroque design. The interiors are especially praised for the tall stained glass windows. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

21. Birkenkopf Hill

This is a manmade hill. It was built with the devastated remains of the WWII bombing. Hence, it is also known as the Rubble Hill. It is one of the most fascinating Stuttgart tourist attractions. Much of the rubble is now covered in grass, dirt, and shrubbery. As you climb the hill, you might come across pieces from the buildings destroyed in the bombings.

Atop the hill, you will find a war memorial. This point is quite popular for Stuttgart sightseeing. You can see almost the entire city as well as the Swabian Alps from this vantage point. It takes about an hour or so to tour the Rubble Hill.

22. City Library at the Mailänder Platz (Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz)

This majestic public library is a modern architectural marvel. It is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Stuttgart. The architecture focuses on straight geometrical shapes.

The building is designed like a perfect cube. Even the interiors continue the theme of right angles, except for the stairs. It has a pristine interior that creates a calm ambience for reading.

The library houses some rare historical books and has a vast collection of works by local authors. These are must-see in Stuttgart for those looking to delve deeper into the city’s culture. You will need about 2 hours to explore this library from outside and within.

23. Ludwigsburg Residential Palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg)

This majestic four-winged palace is one of the largest in Europe. It is the largest Baroque palace in Germany. It is one of the best places to visit near Stuttgart to witness the grand royal lifestyle of yesteryears.

The palace has more than 450 rooms, two churches, a massive courtyard, and finely landscaped gardens. It is also home to the oldest palace theatre in Europe. The interiors feature rich furniture and artwork. Some of these hail from renowned artists. You will also get a peek into the lives of the royals that lived here.

You can take a guided tour to explore the palace. These are usually 90 minutes long and you can take some more time to explore the palace grounds. All in all, you will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this palace.

24. Standseilbahn

This funicular railway ride is one of the most fun activities to do in Stuttgart. The ride takes you from Sudheimer Platz to the Derloch Cemetery. It was originally built for people to access the cemetery but has now become a popular tourist attraction in Stuttgart.

The train was built with teak wood and is still almost entirely original. During the ride, you will get amazing views of the city and surrounding forests. You will need about an hour for this ride when you visit Stuttgart.

25. Cannstatter Volksfest

While Munich has the Oktoberfest, Stuttgart has the Cannstatter Volkfest. It is an annual celebration held between September and October in the Neckarpark. It is the second-largest beer festival in the world after Oktoberfest.

If you are looking for cool things to do in Stuttgart, you now know the time and place. You will find hundreds of varieties of beers flowing in the park and people enjoying all sorts of fun games and activities. The fest creates a happening atmosphere with music, dance, street food, market, funfair rides, and more. The Neckarpark tops the list of Stuttgart attractions for as long as the Volkfest is on.

26. Vineyard Tour

You will get to try a variety of craft beers during Stuttgart sightseeing. But, you should not miss out on the serene German wines while overloading on beer. The hills of Baden-Wurttenberg are home to some amazing vineyards.

You can dive into the traditional process of making wine. The vineyards show you the entire journey from grape to wine and the ingredients that give German wine its distinct flavour and texture. You can also taste different varieties while enjoying splendid views of the hills.

If you want even more insight into the wines of the region, you can head to the Museum of Viniculture. It is a must-do in Stuttgart for those who adore wines. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy a nice tour of the vineyards.

I suggest you should book a Vineyard Tour in advance.

27. MHPArena Stadium

The MHP Arena is the home ground of the Stuttgart’s football team VfB Stuttgart. The team competes in Bundelsliga and European championships. The stadium tour is a must do in Stuttgart for football fans. You can explore the entire stadium and experience the history and culture of this football club.

However, the best way to experience this place is during a Bundesliga match. You should especially look for fixtures where VfB Stuttgart is playing against competitive clubs like Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund. You will need an hour to tour the stadium and 2 hours to enjoy a match.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of MHPArena in advance.

28. Museum of Illusions

This museum gives you a reality check on your senses. It has a variety of illusionary experiences with sounds, lights, perception, and objects. It is one of the best places to go in Stuttgart for families with children.

The illusions give educational insights about the workings of our mind and senses. Some of the most popular attractions of this museum include the Anti-Gravity Room, Clone Table, Head on a Platter, Turntable and Vortex Tunnel. You will need about an hour and a half to enjoy this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket for the Museum of Illusions in advance.

If you are looking for more sightseeing in Stuttgart, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of all the attractions and activities to enjoy in Stuttgart.

Things to do in stuttgart, germany, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in stuttgart, germany.

• Stiftskirche
• Altes Schloss
• Alte Kanzlei
• Neues Schloss
• King Wilhelm Palace
• Stuttgart National Theatre
• Museum of Viniculture
• Castle Solitude
• Ludwigsburg Palace
• Castle Hohenheim
• Rosenstein Castle
• Wurttemberg Mausoleum
• Weissenhof Estate
• Friedenskirche
• Stuttgart History Museum
• State Museum of Natural History
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Porsche Museum
• Stuttgart Art Museum
• Hegel House Museum
• Linden Museum
• Stuttgart Tram Museum
• Theodor Heuss Museum
• Sepulchral Chapel
• St John’s Church
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
• Kunstmuseum Stuttgart
• Leibfried Bastion
• Schelztortum
• Bismarckturm
• Ruine des Hasenbergturms

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Stuttgart, Germany

• Neckar Valley
• Black Forest
• Panoramaweg Parksiedlung

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Stuttgart, Germany

• Wilhelma Zoo & Botanical Garden
• Stadtbibliothek
• Killesberg Park
• Rosenstein Park
• Stuttgart Pavillion
• Historisches Volkfest
• Santiago de Chile Place
• Stuttgart City Garden
• Freitreppe am Kubus
• Killesberg Railway
• Maurischer Garten
• Middle Schlossgarten
• Wernhaldenpark
• Jubilaumssaule
• Arboretum Serach
• Fanny Leicht Park

Shopping in Stuttgart, Germany

• Konigstrasse
• Karlsplatz Flea Market
• Konigsbau Passagen
• Outletcity Metzingen
• Breuningerland Sindelfingen
• Schlossplatz

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Stuttgart, Germany

Sightseeing in stuttgart, germany.

• Burgholzhof Observation Tower
• Stuttgart TV Tower
• North Station Memorial
• Standseilbahn
• Birkenkopf Hill
• Schillerplatz
• Wielimdof Windmill
• Schicksalsbrunnen
• Skulptur und Gedenkbrunnen
• Galateabrunnen
• Borsenbrunnen
• Borsenplatz
• Eugenstaffel
• Athenebrunnen
• Pusteblume Brunnen
• Tablat Turm
• Stauffenberg Platz
• Bgruntes Haus
• Hans im Gluck Brunnen

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Stuttgart, Germany

• Wilma Wunder
• The Gardener’s Nosh
• Mauritius Feuerbach
• Citizen Long
• Jose y Josefina
• Weinstube Zur Kiste
• Christophorus
• Wielandshohe
• Retsinadiko
• Die Zirbelstube
• Goldener Adler

Where to Stay in Stuttgart?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Stuttgart. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Stuttgart.

Luxurious Hotels

• Le Meridien Stuttgart
• Waldhotel Stuttgart
• Hotel Azenberg
• Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin
• Pullman Stuttgart Fontana
• Kronenhotel Stuttgart
• Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte
• ARCOTEL Camino Stuttgart
• Jaz in the City Stuttgart
• Central-Classic Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

• Maritim Hotel Stuttgart
• Holiday Inn Stuttgart, an IHG hotel
• Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark
• Ibis Stuttgart City
• Premier Inn Stuttgart Bad Cannstatt Hotel
• Rioca Stuttgart Posto 4
• ibis Stuttgart Centrum
• Park Inn by Radisson Stuttgart
• Mercure Hotel Stuttgart City Center
• City Hotel Stuttgart

Budget Hotels

• the niu Form
• Motel One Stuttgart-Feuerbach
• Premier Inn Stuttgart Feuerbach hotel
• Ibis Budget Stuttgart City Nord
• B&B Hotel Stuttgart-Vaihingen
• Abalon Hotel Ideal
• Premier Inn Stuttgart City Europaviertel hotel
• a&o Stuttgart City
• Premier Inn Stuttgart City Centre hotel
• Hotel Neotel Stuttgart

Custom Tours Package in Stuttgart

How to reach stuttgart, germany.

The Stuttgart Airport connects you to various cities in Europe. You also get flights from some cities in the Middle East, Iceland, and North America. You can get direct flights to visit Stuttgart from Athens , Marsa Alam, Paris , Belgrade , Istanbul , London , Atlanta , Beirut, Lisbon , Rome , Bastia, Manchester , Stockholm , Reykjavik , Zurich , Barcelona , and many more.

The airport has train, bus, and cab connectivity to get to the city from the airport. You can buy the tickets from the airport itself. Most people prefer public transport to travel to Stuttgart from the airport as it is far less expensive than a cab.

Stuttgart is well connected within Germany through the train network. You can get direct trains from several major cities in the country. This includes Frankfurt , Cologne , Dusseldorf , Hamburg , and so on. You can also get a direct train from Munich to reach Stuttgart.

The bus network within Germany is also great. Almost every major town and city is well connected. But, it is best to find the nearest train station for travelling within Germany. You can also get buses from many European cities to travel to Stuttgart. It is a major stop in many Euro-tour bus trips.

If you are planning to get to Stuttgart by road, you should head for highway routes A8 or A81. These two routes intersect on the west end of the city. You can also consider routes B10, B14, and B27 to reach Stuttgart.

There are no direct water routes to travel to Stuttgart.

Image Reference

• Mercedes-Benz Museum – cubicroot / PixaBay
• Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart) – Wallpaper Flare
• St John’s Church (Johanneskirche) – Roman Eisele / Wikimedia Commons
• Schillerplatz – 23001799 / PixaBay
• Old Castle (Altes Schloss) – Th G / PixaBay
• State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart) – Timothy Brown / Flickr
• New Palace (Neues Schloss) – Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons
• Schlossplatz – Wolfgang Vogt / PixaBay
• Kunstmuseum Stuttgart – Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons
• Porsche Museum – Gabriele Bendler / PixaBay
• State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart) – Ghedoghedo / Wikimedia Commons
• Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden – Miriam_die_Taenzerin / PixaBay
• Königstraße – Filip Maljković / Flickr
• Württemberg State Museum (Landesmuseum Württemberg) – Carole Raddato / Flickr
• Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude) – CatalpaSpirit / Wikimedia Commons
• Markthalle Stuttgart – Magnus Hagdorn / Flickr
• Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill – Óscar / Flickr
• Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung) – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
• Killesbergpark (Höhenpark Killesberg) – Gilbert Sopakuwa / Flickr
• Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche) – Armin Vogel / Flickr
• Birkenkopf Hill – Wolfgang / Flickr
• City Library at the Mailänder Platz (Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz) – Oli Götting / PixaBay
• Ludwigsburg Residential Palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg) – Simon_sees / Flickr
• Standseilbahn – Smiley.toerist / Wikimedia Commons
• Cannstatter Volksfest – Guillaume Baviere / Flickr
• Vineyard Tour – Christine Wagner / Flickr
• MHPArena Stadium – RudolfSimon / Wikimedia Commons
• Museum of Illusions –
• 40 Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Corsica, France
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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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What to do in Stuttgart, Germany

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

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!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it!

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.

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!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

21 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart, a southern city in the dynamic heart of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region. This city is not only known for its world-class automotive museums and manufacturing, but it also captivates visitors with its lush green parks, architecture, rich history, and the thriving wine culture.

Unbeknownst to many, Stuttgart is also home to the world’s second largest Oktoberfest, named “Cannstatter Volksfest” and draws in thousands of visitors due to its proximity to its international airport and dozens of places of interest.

Similar to its sister city in Lodz, Poland, and also one of the best cities to visit in Poland , Stuttgart has numerous textile and commercial industries in the city.  This lends to a vibrant commercial district.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the 21 must-visit places in Stuttgart.

From exploring the iconic Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums to the serene beauty of the Killesberg Park and Schlossgarten, the city delivers something to every visitor.

Here are 21 of the best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany.

Stroll around Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is the heart of Stuttgart. This large square is surrounded by buildings of historical significance, and is home to the impressive New Palace  or Neues Schloss. 

The building stands as an iconic landmark of the city. Constructed in the mid-18th century,  it is among the most expansive palaces in southern Germany.

Commissioned by Duke Carl Eugen von Württemberg, it was his primary castle until it was turned over to the regional state in the early 20th century.

During World War II, Stuttgart actually suffered extensive bombing in 1942, the same year that Auschwitz Birkenau became operational. 

Unfortunately, Neues Schloss also sustained considerable damage during these bombing raids as well as in additional raids in 1944. Fortunately, the palace was restored in the 1950s, ensuring it could be appreciated by generations to come.

Schlossplatz a perfect place for a leisurely walk, people-watching, or enjoying a picnic during the summer months.  It is also a central location for dozens of events and festivals throughout the year.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum

This is a must-see for car enthusiasts or history buffs. 

It showcases the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz brand from the very beginning, featuring a variety of vintage and modern cars, trucks, and race cars. 

The museum is structured as a double helix, and you can travel through the history of the automobile from the ground floor to the top.

Stuttgart is actually home to both Mercedes Benz and Porsche as both manufacturing companies are based in the city, and experiencing the museum on its home turf is a unique experience.

The museum truly has one of the most comprehensive overviews of cars and trucks, with many actual sized models that can be explored within the museum

Explore the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Wilhelma Zoo is Europe’s largest zoological-botanical garden.  It is one of the most beautiful places in Stuttgart, and as you climb up the hill to the area with the bears and climbing animals, you can get a pretty good view of Stuttgart.

The zoo has a good combination of exotic animals and lush plant life, as there are several buildings housing botanical plants and flowers.  From camels, lions, seals, hippos, elephants to dozens of species of birds and a mix of monkeys and other mammals, the zoo really provides ample opportunity to see many types of animals.

In the central part, there is a pavilion with a large open garden with fountains, and flowering trees that bloom in the spring.  This attracts many photographers in the spring for an impromptu photo shoot. The pavilion has Moorish architecture, reminiscent of a Spanish Alhambra, giving the pavilion and gardens a unique charm.

In total, over 11,000 animals are held at the zoo from numerous climate zones, providing visitors a wonderful array of viewing and learning opportunities and one of the best places to visit in Stuttgart.

Climb the Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart)

This was the first television tower in the world built using reinforced concrete. When you ascend to the observation deck you can see a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Stuttgart region. As it’s on top of one of the hills surrounding Stuttgart, the views are pretty magnificent.

The tower was constructed in the mid-1950s under the direction of architect Fritz Leonhardt, and stands tall at 217 meters, casting an imposing silhouette against the city’s skyline.  The tower is visible from neighboring cities as well.

At the time, the tower marked a new era in tower construction, proving that reinforced concrete could be used for high structures, a concept that has been replicated worldwide since.

If visiting the tower, there is also a restaurant and a café where you can enjoy a meal or drink.

Enjoy a Show at the Stuttgart State Opera

Renowned for its top-notch performances, the Stuttgart State Opera offers a varied program including opera, ballet, and concerts. 

The Stuttgart State Opera has an incredible ensemble of rotating artists. Renowned singers, talented musicians, and world-class dancers come together under distinguished conductors. 

​​Each season brings a fresh lineup, maintaining a perfect balance between classical masterpieces and innovative contemporary works.

The beautiful opera house itself, located near the Schlossgarten park, is worth seeing. The auditorium has superb acoustics and an intimate atmosphere.  The interior is richly ornamented which resonates with the art that is found within the beautiful performances in the opera house.

Visit the Stuttgart City Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart)

This modern, cube-shaped building is not only a library but also a significant architectural landmark. 

Designed by renowned Korean architect Eun Young Yi. Its interior is just as striking, with a white, minimalist design and a central atrium that’s particularly impressive. 

The stunning central atrium is named the “Heart”, and extends upwards, with staircases and bookshelves radiating out like rays of sunlight. 

The open design allows natural light to flood in during the day, creating a spectacle of shadows and light that continually changes as the day progresses. 

At night, the entire building transforms into a glowing cube.

As such the library has been showcased in numerous publications for its simple, geometric and clean design elements.

Explore Killesberg Park

Easily reached by train, this large open air public park has walking paths, a petting zoo, a historic narrow-gauge railway, and the Killesberg Tower, a 40 meter winding circular viewing tower with panoramic views of Stuttgart.

A popular place in the summer, families come out for picnics, bicycle riding and the park’s free playgrounds.  There are numerous ponds with animals, and even an area with a small (paid)carousel, swing and snack bar where visitors can purchase local treats.

Right outside the park there are a few small shops, restaurants and an ice cream shop for those headed out for the day.

Wander through the Stuttgart Christmas Market (Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt): 

For those visiting in the winter, Stuttgart’s expansive Weihnachtsmarkt winter Christmas market is a must. As one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, the market is spread throughout Schlossplatz and the Town Hall and its surrounding streets.  A large Advent calendar is displayed in the windows of one of the surrounding buildings during the evening. There are hundreds of stalls, selling crafts, decorations, holiday treats, and so many different types of food.  

The whole city center is beautifully decorated. There is a children’s area at Schlossplatz, and typically has a carousel and a few other fair rides.  There is also a steam powered train that is set up every winter and an ice rink.  Recent additions have included a winter hut, as well as a skating rink instead of an ice rink.  Much less crowded than Munich, Frankfurt or Berlin, Stuttgart has all the perks of Christmas markets without the massive crowds.

Visit the Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude)

Located on the outskirts of Stuttgart, this beautiful palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The palace and its interiors are a fine example of late Rococo architecture.  Schloss Solitude has expansive grounds and is a popular area for picnicking, kite flying and photography shoots.  

Families tend to pick this spot for photo shoots as the archway at Schloss Solitude showcases Stuttgart’s buildings in the background, making for impressive photos. There are tree lined walkways around the Schloss and nearby horse farms.

Experience the Cannstatter Volksfest

As the second largest beer festival in Germany, Cannstatter Volksfest is not well known outside of Germany.  Most visitors flock to Munich’s annual beer festival, but the overwhelming crowds make it difficult for newcomers to enjoy the ambience.   Stuttgart’s annual Volkfest, held at the end of September, early October most years, is the perfect mix of beer tents, family activities, carnival fun and some pretty impressive rides.  

Held on grounds that go out nearly a mile, this festival is often referred to as Stuttgart’s Oktoberfest. It showcases traditional Bavarian music in the tents, with a wide variety of beers, traditional German food and plenty of traditional German costumes.

It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in local culture and have a lot of fun, while navigating smaller crowds.  A train stops right outside the fest grounds, and security teams stationed around entrances ensure a safe environment for anyone wishing to visit.  Be sure to pre purchase tent tickets for the evenings as they tend to sell out quickly.

Shop in Königstraße

Stuttgart’s main shopping street is a pedestrian only street, with shops, restaurants, cafes and business on the left and right of the walkways.  Throughout the year, even in the winter, you can witness at least one musician out on the street playing some beautiful tunes.  During the winter, twinkling lights hang from some of the main thoroughfare trees planted throughout the walkway.  

In the summer, it’s a popular area nearly every day.  As a pathway connecting Schlossplatz as well as other areas in the central part of Stuttgart, there are always people milling around.  Be sure to stop at one of the cafes along the way, or pop into the Lego Store or even the Five Guys along the way to the Schlossplatz.

Take a Walk in the Schlossgarten

This expansive park in the heart of Stuttgart offers beautiful walking paths, lakes, and formal gardens. A small Japanese garden with cherry blossoms is a popular photo spot in the spring.  The pathways are typically filled with bicyclists and families on the weekends.  The trees and water areas in the park provide a serene environment for visitors and locals alike.  

It’s a perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or simply enjoy nature.

In addition there are plenty of restaurants in the area that have great food with outdoor seating.  Perfect after spending all day walking around the park.

Visit the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History (SMNS)

Within the Schlossgarten is the Natural History Museum, a Greek style building located in the heart of the park.  In fact, this museum is one of them, with the other being located on the far end of the park.

Comprising two different sites, the Rosenstein Castle and Löwentor Museum, the two museums are split into paleontology and geology, and the other, biology and ethnology.

Dinosaur fossils and lots of  biodiverse exhibits  can be found as well as interactive displays and learning stations for children.

Both museums offer quite a bit to anyone interested in natural history.  As it is popular with school children as well, it’s best to plan a visit early in the morning or late in the day.

Discover the Stuttgart State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart)

A world-renowned art museum, the Staatsgalerie houses a vast collection ranging from the 14th century to the present day.

With a vast collection that spans numerous artistic periods, it showcases masterpieces from legendary artists like Picasso and Rembrandt. In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery also hosts special exhibitions, engaging events and educational programs.

A visit here is best paired with an evening out on the town, as the museum is located right next to the Schlossplatz and the most central part of the city.

Visit the Porsche Museum

Another treat for car lovers, the Porsche Museum displays a range of stunning vehicles, showcasing the history and development of the Porsche brand. 

From the legendary Porsche 356 to the innovative electric Taycan, the museum illustrates the brand’s history and technological advancements. 

The museum’s building itself is worth seeing as it appears to float above the ground on its three V-shaped columns. Inside, there are displays that are continually displayed, ensuring that visitors are seeing something new each time.  There is also a workshop that visitors can see which adds to a more authentic experience.

Experience the Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest

In the season opposite of the Volksfest, is Stuttgart’s spring Frühlingsfest.  As one of the largest spring festivals in Europe, it very much mirrors the Volksfest.  With a few beer tents as well as a vast array of carnival and fair rides, the festival, which attracts more than 1 million tourists, can experience a part of German culture without the same attention the fall festival receives.  The spring festival is geared more toward families and enjoying the beginning of spring.

The festival is held on the same grounds as the volksfest and usually has specific family days dedicated to half price discounts on rides.  Traditional Swabian dishes, local wines, and beers are all served during the festival.

For thrill-seekers, the Frühlingsfest boasts a wide variety of amusement park rides. High-speed roller coasters, giant Ferris wheels, and funhouse-style attractions provide plenty of excitement for all ages. If you prefer a calmer experience, the festival also features a traditional German market, offering a range of artisanal products.

Explore the Stuttgart Market Hall (Markthalle Stuttgart)

Located in a central part of the city in an Art Nouveau building, the market is a great place to explore and sample local foods and unique specialty items.

 Several dozen vendors line the market, offering a variety of goods that cater to all tastes and preferences. Fresh fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colors beckon are arranged in one stall, while freshly baked bread wafts from another. 

You can find a selection of local cheeses, cured meats, homemade pastas, and an impressive variety of wines from the region’s vineyards. If you have a sweet tooth, the array of pastries, chocolates, and local desserts is sure to satisfy your cravings.

There are also great spices and herbs sections, where you can sift through the dozens of offerings.

Foodies will appreciate the array of international foods which lends to Stuttgart’s multicultural culinary landscape.

Visit the region’s many vineyards

Situated in the fertile wine-growing region of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart’s vine-clad hills, idyllic wine villages, and an abundance of vineyards make it a wine lover’s paradise.

Stuttgart’s vineyards paint a picturesque backdrop against the urban landscape. A great starting point is the district of Untertürkheim, with vineyards hugging the Neckar river and the Mercedes-Benz plant’s iconic silhouette in the background. These vineyards are renowned for Trollinger and Riesling wines, the flagship varietals of the region.

Uhlbach, a quaint wine village within Stuttgart’s Obertürkheim district, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s winemaking history. The Cannstatt district’s vineyards along the Neckar River produce high-quality wines.

Next to Stuttgart, the town of Esslingen am Neckar is also famous for its vineyards. The town’s commitment to wine is evident in its vine-covered hills and the high-quality red and white wines that come from them.

Whether you’re strolling through the vineyards of Untertürkheim, sampling Riesling in Uhlbach, or exploring the wine cellars of Esslingen am Neckar, Stuttgart’s wine scene offers an intriguing mix of exploration and wine tasting.

Visit the Linden Museum

This ethnological museum is one of the most important of its kind, with a vast collection representing cultures from around the world. As one of Germany’s leading ethnological museums, the Linden museum is dedicated to fostering understanding and respect for all peoples and cultures.

It harbors a vast collection of artifacts from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, as well as the Islamic world. The museum’s dedication to authenticity is remarkable, each artifact meticulously preserved to convey the most accurate representation of its origin.

The museum’s African collection is particularly significant, spanning art, ritual objects, and everyday items that tell a multifaceted story of a continent rich in cultural diversity. From West African masks and sculptures to Ethiopian icons, the collection provides a panoramic view of African cultures.

The Asia section is equally impressive. Visitors can marvel at beautiful Chinese porcelain, intricate Japanese prints, or Tibetan ritual artifacts, among other exhibits.

The museum often tackles contemporary topics, providing a platform for understanding and discussing subjects that impact our global community today.

Check Out Feuerseeplatz

This beautiful square features a stunning gothic church and a beautiful lake. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll or a picnic. This is one of Stuttgart’s hidden gems that is worth a visit.

Located in the west of the city, the square features a man-made lake originally designed as a water reservoir to combat fires during the 19th century. 

The Johanneskirche, or St. John’s Church stands in the background and an abundance of tall trees creates a peaceful and serene like ambience not seen anywhere else in the city.  It’s an oasis in the middle of a bustling city.

The church is quite beautiful with a red sandstone facade, stained glass windows, and intricate wooden carvings on the interior are a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural vision of the 19th century. 

The neighborhood around the square is lively with quaint cafes, charming boutiques, and cozy restaurants.

Climb Birkenkopf

Birkenkopf, or Birch Head, affectionately known as “Mount Rubble” among the locals, is a place of both breathtaking beauty and poignant history. As the highest point in Stuttgart, standing at around 511 meters above sea level, Birkenkopf offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

As you start your climb, you might be surprised to find that Birkenkopf is not a natural hill, but rather a monument built from the ruins of World War II. After the war, approximately 15 million cubic meters of rubble from the destroyed city were transported to this location, increasing its height by around 40 meters. 

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular vista and on clear days, you can see as far as the Swabian Alps. 

Birkenkopf provides an excellent starting point or destination for hikes and bike rides. The hill is surrounded by forests, filled with well-marked trails for explorers of all levels. 

As the highest point in Stuttgart, it’s worth visiting for the incredible panoramic views of the city. It’s a short climb, but the view is well worth the effort.

Final Thoughts on the best places in Stuttgart

There you have it.  If you’re visiting Stuttgart, Germany, or even if you didn’t have this city on your radar, this list of Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany is what you’ll need to make the most of your time.  Even if you only visit some of the best places in Stuttgart, you’ll get to know the city intimately as all these locations and experiences provide background on the beautiful city nestled in the valley.

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20+ Best Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

Are you planning a trip to Stuttgart, Germany, and wondering what to do while you’re there? With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg, located in southwestern Germany. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. From museums and galleries to parks and gardens, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this beautiful city.

To help you make the most of your trip, we have put together a list of the best things to do in Stuttgart. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply looking for a good time, there is something for everyone here. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore this fascinating city.

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Where is Stuttgart Germany?

As the capital city of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart is the 6th largest city in Germany. The city is nestled in a valley between the Neckar River and the Black Forest, in what is referred to as the ‘cauldron’ or ‘bowl’.

Traveling Around Stuttgart Germany

With several airports located throughout Germany, and one in Stuttgart itself, getting to this beautiful city from virtually anywhere in the world is pretty easy. And once you arrive in Stuttgart, you can take advantage of their world-class public transportation system. The city is easy for tourists to navigate and explore.

If you’re short on time, take this one-hour tour of Stuttgart or grab a hop-on hop-off bus ticket for a quick and reliable way to see the city! I love doing a walking tour if I have the time to really get a feel for the city and see details I probably would’ve missed on my own.

20+ Best Things to Do in Stuttgart Germany

Depending on how much time you have, there are a ton of things to do in Stuttgart Germany!

Get a Birds’ Eye View of the City from the Fernsehturm

Built in 1956, the TV Tower stands 217 meters high and can be seen from downtown Stuttgart. While the antenna is no longer active, the Fernsehturm Stuttgart has an impressive observation deck 150 meters above the ground.

The incredible 360-degree views, reach across the city and Neckar Valley, into the Swabian countryside. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Black Forest and the Odenwald.

Travel Tip: If you’re short on time, head to the Cube Restaurant . You’ll get delicious food and a great view of the city at the same time.

Visit the Botanical Gardens at the Wilhelma Zoo

The Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden is one of Germany’s largest and most popular zoos, with more than two million annual visitors. This gorgeous zoo is not only known for its state-of-the-art complex for African apes, but it is also home to over 8,500 species of plants in the botanical gardens.

Revered for its botanical garden, the Wilhelma is home to Europe’s largest magnolia grove. The grove contains thousands of orchid species and dozens of varieties of camellia and azalea plants.

Learn about German Automotive History at a Car Museum

Stuttgart is home to not one, but two amazing car museums.

The Mercedes Museum is a multi-story complex that winds its way up, taking you through over 125 years of automotive history. With nine levels, 160 vehicles, and over 1,500 exhibits to see, you can follow the history of the brand from the very first patented car in the world, to the hydrogen vehicles of this millennium.

The gorgeous Porsche Museum has more than 500 cars that are rotated from storage to the museum and to events around the globe. You can follow the development of Porsche from the early days of the brand, through their racing vehicles, to today’s vehicles and beyond, with the concept cars of tomorrow. The museum typically has over 80 vehicles on display at any given time.

Both museums offer a variety of guided tours, including private tours, and tours for children.

Walk through Markthalle

Markthalle is a must-visit for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike. This historic market hall dates back to the late 19th century and has been beautifully restored to showcase the best of local cuisine and artisanal products. As you walk through the bustling halls, you’ll be greeted with the sights and smells of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, as well as a variety of international cuisine options. Whether you’re looking to shop for ingredients to cook up a feast or simply enjoy a delicious meal, Markthalle is a vibrant and exciting destination to explore in Stuttgart.

Enjoy a Local Beer in a Biergarten

Germany is definitely known for its beer. And what better way to enjoy a brew, than in a Biergarten (beer garden). Biergartens are wonderful places to enjoy the fresh air, have a cold drink on a hot day, have an amazing meal, and spend time socializing with friends.

Biergartens can be found hillside and among the vineyards, riverside, or in quaint city courtyards. In most places, you will find schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, potato salad, and sauerkraut! Yummy! Stuttgart has plenty of biergartens to fit any traveler’s style – and is one of the best things to do in Stuttgart.

Visit Solitude Palace

This beautiful palace, built in the mid-18th century, is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms and learn about its history as a hunting lodge and summer residence for the Duke of Württemberg. The palace also features a baroque garden, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the chance to experience the grandeur and beauty of Solitude Palace on your next trip to Stuttgart.

Admire Fernsehturm

The Fernsehturm in Stuttgart, Germany is a remarkable structure that stands tall at 217 meters. This tower is the first of its kind in the world, made entirely of concrete and steel. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, and visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for a breathtaking experience. The tower was built in the 1950s and is an important landmark in Stuttgart, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its unique design and historical significance make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. So, if you’re planning a trip to Stuttgart, make sure to add the Fernsehturm to your itinerary!

Get Lost in the Christmas Market

Stuttgart has one of the largest and oldest Christmas Markets in Germany. So in November, the entire downtown area is transformed, complete with a miniature village, holiday rides, a huge tree, a building-sized Advent Calendar, and a skating rink.

With over 250 stalls in total, you can expect the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, mulled wine, Lebkuchen, and fresh bread to fill the air. Have fun sampling your way through the market!

Shop Til You Drop on Königstraße 

Königstrasse is the main street you see as you exit the Hauptbahnhoff. Known as the shopping mile, it is the longest pedestrianized shopping street in Germany.

As the third most frequented shopping street in Germany, you can expect to find many of the popular chain stores (Zara, H&M, Pandora, Starbucks), as well as plenty of biergartens, restaurants, and cafés to curb your hunger while you shop.

Discover a Secret Chinese Garden

The Chinese garden in Stuttgart is located near one of the oldest vineyards in the city. It is a very popular destination for locals, but not a lot of tourists know about it!

Built in 1993 for the annual International Garden Exhibition, the Chinese garden is composed of a beautiful entrance, the main hall, a gazebo, a waterfall, a bridge over its small artificial lagoon, and finally, an amazing panoramic view of the city. The garden is filled with beautiful details and decorated with wood carvings.

Entering the small Chinese garden, you immediately feel the peace and tranquility not usually found in a large city!

If you like spooky, take a guided ghost walking tour in Stuttgart!

Have a picnic on palace grounds.

Schlossplatz , or palace square, is located in the heart of Stuttgart. It sits along Königstrasse, and is just a few blocks from the main train station, making it a perfect stop.

Completed in 1807, the Baroque style palace — once home to former kings — is now used by the state government. History and architecture aside, Schlossplatz is a great place to hang out and relax!

On a hot sunny day, people can be seen lounging on the grassy areas or cooling off in one of the large (chlorinated) fountains. Families will bring full picnic baskets and blankets too!

In fact, it is a favorite spot for the locals to gather and spend time with friends and family outdoors.

Ride a Cog Train into the City

Affectionately known as the “Zacke,” the Stuttgart Zahnradbahn is the only rack-and-pinion railway in Germany. It mainly serves daily commuter traffic but is also a tourist draw. The panoramic views of Stuttgart along its route, make riding the Zacke a must!

The line was opened on 23 August 1884. It connects the district of Stuttgart South (Marienplatz) to Degerloch (Albplatz). The 2.2 km long route runs along the Alte Weinsteige , climbing from a height of 853ft to 1,526ft, with a steep incline of 17.5%.

The Zacke’s current rolling stock consists of three four-axle ZT 4 rack-and-pinion railcars. Two of these cars are always in service, and follow a regular transit schedule (connecting with the city’s U-Bahn system).

Admire Stiftskirche

Stiftskirche, also known as the Collegiate Church, is a beautiful architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Stuttgart, Germany. The church dates back to the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the years. The exterior of the church is adorned with intricate Gothic and Baroque style designs, while the interior boasts stunning stained glass windows and a grand organ. Visitors can admire the church’s rich history and stunning beauty, and even attend a service or concert inside.

Visit Württemberg Mausoleum

The Württemberg Mausoleum is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. This stunning neoclassical building was constructed in the 19th century as a final resting place for the members of the Württemberg royal family. The mausoleum boasts a beautiful façade, intricate marble work, and impressive sculptures. Visitors can explore the interior of the building, which houses the tombs of several members of the royal family, including King Wilhelm I and Queen Katharina. A visit to the Württemberg Mausoleum is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the region and to appreciate the beauty of its architecture.

Walk through Killesbergpark

Killesbergpark is a stunning park located in Stuttgart. It is a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful greenery, picturesque landscapes, and stunning views of the city. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including a miniature railway, botanical gardens, and a large playground for children. Walking through Killesbergpark is a great way to relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Killesbergpark is a must-do when in Stuttgart.

Explore Killesbergturm

Killesbergturm is a stunning tower located in Stuttgart, Germany. It stands tall at 40 meters and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. The tower is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for locals to enjoy a picnic or a stroll. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Kiliesbergturm is surrounded by a beautiful park that is perfect for a relaxing day out. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Stuttgart.

Wander through Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is a beautiful square located in the heart of Stuttgart, Germany. It is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Old Castle, the New Castle, and the Jubilee Column. Visitors can wander through the square and take in the stunning architecture, as well as enjoy the fountains and green spaces. Schlossplatz is also a popular spot for events and festivals, such as the Stuttgart Wine Festival and the Stuttgart Summer Festival. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax, Schlossplatz is a must-visit destination in Stuttgart.

Visit the Kunstmuseum

Kunstmuseum in Stuttgart, Germany is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. It’s located near the Schlossplatz for easy planning. During the day it looks like a reflective glass cube, but at night the interior is illuminated and you can see through the glass! The museum boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Max Beckmann. The museum also features a regularly rotating selection of special exhibitions, showcasing works from emerging artists and exploring various themes and movements in the art world. Beyond the art, the museum’s striking architecture and beautiful location in the heart of Stuttgart make for a truly memorable visit.

Admire the Architecture at the Weissenhof Estate

Weissenhof Estate is a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts in Stuttgart. This housing estate was built in 1927 as an exhibition of modern architecture and features buildings designed by famous architects such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. The estate is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a unique opportunity to see some of the most important examples of modernist architecture in the world. A visit to Weissenhof Estate is a chance to step back in time and experience the pioneering ideas of some of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Stuttgart Germany

With so many amazing things to do in Stuttgart Germany, you should not have a problem putting together an awesome itinerary. Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, Stuttgart is a wonderful city that is definitely worth exploring.

Read More about Germany

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This is a guest post from fellow travel blogger Marianne from  The Journeying Giordanos ! The   Journeying Giordanos   is a family travel blog specializing in Canadian travel and adventure. Together with my husband and four children, we are exploring the country, making new memories, and learning through travel.

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8 thoughts on “20+ Best Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany”

As a car aficionado the Porsche Museum would be high on my list of sites to visit, I knew it existed but didn’t realise it was in Stuttgart …. and a Mecedes Museum too … I’m in car heaven! I also never knew Stuttgart has the longest pedestrianized shopping street in Germany. – that could be a very expensive temptation for me!. The palace would be on my list. I really just thought of Stuutgart as a bif modern ciy and never knew it had these great places to see also – I’ve learned something new today, especially after only ever visiting Berlin in Germany. Stopping of at the Chunese Garden would be ideal for me as I love walking and the peace here would be relaxing.

The botanical gardens and zoo would interest me the most. Other than that Stuttgart has the Staatsgalerie (an art museum) with some artwork of my favourite painters. I got a trip to Stuttgart on my list but not on a high priority for now with Covid.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

I visited here many decades ago! But remember loving the city. I agree, a visit to the top of the tower in Fernsehturm is a must! This city is great for car enthusiasts, so I know I will have to make a return visit to this city with my husband. Maybe at Christmas time to see the markets might be the best time.

I do love Germany but never been to Stuttgart. I think I’d definitely have to visit in winter so I could go to the Christmas markets, which are already one of my favorite European winter activities, but especially to see one in Germany that’s one of the oldest and largest

a picnic in the palace grounds sounds like a magical way to spend a day, and something I never knew you could do here!

This is such a cool list of things to do in Stuttgart! Whenever I get the chance to visit Germany again, I have to visit others areas like this.

Looks like there is so much to do in Stuttgart! The Porsche and Mercedes museum definitely look like a must do stop! Cannot wait to visit Germany soon!

The secret Chinese Garden sounds amazing and I would love to be in a biergarten right now. Stuttgart has so many things to do!

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Top 15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

What are the top tourist spots in stuttgart.

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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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Movingto-Germany

Top 10 Things to Do in Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s streets are filled with many entertainment options, with anything from quiet visits to beautiful parks and museums, to a fun afternoon out with your family in its theme parks, or in the city’s main square with all its many resources for amusement.

Stuttgart offers entertainment for every kind of public and things to do that everybody can enjoy. But there are so many interesting things to do in the city, that an outsider wouldn’t know where to start from.

That’s why we have made a list of the top 10 things to do in Stuttgart so that, whether you are new in town or are just traveling,.

Without further ado, these are the top 10 things to do in Stuttgart.

1. Mercedes-Benz Museum

A trip to the Mercedes-Benz Museum takes you in a time travel through the history of the birth of the automobile in Germany, and the rise of Mercedes-Benz as one of the best car manufacturers in the world.

Through its halls you can see every one of their models, from the earliest steam powered vehicles to their exciting sport racing models, and even bold futuristic models that for some reason didn’t reach production.

The museum offers a guided audio tour through the history of Mercedes-Benz.

Whether you are an automobile aficionado, or simply visiting out of curiosity, a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Museum is a unique experience for everyone interested in the history of Stuttgart, and its importance in automobile development.

Location : Mercedesstr. 100, 70372 Website : www.mercedes-benz.com Price : N/A

2. Wilhelma Zoologisch- Botanischer Garten

The Wilhelma Zoo is a wonderful place where you can enjoy nature, not from afar like in many other zoos, but immersed right in the middle of animals and plants from all over the world.

Beautifully designed with the style of an European garden, the zoo also offers a great place where to sit with family or friends and do a picnic, or enjoy a beer or ice cream with the natural scenery of the place as your background.

The Wilhelma is the perfect place where to find refuge from the modern world inside a beautiful park filled with nature.

Location : Neckartalstr. 9, 70376 Website : www.wilhelma.de Price : $$

3. Porsche Zuffenhausen Factory Tour

If you want to take a dive to what has made Stuttgart so great, you need to take a tour to the Porsche Factory.

Here you can stroll through the plant’s assembly line and see how their cars are built from scratch, starting with the empty chassis and then all the way to the painting and polishing of the car.

It’s not everyday that you can take a walked tour inside the manufacturing plant of one of the largest automobile brands of the world, and if that wasn’t enough to catch your attention, the tour is completely free!

Location : Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Website : www.porsche.com/factory-tours Price : $

4. Staatsoper Stuttgart

The Staatsoper Stuttgart is a place any classical music lover should visit.

Here you can enjoy the best Opera and Ballet performances in Europe in a well designed theatre that stands out for its great acoustics and beautiful design.

Whether you wish to take your date out to share a night filled with culture and elegance, or simply go to appreciate the wonderful music and theater performances that this venue offers, it will be a night you’ll never forget.

Location : Oberer Schlossgarten 6, 70173 Website : www.oper-stuttgart.de Price : $$

5. Schlossplatz

If you ever feel like going out but don’t know what to do, a trip to the Schlossplatz is sure to provide you with a quick answer.

The Schlossplatz is the city’s main square, and the place where many interesting things happen.

Here many of Stuttgart’s events are organized, including everything from open-air concerts to the Christmas market, and even soccer matches displayed on huge wide screens.

Don’t stay bored in your room. The Schlossplatz is a big box full of surprises waiting for you to unwrap it.

Location : Schlossplatz 70173 Website : N/A Price : N/A

6. Mineral-Bad Berg

Even something so pleasurable as visiting the city’s most fun places can take a toll on your body and spirit.

The Mineral-Bad Berg is a magnificent bath spa that functions with mineral water extracted directly from the earth, and is frequented by people who want to take some time to relax from the busy city life.

There’s nothing like sinking into a natural spring water pool to feel your whole body rejuvenate, and gain strength for your next trip.

Take some time out from visiting parks and museums and give your body the treatment it deserves.

Location : Am Schwanenplatz 9, 70190 Website :  www.stuttgart.de/baeder/mineral-badberg Price : $

7. Killesberg

The Killesberg is a wonderful green oasis located right in the middle of busy Stuttgart.

What makes this park stand out is not only the amazing variety of plants it have, but the beautiful view of the city that you can see from its 2.000 stairs tower.

Moreover, the park is sprinkled with many different attractions, like a puppet theatre for children, and even a small train that gives them a tour through the park.

If you want a place where you can enjoy nature with your family, then don’t forget to visit Killesberg park.

Location : Am Kochenhof 16, 70192 Website : N/A Price : N/A

8. Porsche Museum

With its emphasis on modern cars, the Porsche Museum offers a different experience to car lovers.

This place is packed with every type of sports car that the company has designed. If you are the kind of person who always fantasized with owning a large sports car, then surely this is your own Shangri-La.

Here you can find some of the coolest designs from Porsche, with everything from luxury sports car destinated for the consumer market, to classical f1 models.

Visit this amazing museum and race trough the history of one of the world’s greatest sports car manufacturer.

Location : Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Website : www.porsche.com/museum/en/ Price : $

9. Sensapolis-Indoor Freizeitpark

The only way you could describe Sensapolis-Indoor Freizeitpark is a place where filled with pure raw fun. This large amuzement park has every type of game you could imagine.

Bring your kids in, or come along with friends and enjoy the roller coasters, climbing walls, or a wild ride in the water area.

Sensapolis is a place where people of all ages can have fun with all the attractions you could think off in a single area.

Location : Melli – Beese Str. 1, 71063 Website : www.sensapolis.de Price : $$

10. Grabkapelle Württemberg

Built in the 1800s for the memory of the deceased wife of the King of Württemberg, the Grabkapelle Württemberg is an impressive mausoleum that is surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards.

The Grabkapelle is a great place for a romantic date, or to take a day off to enjoy nature and the magnificent view from the hill where the mausoleum is located.

Location : Württembergstr. 340, 70327 Website : www.grabkapelle-rotenberg.de Price : N/A

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart

Stuttgart is one of the largest and most historic cities in Germany and can place its origins far back to the days of Roman conquests in the region. There’s a lot to discover in this charming, southern German city, and even more to discover in the surrounding region. Stuttgart’s perfect location in the southwest offer visitors the chance to explore the beautiful nature of the Black Forest, the fairytale castles of the German nobility, and colorful, small towns and villages, nestled amongst gorgeous scenery.

Stuttgart is just a short drive away from France. It’s not even too far from Switzerland, and there are plenty of great cross-border excursions to enjoy from the city too. Visit Strasbourg, the spectacular environs of Lake Konstanz, the big city of Frankfurt, and the multitude of beautiful spots waiting to be discovered nearby.

Here are our favorite day trips from Stuttgart.

1. The Black Forest

The Black Forest is an extensive area of natural beauty that’s easily accessible from Stuttgart.

There are many small towns to discover and a wonderful array of landscapes and hiking trails that will leave you speechless.

A great place to begin your journey into the Black Forest and to get a great feel for nature here, explore the recently created Black Forest National Park, found in the northern part of the region.

This is a protected area of wilderness that encompasses vast areas of forest that is home to an array of wilderness.

Hike to the tallest peaks to enjoy the rolling vistas, where you can see nothing but a sea of green for mile upon mile.

2. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is one of Germany’s most iconic castles.

Found just to the south of Stuttgart, the dreamy spires reaching for the sky will leave you as much in awe as the dramatic, cliff-top location that offers incredible views out over the surrounding area.

The Neo-Gothic architecture dates back to the early 19th century when the Prussian King began construction of the high walls and magnificent turrets that you see today.

Historically, though, there have been castles and fortifications on the same site for centuries – far back into the middle ages.

It’s a great place to not only photograph but learn more about the local nobility and houses of Germany.

3. Tubingen

Tubingen is found just outside of Stuttgart and is an excellent place to visit to see small town German life in what is a predominantly university associated area.

Like much of the region, Tubingen can trace its origins far back – thousands of years – but most of the elegant houses and ramshackle streets that you will discover here are from more modern times, but still incredibly historic.

There’s a beautiful, vibrant and multicolored waterfront that is alive with students and locals throughout the year, while in summer, the beer gardens are loud and busy and the waterways abound with small rowing boats.

4. Heidelberg

Another iconic university town that’s perhaps much more well-known is Heidelberg.

This is one of the most beautiful towns in Germany and it’s just a day trip from Stuttgart.

Here, you will find an elegant bridge spanning the Neckar River and rolling hills covered in green trees surrounding the historic town.

Heidelberg is home to one of the oldest universities in the world – a university which is very much still active and dates back to medieval times.

Walk the old streets, enjoy the marvelous architecture, and explore the distinctive walls of the Heidelberg Castle.

Triberg is a quaint German town that’s found tucked away in a corner of the Black Forest.

Triberg itself is lovely to wander around, however, the real attraction lies not in the town, but in the surrounding forest, where you can easily hike to some of Germany’s tallest waterfalls.

The Triberg Waterfalls are a spectacular sight; the town is located at the bottom of the river that flows over the falls.

Reaching a maximum height of just over 150 meters, this is a beautiful sight; there are many layers cascading over rocks to form a tier of cascading waterfalls.

6. Freiburg

Freiburg is a small city that’s found right on the border of Germany within easy reach of France and Switzerland.

It’s set amid beautiful surroundings, and despite its proximity to neighboring countries, is distinctly German in character.

The Black Forest surrounds Freiburg and there are many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

The city itself, being fairly secluded, doesn’t tend to receive the same number of tourists as other areas within the Black Forest, making it an ideal off the beaten track place to discover.

Ulm has some quirky sights to enjoy.

This is the hometown of world famous German physicist Albert Einstein.

Although he moved out very early on in his life, today you can see his presence in the museums and university.

The old streets line the River Danube and it’s a beautiful city.

You can visit the world’s tallest church, marvel at the rickety, lopsided beerhaus that was built centuries ago, and wonder how the city’s very own leaning tower has still not fallen over.

8. Schorndorf

Schorndorf lies just a few miles down the road, to the east of Stuttgart, and makes for an easy day trip from the city.

It’s known for its charming, old-fashioned, wooden houses and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy the local castle, the museums, and the museum devoted to Gottlieb Daimler – a pioneer of motor vehicle technology who was born in the town.

9. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle quite literally looks like it has been transplanted into the real world from a fairy tale.

It’s a bit of a long day trip from Stuttgart – the castle is found to the south, on the border with Austria – but it’s well worth the trip to see this iconic landmark in all its glory.

Neuschwanstein Castle is found on a high cliff top and its spires and turrets are the stuff of legend.

The castle dates back to the 19th century, when a German king built this grand premises as his home, away from the world, in as romantic a surrounding as he could envision.

The castle gets very busy, but it’s worth the queues and the crowds just to marvel at this stunning piece of architecture.

10. Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is another beautifully romantic castle in the region.

It’s found much closer to Stuttgart.

Compared to the more famous castles such as Neuschwanstein, it’s much quieter and hardly as well known.

It’s definitely not understated though, as it’s just as fairytale-like and equally as lavish.

An ornate bridge leads over a precipitous void to the castle gates, where the turrets and walls are seemingly perched, as if by magic, on a high, rocky cliff that looks over a scenic valley.

11. Frankfurt

The huge German city of Frankfurt is just a few hours up the road from Stuttgart and it offers visitors a great day trip.

It might be one of the busiest cities in the country, but that means that there’s also a lot to do.

Enjoy the skyline, visit the many museums, and sample some of the best German food in the region.

12. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is one of the Danube River’s most famous cities.

Although much of it was destroyed in World War II and the name of the city became synonymous with the trials that were held here after the conflict, today the city has recovered and regained its position as a tourist destination that it has long held historically.

The Bavarian capital is found to the south of Stuttgart and is a must-visit city.

Experience the beer halls, the beer gardens, and the great local food that is found all over the city.

It’s an exciting place to explore.

When staying so close in Stuttgart, it would be a shame to miss out on one of Germany’s best city destinations.

14. Lake Constance

Lake Constance is found where Germany meets both Switzerland and Austria.

It’s a wonderful destination to visit and you can explore the lengthy lakeside walks, the small waterside towns, and even cross the lake by boat to explore the neighboring countries.

15. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is found just over the border in France and makes for a great day trip from Stuttgart if you want to experience a location less German.

Strasbourg, though, is still decidedly multicultural; it’s always been at the center of the crossroads of Germany and France, and today is the home of the European Parliament too.

Found on the banks of the River Rhine, there are influences to be seen from both sides of the river, and a great array of historic buildings and sights to entertain.

15 Best Day Trips from Stuttgart:

• The Black Forest
• Hohenzollern Castle
• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Lichtenstein Castle
• Lake Constance