The 15 things to do in Stuttgart

Visit Stuttgart: what are the best things to do and see in the “car cradle”?

Do you know the city of Stuttgart ? This German city bordered by hills? Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is surely one of the largest cities in Germany but is able to maintain a provincial charm that is far from depleted. It is in particular its city centre that attracts the most inhabitants and tourists thanks to its architectural assets, museums, operas, shops. The city centre of Stuttgart tells the historical past of the city, there are several styles such as the Renaissance with the four-wing castle and round towers. Stuttgart, both discreet and humble, jealously retains its jewels in its centre. Don’t wait anymore and go to discover these incredible treasures!

1. The Neues Schloss (New Castle)

This unique castle of its kind dates back to the end of the 18th century and was designed by architects Retti and Louis-Philippe de la Guèpière. He undoubtedly evokes the Palace of Versailles . Today, this dizzy building is home to regional departments.

2. The Mercedes-Benz Museum

As for Munich with the BMW Museum, Stuttgart has a museum dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz brand. It is located in the district of Obertürkheim, not far from the football stadium. In this museum, you will be able to discover the whole history of the German ensign. Do not forget to lift your eyes in the air to admire the unique and fascinating architecture of the building.

3. Place Schiller (Schillerplatz)

A beautiful square in the heart of Stuttgart. The square bears the name of the internationally recognized poet Schiller who studied in the city, at the military academy more precisely. The square is recognizable because it is surrounded by historic buildings such as the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Stiftsfruchtkasten instrument museum. Discover this place of day but also at night: a unique atmosphere that will make you travel in time.

4. Lake Feuersee

Feuersee is a very pleasant neighborhood in Stuttgart. There is a small lake and a church nearby. We feel that the church itself floats on the water, magical! Feuersee can also be discovered with its small restaurants and shops.

5. The Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

This former castle is that of the Wurtemberg family. He was burned down in 1311 and was subsequently restored. In its interior, you can discover the Wurtemberg National Museum of the Family offering an exhibition on the art, culture and history of the entire region. Note that the old castle faces the new castle, everyone can have fun discovering the differences between one and the other.

6. Wilhelma Zoo (Wilhelma Botanical Garden and Zoological Garden)

Probably the largest botanical and zoological garden in all of Europe: here you can admire up to 10,000 species of exotic animals and plants. And what to say about the horticulture and architecture of the places that reminiscent of the maure style!

7. Stuttgart Railway Station (Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof)

A priori, why find a train station? This is not like others. Built during the first World War in a neo-realistic style, it is spotable especially for its 58-metre high tower with at its top, a star that turns on itself, the very symbol of Mercedes. Visit this tower and climb floor by floor to have a unique view and an incredible panorama over the entire city of Stuttgart!

8. The Tour de la télévision (Fernsehturm)

Built in the 1950s, this tower was the first of its kind in the world. Subsequently, the other television towers took an example on that of Stuttgart. It is the emblem of the city, 217 meters high.

9. The palace of Ludwisbourg (Residenzschloss) or "Splendour Palace"

The palace is located north of the city, it is known as the Palace of Versailles of Swabian. Built in the early 18th century on the orders of the Duke of Wurtemberg, this monumental palace is full of gardens in a very baroque style. The park is very well cared for, we would like to walk there for hours, cut off from the reality and the daily brouhaha. The panorama that this palace offers is sublime.

10. La Schlossplatz (Schloßplatz)

This place is probably the heart of Stuttgart, it is the place where all the inhabitants find themselves to make an appointment. At the centre of this symbolic place stands a column erected in memory of the 25th anniversary of King William I; it is called the Jubiläumssaüle. At the far east of the square is the building of the Palace Nine, the former residence of the kings of Wurtemberg. Enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this place between friends and family!

11. The church Stiftskirche

A Gothic church that dates from the 15th century. It is a very strong historical symbol in Stuttgart and it is also the main Protestant church of the city. The interior of the church offers a magnificent collection of Gothic furniture but it is especially its view from Schiller Square that offers one of the most beautiful views of the neighborhood.

12. The Flohmarkt

This chip market is extremely popular in Stuttgart. A sort of huge open-air emptiness, you can trade books, clothes, antiques. But above all, go for a walk and enjoy this uncommon atmosphere.

13. L’Opernhaus (Théâtre de la ville)

Also called Staatstheather , the theatre of the city, this neo-classical building is simply the former theatre of the imperial court erected in the early 20th century. Today, it is the seat of the ballet and the Stuttgart Opera. It takes at all costs to discover this place and its surroundings when the night just fell, the whole is magical. You can of course visit the Opera. Be careful to arrive early enough before the visits because the places are quickly assaulted.

14. The football stadium (Mercedes-Benz Arena)

For fans of the round ball, the stadium is a real institution in Stuttgart. It is located in the district of Obertürkheim. It was inaugurated in 2006 and contains nearly 54,000 seats. A unique place to watch an incredible match in a fervour and effervescence worthy of the greatest stadiums in the world.

15. The gardens of Rosenstein Park (Rosensteinpark)

Its gardens were designed in the early 19th century and extended to the north of Château Neuf. The gardens form a unique landscape over 8 km to walk in the city centre. Depending on the seasons, the gardens take a different face and the charm renews each time. Perfect to relax after a day's visit or to enjoy a good beer with friends, read, lunch, etc.

Stuttgart: How to get there? Where to sleep?

Thanks to companies like Germanwings, Air France, Air Berlin, or Hahn Air, it is possible to take a direct flight to Stuttgart from Nice, Bastia, or Paris. Many other starting cities are possible if you agree to make a stopover. Note that Stuttgart is only 1h15 from Strasbourg by car and trains serve the main station of the city (SNCF and Deutsche Bahn from Paris-Gare de l’Est in 3h50). To find the best flight to Stuttgart, use the Compare Skyscanner .

Accommodation side, Stuttgart benefits from several neighbourhoods : depending on whether you want to discover the architectural treasures of the city or enjoy your stay to explore the first steps of the automotive world, Stuttgart has some ground feet that, from hotels to authentic cottages, promise you a comfortable stay. To find a cheap hotel in Stuttgart, search this Compare hotels .

Have you visited Stuttgart?