Things to see in Stuttgart. The capital of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, often considered a city full of well-dressed and extremely competitive businessmen, is actually a very pleasant city to visit. Here are the best things to do and see in Stuttgart.
What to see in Stuttgart – What to visit in Stuttgart
Situated in the vineyard-lined Neckar Valley, Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg . For hundreds of years, until the 19th century, the city was the seat of the Counts and then the Kings of Württemberg, who left behind a remarkable legacy of royal palaces that later became government buildings and museums.
Stuttgart is also the city of the automobile : the first automobile and the first motorcycle were invented here by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, respectively. The headquarters of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are located in Stuttgart, and the elegant new museums for both brands are not to be missed. These are just a few examples of modern architecture in Stuttgart, along with the Art Nouveau market hall, a house by Le Corbusier, and a new cutting-edge library. But Stuttgart is also appreciated for its local wines, which rival those of France, and its vibrant nightlife .
SEE ALSO: Connections between the airport and Stuttgart city centre .
Let's explore the best things to do in Stuttgart :
What to see in Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz Museum
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is a veritable pilgrimage site for car enthusiasts, and no wonder. Each floor of the building, a remarkable feat of engineering in itself, pays homage to one of the most beautiful and influential automobiles ever built. The museum highlights not only the evolution and mechanics of the models, but also how the brand and its founder, Mercedes-Daimler-Benz, played a crucial role in shaping modern German history. The vehicles are displayed in exciting arrays, and even those who aren't car enthusiasts can't help but be captivated by the exhibits.
Address: Mercedesstrasse 100, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Prices: Full price €10, Reduced price €5.
What to see in Stuttgart: the Wilhelma Zoo and the Botanical Gardens of Stuttgart
At the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you can achieve a feeling of complete relaxation and entertainment . In the Botanical Gardens, you'll find an expanse of beautiful gardens and intricate greenhouses, enclosed in striking 19th-century architecture, to explore and admire before visiting the many animals housed at Stuttgart Zoo.
Wilhelma I , who chose a Moorish Revival theme for the royal bathhouse, a miniature version of the Alhambra in Granada. The park opened to the public in 1880 and was rebuilt as a zoo following damage sustained during the war. The zoo houses over 1,000 species, making it the second largest in Germany, surpassed only by Berlin Zoo.
Address: Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open daily from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: full price €16, reduced price €8 (children aged 6 to 17).
What to see in Stuttgart: The Stuttgart City Library
The Stuttgart City Library is so far removed from the usual library clichés, with its wonderful, minimalist approach to decoration and books by every conceivable author and publisher from around the world on every conceivable subject. This library is meant to be visited; there are even lockers in the basement so visitors and tourists can simply relax and enjoy reading. The cafeteria's snacks are wonderful, and on sunny days, visitors can enjoy reading on the open roof terrace, with its breathtaking views and wonderful atmosphere.
Address: Mailaender Platz 1, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Admission: Free.
What to see in Stuttgart: The Württemberg Mausoleum
Württemberg Mausoleum : a beautiful and understated building in Stuttgart with a tragic history. The exquisite chapel is the final resting place of a former king and queen of Württemberg and their young daughter. Legend has it that the young queen died of a broken heart when she discovered her beloved husband was having an extramarital affair. The king, tormented by remorse, built this chapel to house her tomb in a beautiful natural setting. Today, the chapel is surrounded by vineyards and stunning landscapes. Visitors can still see the couple's final resting place and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Address: Württembergstraße 340, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Prices: Full price €4, Reduced price €2.
What to see in Stuttgart: Schloss Solitude
Stuttgart Palace, also known as the Schloss of Solitude , is a glorious place to visit on the outskirts of Stuttgart, with fascinating tours of the building offered regularly. Originally built by a former Duke of Württemberg as a private hunting lodge, there are all sorts of prizes and paraphernalia to observe once inside. The surrounding gardens and woods are a real pleasure to explore and stroll through. Here, you can also hike along the trails and enjoy the splendid views of the city from afar.
Address: Solitude 1, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Prices: Full price €4, Reduced price €2.
What to see in Stuttgart: Johanneskirche
The splendid Gothic Johanneskirche , reflected in the surrounding Feursee lake, dates back to the 19th century. It was meticulously rebuilt after being hit by bombs during World War II. The Johanneskirche tower was deliberately left unfinished as a sort of war memorial. The interior details have been expertly restored, and the stained-glass windows are truly marvelous.
Address: Gutenbergstraße 16, Stuttgart, Germany.
What to see in Stuttgart: Schlossplatz
In the heart of Stuttgart, this square exudes power and gravitas. Much of this comes from the façade of the Neues Schloss, the classical seat of the kings of Württemberg and headquarters for the government ministries of Baden-Württemberg.
The space in front was once a private pleasure garden and parade ground, but today it is a place where Stuttgart residents can gather for parties or open-air concerts.
A few steps back is a formal garden graced with fountains and a monumental column honoring William I. On the south side is the Gothic Old Palace for the Counts of Württemberg, now used as a state museum , and to the north is the unmissable dome of the Kunstgebäude , built for the Württemberg Art Association in the 1910s.
What to see in Stuttgart: Killesberg Park
Created for a horticultural exhibition in 1939, Killesbergpark is a huge 50-hectare park with gardens, fountains, and sculptures located in Stuttgart's northern district. Eighty years later, the park continues to host gardening events, and its "Valley of Roses" ( Tal der Rosen) is a marvel in summer, as are the 200 varieties of dahlias.
A series of public artworks lend a whimsical and sophisticated touch to the park. The most eye-catching attraction is the Killesbergturm , a 40-meter-high tower of twisted cables designed by structural engineer Jörg Schlaich.
The award-winning cone-shaped structure opened in 2000. Two sets of double-helix staircases lead to four platforms at heights of 8, 16, 24, and 31 meters. Once you reach the top, you'll be captivated by the magnificent view of the city and the Neckar Valley. The tower is safe, although it sways noticeably when the wind blows.
Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Prices: Free admission.
What to see in Stuttgart: Stiftskirche
The majestic Stiftskirche , characterized by its various towers, was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier religious building. Here you can find magnificent examples of 16th-century Renaissance art, commissioned by the Count of Württemberg, and several 17th-century crypts.
Address: Stiftstrasse 12, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Admission: Free.
What to see in Stuttgart: Birkenkopf, the hill of rubble
Stuttgart's highest hill is partly man-made. Birkenkopf is a mountain literally constructed from the rubble cleared from the ruins of the city following Allied bombings in World War II. Standing 500 meters tall, this hill offers an opportunity to reflect on the war, a memorial to the dead, and a warning to the living. From the summit, you can enjoy a splendid panorama that extends all the way to the Black Forest.
Address: Birkenkopf, Southwest Corner, Stuttgart, Germany.
What to see in Stuttgart: Porsche Museum
In Zuffenhausen, not far from Stuttgart, lies the headquarters of another internationally renowned automotive brand. The Porsche Museum has been around since the 1970s, but was recently renovated ten years ago and reopened in 2009. The museum unveils the brand's early years and recounts the numerous innovations of engineer and founder Professor Ferdinand Porsche, the man who invented the VW Beetle and the first gasoline-electric hybrid. There are interactive multi-sensory displays, such as a new, controllable sound installation and a touch wall. Timeless classics such as the 356, 911, and 917 are just a few of the 80 vehicles on display in the museum.
Address: Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart, Germany.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Prices: Full price €8, reduced price €4 (children up to and including 14 years old). After 5:00 pm, tickets are half price.
What to see in Stuttgart: Standseilbahn Stuttgart
In Heslach, southwest of Stuttgart, there's an elegant funicular that climbs the slope from the Südheimer Platz U-Bahn station to Stuttgart's Degerloch cemetery. The railway line is part of the public transport network and is protected as a historic monument. The carriages are made of dark teak wood.
When it was completed in 1929, the Standseilbahn was the first semi-automatic funicular in Europe . The two beautiful carriages are original, although one was repaired after being hit by a tree in 1999. The ride to the top takes four minutes and leads to a cemetery nestled in the forest. The upper station is a good starting point for a walk in the woods.
Address: Südheimer Platz, Stuttgart, Germany.
Map of things to see in Stuttgart
70199 Stuttgart, Germany
70435 Stuttgart, Germany
70197 Stuttgart, Germany
70173 Stuttgart, Germany
70192 Stuttgart, Germany
70173 Stuttgart, Germany
70176 Stuttgart, Germany
70197 Stuttgart, Germany
70327 Stuttgart, Germany
70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany