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.
