A Complete Travel Guide To Stuttgart, Germany

Known as “Germany’s biggest small Town”, Stuttgart is the state capital of Baden Württemberg and city of contradictions, culture, and art with world-class museums, renowned opera and ballet, magnificent panorama, stunning architecture, cultural diversity, and traditional festivals, etc. The city has a rich Swabian culture and has plenty of things to offer to every traveler. For food lovers, it is the food hub where you can find an abundance of restaurants offering traditional dishes of the region with fine vines and bear pubs from some of the best vineyards in Germany while is a paradise for architecture lovers to experience several grandiose buildings in the city center and art galleries with amazing displays and exhibitions. You can sit around the parks and gardens of the city rich in greenery and enjoy the calm and peaceful environment of nature.  

The city is largely dominated by the auto industry and has a long history as a car city whose natives take pride in coming up with world’s popular inventions including Mercedes Benz, Porsche car as well as Bosch electrical equipment and a variety of other products. Today Stuttgart is a manufacturing hub where you can take a tour of Mercedes and Porsche factories. The locals are known for their friendly attitude and zeal of celebration. Apart from annual beer and wine festivals, you can enjoy numerous festivals that take place throughout the year including Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest, etc.

If you are planning to visit Stuttgart this season, it is important to plan well and know some essential things about the city so that you could enjoy it to-the-fullest with a relaxed mind and make your trip memorable without worrying about transport or anything else. Therefore here we are sharing a few must-know travel tips to Stuttgart you should consider. Let’s have a look:

Table of Contents:

1. Quick Round to Stuttgart

• Best Time To Go To Stuttgart, Germany

• How To Get To Stuttgart?

2. Visit The Best Attractions Of Stuttgart, Germany While Traveling in the City

3. Where To Eat In Stuttgart, Germany?

4. Best Shopping Places In Stuttgart, Germany

5. Where To Stay In Stuttgart, Germany?

Quick Round to Stuttgart

• Capital - Stuttgart is the capital of Baden Württemberg, Germany with an approx population of 6,00,000 in the city.

• Language - German is the predominant and official language within the city and region. However, most Germans speak English as a second language.

• Currency - Germany is part of the Euro Zone and operating using the Euro.

• Climate - Stuttgart has an oceanic climate. 

• Travel tips - Stuttgart is well-connected to rail, air and road transport. It is a hub for Germany's national railway network, Deutsche Bahn. The city is also accessible by car via state highways A8 and A81and you can also take buses to Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich and to the other countries in Europe. The easiest way to go to Stuttgart is to board a flight and land at the Stuttgart airport via connecting flight from the city center.

Best Time To Go To Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is situated very close to the hills and therefore it is quite cold during the winter. So the best time to go to Stuttgart, Germany is between May and September ie. warm months. There will be a pleasant climate and you find the weather warm and skies clear. The warm season will add an extra charm to the city's landscapes and make it a perfect place to visit. Likewise, autumn and spring are also good seasons to visit Stuttgart as you can explore the natural vegetation, valleys, vineyards, and hills at its best while during the spring, you can enjoy the warmth and vibrancy in the city.

How To Get To Stuttgart?

Stuttgart is well-served by the Stuttgart airport - an international airport situated eight miles from the city center. You can board a flight to Stuttgart if you are an international traveler. The city has a sound approach of flights from the European capital while for domestic travelers, it gives access to the train, buses, and cars. If you want to add more luxury and comfort to your trip to Stuttgart, feel free to approach private stuttgart airport transfer and explore the city without facing the inconvenience of public transport.

Visit The Best Attractions Of Stuttgart, Germany While Traveling in the City

Stuttgart is a leading commercial center and home of major automobile manufacturers. It is one of the most beautiful and most appealing cities in Germany among tourists. There are lots of things to see and explore from a pair of stunning art and automobile museums to Europe’s top zoos, amazing historical and architectural landmarks representing Baroque, Art Nouveau, modernist and contemporary styles to steep hills and forests and vines, etc. You can get a sneak peek into broad parks and gardens.

To provide you a well-rounded city, we have listed down some of the best and top attractions of Stuttgart, Germany you must-visit at once while traveling in the city. Let’s have a look:

1. The Mercedes-Benz Museum - The Mercedes-Benz Museum is somehow a paradise or a pilgrimage site for the car enthusiasts which is not so surprising. Every floor of the building is dedicated to engineering and pays homage to the invention and development of the automobile in the context of each era of technology. You can explore 160 vehicles in the exhibition along with auto-racing legends and prototype cars of the future.
    

2. Staatsgalerie Stuttgart - In 1843, this is one of the outstanding art museums designed by James Stirling set within its original Neoclassical buildings. One of the most visited museums in Germany hosts the finest art collections you will fall in love with from 14th to 19th centuries including works by Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Max Beckmann, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso among others. It has a colorful exterior, a brilliant representation of the German Renaissance art along with a focus on the classical modern period from 1900 and 1980.
    

3. The Porsche Museum - You will be amazed to see the jaw-dropping architecture of the building of Porsche museum by Delugan Meissl where you can get a deep insight into the development of Porsche along with 80 -over vehicles in exhibitions and display. It has been in existence since the 70s but redesigned ten years ago and reopened in 2009 to display the early days of the brand with innovations of engineers. The most popular part of the museum is the 12-meter Porsche Touchwell to use touch frames for browsing through more than 3000 drawings, photos, and posters.
    

4. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden - If you are tired from the journey and want to spend a few minutes of relaxation and entertainment, it is the perfect place. You can explore the stunning gardens, greenhouses with 2000 plant species and amazing 19th-century style architecture. Opened in 1880, this is a much-loved zoo with more than 1000 species at the zoo, especially the great apes like chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
    

5. The Grabkapelle on Württemberg Hill - Situated upon the Württemberg overlooking Stuttgart and the Neckar valley, The Grabkapelle is the Burial Chapel of Queen Katharina constructed by King Wilhelm I in the loving memory of his beloved wife after her premature death in 1819. Built between 1820 and 1824, the King tore down the family castle and built this. It consists of a domed rotunda in Neoclassical style inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
    

6. Killesberg Park - Landscaped for showing horticulture in 1939, the garden is spread over 50 hectares ie. 123 acres with fountains and sculptures in the northern borough of Stuttgart. Many of its structures are still used for flower shows and events but the recent attraction of this part is the unusual 40-meter tall cone-shaped observation Killesberg Tower made of metal stairs spiral upwards on steel cables. You can explore the valley of roses with 200 dahlia varieties.
    

7. Schlossplatz - Situated in the heart of Stuttgart, Schlossplatz is the main focal point of the city surrounded by buildings dating from the past with green lawns and benches. It is a popular place to get some sun and walk around in a pleasant atmosphere especially in November where you can witness the miniature village, holiday resort, and skating rink. On the south side, you can find the Gothic old palace.
    

8. Ludwigsburg Palace - In the small city of Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the largest and beloved Baroque palaces in Germany situated in the north of Stuttgart. Located 20 minutes from the city centers, the palace has lots of things to offer from innovative marble hall, baroque gallery, ceramics museum and an interesting and interactive area for kids. In addition to this, you can also explore magnificent gardens and baroque Marktplatz.
    

9. Weissenhof Estate - Situated above the northern part of Stuttgart near the Academy of Fine Art, Weissenhof Estate is one of the most influential and pioneering housing developments built in 1927 for an exhibition by the Werkbund - a group of leading international architects including Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 11 surviving buildings. These are the semi-detached housing units with new construction methods of steel frames and prefabricated elements. You can also explore the Weissenhof museum with Le Corbusier’s home.
    

10. Schweinemuseum (Pig Museum) - There is no doubt that Germany has some of the best museums in the world but it also includes some of the weirdest such as Schweinemuseum (Pig Museum) - the largest pig museums in the world houses former slaughterhouse, more than 40,000 pig artifacts in 25 themed rooms from piggy banks to the golden pig rooms. Any form of art depicting pig you will find here from finely prepared sculptures to masterly pastoral paintings.

Where To Eat In Stuttgart, Germany?

If you are a food lover and love to taste a variety of dishes with local hints, Stuttgart is the dream place for you. Surrounded by vineyards and greeny, you will find plenty of places serving incredible food and wine proposals from hot plates overflowing with beef to sausages and spätzle. You must taste its national dish called Gaisburger Marsch made of spätzle, diced beef, potatoes, vegetables, and fried onions. 

If you are one of those lucky tourists willing to explore the local food market, we have come up with some of the best and amazing restaurants with their signature details. Let’s have a look:

1. Restaurant Christophorus - Situated near the Porscheplatz, Restaurant Christophorus is one of the fine and popular restaurants offering Mediterranean and regional delicacies along with the wide range of wines. It is a suitable, sophisticated place to sit in the red leather banquettes and linen-draped tables famous for its steaks you must give it a try.
    

2. Cube Restaurant - Located on the top floor of the Stuttgart museum of art, it is a glass-enclosed restaurant where you can book a table at the window bank and enjoy the mesmerizing views of Palace Square and the hills in the background. The restaurant offers international cuisine to the extensive wine list.
    

3. Alaturka - Located on the Olgastrasse 109, this place should be on the top of your list if you love Turkish food. It is an extremely popular place among tourists and locals as they get the opportunity to taste its signature dish of kebabs. It is quite expensive but worth tasting it, people often wait in line to grab tasty and famous kebabs.
    

4. Restaurant Fassle - This is a popular restaurant among tourists where you can find the combination of tradition and modernity by Eva and Rudolf Schmolz. You can find fantastic food at fair prices without burning a hole in your pocket. It is open on Monday from 6:30 pm until midnight and on Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 2 Pm.
    

5. Le Pastis - It is another one of the best French restaurants in this list when it comes to a variety of foods. Located in Sophienstreet, the specialty of the restaurant is its multi-cuisine menu where you can taste the variety of food easily on palate. If you are looking for some of the most amazing foods to try with fresh french flavors and good wine, this is the place.
    

6. Weinstube Löwen - This is the Swabian restaurant located in the vineyard next to the viniculture museum. You can take private airport transfer and enjoy walking the wine path as well as climb the Württemberg up to the burial chapel. You can also explore the vineyards down to the restaurant located in the landmarked house built-in 1690. Do not forget to order Viertele of local wine and local food specialties include Maultaschen, Käsespätzle, and Zwiebelrostbraten.

Best Shopping Places In Stuttgart, Germany

Apart from numerous tourist places, hotels, and restaurants, Stuttgart is also a great place when it comes to shopping. Here you can find the shopping precinct more than a kilometer in length with big shopping centers, stylish shops, and boutiques. It offers plenty of opportunities to shop for top brands in boutique centers. Some of the best shopping places are here as follows:

1. Königstraße - It is a pedestrian shopping boulevard spread over 1.2 km long. You can find numerous independent shops, departmental stores, gastronomy and relaxation areas with many more things to explore. It is one of the longest and finest shopping areas in Germany situated opposite the main railway station and operates in the heart of the city.

2. Breuninger - This is the Flagship store of Germany that offers something to everyone. This regional department store chain has glass elevators operate up and down under the dome of the central arcade and land you to multiple floors of designer boutiques. From womenswear to menswear, childrenswear, you can find sportswear and beauty. It is home to Germany’s largest range of quality accessories and a wide range of collections by prestigious international brands.

3. Milaneo - It is southern Germany’s largest shopping center set within the modern building that has an area of 43,000 square meters developed in three levels and carries more than 200 stores. There are more than 70 retailers offering from fashion to food, homeware to cosmetics, etc. The international brands which are presented here are Swarovski, The Body Shop, Jack and Jones, Mango, Accessorize and Calzedonia.

4. Bungalow Gallery - It is a new multi-brand store in downtown Stuttgart where you can enjoy the exclusive collection of men’s and women’s fashion. Created by Uwe Maier, it is one of the best running boutiques in Stuttgart perfect for modern and coming designer brands.

5. Hook and Eye - Located in the heart of Stuttgart, this is a must-visit destination for all shopping lovers out there who are looking for interior inspiration. As in the name, the store tries to hook each customer with its perfect piece. Here you can find a variety of furniture, soft furnishings, and home accessories. 

6. Das Gerber - It is another one of the most popular shopping centers in Stuttgart. It is a great choice for those who are looking for thrilling, exceptional architecture and sophisticated interiors. Spread over 25,000 square meters, you can find 85 shops and restaurants along with international brands including Kiko, O Bag, Only, Urban Outfitters, Vans and H&M.

Whether you are looking for a shopping mall to satisfy your needs or an independent store to help and guide you decorating your home, there are plenty of shops in Stuttgart you can explore.

Where To Stay In Stuttgart, Germany?

Stuttgart is a large metropolitan city that covers lots of ground surrounded by gentle green hills and grape vineyards, therefore it is a wonderful place to stay in the best and most popular hotels during your holidays. If you are looking for a decent, affordable and comfortable place to stay, you have a variety of choices. Rather than being an industrial city with two of the world’s largest companies, the city is also known for a wide range of hotels. 

1. Luxury Hotels - Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin is the hotel situated in the center of Stuttgart and attracts its guests with a combination of evergreen elegance and modern design. You can explore the Königstraße shopping street, the National Gallery Stuttgart, the Castle Square, and various other city sights as they are all within walking distance of Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin. Althoff Hotel Am Schlossgarten is an international 5-star hotel situated in the park landscape of the castle gardens of Stuttgart and offering easy access to the famous ballet and opera houses, the city gallery and old castle while Le Meridien Stuttgart is offering 280 rooms and 13 suites with contemporary elegance and modern decor. For special occasions, you can try elegant president suites with extended living space and light-filled winter garden.
    

2. Mid-Range Hotels - Wartburg Hotel is offering small pleasant rooms with amazing room service and staff. This is a 3-star hotel offering room with Wi-Fi and big breakfast buffets and great transport links while the rooms are quite spacious at Hotel Unger Beim Hauptbahnhof. It takes 2 minutes to walk from Stuttgart main station and offers a 24-hour bar with spacious rooms and a breakfast room. Novum Hotel Boulevard Stuttgart City has situated in the center of Stuttgart a block from the train station behind the Rathaus offering free Wi-Fi, a large variety of restaurants and an easy approach to Porsche museum.
    

3. Budget Hotels - Jaz in the City Stuttgart is 1.5 km away from the Königstraße situated in the Stuttgart next to the Milaneo shopping center offering a modern restaurant rhythm bar and kitchen. You can work out in a gym and explore trendy Wolfram Bar and Terrace while there are a fully-equipped kitchen and units with tiled floors and private bathroom in S-AN Daily Room Stuttgart Zentrum. Porsche arena is 2.2 km from the apartment and a great place for sightseeing and walking. Gästehaus Andrea is just 15 minutes drive from the central Stuttgart and 7 km from the Messe Stuttgart exhibition grounds. The hotel is offering well-decorated rooms with classic-high interiors.   

Summing Up

Now you know everything about this ‘ Germany’s biggest small town” and to make your international trip more stress-free and comfortable, follow these tips. The city is incredibly down to earth with humble and helpful locals. You will end up with a great and pleasant visit. It is a city that attracts people of all ages and a one-stop solution to celebrate common ground.