Stuttgart is the capital and largest city of Baden-Württemberg, located in Southwest Germany. It is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in Europe. Originally established largely as an agricultural area, it is now known as the manufacturing hub of the region, being the home of companies such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. This destination, however, is not just for car enthusiasts - it also draws different types of tourists from across the world interested in seeing its natural and manmade attractions, ranging from forests and parks to museums and castles. Check out this list of the top things to do in Stuttgart, Germany.
1. Immerse yourself in Germany's heritage and legacy at History Museum Württemberg
Germany is an ancient land rich with stories and relics of eras long buried by the sands of time. History Museum Württemberg offers glimpses of these bygone ages, offering visitors a chance to see artifacts and artworks in their permanent exhibits. Among these include a 70,000-year-old Neanderthal axe, as well as busts and jewelry from Roman times. You can even book guided tours if you want to get a deeper understanding of the artificats.
They also have a Children’s Museum as a separate section of the castle. It provides a good chance to foster an appreciation for arts and culture in their young developing minds.
Landesmuseum Württemberg
Address: Altes Schloss, Schillerpl. 6, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Landesmuseum Württemberg
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 6 EUR (6.40 USD) for adults; Free for ages 13-18
2. Visit the hallowed halls of St. John's Church, Stuttgart (Johanneskirche)
Johanneskirche and Feuersee together create a picture-perfect scene befitting a postcard or painting. As a place of worship, it is best to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the church solemnly and respectfully. Sculptures and artwork adorn the exterior and interior, depicting the Apostles of Jesus.
The protestant church was inaugurated back in 1876 and was patterned after the Gothic cathedrals found all over Europe. It is named after St. John the Evangelist and St. John of Patmos, author of the Revelation. Although it was heavily damaged during World War 2 and then rebuilt, the overseers chose to retain some of the damage to serve as a memorial to the war’s victims.
St. John's Church, Stuttgart (Johanneskirche)
Address: Gutenbergstraße 11, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: St. John’s Church, Stuttgart
3. Take an introspective breather at Chinese Garden Stuttgart
Located in a quiet corner of Stuttgart-North, the Chinese Garden provides a peaceful and exotic space that also serves as a change of scenery from the traditional European architecture of the city. Symbols of Chinese philosophy and mysticism adorn the walls and floor, giving the garden an aura of wonder. Travelers who wish to experience a tiny part of Asia while in Europe can sit here in contemplation and reflection.
As a place of peace, rules are in place that prohibit creating disturbances, such as the playing of loud music, climbing the structures and stone formations, as well as entering the pond.
Chinese Garden Stuttgart
Address: Panoramastraße 33, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Chinese Garden Stuttgart
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
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4. Watch the people passing by at Schlossplatz
Schlossplatz, or the Palace Square, is Stuttgart’s center and its pride and joy. The central square is beautiful, but it’s more than just a decorative attraction - it’s also a place for residents and tourists to linger and go people watching. Many of the other attractions in the city are within walking distance from Schlossplatz, including Neues Schloss (New Palace), which houses several government ministries. If you’re lucky, you can catch a concert, a fair, or a festival held here during your visit.
Schlossplatz
Address: Schloßpl., 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Learn more about the automobile industry at Mercedes-Benz Museum
Car enthusiasts should not miss out on visiting this eye-catching museum, which not only traces the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand but the automobile industry itself. Located right beside the headquarters and factory of the company, it has over 1,500 exhibits and 160 vehicles on display. There are audio guides available so you can better appreciate the brand’s story. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Address: Mercedesstraße 100, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Mercedes-Benz Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 11 USD
6. Explore the secrets of Old Castle
If you want to learn more about the story of Stuttgart, be sure to visit Altes Schloss or Old Castle. While it retains its medieval look, it actually went through several transformations over the years. Built around the 10th century as a water fortress, it was later expanded when it served as the residence of the Counts of Württemberg. Its moats were removed sometime during the 18th century, and the castle itself became severely damaged, first by a fire and then during World War II. It was renovated to its current appearance in 1969, and it now serves as a museum that houses a wide collection ranging from prehistoric artifacts to medieval religious art.
Old Castle
Address: Schillerpl. 6, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
7. Go on the fast lane at Porsche Museum
This museum should also not be missed if you’re a fan of automobiles, especially sports cars. It features a collection of luxury vehicles from its first model from the pre-war era to the latest - with most, if not all, vehicles in the collection in pristine condition. Special exhibits are held throughout the year. The museum also serves as the starting point for a factory tour. There is a cafe as well as a restaurant on-site in case you want to get something to eat or drink while checking out the exhibits.
Porsche Museum
Address: Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Porsche Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 11 USD
8. Marvel at the collection inside Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart (State Gallery) has one of the most extensive art collections in the world and houses works across the ages, with the oldest from seven centuries ago. The displays range from traditional and classic art to modern works. Picasso, Beckmann, and Schlemmer are some of the artists whose works you will see in this museum. Do note that the special collections have additional entrance fees on top of the regular entrance fee. On the other hand, free admission is offered on Wednesdays.
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 30-32, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm Thu: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: from 8 USD
9. Say hello to the animals housed in Wilhelma
Wilhelma, a zoological and botanical garden, is one of the most well-known attractions here, seeing millions of visitors on a yearly basis. Interestingly enough, it was not always open to the public, having been commissioned in the 19th century by King Wilhelm I to architect Karl-Ludwig Zanth. He was to design and build a Moorish-style pleasure garden and bathhouse. Housing over 11,000 animals from around the world, it is ranked second only to Berlin Zoological Garden and is the only garden that combines both zoological and botanical attractions.
Wilhelma
Address: Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Wilhelma
Opening hours: 8:15am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 9 - 22 USD
10. Enjoy the great views from Castle Solitude
Castle Solitude, otherwise known as Solitude Palace, was commissioned by Charles Eugene, Duke of Württemberg to Johann Friedrich Weyhing and Philippe de La Guêpière to serve as a hunting lodge. Tours here are offered in German and run for approximately 45 minutes. You can enjoy views of the towns of Weilimdorf, Korntal, and Ludwigsburg from here.
Castle Solitude
Address: Solitude 1, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany
Website: Castle Solitude
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 1:30pm - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
11. Stroll along Killesbergpark
Killesbergpark is considered the most beautiful public park in Stuttgart. Built back in the 1930s, the park is constantly updated so you get to see new attractions each time you visit it. Sights include gorgeous fountains, a tower, a swimming pool, and a petting zoo. If you’re traveling with children, you can take them to the playground to have fun.
Killesbergpark
Address: Stresemannstraße, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Take photos outside New Palace
New Palace, or Neues Schloss, is a Baroque palace that dates back to the 18th century. The three-winged complex was commissioned by Duke Karl Eugen to Nikolaus Friedrich Thouret, Leopold Retti, Philippe da la Guepière, and Reinhard Ferdinand Heinrich Fischer. The structures became severely damaged during the war but was fortunately reconstructed. Special arrangements need to be made in order to explore the interiors because the building houses many government offices.
New Palace
Address: Schlossplatz 4, 70173 Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
13. Check out the city view from Fernsehturm Stuttgart
Fernsehturm holds the record for being the first telecommunications tower in the world. While it is now one of the most popular destinations in Stuttgart, its construction, which took place between 1954 and 1956, was actually marred by controversy. It has since been used as the model for other towers in the world. Today, it serves as a viewing deck that gives guests incredible panoramic views of the city.
Explore the best of Stuttgart
Stuttgart is one of the most underrated cities in Germany in terms of tourism, but look closely at it and you’ll get to see that it has something to offer everyone. These attractions barely scratch the surface of what you will see in the capital of southwest Germany, so do visit and see its offerings for yourself.
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