Top 10 Things to do in Stuttgart

Top 10 Things to do in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The city is located in the vine-decked Neckar Valley.

This city was the seat of the counts and kings of Wurttemberg. Their palaces are now government buildings and museums.

Like Munich, Stuttgart is home to the luxurious car Mercedes Benz. It is here that Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the first car and motorcycle.   

Stuttgart is the headquarters for Mercedes-Benz and Porsche; these luxury car brands have sophisticated museums worth checking out.

The architecture in this city is something to look forward to. Both modern and old buildings make the skyline of Stuttgart. Some buildings not to miss include the Art Nouveau market hall and a state-of-the-art new library.

Germans living in Stuttgart are considered to be the best dressed and is the city where competitive professionals work. All work and no play makes Stuttgart a dull city, there are fun things to do in this city.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Stuttgart.

1. Take a tour of Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz is a central square that was named for the massive New Palace that surrounds it. Built-in the 10^th century, the palace boasts of Baroque architecture.

This used to be the home of the royal family but is now the seat of state government. It has undergone a series of renovations, tearing down and rebuilding.

Other than being a government building, the old palace is home to Württemberg Landesmuseum.

The museum exhibits fine medieval art, mechanics, and the Württemberg crown jewels.

There is a 16th-century palace church with tombs of famous former residents on the south wing of the palace.

You will find several restaurants and other historic buildings surrounding the Old castle.

Address: Schloßpl. 4, 70173 Stuttgart

2. Check out the Mercedes Benz Museum

Photo by Julian Herzog – Wikimedia

This has to be another exciting thing to do while in Stuttgart. The Mercedes-Benz Museum has interesting architecture; it is a curved metallic building with a double helix.

The car brand was invented by Karl Benz back in 1886. Inside the museum, you can take an audio-guided tour. Immerse yourself into the history of the brand as well as the diverse flagship and models of the brand.

The double helix design allows you to swap from one tour to another. There are more than 160 cars, 1,500 exhibits showcased there.

Address: Mercedesstrasse 100, Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg

3. Visit Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

By Selbst fotografiert – Wikimedia

The colourful exterior of Stuttgart’s State Gallery is another inviting museum in the city. Its doors first opened in 1984.

This contemporary architecture was designed by James Stirling. It marked the entrance of one of the finest art museums in Europe and is one of the most visited museums in Germany.

You will get to see an excellent representation of German Renaissance art, works by Dutch and Italian masters from the 14^th to 19^th centuries.

Great artists like Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Max Beckmann, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso have been featured in this museum.

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 30-32, Stuttgart

4. Porsche Museum is a must-see

By RudolfSimon – Wikimedia

Another important automobile museum in Stuttgart is the Porsche Museum. Just like the Mercedes Benz museum, the architecture of this building is quite spectacular.

It was designed by Delugan Meissl. Although smaller, the Porsche Museum has about 100 iconic vehicles.

Follow the development of the Porsche brand through the exhibits. There are audio guides in English.

The great works and innovations by the founder and engineer Ferdinand Porsche are exhibited here. He invented the VW Beetle as well as the gasoline-electric hybrid.

Address: Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

5. Browse through the Public Library Stuttgart

Photo by Mussklprozz – Wikimedia

While in Stuttgart, one building you cannot miss visiting is the public library. This grand building is a short walk from the central station. The library has a beautiful rooftop café worth checking out.  

It has been open to the public since 2011, the designer is architect Eun Young Yi from South Korea. It is shaped like a cube that gets illuminated at night.

The bookshelves and reading areas line the walls and a puzzling system of stairways linking each floor.

Address: Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart

6. Check Out the View of Stuttgart from the World’s First Television Tower

The Stuttgart TV Tower is from the 1950s. It dominates the Stuttgart skyline at 217 meters high.

This tower is today synonymous with the city although it had a controversial history on its design and cost.

The tower is located on the Hoher Bopser and gives views of the Black Forest to vineyards in the Swabian Alps. This is one of the most unique things to see in Stuttgart!

Other countries have replicated the tower such as Hong Kong and South Africa. This was the first-ever television tower in the world.

Address: Jahnstraße 120, 70597 Stuttgart

7. Relax and play at Killesberg Park

This is a lovely green space to escape to in the City of Stuttgart. The park has swanky lawns stretching as far as the eye can see. There are also flower gardens and grand trees.

You can go here to sunbathe, swim or ride the mini train, a favourite of many children. A leisurely walk through the park enjoying the beautiful nature is also a great idea.

Relax and enjoy a meal at one of the quaint cafés at the park or enjoy a beer at the beer gardens. There is a 2,000 staircase tower at the park for panoramic views of the park.

Pass by the puppet theatre a fun place for children.

Address: Am Kochenhof 16, 70192

8. Schloss Solitude

By Calips – Wikimedia

This palace is located on a scenic vantage point a few miles outside of Stuttgart’s city centre.

The palace was built for Duke Karl Eugen in 1763. He used it as his hunting lodge and summer residence. Its architecture is Rococo and Neo-classical.

Inside the palace is the central pavilion, it is the most decorated room in the palace.

Another room is the White Hall that features a domed roof, intricate decorative gold work and a painted ceiling.   

The grounds surrounding the palace are green and beautiful. The Solitude Allee features a tree-lined avenue that was commissioned by Duke Carl Eugen.

Address: Solitude 1, Stuttgart

9. Do not miss the Pig Museum

This is a unique place to visit in Germany. It is also one of the most peculiar museums in the world.  

The Pig Museum is the largest in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The building used to be a former slaughterhouse. There are more than 40,000 pig artefacts as well as 25 themed rooms.

This is a fun place for children who will enjoy the exhibits ranging from piggy banks, sculptures, ceramics and other knick-knacks.  

After your tour, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant on the ground floor.

Address: Schlachthofstraße 2A, 70188 Stuttgart

10. Shop at the Christmas Market

Photo by Dittrich – Wikimedia

Christmas markets in Germany are always a fun place to be. In Stuttgart, the Christmas tradition is one of the oldest in Europe that started in 1692.

This is one of the largest and best markets to visit in Stuttgart with more than 280 vendors. The market extends from Marktplatz to Schillerplatz.

The cabins sheltering the vendors are decorated with twinkling lights while the roofs adorn holiday scenes and motifs.

Other items one can get here include handmade crafts, puppets, socks, and holiday decorations.  

Enjoy German delicacies like sizzling sausages, spicy cookies, marzipan, chocolate, and roasting chestnuts.

Address: Marktplatz 1, 70173 Stuttgart