This German city boasts baroque architecture, modern museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore green parks and savor hearty Swabian cuisine.
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is a city with a rich automotive history and a thriving wine industry. The city center's Schlossplatz square, the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and Killesberg Park are some of the places you can visit in Stuttgart. You can explore world-class car museums, walk through hillside vineyards, and admire both modern and historic architecture throughout the city.
Stuttgart's Automotive Museums
Stuttgart has a strong connection to the car manufacturing industry. At the Mercedes-Benz Museum, housed in a double helix building, you can explore the history of the automobile. The museum displays over 160 vehicles, ranging from the first patented car to futuristic concept models. A few kilometers away, you'll find the Porsche Museum, which showcases the brand's sports cars in a modern space. Both museums provide audio guides and interactive exhibits that can interest both car aficionados and casual visitors.
Green Spaces and Parks
Stuttgart has numerous green spaces. Killesberg Park, a former quarry transformed into a public garden, covers 50 hectares. It includes flower gardens, a miniature railway, and a 40-meter observation tower. At Wilhelma, Germany's only combined zoological and botanical garden, you can see over 8,000 animals and 5,000 plant species. The garden is located in the grounds of a 19th-century royal palace, adding a historical element to your visit.
Architectural Highlights
Stuttgart's skyline combines old and new structures. The Old Castle, dating back to the 10th century, now houses the Württemberg State Museum. Nearby, the 18th-century New Palace stands in Schlossplatz square with its baroque facade. For a modern perspective, you can take the elevator up the 217-meter TV Tower. Built in 1956, it was the world's first TV tower constructed from reinforced concrete and provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding vineyards.
Art and Music Venues
The State Gallery contains an extensive art collection spanning seven centuries, from medieval times to the present day. You can view works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. The building itself is interesting, with a postmodern wing designed by James Stirling. For music, you can attend performances at the Liederhalle, Stuttgart's main concert hall known for its high-quality acoustics.
Shopping and Local Markets
Königstraße, Germany's longest pedestrian shopping street, extends for over a kilometer through the city center. Here you can shop at international brands and local boutiques. For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the Market Hall. This Art Nouveau building from 1914 houses vendors selling local produce, international delicacies, and flowers.
Wine and Beer Culture
Stuttgart is surrounded by vineyards, some of which extend right into the city limits. You can join guided tours of urban vineyards or visit local wine taverns to taste regional varieties. If you prefer beer, consider visiting during the Cannstatter Volksfest in late September. This three-week festival is the second largest beer celebration in Germany after Munich's Oktoberfest.
