Hamburg, Berlin, Munich – we’ve seen it all. But you can visit even more exciting cities in Germany! Stuttgart, for example. As the sixth largest city in Germany, the capital of Baden-Württemberg has much more to offer than just Kässpätzle and money-saving tips. Here are our favorite spots in Stuttgart.
Staatsgalerie
With the Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart is home to one of the most renowned museums in the whole of Germany. The time-honored temple of art was founded by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg back in 1843. The entire collection comprises a good 5,000 paintings and sculptures, the oldest of which date back to the 13th century. Among the works of art on display are big names such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Paula Modersohn-Becker. The three parts of the building also take visitors through different architectural eras. An all-round artistic excursion destination.
Schloss and Schlossplatz
Stuttgart has a proud past as a royal seat. And where princely and later royal residences were located, it is only right to expect an appropriate residence in the form of a palace. Or, in the case of the Swabian metropolis, several palaces. They bear the not entirely creative names “Altes Schloss” and “Neues Schloss”, but more than make up for this with their splendor, pomp and ostentation.
The Neues Schloss in particular, with the Schlossplatz in front of it, is probably familiar to many. Not only are some state ministries housed in the elegant baroque building. In the 2012 Marvel blockbuster “The Avengers”, the palace and Schlossplatz can even be seen for a few minutes as a dramatic location, making it internationally famous. Well, at least almost. The corresponding scene with villain Loki was actually filmed on set in Cleveland, with the palace and square being recreated and digitally inserted. But we think the walls are much nicer in real life anyway. If you have time, take part in a guided tour.
Musicals in Stuttgart
We Germans love musicals. And Stuttgart is no exception. With the Stage Apollo Theater and the Stage Palladium Theater, the state capital is home to two stages that put on perfectly choreographed musical shows all year round. From Tina Turner and Aladdin to Tarzan and the Ice Queen. Please note: the site is a little out of the way and you should also make sure you get your tickets in good time.
Soccer and the VfB
Stuttgart is a soccer city. And with tradition. Founded in 1893, the VfB Stuttgart has been part of the Bundesliga since it began in 1963, with only four seasons spent in the 2nd division. At home matches, the Neckarstadion – officially known as “MHPArena” – regularly boils over. And the Stuttgarter Kickers may play a few leagues below the top dog, but they more than make up for it with passion, heart and soul. “Fußball” is in the blood of the people of Stuttgart, so it’s no wonder that five matches will be played in the city during Euro 2024.
Engines, cars, rubber
Apparently, everything in this city only comes in a double pack. Be it palaces, soccer clubs – or even car manufacturers. Because Stuttgart is home to both the headquarters of the Mercedes-Benz Group and the headquarters of Porsche AG. Both well-known manufacturers have strong ties to the state capital of Baden-Württemberg and continue to produce locally. True fans naturally visit one or even both of the exciting automobile museums during their stay in Stuttgart. The Mercedes-Benz Museum boasts more than 1,500 exhibits on 16,500 square meters, while the Porsche Museum has 450 exhibits.
Television tower
If you’re a big city in Germany, you can’t do without an official television tower. In Stuttgart, it is located in the Degerloch district, but to a certain extent towers over the city. Anyone who thinks: “Well, TV tower, you know one, you know them all” is way off the mark. The Stuttgart TV tower, opened in 1956, is in fact the first of its kind made of reinforced concrete and served as a model for numerous other city landmarks in its characteristic shape, whether in Johannesburg, Wuhan or Seattle. However, the tower is not only worth seeing from the outside, but also from the inside. Not only do you have an incomparable view of Stuttgart and the surrounding area from here, you can also dine at the very finest in the tower’s own restaurant above the rooftops of the city. Dining with a view.
City center and Königstraße
Not only Düsseldorf has a “Kö”: the Königstraße is also the commercial artery of the city center in Stuttgart. The shopping mile is 1,200 meters long. Here you can exchange your hard-earned wages for a thousand pretty little things, clothes and knick-knacks to your heart’s content according to the motto “See and be seen”. As the name suggests, the Königstraße was laid out by the first King of Württemberg, Friedrich I, and logically leads straight to the Schlossplatz. A detour here is therefore a must on any visit to Stuttgart.
Market hall
We’re sticking to shopping, but this time we’re heading into the world of culinary delights at the Markthalle Stuttgart. Opened in 1914, this magnificent building exudes more than just a touch of Belle Époque. In the 60-metre-long hall, which was extensively renovated in the 1990s, you can still find a huge range of delicacies. More than 30 stalls sell their wares. From local Swabian specialties to Italian imports and South American wines, you will find everything you need for a culinary journey through world history.
Cannstatter Wasen
It’s not just the Bavarians who know how to let their hair down in a marquee: The Swabian equivalent of the Oktoberfest is the Cannstatter Wasen. For a full 17 days, usually from the end of September to the beginning of October, the whole of Stuttgart and many guests from abroad gather at the event site of the same name on the eastern bank of the Neckar to indulge in flowing beer and crunchy pretzels – and have been doing so for more than 200 years. The festivities attract between three and four million visitors every year, so if you don’t find large crowds attractive, it’s better to stay away. Everyone else is advised to look for a room in good time. Experience shows that they are always booked up quickly.
