Stuttgart
Temperature
10°
Time
7:50 AM
Stuttgart
Magnificent panorama and splendid architecture, cultural diversity and traditional festivals - Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg, delights its visitors. Due to the numerous green strips, parks, woods and historic buildings, some people take Stuttgart for the "paradise of Swabia". Highlights include the famous State Theatre, the large State Gallery, the Museum of Natural History and the Weißenhof estate.Find your trip
Palace Square (Schlossplatz) is Stuttgart’s central gathering spot, framed by the New Palace and the Königsbau. At its centre stands the Jubilee Column, topped by the goddess Concordia, commemorating King Wilhelm I’s 25th year of rule. Once a military parade ground, the square was opened to the public in the 19th century and now hosts open-air concerts, festivals, and parts of the Christmas market.
Hard to miss and easy to like, the Stuttgart City Library is a massive white cube just a short walk from the main station. Step inside and you're in a vast, white space that feels more like a sci-fi film set than a library. Books line open balconies around a light-filled atrium, everything quiet, clean, and geometric. Head to the rooftop for a surprisingly good city view, or grab a coffee downstairs and just take it all in.
Schloss Solitude sits on a quiet ridge just outside Stuttgart, built in the 1760s as Duke Carl Eugen’s rather extravagant idea of a hunting lodge. It’s Rococo inside and out—decorative, symmetrical, and full of detail. You can join a guided tour or just come for the surroundings: forest paths, a long avenue that leads back to the city, and a view that opens wide on a clear day.
Höhenpark Killesberg is Stuttgart’s go-to green space when you want a break from the city buzz. It’s got a bit of everything: a 40-metre spiral tower with city views, a miniature train that loops through the park, and a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, and llamas. During the summer months, the outdoor pool and wave machine are a hit, and there’s plenty of space to picnic or wander through flower gardens.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is worth a few hours, even if you're not big on cars. Spread over nine levels, it walks you through more than 130 years of automotive history—from the first motorised carriage to modern electric prototypes—with around 160 vehicles on display. The building itself is a bit of an architectural talking point, designed like a double helix. Exhibits are well laid out, easy to follow, and occasionally rotate.
Perched atop Württemberg Hill, the Sepulchral Chapel (Grabkapelle) was built by King Wilhelm I in the early 19th century as a tribute to his late wife, Katharina. Designed by court architect Giovanni Salucci, the neoclassical structure features a domed rotunda and houses the tombs of the royal couple and their daughter. The chapel is surrounded by vineyards and offers panoramic views over the Neckar Valley and Stuttgart.
Wilhelma is Stuttgart’s unique zoological and botanical garden, set in a 19th-century Moorish-style palace complex built for King Wilhelm I. It’s the only place in Germany that combines a zoo and botanical garden, with around 11,000 animals from roughly 1,200 species, and about 8,500 plant species from all over the world. The grounds are a mix of historic architecture, greenhouses, and themed enclosures like the new Terra Australis area, home to koalas and other Australian species.
Completed in 1956, the Stuttgart TV Tower was the world’s first television tower built with reinforced concrete and remains a model for others globally. Standing at 216.61 metres, it offers stunning views from its observation decks and is home to a rotating restaurant and café.
Palace Square (Schlossplatz) is Stuttgart’s central gathering spot, framed by the New Palace and the Königsbau. At its centre stands the Jubilee Column, topped by the goddess Concordia, commemorating King Wilhelm I’s 25th year of rule. Once a military parade ground, the square was opened to the public in the 19th century and now hosts open-air concerts, festivals, and parts of the Christmas market.
Hard to miss and easy to like, the Stuttgart City Library is a massive white cube just a short walk from the main station. Step inside and you're in a vast, white space that feels more like a sci-fi film set than a library. Books line open balconies around a light-filled atrium, everything quiet, clean, and geometric. Head to the rooftop for a surprisingly good city view, or grab a coffee downstairs and just take it all in.
Königstraße is Stuttgart’s main shopping street and one of the longest pedestrianised retail stretches in Germany. It runs for over a kilometre from the main train station through the city centre, lined with everything from big-name brands and department stores to smaller shops and cafés. Great for a stroll, even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
Königsbau Passagen is a modern shopping centre tucked into a historic building right on Schlossplatz. It’s got several floors of shops selling everything from skincare and jewellery to fashion and homeware, plus a few cafés and food spots if you need a break.
Every Saturday, Karlsplatz turns into a treasure hunt. The weekly flea market is where locals and collectors come to rummage through everything from vintage vinyl and old books to quirky antiques and second-hand clothes. Even if you're not buying, it’s a fun place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
Feinkost Böhm is a long-standing favourite for fine food in Stuttgart. It’s part deli, part restaurant, and part upscale grocery, offering everything from regional cheeses and sausages to handmade chocolates, preserves, and local wines. Whether you're picking up a gift or stopping in for a bite, it's worth a visit.
Breuninger is Stuttgart’s go-to department store for fashion, with several floors of high-end and designer brands right by the Marktplatz. It’s a bit of a local institution, known for quality, variety, and a polished shopping experience. Whether you're after the latest trends or something more classic, you'll find it here, along with beauty products, shoes, and accessories.
Milaneo is Stuttgart’s biggest shopping centre and one of the largest in southern Germany. Spread over three levels, it packs in around 200 shops, from international fashion brands to electronics, cosmetics and lifestyle stores. It’s bright, modern and easy to get around, with plenty of places to grab a coffee or a bite when you need a break from browsing.
Das Gerber is a sleek, multi-level shopping centre in the heart of Stuttgart, just a short walk from the main shopping street. With around 85 shops, cafés and restaurants spread over 25,000 square metres, it’s a bit more compact than some of the city’s other malls, but well curated. You’ll find fashion, beauty, lifestyle brands, a supermarket and even a brewpub—all under one roof.
Greenality is a bright, modern boutique near Stuttgart’s city centre, focused on fair-trade, organic and sustainable fashion. Since 2015, it’s been a go-to spot for shoppers who care about ethics as much as style. You’ll find a mix of clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women, with a clean, minimal aesthetic and an emphasis on transparency.
Königstraße is Stuttgart’s main shopping street and one of the longest pedestrianised retail stretches in Germany. It runs for over a kilometre from the main train station through the city centre, lined with everything from big-name brands and department stores to smaller shops and cafés. Great for a stroll, even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
Königsbau Passagen is a modern shopping centre tucked into a historic building right on Schlossplatz. It’s got several floors of shops selling everything from skincare and jewellery to fashion and homeware, plus a few cafés and food spots if you need a break.
Stuttgart Airport (STR) is about 13 km south of the city centre and is well connected by public transport. The S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 run regularly from the airport to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, taking just under 30 minutes. Taxis are also available and take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Long-distance and regional buses depart from the Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal (SAB), located next to the terminal building.
The best time to visit Stuttgart is summer, when the weather is warm and most events are in full swing—but expect crowds. Spring and autumn are quieter, with milder weather and plenty of festivals, making them a great time for sightseeing. Winters can be cold, but if you don’t mind bundling up, the snow and Christmas markets give the city a cosy, festive feel.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Germany, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
Stuttgart boasts an efficient and extensive public transport system operated by the Verkehrs und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS), encompassing S-Bahn (commuter trains), U-Bahn (light rail), buses, and even unique modes like the rack railway (Zahnradbahn) and funicular (Standseilbahn). The network is well-integrated, making it one of the most convenient ways for tourists to navigate the city and its surroundings. For visitors planning multiple journeys, the VVS offers various ticket options, including Day Tickets and Group Day Tickets, which allow unlimited travel within selected fare zones until 7am the following day. Additionally, the StuttCard PLUS provides unlimited access to public transport across zones 1–5, along with free or discounted entry to numerous attractions, making it a valuable option for travellers aiming to explore the region extensively.
Taxis are readily available throughout Stuttgart, with ranks at key locations like the main train station, the airport, and major squares. You can also hail one on the street or book via apps such as the Stuttgart Taxi App, SIXT ride, or Uber.
Post offices in Stuttgart are typically open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to noon, though hours may vary by location. Services include sending and receiving letters and parcels, purchasing stamps and packaging, and accessing financial services through Postbank branches. The most convenient branch for travellers is located inside Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, offering easy access for those arriving by train or staying in the city centre. For 24/7 parcel collection and drop-off, DHL Packstation lockers are available throughout the city.
In Stuttgart, pharmacies are easily identifiable by the red 'Apotheke' sign and are widely available across the city. While Germany does not have large pharmacy chains like in some other countries, many pharmacies are independently owned and operated. Notable examples in Stuttgart include Westend Apotheke and Apotheke Stadtmitte, both known for their comprehensive services and central locations.
Country code: +49 Area code: 711
Stuttgart Airport (STR) is about 13 km south of the city centre and is well connected by public transport. The S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 run regularly from the airport to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, taking just under 30 minutes. Taxis are also available and take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Long-distance and regional buses depart from the Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal (SAB), located next to the terminal building.
The best time to visit Stuttgart is summer, when the weather is warm and most events are in full swing—but expect crowds. Spring and autumn are quieter, with milder weather and plenty of festivals, making them a great time for sightseeing. Winters can be cold, but if you don’t mind bundling up, the snow and Christmas markets give the city a cosy, festive feel.
