Stuttgart, Germany: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Stuttgart dedicates over 20% of its land to parks and green spaces, making it one of the greenest major cities in Europe? This surprising fact perfectly captures the essence of Germany’s sixth-largest city – a place where cutting-edge automotive innovation harmoniously coexists with lush vineyards and sprawling urban forests. As the birthplace of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart offers visitors a unique blend of technological marvels and natural beauty that few European destinations can match.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Stuttgart is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world through Stuttgart Airport (STR), located about 13 km (8 miles) south of the city center. The airport serves numerous international and domestic routes, making it easy to reach from major European hubs and select intercontinental destinations. From the airport, the S-Bahn (S2 and S3 lines) will take you directly to the city center in approximately 27 minutes.

If you’re already in Europe, Stuttgart is also easily accessible by train. The city’s main station (Hauptbahnhof) is a major rail hub with excellent connections to cities like Frankfurt (1.5 hours), Munich (2.5 hours), and Zurich (3 hours). The Deutsche Bahn high-speed ICE trains make these journeys comfortable and efficient.

For those driving, Stuttgart sits at the intersection of several major autobahns, including the A8 (Munich-Karlsruhe) and A81 (Heilbronn-Singen). Be aware that the city center has an environmental green zone, requiring vehicles to display an appropriate emissions sticker.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Stuttgart experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city. The best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.

Recommended Seasons

• Late Spring (May-June): Temperatures range from 15-23°C (59-73°F) with blooming gardens and fewer tourists. Perfect for outdoor activities and vineyard tours.
• Summer (July-August): Warmest months with temperatures between 18-26°C (64-79°F). Ideal for enjoying beer gardens, outdoor festivals, and the Stuttgart Summer Festival.
• Early Autumn (September-October): Pleasant temperatures of 10-20°C (50-68°F) with beautiful fall colors. The famous Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) takes place in late September.
• December: Cold but festive with temperatures around 0-5°C (32-41°F). The enchanting Christmas Market transforms the city center into a winter wonderland.

Seasons to Avoid

• November: Often gray and rainy with temperatures between 3-8°C (37-46°F). Many outdoor attractions have limited appeal.
• January-February: Coldest months with temperatures between -2-5°C (28-41°F). Some attractions may have reduced hours.

Pack layers regardless of when you visit, as the weather in Stuttgart can be changeable. A light raincoat is recommended year-round, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the hilly city.

Getting Around Locally

Stuttgart boasts an excellent public transportation system that makes exploring the city and its surroundings easy and convenient. The integrated network includes:

• S-Bahn (suburban trains): Seven lines connecting Stuttgart with surrounding towns and the airport.
• U-Bahn (light rail): Sixteen lines covering the city center and suburbs.
• Buses: Extensive network reaching areas not covered by rail.
• Standseilbahn Stuttgart: A historic rack railway offering a unique way to travel between districts.

Single tickets start at around €2.50, but the Stuttgart Card offers unlimited travel plus discounts to many attractions. For a more active experience, the city’s bike-sharing program provides an eco-friendly way to navigate Stuttgart’s hills (though be prepared for some climbs!).

Walking is pleasant in the city center, with many attractions clustered around Schlossplatz and Königstraße. However, Stuttgart is built across several hills, so comfortable shoes are essential. The city’s layout follows the natural valleys, which can sometimes make orientation challenging for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay

Stuttgart offers accommodation options for every budget and preference, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay:

City Center (Mitte)

Staying in Stuttgart’s heart puts you within walking distance of major attractions like Schlossplatz, Königstraße, and the State Gallery. This area offers primarily mid-range to luxury hotels, with prices typically ranging from €100-250 per night. The central location means easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and shopping.

Bad Cannstatt

This historic district is home to the Cannstatter Volksfest grounds, Mercedes-Benz Museum, and mineral baths. Accommodation here tends to be more affordable (€70-150 per night) while still offering good public transport connections to the center. It’s an excellent choice for families and those interested in Stuttgart’s automotive heritage.

Stuttgart West

A residential area with a local feel, Stuttgart West offers charming guesthouses and boutique hotels at moderate prices (€80-180). The neighborhood has plenty of local restaurants and cafes, plus it’s just a short tram ride to the city center.

Stuttgart Vaihingen

Located near the university, this area offers budget-friendly options (€60-120) and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s well-connected to the center via S-Bahn and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding forests and the Bärenschlössle.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Stuttgart’s culinary scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Swabian specialties and international cuisine. The region is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect its agricultural heritage.

Must-Try Swabian Specialties

• Maultaschen: Often described as “Swabian ravioli,” these pasta pockets are filled with minced meat, spinach, and herbs, then served either in broth or pan-fried with eggs.
• Spätzle: Soft egg noodles that often accompany meat dishes or are served as Käsespätzle (with melted cheese and crispy onions).
• Flammkuchen: A thin, crispy dough topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon – similar to a flatbread pizza.
• Laugenbrezel: The original soft pretzel, best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Where to Eat

Stuttgart offers dining options for every budget and taste:

• Markthalle Stuttgart: This beautiful Art Nouveau market hall houses over 30 stalls offering everything from local specialties to international delicacies. It’s perfect for lunch or assembling a picnic.
• Besen Wirtschaften: Seasonal wine taverns operated by local vintners, offering simple Swabian dishes alongside their own wines. These authentic establishments are only open a few weeks each year.
• Biergartens: Stuttgart has numerous beer gardens where you can enjoy local brews under chestnut trees. Schlossgarten and Teehaus are particularly popular.

Local Drinks

While Bavaria may be Germany’s beer capital, Stuttgart has its own beverage traditions:

• Local Wines: Stuttgart is one of Germany’s largest wine-growing regions, specializing in Riesling, Trollinger, and Lemberger varieties.
• Mostviertele: A refreshing apple cider popular in the region.
• Glühwein: Mulled wine, especially popular at the Christmas Market.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Stuttgart City Center

The heart of Stuttgart offers several must-see attractions within walking distance of each other:

• Schlossplatz: Stuttgart’s largest square, surrounded by the New Palace, the Königsbau, and beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city.
• Neues Schloss (New Palace): An impressive Baroque palace that now houses government ministries. While the interior is only occasionally open to the public, the exterior is magnificent.
• Königstraße: Germany’s longest pedestrian shopping street stretches 1.2 km from the main train station to Schlossplatz, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
• Markthalle: The Art Nouveau market hall from 1914 houses vendors selling gourmet foods from around the world.
• Stiftskirche: Stuttgart’s oldest church dates back to the 12th century and features both Romanesque and Gothic elements.

Iconic Museums

Stuttgart is home to world-class museums that showcase everything from art to automotive innovation:

• Mercedes-Benz Museum: An architectural marvel housing over 160 vehicles that trace the 130+ year history of the automobile. The chronological spiral layout takes visitors from the invention of the first car to future mobility concepts.
• Porsche Museum: Displaying around 80 vehicles, this sleek, modern museum tells the story of the legendary sports car manufacturer through interactive exhibits and rare prototypes.
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart: One of Germany’s most visited art museums, featuring works from the 14th to 21st centuries, including pieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Dalí.
• Schweinemuseum: The world’s largest pig museum offers a quirky but fascinating look at these animals through 50,000 exhibits spread across 25 themed rooms.

Unique Experiences

• Stuttgart Library: This striking cube-shaped building features a stunning all-white interior that’s a paradise for architecture and photography enthusiasts.
• Fernsehturm Stuttgart: The world’s first television tower stands 217 meters tall and offers panoramic views extending to the Black Forest and Swabian Alps.
• Wilhelma: A unique combination of botanical garden and zoo, housed in 19th-century Moorish-style buildings.
• Birkenkopf: Known locally as “Monte Scherbelino” (Mount Rubble), this hill was created from 1.5 million cubic meters of WWII debris and offers panoramic city views.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Cultural Institutions

Beyond the museums mentioned earlier, Stuttgart offers several other cultural attractions:

• Kunstmuseum Stuttgart: Housed in a striking glass cube, this museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, with special emphasis on the works of Otto Dix.
• Linden Museum: One of Europe’s leading ethnological museums with extensive collections from around the world.
• Landesmuseum Württemberg: Located in the Old Castle, this museum traces the region’s history from the Stone Age to the present day.
• Stuttgart State Opera: One of Germany’s oldest and most respected opera houses, known for world-class productions.

Major Festivals

Stuttgart’s calendar is filled with festivals and events throughout the year:

• Cannstatter Volksfest (Late September-Early October): The world’s second-largest beer festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest, featuring beer tents, carnival rides, and traditional food.
• Stuttgart Wine Village (Late August-Early September): More than 120 wine stands fill the Marktplatz and surrounding streets, offering local and regional wines.
• Stuttgart Christmas Market (Late November-December 23): One of Europe’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, with over 300 beautifully decorated stalls.
• Stuttgart Spring Festival (April-May): A smaller version of the Volksfest with beer tents, rides, and market stalls.
• Stuttgart Summer Festival (August): A cultural celebration with music, performances, and culinary delights around Schlossplatz.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Green Spaces

Stuttgart’s nickname “the city between the forests and vineyards” is well-deserved. The city offers numerous opportunities to enjoy nature:

• Schlossgarten: A large park extending from the city center to Bad Cannstatt, perfect for picnics, jogging, or relaxing by the lake.
• Killesberg Park: A beautifully landscaped park featuring a 40-meter observation tower, miniature railway, and stunning flower gardens.
• Max-Eyth-See: A recreational lake surrounded by vineyards, offering walking paths, boat rentals, and beautiful views.
• Rosenstein Park: Home to Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, this English-style landscape park is ideal for leisurely strolls.

Vineyard Experiences

Stuttgart is one of the few major cities in the world with vineyards within the city limits:

• Weinwanderung (Wine Hiking): Follow marked trails through the vineyards surrounding Stuttgart, with opportunities to taste local wines along the way.
• Urban Vineyards: Explore vineyards in the districts of Rotenberg, Uhlbach, and Untertürkheim, some offering tastings and tours.
• Weindorf (Wine Village): Annual wine festival where you can sample wines from the region’s best producers.

Active Pursuits

• Hiking: The surrounding hills offer numerous trails of varying difficulty, from easy walks to challenging hikes.
• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the city’s extensive network of cycling paths, including routes along the Neckar River.
• Water Activities: The Neckar River offers opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat tours.
• Sports Events: Catch a VfB Stuttgart football match at the Mercedes-Benz Arena or attend international events at the Porsche Arena.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Safety Information

Stuttgart is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. As with any urban destination, basic precautions are recommended:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like Königstraße and the main train station.
• The city center is safe to walk around at night, though less populated areas may be better navigated by taxi or public transport after dark.
• Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 for medical emergencies or fire, and 110 for police.

Local Etiquette

Germans generally appreciate punctuality, directness, and respect for rules. Some cultural norms to be aware of:

• Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations.
• When entering small shops or restaurants, it’s polite to say “Guten Tag” (Good day) to staff and other customers.
• Germans typically separate their trash for recycling, and you’ll notice different bins for paper, packaging, and general waste.
• On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
• Jaywalking is frowned upon, and locals typically wait for the pedestrian light to turn green before crossing, even if no cars are coming.

Dining Customs

• Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
• The typical service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up (about 5-10%) for good service is customary.
• When dining with Germans, it’s polite to wait until everyone has been served and someone says “Guten Appetit” before starting to eat.
• In beer gardens, it’s often acceptable to bring your own food, but you must purchase drinks from the establishment.

Visitor Comments About Stuttgart

Practical Travel Tips

Money Matters

• The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
• ATMs (called “Geldautomat”) are readily available throughout the city.
• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. For good service, rounding up or adding 5-10% is customary.

Connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. The main train station and city center have public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Germany uses type F electrical outlets (230V/50Hz). Travelers from the US, UK, and other countries will need adapters.

Language

• While German is the official language, many people in Stuttgart speak English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Learning a few basic German phrases is appreciated by locals. Simple greetings like “Guten Tag” (Good day) and “Danke” (Thank you) go a long way.
• In the Stuttgart region, you might hear the Swabian dialect, which differs somewhat from standard German.

Practical Information

• Most shops are closed on Sundays, with exceptions for bakeries and shops in train stations.
• The Stuttgart Tourist Information Office at Königstraße 1A provides maps, brochures, and helpful advice.
• Consider purchasing the StuttCard for free public transportation and discounts to many attractions.
• Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality.
• Public restrooms are available in shopping centers, department stores, and some public spaces. They typically cost €0.50-1.00 to use.

Your Stuttgart Adventure Awaits

Stuttgart may not top the list of Germany’s most visited cities, but that’s precisely what makes it such a rewarding destination. Without the overwhelming crowds of Berlin or Munich, you’ll have space to discover a city that perfectly balances technological innovation with natural beauty, historical charm with modern design, and cultural richness with outdoor adventure.

From marveling at automotive masterpieces in world-class museums to hiking through urban vineyards, from savoring hearty Swabian cuisine to experiencing the magic of one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, Stuttgart offers experiences that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned travelers. This green city nestled among hills and valleys invites you to explore at your own pace, revealing its treasures gradually to those who take the time to discover them.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a culture lover, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, Stuttgart welcomes you with authentic German hospitality and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Pack your comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare to be charmed by this underrated gem in southwest Germany.