Stuttgart is one of my favorite cities in Germany, which is probably an odd choice for a favorite when cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne exist. I think there is a simple reason for this. I have always been drawn to smaller cities. I prefer Ghent to Brussels, Galway to Dublin, and Palma to Barcelona. They have more charm and allow you to really get to know the culture. With them being smaller you get to fully experience the city and meet the people. That is exactly how I felt about Stuttgart. Over my course of traveling I have spent a couple weeks staying (around) this city. While it is maybe not the prettiest or the grandest, it has a lot of German charm that will make you feel right at home in southern Germany. Here is what you should do when visiting Stuttgart! And if you are unfamiliar with Stuttgart, maybe this will hopefully put it on your radar for your next trip to Germany.
Visit the Porsche Museum
You may be wondering why this is first on the list. That is because it was probably my favorite thing I did in Stuttgart. I never really considered myself a car person. I don’t know anything about cars, but I do love seeing old as well as sports cars. I would die if I had the chance to drive a real sports car like a Porsche or a Ferrari. This museum sits on the headquarters of Porsche. Its exhibits showcase a wide arrangement of Porsches from some of its first models to what the future of the brand looks like. An audioguide accompanies you so you have all the information you would ever need about the models as well as the history of Porsche. The museum is open every day of the week other than Mondays from 9am-6pm. Tickets are about 12 euros, but you can get a discount if you show up in between 9 and 10am.
Go up Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
You might know Berlin is famous for its TV tower and have seen them in other cities, but did you know that Stuttgart’s was the first in the world? It is over 60 years old! You can visit the inside of the tower for a small fee and an amazing view of the city. Ok maybe it isn’t such a small fee because a normal ticket is 15 euros, but I promise it is worth it. It starts with a small exhibit about the tower and then you take the elevator up the 217 meters to the top where you’ll step outside to have the best view of Stuttgart. I am an avid lover of watching sunsets over the cities I visit, so I highly recommend going in the evening, but the view will be just as great during the day.
Take a Look in the Stuttgart Public Library
One of my favorite spots in Stuttgart is its library. Even if you are a foreigner not looking to check out books, it is still a great stop for any book, music, or architecture lover. There are books of all genres from 25 different languages (there are English books)! There is also the cafe on the top floor if you need even more of a reason to stop by the library as well a terrace for a view of the city. Beyond the books there is also a wide selection of music from practice books to CD as well as instruments. The library is open from 9am-9pm every day except Sundays, so if you are there during that time, I would highly recommend stopping in for a bit!
Visit the Staatsgalerie
An art gallery with a wide range of styles and time periods, this is Staatsgalerie, one of the most popular in Germany. It was built in 1843 but the original building has since been restored after World War II. Whether you are looking for medieval art or contemporary, this is the place to go. You could spend hours in each exhibit as there is so much to see. It costs no more that 10 euros (a little tip: it is free on Wednesdays). It is open every day except Mondays which is pretty common for museums in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Some days the hours may differ but it is usually open from 10am-5pm. They are constantly rotating their temporary exhibits so be sure to check out what new thing the artists of Germany are on!
Walking Around Höhenpark Killesberg
In the Killesberg district of Stuttgart lies this beautiful park with a lot of history. It started as just a garden and grew into the big public park it is today. That is not to say all its history is full of sunshine and flowers. It also served as a transition point for the Jewish people being sent to concentration camps. For this reason you will see a memorial here to the Jewish people of Stuttgart. After a phase of gardens shows it is now a 10 acre park. Among the gardens and hidden hiding spots you will find sculptures. Once you climb up the hill you will find a fair that has plenty for children to do in the summertime and Killesberg tower. You can put a euro in a machine and climb to the top for a great view of the city, The parking situation isn’t great so I would recommend taking the S-bahn to Killesberg. It makes a great break from the city life, so if you need some fresh air, this is the place to go.
Attend Frühlingsfest in the Spring
Frülingsfest is Stuttgart’s spring festival that can be compared to Munich’s Oktoberfest. The festival started in 1818 to celebrate the end of winter and all that is to come. Now it has turned in a 2 week long excuse to dress up, drink in the bierhaus, and eat to your hearts content. It isn’t just for the adults. There are fair games and rides, like the ferris wheel, for children and adults alike. You’ll also find local vendors selling their crafts in the market. I bought the necklace that goes with the dindl since I would not be able to actually afford a dindl. You can also browse the food stalls selling some authentic German street food and see the decorated ginger cookies. There are a few different beer halls with traditional food, music, and beer, but make sure you arrive early because they fill up fast!
Enjoy the Markthalle
Markthalle is the food market located in the center of Stuttgart near the Rathaus. What started as a medieval market square has turned into a beautiful hall with 33 booths selling a wide range of foods from local cheeses and sausages to foreign groceries and spices. Anything you could ever need is here! I don’t usually buy a lot of fruit or foods to take home at these food markets in Europe. I prefer to look around at the local specialties and then grab a bite to eat. You can find some amazing German baked goods here, like a pretzel. I will always recommend a pretzel! It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am-6:30pm and Saturdays with slightly different hours. It definitely worth the stop in, even if you aren’t planning on buying anything.
Ride the Elevator in the Rathaus
Stuttgart’s town hall is a unique one. It was built in the 50s which is what gives its look that stand out from the rest of the city. But don’t take that to mean it doesn’t still have a hint of German flair. Its clock tower is still a glockenspiel! You may be wondering why I am telling you to visit the town hall. Town hall interiors aren’t usually a tourist attraction, since that is where the city work is being done, but this one is! It has one of the few remaining working paternoster elevators. Tourists line up inside the building to hop on and off these lifts. Its a little intimidating at first. It took we a couple times to trust myself, but once you are on, its so fun. I would say getting off is a little bit more tricky and you don’t have much time to work up the courage, because who knows what awaits you at the end. I started with just going a few floors and it still was cool! It is a great stop if you are looking for a different experience in Stuttgart.
Walking Around Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz (Palace Square)
This in the main square of Stuttgart that acts as a central park and the point of all activity in the city. At the square you will find Neues Schloss, which has been restored after being damaged in World War II. During its early years it was used as a military parade grounds, but has since been turned into a public space. It also houses a Stuttgart underground station. Beyond the surrounding attractions like its monuments and museums, the square also hosts a wide range of activities from markets to concerts to movies. There was a film festival going out when I visited. Its a great place to check out and see what is happening that day in the city!
Eat Some Rolls at Zeit Für Brot
This organic bakery is one of the best I have ever been to. I am a baker. I make tons of different rolls. Nothing I have had has compared to the raspberry cinnamon roll I had at Zeit Für Brot. They have a wide selection of not just different cinnamon rolls, but other German baked goods as well as bread. And what makes this place so cool? You can see the bakers at work. In the corner of the cafe there are big windows separating the cafe from the kitchen. You can peek in to see the bakers kneading and preparing the dough for bread and rolls. I suppose you could say that the prices are on the more pricey side but its worth it. It is a great stop to grab coffee and a roll for breakfast or even a snack. They also have multiple locations throughout Germany, so you don’t even have to go to Stuttgart to try it! As a foodie, this would be one of my top recommendations for experiencing Germany and Stuttgart.
Go Shopping!!!
I love shopping in Stuttgart! That might be just because I love German style. H&M in Europe is one of my favorite stores, along with Primark. Stuttgart has a few great shopping complexes like MILANEO Stuttgart, Stuttgart Zentrum, and Königsbau Passagen. Lets just say when I lost my luggage (that included my outfit to the eras tour the next day), I was able to find a whole new outfit shopping in Stuttgart when I spent a month deciding on my outfit back home. Beyond clothes shopping Stuttgart has great bookstores like Thalia and cute vintage craft stores. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea so if you are more of a streetstyle or designer person, than may Stuttgart is not your place to shop, but if you are a young twenty something with not a lot of money and a love for simple European fashion and good, this is your place! I think stuff you use every day makes some of the best souvenirs.
There are many great cities in Germany to choose from when planning a trip and Stuttgart should definitely be one of those stops. I hope I have swayed you towards the city and inspired many grand adventures in Germany. If this doesn’t seem like your place, then check out my Germany page for more suggestions. Stayed tuned for more suggestions as well, because I have many German adventures to share still.
The Journal of Wanderlust 