Stuttgart has a special place with me. It’s probably the first big German city I ever set foot in, and because of that it fascinated me from an early age. That particular architecture and the perfect German orderliness left a strong impression. I’ve visited it in various seasons and it has never disappointed me. Spring and summer are a classic – the city turns green, full of parks and flowers. Winter, on the other hand, brings a completely different vibe, because the famous Christmas markets break up that winter greyness and give the city that real, warm festive charm.
What’s interesting is that I’ve never stayed in the very centre of Stuttgart. My base was always the nearby quiet little village of Möglingen, which belongs to the municipality of Ludwigsburg. Because of that, Ludwigsburg itself, with its beautiful streets and huge Baroque palace, has countless times been an unmissable point on our map.
Arrival and transport: Without wasting time
If you’re arriving by plane at Stuttgart Airport (STR), getting to the centre is solved in the typically German way – quickly and efficiently. Forget the taxi, just follow the signs for the underground railway beneath the airport, hop on the S-Bahn (lines S2 or S3) and in less than half an hour you’re at the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof). For getting around the city and the surrounding area, be sure to download the VVS app and get a daily ticket. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to combine the fast S-Bahn, the yellow city trams (Stadtbahn), and even to travel to nearby places like Ludwigsburg.
Royal history and the heart of the city
The centre of Stuttgart is an excellent blend of history and modern life. The main gathering point is Schlossplatz, a huge, always lively square dominated by the New Palace (Neues Schloss), the former seat of the kings of Württemberg, while right nearby is the considerably older Altes Schloss. While you’re in the centre, you mustn’t skip the Markthalle. It’s a historic indoor market in the Art Nouveau style, full of regional specialties and the aromas of international cuisine, ideal for a bite on the go. If you love modern architecture, walk over to the City Library (Stadtbibliothek) too. Its interior in the shape of a completely white, minimalist cube is surreal and is visually one of the most photographed modern buildings in the city.
Home to two automotive giants
Stuttgart is a city of cars and the headquarters of two of the world’s biggest giants. Touring the museums here is absolutely obligatory, even if you’re not a fanatic about four-wheelers.
- The Mercedes-Benz Museum: A huge, futuristic building displaying over 160 vehicles. The layout is designed so that it leads you down spiral ramps through the complete history of the automobile.
- The Porsche Museum: It’s located at the other end of the city, in the Zuffenhausen neighbourhood. It’s an incredible, modern architectural building where this brand’s cult sports and racing models are on display.
Greenery, hills and viewpoints
What sets Stuttgart apart from other German metropolises is its terrain. The city lies in a kind of basin (the locals call it the Kessel) and is surrounded by steep hills, vineyards and countless steps. So always pack comfortable trainers.
- Wilhelma: If you’re coming in the warmer months, this is not to be missed. A massive 19th-century zoological and botanical garden, full of exotic plants, greenhouses and beautiful old Moorish architecture.
- Killesbergpark: A huge, well-kept park in the north of the city with flowers, a viewpoint and an old narrow-gauge railway on which a little train runs.
- The TV Tower (Fernsehturm): The first concrete television tower of its kind in the world. Take the lift to the top, because from there stretches by far the best panoramic view of the whole city, the surrounding vineyards, and even the Swabian Alps.
Stuttgart is best experienced when you slow down. There’s no point in rushing. You should sit somewhere with a glass of local wine, try the famous Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli) and simply enjoy that particular southern, Swabian rhythm that this city has.
Useful links for organising the trip:
- VVS app (Public transport): vvs.de – The official website for downloading the app, maps and buying daily transport tickets.
- The Mercedes-Benz Museum: mercedes-benz.com – Official information and online ticket purchase so you avoid the queues.
- The Porsche Museum: porsche.com – All the information about opening hours and the exhibits in Zuffenhausen.
- Wilhelma (zoological and botanical garden): wilhelma.de – Ticket prices and the garden’s opening hours.
- The TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart): fernsehturm-stuttgart.de – Checking the viewpoint’s opening hours.