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A weekend in Stuttgart: sights, tips & the perfect itinerary
Stuttgart is underrated. The capital of Baden-Württemberg is seen by many as a grey, car-centric city nestled amongst the hills – but anyone who’s been there knows that’s not true. Castles, vineyards, world-class museums, lively markets and Swabian hospitality await you. Whether you’re planning a weekend, two days or even three nights – Stuttgart has something for every type of traveller. Here’s your complete guide.
Not bad. But have you ever been to Baden-Württemberg?
This old slogan, which once did the rounds as an ironic tourism joke, contains more truth today than you might think. Baden-Württemberg is, in fact, one of Germany’s most diverse federal states – and Stuttgart is at its heart. Anyone who associates the city solely with traffic jams on the A8 and Porsche number plates hasn’t seen enough yet. Tübingen is just round the corner, the Black Forest beckons on the horizon, and right in the city centre, vines grow on steep slopes that rank among the steepest urban vineyards in Europe. Stuttgart is well worth a visit. Promise.
Day 1 in Stuttgart: City centre, Schlossplatz & first impressions
Schlossplatz – a great first impression
Anyone visiting Stuttgart for the first time should start at Schlossplatz. This spacious square, featuring the New Palace, the Jubilee Column and the expansive lawn, is the city’s prestigious centrepiece. In summer, locals and tourists alike flock here – an ideal place to get a feel for the city before setting off to explore it.
Just a few steps away lies Schillerplatz with the Old Palace, one of Stuttgart’s most beautiful historic squares. The Württemberg State Museum is directly adjacent and offers a good overview of the region’s history.
Market Hall: the Swabian way of life in Art Nouveau style
Stuttgart’s Market Hall, built in 1914, is one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau market halls in Germany. It smells of fresh bread, Württemberg cheese and Maultaschen. If you set off in the morning, you’ll find the perfect start to the day here – and a first taste of what Swabian culinary culture is all about.
State Theatre & Stuttgart Art Museum
Art lovers should pay a visit to the Stuttgart Art Museum, which stands proudly with its glass cube right on Schlossplatz. Evening entertainment is provided by the Stuttgart State Theatre, one of Germany’s largest multi-genre theatres, bringing opera, ballet and drama together under one roof.
Evening: Bohnenviertel & Swabian cuisine
The Bohnenviertel, south of the city centre, is Stuttgart’s oldest surviving neighbourhood and is now home to small restaurants, wine bars and cafés. Here you’ll find Spätzle, Maultaschen and Ochsenbäckle in an authentic setting – accompanied by a Trollinger from the surrounding vineyards.
Day 2 in Stuttgart: motoring culture, parks & panoramic views
Mercedes-Benz Museum: world history on wheels
It is impossible to imagine Stuttgart without its automotive history. The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Bad Cannstatt is the city’s most visited museum – and for good reason. Spanning nine floors, it tells the story of the automobile, from Carl Benz’s ‘Patent Motor Car’ to the latest Formula 1 cars. Even for those who are not passionate about cars, the architecture and exhibition are impressive. Open Tue–Sun, admission approx. 10 euros.
Porsche Museum: Icons from Zuffenhausen
Just a few kilometres away lies the futuristic Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, which displays over 80 vehicles from the sports car manufacturer’s history spanning more than 75 years. The white, floating structure is an eye-catcher in its own right. Anyone who manages to visit both museums in a single day will have a packed but unforgettable day out dedicated to motoring.
Wilhelma: Zoological and Botanical Gardens
For anyone in need of a bit of nature after visiting the museums: Wilhelma is one of Stuttgart’s most special places. Originally built as a royal garden in the Moorish style, the park is now home to around 11,000 animals and 8,500 plant species. It’s particularly popular with families, but also offers a relaxing afternoon for adults.
Killesberg Tower & the ‘Grünes U’
The ‘Grünes U’ links several parks in the north of Stuttgart to form a green corridor through the city. Killesbergpark, with its panoramic Killesberg Tower, beer garden and miniature railway, is a favourite spot amongst Stuttgart’s residents. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city’s basin-like landscape. Anyone looking to get around Stuttgart affordably and at a leisurely pace will find the ‘Grünes U’ to be an oasis of calm right on their doorstep.
Day 3 in Stuttgart: Vineyards, Views & Day Trips
Stuttgart’s Vineyards: Vines in the City Centre
Stuttgart is one of the few major cities in the world that cultivates such extensive vineyards within its city limits. The steep slopes within the city limits, for example in Uhlbach or along the Württemberg River, are particularly beautiful in autumn. A walk through the vineyards with views over the city and a glass of Lemberger in one of the wine taverns is a genuine Stuttgart experience that no travel guide should overlook.
Stuttgart TV Tower – the world’s first
The Stuttgart TV Tower, opened in 1956, was the world’s first TV tower made of reinforced concrete. From the viewing platform at a height of 150 metres, there is a panoramic view over the Stuttgart Basin, the Swabian Alb and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Forest. A classic that’s always worth a visit.
Day trips: The best of the region
Stuttgart is ideally situated for day trips into the surrounding area. If you have a third day, you can easily reach the following destinations from here:
Ludwigsburg (20 minutes by S-Bahn): The Baroque Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the largest surviving Baroque palaces in Germany and a real eye-catcher in spring during the ‘Blühendes Barock’ exhibition.
Tübingen (45 minutes by train): This university town on the River Neckar, with its punt boats, rows of colourful houses and the Hölderlin Tower, is a classic choice for a relaxing day trip.
Esslingen am Neckar (15 minutes by S-Bahn): Half-timbered houses, medieval towers and a lively old town – Esslingen is often overlooked but always worth discovering.
Stuttgart for everyone: tips for every type of traveller
Families with children
Wilhelma, Killesbergpark with its mini railway, Kids’ Corner in various museums and the climbing park in Schönbuch – Stuttgart offers a wide range of activities for families without long journeys.
Culture lovers
The Staatsgalerie, the Kunstmuseum, the Württembergisches Landesmuseum, the Literaturmuseum der Moderne and the Linden-Museum with its focus on international cultures – Stuttgart is surprisingly diverse when it comes to culture.
Young travellers & backpackers
The Bohnenviertel, the clubs and bars around Theodor-Heuss-Straße and the lively market scene make Stuttgart an interesting destination for young city explorers too.
Mature travellers & leisure travellers
Wine tastings at the city’s vineyards, strolls through Rosensteinpark, and the historic rack-and-pinion railway up Stuttgart’s local hill, Degerloch – the city is also perfect for a peaceful, leisurely weekend.
Where to stay in Stuttgart? Our tip: a&o Stuttgart City
If you’re looking for affordable, central and comfortable accommodation, a&o Stuttgart City is the perfect choice. The hostel is situated in the Europaviertel, right next to Rosensteinpark, with an underground station just a stone’s throw away. From here, you can reach all the main attractions quickly and easily. It’s only about 7 minutes by train to the main station, and the city centre is just a short walk away. a&o Stuttgart City offers:
- Private and shared rooms – ideal for solo travellers, couples, groups and families
- High-speed Wi-Fi – free throughout the hostel
- 24-hour reception – always there for you, no matter when you arrive
- Guest kitchen and washing machines for longer stays
- Kids’ Corner and family rooms – children stay free in their parents’ room
- Snack bar, table football and communal lounges – perfect for getting to know other travellers
- Car park available; booking recommended
The a&o Stuttgart City isn’t just a place to sleep, but a real gateway to the city: the on-site team are happy to offer tips, free city maps are available, and its location in the Europaviertel clearly shows just how internationally minded Stuttgart is – without losing any of its Swabian charm.
Stuttgart is well worth a visit – really
Stuttgart is a city you have to get to know to appreciate it. First impressions can be deceiving: behind its automotive façade lies a city full of character – green, with a thriving food scene, culturally diverse and surrounded by countryside that could hardly be more beautiful. Whether for a long weekend or a spontaneous stopover, Stuttgart is full of surprises. And the a&o Stuttgart City makes it easy to enjoy your stay without breaking the bank.
