28 Wonderful Tourist Places to See and Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

March 2, 2024 Mustafa Natalwala 2062 Views

Stuttgart is the capital city of the Baden-Wurttenberg state in Germany. It sits on the banks of river Neckar and is surrounded by the Swabian Alps and the Black Forest. The city has a rich history and some of the best things to do in Stuttgart revolve around exploring historical sites and museums.

Many of these were damaged, some even destroyed, during the bombings of WWII. The city has managed to restore some of the important sites. So you can still witness some of the best things to see in Stuttgart as they were before the bombing. Going a step further, Stuttgart took the rubble from the bombings and turned it into a hill. You will spot pieces of some Stuttgart attractions on the Rubble Hill.

In the city, you will see some incredible historical sites. Stuttgart tourist attractions include palaces, churches, public squares, and castles. Some of these date back to the 10th century. Many of these have been restored after the bombings. The palaces of this city are especially well-known for being the largest ones in Germany and Europe in certain aspects. These are also the best places to visit in Stuttgart to learn about the political and aristocratic history of the city.

Alongside ancient, the city is also home to some amazing works of modern architecture. The Stadtbibliothek, Kunstmuseum, and Weissenhof Estate are the most incredible places to see in Stuttgart. Among these, Weissenhof is also included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The other popular aspect of the city’s history revolves around cars. It is given names like the “Cradle of the Automobiles” and “Capital of Cars”. The museums of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are the most popular attractions in Stuttgart, Germany.

Aside from history, one of the most popular reasons to visit Stuttgart is the Cannstatter Volkfest, the second-largest beer festival in the world. Even without the festival, you can try some amazing local beers when you travel to Stuttgart.

The city is also close to the Neckar Valley and is home to some great vineyards. These are the best places to see near Stuttgart, not only for the wine but also for the scenery. There are few places in the world where you can enjoy fun locally brewed beers and elegant wines straight from the vineyards in the same trip.

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Table of Contents

Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Stuttgart, Germany

1. Mercedes-Benz Museum

This museum covers more than 130 years of the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand. You will get to see the evolution of the company, its vehicles, and automobile technology. It is one of the best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Mercedes-Benz brand originated in Stuttgart and became one of the biggest automobile brands in the world. The museum has more than 1500 exhibits and 160 vehicles on display.

Alongside history, the museum also gives you a peek into the future of automobiles. The technologies in years to come are truly mesmerizing to witness. When you visit Stuttgart, you must reserve about 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum.

2. Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart)

This was the first TV tower in the world made from concrete. It stands 213 meters tall and is recognized as a ‘Historic Landmark of German Engineering’. It is one the best spots for Stuttgart sightseeing.

You get amazing panoramic views from the top. People can also enjoy nice meals during the day and drinks at night from the cafe/bar in this tower. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to admire the views from this tower.

I suggest you should get your Tickets to Stuttgart TV Tower in advance.

3. St. John’s Church (Johanneskirche)

This protestant church was built in the late 1800s. It is known for its incredible Gothic Revival architecture. Despite desolation in WWII, it has been recreated quite well. It is one of the best things to see in Stuttgart.

The stonework is one of the most impressive features of the exterior. Inside the church, you will get to see ages of artistic treasures. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

4. Schillerplatz

This square used to be the city centre and historical heart of Stuttgart. The square has witnessed some historic events and is surrounded by some of the best places to visit in Stuttgart, Germany.

You will be close to historical sites such as Collegiate Church, Altes Schloss, Fruchtkasten building, Museum of Wurttemburg, and several others. The square and surrounding buildings received significant damage during the Second World War and were reconstructed.

The square is also popular for cultural events, festivals, and activities to do in Stuttgart. It hosts a market twice a week and celebrations during festivals. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

5. Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

Also known as Altes Schloss is one of the most important historical attractions in Stuttgart, Germany. The castle is built on the site of Wasserburg Castle which dates back to the 10th century.

Altes Schloss faced many tragedies including battles, fires, and bombings. It evolved over the ages and was also reconstructed several times. The castle is now home to several Stuttgart tourist attractions including historical buildings and museums. You will need at least 2 hours to tour the entire castle.

6. State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart)

This museum is dedicated to classical artworks. The building and much of the artworks within were damaged during WWII. Some of them survived, while some were restored.

The exhibits include German artworks created between the 1300s and 1500s. You will also get to see Italian paintings created between the 14th and 19th centuries. It is one of the best Stuttgart attractions for history and art lovers.

You will come across the works of renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Joan Miro, and several others. You will need about 2 to 3 hours from Stuttgart travel to tour this entire museum.

7. New Palace (Neues Schloss)

Built during the 18th century, this Baorque-style palace is one of the most magnificent places to see in Stuttgart, Germany. The palace now serves as a government office. So you can only explore the palace with a guided tour.

The tour gives you a glimpse of various sections of the palace. You will appreciate the vast size as you explore it. The tour also tells you about the various events that happened and the people who resided in the palace. You will need about two hours to tour this palace when you visit Stuttgart.

8. Schlossplatz

This square used to be a part of the pleasure garden and also served as a parade ground. Similar to the New Palace, the square also exhibits several architectural styles including Classic, Rococo, and Baroque.

The biggest attraction of the square is the central Jubilee Column. On top of the column stands a statue of Concordia, the Goddess of Harmony. It is one of the top places to go in Stuttgart for sightseeing. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore the public square.

9. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a wonderful building designed by Jehle and Hascher. The exhibitions keep changing at this museum, so you should check their website. The exhibits primarily focus on paintings and graphic arts. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

10. Porsche Museum

This museum showcases the history of the automobile brand Porsche and sits right outside the company’s headquarters. The museum traces the brand’s story to its origin in 1976.

The museum has more than 80 models on display from various eras. In total the museum has more than 300 restored vehicles. It is a must-see in Stuttgart for automobile enthusiasts. The museum also looks into the racing, engineering, and innovation history of the brand. You will need about an hour or so to tour this museum.

11. State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart)

The museum covers a variety of subjects including paleontology, geology, biology, zoology, and so on. The wonderful interactive exhibits make learning interesting. It is one of the must-do in Stuttgart for families with children.

You will get to see fossils and reconstructions of various plants and animal species from the present as well as bygone eras. You will need about 2 hours to tour this entire museum.

12. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

This zoo and botanical garden houses more than 11,00 animals and 6,000 plants. You will get to see Gorillas, Gibbon, Lions, Elephants, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebras, Hippos, Snow Leopards, Flamingos, and many more. The zoo also has other fun things to do in Stuttgart including feeding sea lions, sheep, crocodiles, penguins, gorillas, caimans, and bonobos. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the zoo and the botanical gardens.

13. Königstraße

Also known as the Shopping Mile, this street is the longest pedestrian-only shopping street in Germany. You will find products from Germany as well as other countries. The street is home to many international brand stores. It is also the best place to go for street food, bakery goods, beverages, and fine dining during sightseeing in Stuttgart, Germany. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this street.

14. Württemberg State Museum (Landesmuseum Württemberg)

This museum focuses on the Wurttemberg region of the Baden-Wurttemberg state. It looks into 150 years of history including politics, warfare, architecture, and culture of the region.

You will go all the way back to the Paleolithic age to trace the origins of civilization in the region. It is one of the best places to visit in Stuttgart to get a perspective on the city. You will see how the culture of the region evolved under different rulers. It takes about an hour or so to tour this museum.

15. Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude)

This palace was built in 1763 for Duke Carl Eugen von Wurttemberg for lodging and hunting. The palace is one of the top attractions near Stuttgart. The stunning yellow facade with elegant design elements gives this palace a distinctive look. The interiors are as lavish as you would expect from the aristocracy of the 18th century. You will need about an hour to tour this palace.

16. Markthalle Stuttgart

This is the place where you get in touch with the food culture of Stuttgart. You will see a variety of items including fresh produce, home-made goods, food products, local dishes, street food, snacks, bakery goods, beverages, wines, and more. It is also one of the best places to go in Stuttgart if you to interact with the locals. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the place.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Stuttgart Market Hall.

17. Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill

Also known as the Wurttemberg Mausoleum, this church was built by King Wilhelm I in honor of his wife Katharina. The Mausoleum was designed by renowned Italian architect Giovanni Salucci.

It is one of the best places to see near Stuttgart. The elaborate design of the church is decorated with reliefs, carvings, sculptures, and paintings. The interiors reflect the Russian Orthodox culture of the Queen. While the exteriors are inspired by the Renaissance structures of Italy. You will need an hour to tour the Chapel.

18. Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung)

This estate was built in 1927 for the Deutscher Werkbund Exhibition. The architectural plans came from a competition and are considered one of the most important modern architectural works in the country.

The complex comprises 11 buildings and is now part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore the estate to admire these works of modern architecture.

But, if you want to learn more about them, you should visit the Weissenhof Museum. It will tell you the entire story of this housing estate and how it contributed to the world of architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this estate.

19. Killesbergpark (Höhenpark Killesberg)

This huge park sits right in the middle of the city. It is the top spot for fun things to do in Stuttgart, Germany. The park has several acres of landscaped gardens along with various attractions, activities, and facilities.

The park has beautiful landscaping with flower gardens, sculptures, and fountains. The park also has its own tram railway that you can ride to tour the place. There is also a farm and petting zoo for children.

The park is also home to Killesberg Tower. It is one of the most popular attractions in Stuttgart for panoramic views. Upon climbing 174 steps of this tower, you get an incredible view of the city and the Swabian Forest around it. You can easily spend a couple of hours from Stuttgart travel exploring the park.

20. Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche)

Also known as the Collegiate Church, this is one of the most important historical sites in the city. It dates back to the 12th century and is renowned for its historical and cultural significance.

The church is also one of the best things to see in Stuttgart. The architecture seamlessly blends Gothic elements with a classic Baroque design. The interiors are especially praised for the tall stained glass windows. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

21. Birkenkopf Hill

This is a manmade hill. It was built with the devastated remains of the WWII bombing. Hence, it is also known as the Rubble Hill. It is one of the most fascinating Stuttgart tourist attractions. Much of the rubble is now covered in grass, dirt, and shrubbery. As you climb the hill, you might come across pieces from the buildings destroyed in the bombings.

Atop the hill, you will find a war memorial. This point is quite popular for Stuttgart sightseeing. You can see almost the entire city as well as the Swabian Alps from this vantage point. It takes about an hour or so to tour the Rubble Hill.

22. City Library at the Mailänder Platz (Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz)

This majestic public library is a modern architectural marvel. It is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Stuttgart. The architecture focuses on straight geometrical shapes.

The building is designed like a perfect cube. Even the interiors continue the theme of right angles, except for the stairs. It has a pristine interior that creates a calm ambience for reading.

The library houses some rare historical books and has a vast collection of works by local authors. These are must-see in Stuttgart for those looking to delve deeper into the city’s culture. You will need about 2 hours to explore this library from outside and within.

23. Ludwigsburg Residential Palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg)

This majestic four-winged palace is one of the largest in Europe. It is the largest Baroque palace in Germany. It is one of the best places to visit near Stuttgart to witness the grand royal lifestyle of yesteryears.

The palace has more than 450 rooms, two churches, a massive courtyard, and finely landscaped gardens. It is also home to the oldest palace theatre in Europe. The interiors feature rich furniture and artwork. Some of these hail from renowned artists. You will also get a peek into the lives of the royals that lived here.

You can take a guided tour to explore the palace. These are usually 90 minutes long and you can take some more time to explore the palace grounds. All in all, you will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this palace.

24. Standseilbahn

This funicular railway ride is one of the most fun activities to do in Stuttgart. The ride takes you from Sudheimer Platz to the Derloch Cemetery. It was originally built for people to access the cemetery but has now become a popular tourist attraction in Stuttgart.

The train was built with teak wood and is still almost entirely original. During the ride, you will get amazing views of the city and surrounding forests. You will need about an hour for this ride when you visit Stuttgart.

25. Cannstatter Volksfest

While Munich has the Oktoberfest, Stuttgart has the Cannstatter Volkfest. It is an annual celebration held between September and October in the Neckarpark. It is the second-largest beer festival in the world after Oktoberfest.

If you are looking for cool things to do in Stuttgart, you now know the time and place. You will find hundreds of varieties of beers flowing in the park and people enjoying all sorts of fun games and activities. The fest creates a happening atmosphere with music, dance, street food, market, funfair rides, and more. The Neckarpark tops the list of Stuttgart attractions for as long as the Volkfest is on.

26. Vineyard Tour

You will get to try a variety of craft beers during Stuttgart sightseeing. But, you should not miss out on the serene German wines while overloading on beer. The hills of Baden-Wurttenberg are home to some amazing vineyards.

You can dive into the traditional process of making wine. The vineyards show you the entire journey from grape to wine and the ingredients that give German wine its distinct flavour and texture. You can also taste different varieties while enjoying splendid views of the hills.

If you want even more insight into the wines of the region, you can head to the Museum of Viniculture. It is a must-do in Stuttgart for those who adore wines. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy a nice tour of the vineyards.

I suggest you should book a Vineyard Tour in advance.

27. MHPArena Stadium

The MHP Arena is the home ground of the Stuttgart’s football team VfB Stuttgart. The team competes in Bundelsliga and European championships. The stadium tour is a must do in Stuttgart for football fans. You can explore the entire stadium and experience the history and culture of this football club.

However, the best way to experience this place is during a Bundesliga match. You should especially look for fixtures where VfB Stuttgart is playing against competitive clubs like Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund. You will need an hour to tour the stadium and 2 hours to enjoy a match.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of MHPArena in advance.

28. Museum of Illusions

This museum gives you a reality check on your senses. It has a variety of illusionary experiences with sounds, lights, perception, and objects. It is one of the best places to go in Stuttgart for families with children.

The illusions give educational insights about the workings of our mind and senses. Some of the most popular attractions of this museum include the Anti-Gravity Room, Clone Table, Head on a Platter, Turntable and Vortex Tunnel. You will need about an hour and a half to enjoy this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket for the Museum of Illusions in advance.

If you are looking for more sightseeing in Stuttgart, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of all the attractions and activities to enjoy in Stuttgart.

Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Stuttgart, Germany

Stiftskirche
Altes Schloss
Alte Kanzlei
Neues Schloss
King Wilhelm Palace
Stuttgart National Theatre
Museum of Viniculture
Castle Solitude
Ludwigsburg Palace
Castle Hohenheim
Rosenstein Castle
Wurttemberg Mausoleum
Weissenhof Estate
Friedenskirche
Stuttgart History Museum
State Museum of Natural History
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Porsche Museum
Stuttgart Art Museum
Hegel House Museum
Linden Museum
Stuttgart Tram Museum
Theodor Heuss Museum
Sepulchral Chapel
St John’s Church
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart
Leibfried Bastion
Schelztortum
Bismarckturm
Ruine des Hasenbergturms
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Stuttgart, Germany

Neckar Valley
Black Forest
Panoramaweg Parksiedlung

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Stuttgart, Germany

Wilhelma Zoo & Botanical Garden
Stadtbibliothek
Killesberg Park
Rosenstein Park
Stuttgart Pavillion
Historisches Volkfest
Santiago de Chile Place
Stuttgart City Garden
Freitreppe am Kubus
Killesberg Railway
Maurischer Garten
Middle Schlossgarten
Wernhaldenpark
Jubilaumssaule
Arboretum Serach
Fanny Leicht Park

Shopping in Stuttgart, Germany

Markthalle
Konigstrasse
Karlsplatz Flea Market
Konigsbau Passagen
Greenality
Milaneo
Outletcity Metzingen
Breuningerland Sindelfingen
Schlossplatz
Das Gerber
Breuninger

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Stuttgart, Germany

Hiking
Wine Tour
Train Ride

Sightseeing in Stuttgart, Germany

Schlossplatz
Burgholzhof Observation Tower
Stuttgart TV Tower
North Station Memorial
Standseilbahn
Birkenkopf Hill
Schillerplatz
Wielimdof Windmill
Schicksalsbrunnen
Skulptur und Gedenkbrunnen
Galateabrunnen
Borsenbrunnen
Borsenplatz
Eugenstaffel
Athenebrunnen
Pusteblume Brunnen
Tablat Turm
Stauffenberg Platz
Bgruntes Haus
Hans im Gluck Brunnen

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Stuttgart, Germany

Terrazza
New Josch
Wilma Wunder
Hegel Eins
The Gardener’s Nosh
Lions
Cube
Mauritius Feuerbach
5 Gourmet
Citizen Long
Delice
Jose y Josefina
Alte Kanzlei
Nannina
Weinstube Zur Kiste
La Fenice
Christophorus
Da Salvo
Wielandshohe
Retsinadiko
Fassle le
Alaturka
Die Zirbelstube
Le Pastis
Goldener Adler
Injeera

Where to Stay in Stuttgart?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Stuttgart. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Stuttgart.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Stuttgart

How to Reach Stuttgart, Germany?

By Air

The Stuttgart Airport connects you to various cities in Europe. You also get flights from some cities in the Middle East, Iceland, and North America. You can get direct flights to visit Stuttgart from Athens, Marsa Alam, Paris, Belgrade, Istanbul, London, Atlanta, Beirut, Lisbon, Rome, Bastia, Manchester, Stockholm, Reykjavik, Zurich, Barcelona, and many more.

The airport has train, bus, and cab connectivity to get to the city from the airport. You can buy the tickets from the airport itself. Most people prefer public transport to travel to Stuttgart from the airport as it is far less expensive than a cab.

By Road

Stuttgart is well connected within Germany through the train network. You can get direct trains from several major cities in the country. This includes Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, and so on. You can also get a direct train from Munich to reach Stuttgart.

The bus network within Germany is also great. Almost every major town and city is well connected. But, it is best to find the nearest train station for travelling within Germany. You can also get buses from many European cities to travel to Stuttgart. It is a major stop in many Euro-tour bus trips.

If you are planning to get to Stuttgart by road, you should head for highway routes A8 or A81. These two routes intersect on the west end of the city. You can also consider routes B10, B14, and B27 to reach Stuttgart.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to travel to Stuttgart.

Image Reference

Mercedes-Benz Museum – cubicroot / PixaBay
Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart) – Wallpaper Flare
St John’s Church (Johanneskirche) – Roman Eisele / Wikimedia Commons
Schillerplatz – 23001799 / PixaBay
Old Castle (Altes Schloss) – Th G / PixaBay
State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart) – Timothy Brown / Flickr
New Palace (Neues Schloss) – Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons
Schlossplatz – Wolfgang Vogt / PixaBay
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart – Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons
Porsche Museum – Gabriele Bendler / PixaBay
State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart) – Ghedoghedo / Wikimedia Commons
Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden – Miriam_die_Taenzerin / PixaBay
Königstraße – Filip Maljković / Flickr
Württemberg State Museum (Landesmuseum Württemberg) – Carole Raddato / Flickr
Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude) – CatalpaSpirit / Wikimedia Commons
Markthalle Stuttgart – Magnus Hagdorn / Flickr
Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill – Óscar / Flickr
Weissenhof Estate (Weißenhofsiedlung) – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
Killesbergpark (Höhenpark Killesberg) – Gilbert Sopakuwa / Flickr
Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche) – Armin Vogel / Flickr
Birkenkopf Hill – Wolfgang / Flickr
City Library at the Mailänder Platz (Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz) – Oli Götting / PixaBay
Ludwigsburg Residential Palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg) – Simon_sees / Flickr
Standseilbahn – Smiley.toerist / Wikimedia Commons
Cannstatter Volksfest – Guillaume Baviere / Flickr
Vineyard Tour – Christine Wagner / Flickr
MHPArena Stadium – RudolfSimon / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Illusions –