Your Ultimate Guide to Visit Stuttgart, Germany

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Ahmed Samir

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. Aside from its exciting attractions like museums, churches, palaces, and much more, the city is also famous for its advanced industries. It is considered the cradle of the automobile industry, with museums dedicated to major car companies, like the Mercedes Museum.

History of Stuttgart 

Stuttgart occupied a great place in the ancient era. It witnessed several political and social events and is considered the first settlement in old Germany.

The people of Stuttgart resisted the Romans and expelled them through the Rhine and Danube rivers in the 3rd century. Then the city fell under the control of the Franks and was later occupied by the Roman Empire.

The ancient city of Stuttgart was destroyed during the outbreak of World War II, to which Germany was one of the parties. The city was later rebuilt with a mix of modern and historical architecture.

Stuttgart’s Economy

Stuttgart is home to the headquarters of famous companies, such as Mercedes, Porsche, and Chrysler. It is considered the cradle of car manufacturing. The first car to use an internal combustion engine was invented there. Major computer companies like IBM have also found their home in Stuttgart.

Weather in Stuttgart

The weather in Stuttgart is hot and mild. It experiences heavy rainfall at different times of the year, even in the driest month. The average annual temperature in Stuttgart is about 9 degrees Celcius.

During July, the temperature reaches around 18 degrees, while it reaches 1 degree Celcius in the coldest month, January.

More Information About Stuttgart 

• Stuttgart is located in the south of Germany, at an altitude of 245 metres, on an area of ​​207 km².
• It was founded in the 10th century and rapidly grew until it became a city in 1320.
• In 1945, the Allies occupied the city, then Stuttgart became part of West Germany, and Germany was unified in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
• The city has the sixth-largest airport in the country.
• It is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world.

Sports in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is famous for its football team, VfB Stuttgart.

VfB Stuttgart

It is one of the greatest clubs in the history of German football, as it was founded in 1893 and has been part of the German Elite League ever since.

The club has an excellent record in the Champions Club, winning the German League 5 times, the Cup 3 times, and the Super Cup once. This is in addition to winning the second division twice and the European Intertoto Cup twice. Mercedes-Benz Arena is the home stadium of VfB Stuttgart.

Before 1993, the stadium was called the Neckar Stadium, after the neighbouring river Neckar, and between 1993 and July 2008, it was called the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium. In the 2008-09 season, it was renamed Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Attractions to Visit in Stuttgart

Stuttgart has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years, affecting all aspects of city life. The city has many tourist attractions, bringing in visitors from different countries.

Tourists can participate in various tours to explore the city’s museums, zoos, and palaces, and learn about ancient civilisations and cultures.

Stuttgart is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. It has several local parks, and almost all of them have picnic areas. Ideal for travel lovers, the Stuttgart Card allows you to get discounted rates at famous museums and galleries. The only drawback is the need for more discounts on public transportation.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

Studio UN designed the Mercedes-Benz Car Museum in Stuttgart based on a unique concept, shaped like a clover leaf, using three overlapping circles with a triangular atrium in the centre. The museum was completed and opened in 2006. It covers an area of 16,500 m² and displays more than 1,500 cars.

After enjoying a tour of the Mercedes Museum and its gift shop, you can take a break and have a delicious meal in the 5-star restaurant, which is also located in the museum.

Stuttgart TV Tower

It is a telecommunications tower with a height of approximately 217 metres. It is the first telecom tower in the world to be constructed of reinforced concrete, and its design was replicated in similar buildings around the world.

The tower is located on a 483-metre hill in the Degerloch district in southern Stuttgart. From the observation decks, you will see a view of Stuttgart stretching from the forests and vineyards surrounding Stuttgart to the Swabian Jura and the Black Forest.

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is another popular attraction in the city, with its distinctive German style, designed like a giant glass cube that sparkles with the morning sun. The museum’s collections reflect the country’s long history, as well as many paintings and artworks by the most famous artists from the city.

Schlossplatz Square

Schlossplatz Square is a focal point for visitors and locals alike. It is surrounded by buildings dating back to Stuttgart’s former role as the ducal and royal capital. Amid this large square are its beautiful gardens and the Jubilee Column, erected in 1841 to celebrate the 25 years of King William I’s reign.

You’ll find the Cast Iron Collection, several pieces of modern sculpture by Calder, Hrdlicka, and Hajek, and a beautiful fountain. 

On the northwest side of the square is the 19th-century Königsbau building with porticoes and shopping arcades, and to the southwest, on the upper ground, is the Kleiner Schlossplatz with its many shops.

Schillerplatz and the Old Town

Schillerplatz is an old square dating back to Friedrich Schiller, one of Germany’s most famous sons known for his work as a poet, philosopher, historian, and dramatist. The square is home to a weekly street market, while the nearby Marktplatz is famous for its annual Christmas fair.

Another landmark in this old part of the city, a beautiful place to explore in Stuttgart, and is also the Prinzenbau headquarters. During the reign of Duke Eberhard Ludwig, it was the seat of his heir, Prince Friedrich Ludwig.

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart is home to Germany’s most valuable art collections. It is one of the most visited museums in the country. Also known for its impressive collection of 20th-century paintings, the museum houses remarkable collections of German Renaissance art.

The three buildings that make up the Staatsgallerie are as interesting as their combinations. The original gallery building was designed in the neoclassical style. The adjoining hall is James Sterling’s New Staatsgallery (New Gallery), added in 1984, and a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

In 2002, a new structure with a five-story building that houses the Department of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs was built.

Aussichtsplattform

The observation deck, which consists of ten floors, offers visitors a view of the largest network of train stations and the city in general in a fantastic panoramic view that introduces you to the city’s most beautiful hills, lakes, parks, and skyscrapers.

New Palace, Stuttgart

The New Palace in Stuttgart is a well-known tourist attraction in the city. It is distinguished by its beautiful architecture, built in the Baroque style in 1816.

It was developed over the years until it became one of Germany’s most beautiful buildings and tourist attractions. The palace has a wonderful garden containing flowers and several beautiful fountains.

Max-Eyth-See

The lake’s charming beauty attracts unique birds, such as pelicans, herons, and grebes. Although it is an artificial lake on the famous Nikag River, today, it is a popular attraction for recreation and rest.

Porsche Museum

Many tourists visit the Porsche Museum to enjoy watching cars and learning about everything related to the Porsche industry. It displays about 80 vehicles, and the area of the museum is estimated at 5,600 m².

The museum offers guided tours, where reservations can be made for groups of 25 people. The guide takes visitors on an hour-long tour through the exhibition, giving you exclusive insights into the history of Porsche in German or English.

Visitors can enjoy a 60-minute tour, where the concept of the building is explained by architect Maisel DeLogin, who designed both the interior and exterior architecture.

Wilhelma

Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden is a German royal garden with distinctive natural beauty. It was built as a royal palace on 30 hectares and is now a zoo and botanical garden. It is the largest European garden containing animals and plants and is home to more than 1,000 animals and more than 7,000 species of plants.

Killesberg Park and Tower

Killesberg Park is an open space of 123 acres. It was initially established in 1939 as part of horticultural exhibitions.

The existing structures date from its pre-war opening and are still used for flower shows and other events. One of the most popular original features is the Killesberg Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that offers fun rides around the park in the summer.

The stunning 40-metre-high Killesberg Tower is an outstanding attraction, a tall observation tower that offers excellent views of the park and its surroundings.

What are your top picks for things to do in Stuttgart, Germany? To read more about other cities and attractions in Germany, feel free to browse through our articles here: Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle: The Mysterious History of Germany’s Most Popular Castle, and Top 5 Music Museums in Germany.