Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Stuttgart, Germany

In the lush Neckar Valley, Stuttgart serves as the capital of Baden-Württemberg. Historically, the city functioned as the residence for the Counts and subsequently the Kings of Württemberg until the 19th century, resulting in the legacy of royal palaces that have been transformed into government edifices and museums.

Additionally, Stuttgart holds significance in the automotive industry as the birthplace of the first automobile and motorcycle, created by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, respectively. The headquarters for Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are located in Stuttgart, both featuring modern museums that showcase their innovative history and design. The city is a vivid example of captivating architecture, complemented by an Art Nouveau market hall, a building by Le Corbusier, and an advanced contemporary library.

Let’s delve into the top attractions in Stuttgart:

1. Staatsgalerie

This esteemed art museum was established in 1843 and retains portions of its original Neoclassical architecture. In the 1980s, architect James Stirling enhanced its profile with a bold Post-Modern extension.

The new wing houses 20th-century masterpieces by artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Franz Marc, Piet Mondrian, and Joan Miró.

The original edifice is home to paintings and sculptures from before the 1800s, with a notable emphasis on Renaissance and Baroque masters including Rubens, Rembrandt, and Hans Memling.

Noteworthy works include the “Corpse of Christ” by Annibale Carracci and Jerg Ratgeb’s 16th-century Herrenberger Altar.

2. Mercedes-Benz Museum

A visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, housed in a distinctive metallic structure with a double helix design, is akin to embarking on a historical journey through the evolution of automobiles.

Karl Benz’s invention of the first authentic automobile in 1886 is commemorated here. The innovative architecture permits dual audio-guided tours: one exploring the storied history of the brand, while the other showcases the remarkable variety of vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz.

Due to the nature of the design, visitors can interchange between tours at any time, culminating in a contemporary overview of the brand’s 21st-century advancements.

The museum boasts a collection of 160 vehicles and over 1,500 exhibits.

3. Porsche Museum

Located in Zuffenhausen, not far from Stuttgart, lies the headquarters of another iconic automotive manufacturer. The Porsche Museum, which opened in the 1970s, underwent a stylish renovation and reopening in 2009, revealing the brand’s formative years and showcasing the numerous innovations of its founder and engineer, Professor Ferdinand Porsche, noted for creating the VW Beetle and the first gasoline-electric hybrid.

The museum features interactive displays, including a sound installation and a “touch wall,” alongside a collection of 80 classic vehicles, including timeless models like the 356, 911, and 917 that remain in working condition.

Visitors can observe the workshop where these vehicles are maintained and prepared for international heritage races.

4. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

This beloved zoo and botanical garden resides in the northern part of Stuttgart, located within the grounds of a former royal palace. Established as a pleasure park under King William I, the Wilhelma features a Moorish Revival-style royal bathhouse, modeled after the Alhambra in Granada.

Opened to the public in 1880, the facility was re-established as a zoo following wartime destruction, now housing over 1,000 animal species—second only to the Berlin Zoo.

Notable attractions include a variety of great apes, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, alongside the Amazon House which houses 2,000 plant species amid habitats for various mammals, reptiles, and fish.

The botanical garden features Europe’s largest magnolia grove, along with thousands of orchid varieties and many kinds of camellia and azalea.

5. Killesbergpark

Initially landscaped for a horticultural exhibition in 1939, Killesbergpark spans 50 hectares of gardens, fountains, and sculptures on elevated grounds in Stuttgart’s northern district.

Today, the park continues to host gardening events, with its “Valley of Roses” particularly stunning during the summer months, complemented by 200 varieties of dahlias.

The park features a catalogue of public art that combines creativity and elegance, prominently featuring the Killesbergturm, which we will discuss next.

Children are also well catered to, with opportunities to feed donkeys, ponies, and goats, as well as enjoying rides on both a narrow-gauge steam railway and a diesel-powered tram during the summer.

6. Killesbergturm

The standout feature of Killesbergturm is a 40-meter cable-stayed tower designed by structural engineer Jörg Schlaich, completed in 2000. This award-winning cone-shaped structure features two sets of stairs configured in a double helix, allowing access to four platforms at 8, 16, 24, and 31 meters high.

Thanks to its elevated location, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and the Neckar Valley.

The tower is stable, yet visitors may sense it swaying in the wind, which can be a bit unsettling for those with a fear of heights.

7. Schlossplatz

Located centrally in Stuttgart, this square radiates significance and authority. Much of this stems from the formidable façade of the Neues Schloss, serving as the Classical seat for the kings of Württemberg and housing various ministries of the Baden-Württemberg state government.

Historically, the square was utilized as a private pleasure garden and parade ground, currently transformed into a communal space for Stuttgart’s residents to gather for outdoor concerts and celebratory events.

A short walk leads to a formal garden adorned with fountains and a monument honoring William I. Additionally, the Gothic Old Palace, once residence for the Counts of Württemberg and currently serving as the state museum, and the remarkable dome of the Kunstgebäude built for the Württemberg Art Association in the 1910s are situated in this area.

8. Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Positioned at the southwest corner of Schlossplatz, the Kunstmuseum is a modern architectural landmark. Its façade transforms dramatically throughout the day, appearing as a vast reflective glass cube.

However, when illuminated at night, the limestone walls become visible behind the glass. The gallery’s design is equally captivating, utilizing a 5,000 square meter network of repurposed tunnels in a creative and thoughtful manner.

Founded in 1924 through a donation from Count Silvio della Valle di Casanova, the museum showcases Swabian, German, and Swiss artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable artists include Realist and early Modernist Adolf Hözel and Concrete Artist Dieter Roth, with Otto Dix notably featuring his “Portrait of the Dancer Anita Berber” from 1925.

9. Solitude Palace

Situated on a ridge west of Stuttgart, Solitude Palace was commissioned by Duke Charles Eugene of Württemberg in the 18th century as a residence and hunting lodge. This serene retreat served as a counterbalance to court life, with the duke playing a significant role in its design.

Visitors can admire expansive views from the ridge, where the northern gate offers a view of the straight path of Solitudeallee extending 13 kilometers to the royal palace in Ludwigsburg.

The palace features both Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles, enhanced by exquisite frescoes by French artist Nicolas Guibal. The highlight is the Weisse Saal (White Hall), located beneath the palace’s striking central dome.

10. Königstraße

For an exceptional shopping experience, visit the 1.2-kilometer pedestrian boulevard that traverses Stuttgart-Mitte. Königstraße has been exclusively for pedestrians since 1977 and, as of 2014, welcomed an impressive 12,795 visitors per hour, establishing it as the third most visited shopping street in Germany.

The majority of shops are chain establishments, including popular names such as Uniqlo, Zara, and H&M. Königstraße has historically been cherished by the citizens of Stuttgart, previously featuring residences for members of the Württemberg court.

The current path was laid out by King Friedrich in the early 19th century when he relocated his stables and the Eberhardskirche to this street from Solitude Palace.

11. Württemberg Mausoleum

Visitors can reach the bus or S-Bahn services to Untertürkheim in Stuttgart’s eastern region, where a regal memorial overlooks rows of vineyards above the Neckar Valley. Commissioned by King William I in the early 1820s following his wife Catherine Pavlovna’s death, the Württemberg Mausoleum exemplifies Palladian architecture and serves as the final resting place for Catherine, William, and their daughter Marie Friederike Charlotte von Württemberg.

The mausoleum is accessible for sightseeing during the summer, providing breathtaking views of Stuttgart. The inscription above the western entrance reads “Die Liebe hört nimmer auf”, or “Love never ceases.” Inside, the family crypt contains tombs, and the space beneath the dome creates a haunting echo.

12. Weissenhof Estate

In 1927, prominent architects were invited to design 21 structures for the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition (German Association of Craftsmen). The project was overseen by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the estate has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of the 11 remaining buildings.

Regrettably, the remaining ten, which included designs by Walter Gropius and Hans Poelzig, were lost to the ravages of war. However, this site serves as an unparalleled testament to avant-garde architecture, showcasing works by Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Peter Behrens, and Jacobus Oud.

13. Weissenhofmuseum

Le Corbusier’s building was conceptualized as a demonstration of his International style, and it has since evolved into a museum featuring a pair of semi-detached houses. The structures embody his signature clean lines and illustrate the technical possibilities afforded by materials such as steel, concrete, and glass, optimizing airflow and natural lighting.

One of the semi-detached homes serves as a museum about the Weissenhof Estate, providing fascinating details such as plans, models, and contemporary photographs of the buildings lost over time. The other residence remains as Le Corbusier intended, adhering to his “Five Points” and outfitted with folding beds, sliding doors, and a rooftop terrace.

14. Stiftskirche

The collegiate church situated in the Innenstadt mirrors the layout of a much earlier church built in the 900s. The oldest architectural features of the current structure date back to the Romanesque period and the 13th century, with subsequent additions in Early Gothic (nave) and High Gothic styles (choir). The church was commissioned by Count Ulrich I, who lived nearby at the Old Castle.

Within the chapel of the south tower, tombs exist for Ulrich I and his wife, Agnes von Schlesien-Liegnitz. Following Ulrich I’s passing and until 1677, the chancel served as the burial site for all counts of Württemberg. On the north wall, a series of memorial statues for 11 counts were sculpted during the Renaissance in 1574.

15. Linden Museum

Stuttgart houses what many deem to be Europe’s premier ethnological museum. The exhibits encompass artifacts gathered from Africa, the Far East, Oceania, and North and Latin America, taking visitors on a global journey under one roof.

The collection spans extensive time periods and includes Indian sculptures dating back to the 700s, a 19th-century Native American transformation mask, and 800-year-old sculptures from Japan’s Kamakura Dynasty. Developed incrementally since the 1800s, the museum aspires to highlight the beauty of diverse cultures, provoke discourse, and foster understanding.

16. Markthalle

The city’s central market hall plays a vital role in the daily lives of many residents, having recovered from complete destruction during the war and subsequent fire in the 1990s. As a gourmet destination, the Markthalle features stalls selling specialty foods and exotic delicacies alongside everyday items such as meat, cheese, produce, wine, confectionery, and flowers.

Constructed in 1914, the building boasts an elegant Art Nouveau design. Visitors appreciate the space for its soaring roof, meticulously arranged stalls, vibrant atmosphere, and aromatic scents of spices and freshly prepared meals.

The first-floor gallery, housing an Italian restaurant, provides an excellent vantage point to absorb the ambiance.

17. Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz

The new central library, which opened near the Hauptbahnhof in 2011, was designed by South Korean architect Eun Young Yi. Its mesmerizing architecture and ethereal white interiors make it an essential destination in Stuttgart.

The cube-shaped exterior is understated by day but transforms at night when its panels glow. Upon entering (there is no admission fee), visitors are welcomed into a grand, cathedral-like atrium illuminated by a glass roof.

Bookshelves and reading areas line the walls, interconnected by an intricate array of stairways leading between floors. The uppermost floor features a café, providing delightful views of Stuttgart.

18. Fernsehturm

During the mid-20th century, numerous Modernist television towers emerged across Germany, but Stuttgart’s Fernsehturm was the pioneer. With its reinforced concrete structure, completed in 1956 at a staggering cost of 4.2 million marks, it set the standard replicated by many others.

To appreciate its significance, take the lift to the observation decks at 150 meters. The tower remains open until 23:00 during summer, and witnessing the sunset over the city lights makes the entry fee worthwhile on clear days.

Visitors can enjoy the panorama with a cup of coffee and a pastry at the café during the day.

19. Birkenkopf

Birkenkopf, Stuttgart’s highest hill, is partly comprised of rubble from the city’s destruction during World War II. This mound of debris elevated the natural height by an additional 40 meters, yielding a peak of 511 meters above sea level and approximately 300 meters above the Neckar River.

A trek to the summit offers a moment for reflection on the war, underscored by a large piece of rubble marked with a plaque proclaiming the hill as a memorial to the deceased and a reminder to the living. From the top, one can gaze out towards the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura.

20. Landesmuseum Württemberg

Housed in the Old Castle at Schlossplatz, the Landesmuseum showcases the art, crafts, archaeology, and ethnography of Baden-Württemberg. Intriguingly, the collections originate from royal cabinets of curiosity established in the 1500s.

In its subterranean vaults, an extraordinary variety of Renaissance clocks captivates, leading to the Ernesto Wolf Collection—housing an extensive selection of glass artifacts spanning four millennia.

On the upper levels, visitors can view the Crown Jewels of Württemberg, medieval sacred art, and a remarkable array of Celtic artifacts, including weapons, jewelry, tools, and cookware. Notably, the royal cabinet of curiosities includes two of the world’s four remaining Aztec feather shields, a card game dating to 1430, and a celestial globe crafted by 15th-century astronomer Johannes Stöffler.

21. Neckarpark

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is situated within a 55-hectare complex dedicated to events, entertainment, and sports on the right bank of the Neckar River. Beyond the museum, Neckarpark also includes the Mercedes-Benz Arena, home of the football team VfB Stuttgart.

The Porsche-Arena hosts numerous high-profile indoor sports events, complemented by various exhibition halls and sports facilities. Neckarpark is the hub for three sports teams and 12 sporting associations.

Visiting during a major event is particularly recommended, as the park truly comes alive during citywide festivities, with the three-week Cannstatter Volksfest in autumn and the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) in late April and early May being the most prominent.

22. Standseilbahn Stuttgart

In Heslach, located to the southwest of Stuttgart, the elegant funicular railway operates between the Südheimer Platz U-Bahn station and the Stuttgart Degerloch cemetery. This rail line is part of the public transport network and possesses heritage designation; its cars are constructed from dark teakwood.

When completed in 1929, the Standseilbahn was Europe’s first semi-automatic cable railway. Its two cars, both preserved, one of which was restored after a tree collision in 1999, transport passengers to the top in four minutes, providing access to a serene cemetery nestled within the forest.

The upper station can serve as a starting point for woodland walks.

23. Gottlieb Daimler Memorial

Automotive enthusiasts should not overlook this significant site located on Taubenheimstraße. The Gottlieb Daimler Memorial is the historic workshop where Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach toiled in the 1880s to create a liquid petroleum engine designed for land, water, and air vehicles.

In this space, they invented the first light sprinting motor, as well as a two-wheeled “riding wagon”—the first motorcycle—and the “Neckar,” the first motorboat.

After outgrowing the workshop in 1887, they moved to a factory, but the original atmosphere has been preserved within the memorial, which features models, photographs, sketches, diagrams, and a reproduction of the pioneering riding wagon.

24. Cannstatter Volksfest

For three weeks each autumn, Neckarpark Stuttgart hosts the second-largest beer festival globally, following Munich’s Oktoberfest. The Cannstatter Volksfest originated as a harvest celebration aimed at revitalizing the city after a devastating crop failure during the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816, evolving into a massive beer festival and funfair.

Seven enormous tents can accommodate thousands of guests, each tent named after its respective brewery. At the heart of the festivities stands the Fruchtsäule, a 26-meter column adorned with fruit, evoking memories of the Württemberg monarchy.

The scale of the fair is astonishing: over 60 stalls, numerous amusement rides, and up to 100 food vendors offering a wide range of culinary delights, alongside exhilarating rides such as roller coasters, carousels, and Ferris wheels.

25. Stuttgart Christmas Market

Stuttgart does not hold back during the Christmas season, starting on the last Thursday of November in the city center around Schlossplatz. Hundreds of stalls take over public spaces to offer festive delights.

Each open area provides a unique experience; for instance, the Renaissance Courtyard of the Old Palace hosts dignified seasonal concerts, while Schlossplatz transforms into a winter wonderland featuring a fairy-tale theme, miniature railway, and ice skating rink.

The Christmas tradition in Stuttgart is one of the oldest in Europe, with roots tracing back to 1692.