Stuttgart Tourist Information

Stuttgart Travel Guide

Situated near the Black Forest and the Lake of Constance, Stuttgart is one of Germany's cultural and economic centres, also well known as the birthplace of the automobile. This bustling city has a great array of museums, great shopping and cafés that make it an appealing stop for any tourist.

Stuttgart is considered one of Europe's greenest cities, both in actual green space and environmental awareness. Its proximity to the Black Forest and its long expanses of vineyards create a lovely environment that contrasts with its reputation as an automotive capital. There are a handful of lovely city squares, including Marktplatz (Market square) and Schlossplatz (Palace square).

Stuttgart Tourist Attractions

Although many of Stuttgart's historical buildings were destroyed during WWII, a number of them were rebuilt. The Altes Schloss, or Old Palace, dates from the 14th century, while the Neues Schloss (New Palace) was built in the 18th century. Other buildings worth visiting include Markthalle (Market Hall), Alte Kanziei (Old Chancellery) and Königsbau (King's Building).

Stuttgart's most famous museum is the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which boasts excellent exhibits and striking architecture. Car fanatics can also visit the Porsche Museum to admire sleek sports cars. Those seeking modern art should head to the Kunstgebäude museum or the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart. Those travelling with children may like to visit the Wilhelma botanical and zoological gardens, as well as the impressive planetarium.

For a beautiful panorama of the city, climb the tower of Hauptbahnhof. The Fernsehturm Stuttgart TV tower also has a great view of the city, as well as a café at the very top. Stuttgart has a notable nightlife, although certain nightclubs make it difficult to get a foot in the door. However, many bars and pubs offer a more casual experience, with live music performed at several locales.

Travel Around Stuttgart

There are several daytrips easily accessible from Stuttgart, especially considering the short distance to the Swiss and French borders. The Schwarzwald (Black Forest) and the Schwäbische Alb offer nearby excursions into nature. The largest waterfalls in Europe are along the route to the Swiss border, while Zurich and Strasbourg are less than two hours away by car.