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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Baden Wurttemberg, Germany

Iconic Landmarks

Stuttgart's iconic landmarks showcase its unique blend of automotive heritage, royal history, and urban design.

These sites are central to the city's identity and a must for any visitor.

Landmark Overview

  • Mercedes-Benz Museum: Automotive history journey.
  • Porsche Museum: Evolution of the iconic brand.
  • Schlossplatz: Stuttgart's central, palace square.
  • Altes Schloss: Historic Old Palace, home to the Landesmuseum.

Automotive Heritage: Museums

Mercedes-Benz Museum

  • Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM). Closed Mon.
  • Fees: €16 adults, under 14 free.
  • Guided Options: Audio guides included. Guided tours available for a fee.
  • Tip: Allocate 3-4 hours. Arrive early or buy tickets Online.
  • Begin with the panoramic elevator to the top, then descend chronologically.
  • Context: Chronicles automobile history from invention to present.

Porsche Museum

  • Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM). Closed Mon.
  • Fees: €12 adults, under 14 free.
  • Guided Options: Audio guides included. Guided tours available.
  • Tip: Allow 2-3 hours. Accessible by S-Bahn to Zuffenhausen.

Context: Explores the Porsche brand's history and evolution. Includes over 80 vehicles.

Schlossplatz & Old Palace

  • Schlossplatz: Largest square, city's lively heart.
  • Open 24/7, free entry. Ideal for people-watching.
  • Features fountains in summer, Christmas market in winter.
  • Flanked by Neues Schloss, Altes Schloss, and Königsbau.

Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Palace

  • Context:

    Former moated castle from the 10th century. Now a state museum.

  • Museum Focus:

    History of Baden-Württemberg, from Stone Age to present.

  • Collections:

    Impressive art and artifact collections.

  • Entry:

    Permanent exhibition is free. Special exhibitions may carry a fee.

  • Tip:

    Walk through the inner courtyard to admire Renaissance architecture.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Stuttgart presents a diverse range of museums and cultural venues, catering to varied interests from art to ethnography.

Art & Culture Hubs

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

  • Leading Art Museum

    One of Germany's most important, spanning old masters to modern art.

  • Collections

    Works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Matisse. Strong German Expressionist section.

  • Architecture

    Comprises three buildings, including the postmodern New Staatsgalerie.

Additional Museums

  • Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

    Modern and contemporary art in a glass cube. Focus on Swabian and post-1945 international art, Otto Dix collection.

  • Linden Museum

    Europe's leading ethnographic museum. Cultural artifacts from around the world, organized by region.

  • Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg

    Chronicles state history since 1800, covering political, social, cultural developments.

Staatsoper Stuttgart

An internationally recognized opera house presenting innovative opera and ballet productions.

Theaterhaus Stuttgart

Offers a diverse program of theatre, dance, and music, from experimental to established acts.

Liederhalle

A major concert hall hosting classical and contemporary music concerts, alongside conventions.

Expanding Your Cultural Horizon

Stuttgart's cultural institutions provide diverse pathways into art, history, and performance.

  • Museum accessibility: Many museums present free entry to permanent exhibitions.
  • Performance variety: Enjoy world-class opera, ballet, and experimental theatre.
  • Historical narratives: State museums offer deep insights into Baden-Württemberg's past.

Historical Sites

Stuttgart's historical sites provide glimpses into its medieval origins, royal past, and wartime experiences.

These locations narrate the city's journey through centuries.

Stiftskirche & Bohnenviertel

Stuttgart's oldest parish church with Romanesque and Gothic elements. The Bohnenviertel is one of the city's oldest and most charming quarters.

Highlights

  • Stiftskirche: Tombs of Württemberg counts and dukes. Free entry to main nave.
  • Bohnenviertel: Narrow streets, independent shops, cafes, traditional wine taverns.
  • Bohnenviertel: Well-preserved half-timbered houses, artistic atmosphere.

Wartime & Transport History

Sites reflecting Stuttgart's wartime past and its significant transport hub.

Highlights

  • Old Chancellery Ruin: Monument to WWII destruction, opposite Old Palace.
  • Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof: Architectural landmark with rotating Mercedes-Benz star.
  • Stuttgart 21: Massive renovation project transforming the station underground.

Grabkapelle auf dem Württemberg

A beautiful mausoleum built by King Wilhelm I for Queen Katharina, offering panoramic views.

Aspects

  • Location: Elevated position on Württemberg Hill.
  • Views: Stunning 360-degree panoramas of Stuttgart and Neckar valley.
  • Historical Significance: Romantic and historically important site.
  • Access: Reachable by bus from Rotenberg. Entry fee.

Stuttgart's Urban Evolution

The city's historical layers are visible through its architecture and surviving monuments.

Urban Narratives

  • From a ducal residence to a modern industrial center.
  • Past governance and its architectural legacies.
  • Reconstruction after wartime challenges and contemporary growth.

Dive into History

Bohnenviertel Details

  • Narrow streets with a relaxed, artistic atmosphere.
  • Popular for antique shopping and unique boutiques.
  • Home to traditional wine taverns.

Hauptbahnhof Significance

  • A major transport hub connecting the region.
  • Iconic tower with the rotating Mercedes-Benz star.
  • "Stuttgart 21" project, a significant urban development.

Natural Attractions

Stuttgart presents abundant green spaces and natural features, creating peaceful escapes within or just outside the city.

Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

A unique combination of zoo and botanical garden in a historic Moorish-style palace complex.

Schlossgarten Palace Garden

Vast park stretching from the New Palace towards the Neckar River, an urban green oasis.

Killesberg Park Höhenpark Killesberg

Large park on a hill with gardens, an animal enclosure, narrow-gauge railway, and panoramic tower.

Panoramic Views & Urban Greenery

Fernsehturm Stuttgart TV Tower

World's first TV tower built from reinforced concrete. Offers an unparalleled 360-degree viewing platform.

Get Tickets Here

Schlossgarten Enjoyment

Offers extensive walking paths, manicured lawns, and fountains. A green oasis in the city heart.

Killesberg Park Activities

Includes beautifully landscaped gardens, an animal enclosure, and the Killesbergturm for panoramic views.

Stuttgarter Grünes U Green U

A continuous green belt connecting various city parks. Ideal for leisurely strolls and relaxation.

Urban Green Escapes

Find tranquility and recreational activities within Stuttgart's natural settings.

Areas for Outdoor Enjoyment

  • Schlossgarten: Picnic opportunities, relaxation on lawns.
  • Killesberg Park: Playgrounds, Killesbergbahn railway rides.
  • Green U: Continuous paths for walks or jogs.

Nature's Delights

Stuttgart's unique natural attractions merge natural beauty with architectural marvels.

Experiences in Nature

  • Wilhelma: Zoo and botanical garden in a Moorish palace.
  • Fernsehturm: First concrete TV tower, 360-degree views.
  • Panoramic views from hills: Capture the city and surrounding Neckar valley.
  • Local vineyards: Offer scenic beauty and wine-tasting opportunities.

Smart Sightseeing Tips

Arrive early at popular museums to avoid crowds.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main attractions, Stuttgart holds several lesser-known treasures, presenting unique experiences.

Solitude Palace

A beautiful Rococo palace slightly outside the city center, once a hunting lodge and summer residence.

Palace Features

  • Glimpse into 18th-century royal life and architecture.
  • Surrounded by nature trails for a peaceful walk.
  • Check opening times and tour availability.

Weißenhof Estate

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with pioneering modernist architecture from 1927.

Architectural Significance

  • Showcases buildings by Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.
  • Significant example of the "New Objectivity" movement.
  • Visit the Weissenhof Museum for historical context.

Staffelwegs Staircase Paths

Explore these unique urban staircases for stunning views and charming residential areas.

Urban Exploration

  • Over 400 sets of "Stäffele" crisscross the hilly landscape.
  • Provide rewarding walks and a local perspective.
  • Find them near Eugensplatz or leading to Kriegsbergturm.

A true local experience beyond typical tourist routes.

Grabkapelle Hilltop View

While a historical site, its elevated position and breathtaking views make it a hidden gem.

Panoramic Rewards

  • Mausoleum built by King Wilhelm I for Queen Katharina.
  • Unparalleled views of Stuttgart and the Neckar valley.

The journey to the chapel enhances the overall experience.

Bohnenviertel Charms

Stuttgart's oldest and most charming quarter, known for its unique character.

Historic Appeal

  • Traditional wine taverns and cozy cafes.
  • Small independent shops and antique stores.
  • Well-preserved half-timbered houses create a distinct ambiance.

A relaxed, artistic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.

Exploring Local Secrets

Staffelwegs

Discover urban staircases that connect different city levels, often leading to hidden viewpoints.

Solitude Palace

A serene Rococo palace with beautiful grounds, a glimpse into ducal splendor away from the city buzz.

Weißenhof Estate

A UNESCO site for modernist architecture, showing visionary designs from the 1920s.

Navigation Tip

Utilize public transport for ease of access to hidden gems located outside the immediate city center.