Stuttgart is one of my favourite places in Germany, it’s such a beautiful city with so much personality. The weather isn’t too bad, especially if you like a warm summer, and there’s plenty to see and do. So if you’re asking yourself ‘is Stuttgart worth visiting?’ check out this guide and let me see if I can convince you!
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Wth plenty of historic landmarks to see, so many amazing day trips to go on and some great year-round events, Stuttgart is the perfect city for a vacation! If you’re wondering, ‘is Stuttgart worth visiting’ the answer is absolutely yes!
Is Stuttgart worth visiting? Your ULTIMATE Stuttgart travel guide!
What you need to know
- Is Stuttgart a good tourist destination? In my opinion, Stuttgart is a fantastic tourist destination. It’s full of that traditional southern German charm, is full of beautiful historic buildings and has lots to see and do.
- Where is Stuttgart? Stuttgart is in the south west of Germany and is the capital of the Baden-Württemberg region.
- Is Stuttgart worth visiting? Absolutely! There are so many things to see and do in the city itself and it also has some great day trips to go on.
- How many days in Stuttgart is enough? To truly explore the city and go on some of the best day trips I think you need at least a week in Stuttgart. However, if you only want to see the highlights you could squeeze it all into a day or two.
- Is Stuttgart a pretty city? I think Stuttgart is beautiful! It’s full of beautiful old buildings, there’s lots of greenery in the streets and the city is pretty much surrounded by vineyard-covered hills.
- What is Stuttgart famous for? As the birthplace of both Porsche and Mercedes Benz, Stuttgart is pretty well known for its role in the automotive industry. Aside from that, it’s also known for its vineyards and winemaking as well as being one of the greenest cities in Germany.
- Is Stuttgart expensive? I didn’t find Stuttgart to be any more expensive than other places I’ve been. Everything is pretty averagely priced.
Top things to do in Stuttgart Germany
When considering ‘Is Stuttgart worth visiting?’ one of the most important things to think about is is there enough to do? Well, good news, Stuttgart is full of great things to see and do. Here are my top five picks of the top tourist attractions in Stuttgart:
Visit Neues Schloss & Schlossplatz – New Palace & Palace Square
Stuttgart’s main attractions are undoubtedly Neues Schloss and Schlossplatz. This central landmark, once home to royalty, now serves as a meeting spot and a perfect place to unwind. Occasionally, walking tours inside Neues Schloss offer a glimpse into its rich history, though it now houses state ministries. Its location in the heart of the city makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Stuttgart.
Explore Schillerplatz – Schiller Square
I loved Schillerplatz, but it can be easily missed. Sat just off of Schlossplatz and named after Friedrich Schiller, a famous poet, the square is framed by beautiful historic buildings. Dominating the space is Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) but you’ll also find the Prinzenbau (Prince’s Building) and be able to access the courtyard to Altes Schloss (Old Castle).
See the magnificent Altes Schloss – Old Castle
Less of a traditional castle and more of a fortress, Altes Schloss is filled with over 1000 years of history. If you love old buildings and are wondering ‘Is Stuttgart worth visiting?’ you definitely won’t be disappointed! Once home to the House of Württemberg and now the site of the Württemberg State Museum, the courtyard alone is absolutely beautiful and well worth seeing!
Grab something to eat at Markthalle – Market Hall
My excitement at seeing that there’s a big food market in a place that I’m visiting is probably not normal, but Markthalle is everything I could have hoped for and more. Filled to the brim with fresh produce, homemade pasta, bread, flowers, beautiful little deserts, spices and more, it’s the ultimate destination for foodies in Stuttgart. It’s over 100 years old and a must-visit in the city!
Go shopping on Königstraße – Kings Street
Bordering Schlossplatz and running over 1km long through the city centre, Königstraße is filled with loads of different retail stores, restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place to head to at the end of the day to find some food or just if you need a shopping bread during your sightseeing!
StuttCard – Stuttgart tourist card
The StuttCard is a tourist card which can be a great money-saving option if you’re looking to visit lots of attractions in the city. It gives you free admission to 27 museums, offers at retail stores, a discount on the Stuttgart Citytour bus and more. You can also upgrade your card to include free use of public transport.
Public transportation in Stuttgart
Something else to think about when considering is Stuttgart worth visiting is what is public transport like. I found the transportation in Stuttgart to be great, I could get anywhere I wanted to go really easily. There are 3 main types that you’ll come across:
- S-Bahn (Schnellbahn – Fast train): I always refer to the S-Bahn as a train/tram hybrid, the equivalent of a metro. Stuttgart has 7 lines & over 80 stops covering most of the city and its surrounding areas.
- U-Bahn (Stuttgart Stadtbahn – Underground): With 14 lines and over 203 stations the U-Bahn covers more of the city with a higher frequency. Although it’s called the underground most trains actually spend a lot of time overground.
- Buses: If you can’t get exactly where you’re going on the S or U-Bahn, chances are a bus will take you there. There are over 100 bus routes in the city with bus stops spread frequently throughout.
Fares
Stuttgart public transportation is provided by the Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS). Tickets are valid across the U & S Bahn trains and buses, so if you have a day ticket it’s valid for all 3 forms of transport.
You must buy a ticket before boarding which can be done on train stations and by bus drivers. Tickets must be validated before use, for S & U Bahn trains you do this by slotting the ticket into a big yellow machine. You’ll find this on the platform for S-Bahn trains and inside the train by the doors for U-Bahn trains.
Fares work on zoning but if you’re staying in the city centre you’ll only need a ticket for zone 1.
When to visit Stuttgart
Wondering is Stuttgart worth visiting? The time of year can make a big difference. Located in southern Germany Stuttgart can have pretty hot summers. While the famous German Christmas markets may tempt you to visit in winter, Stuttgart is truly a city worth exploring year-round!
Stuttgart in Spring
If you’re visiting Stuttgart in spring you can typically expect temperatures to range around 13-21 degrees, warming up as you move through the season. It’s an ideal time to visit if you want to beat the crowds and the summer heat. Here are a few spring highlights in Stuttgart:
- Blooming Baroque festival at Ludwigsburg Palace: As the gardens slowly bloom back into life, Ludwigsburg Palace celebrates in style. Lots of displays and events take place to mark the season, especially around Easter time.
- Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest – Stuttgart Spring Festival: Taking place from late April into early May the Spring Festival is a hugely popular yearly fair. It’s one of the largest Spring Festivals in Europe and is full of rides, rollercoasters and great food!
- Lange Nacht der Museen – Long Night of Museums: If you’re a museum lover wondering is Stuttgart worth visiting, be sure to visit on the Long Night of Museums. One night a year museums open their doors until 1 am, offering a unique way to see the exhibits. It’s a popular event that helps highlight Stuttgart’s key cultural institutions.
Stuttgart in Summer
Being in the south of Germany, Stuttgart can heat up in the summer. When I was there temperatures stayed in the low to mid-thirties the entire time! Warm weather compliments the city with the old buildings looking beautiful in the sunshine, here are a few popular events:
- Marienplatzfest – Marienplatz Festival: Marienplatzfest transforms Marienplatz into a hub of live music, entertainment and great food every summer. It’s a well-loved event with something for everyone to enjoy!
- Lichterfest – Festival of Lights: Lichterfest transforms Killesberg into an illuminated wonderland. There’s plenty of food and entertainment on offer with a fantastic fireworks display in the evening.
Stuttgart in Autumn
As the weather cools and Stuttgart’s parks take on beautiful shades of orange, life in the city begins to slow down just a bit. Temperatures typically stay in the mid-teens, gradually dropping as November approaches. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit, with Stuttgart’s lush greenery transforming into a palette of copper and yellow. The season brings the city’s many parks to life, offering picture-perfect views everywhere you look that perfectly capture the season.
- Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival: The World’s largest Pumpkin festival is just lies just a 15 minute train ride outside of the city. Every atum the grounds of Ludwigsburg Palace fill with thousands of pumpkins. There are tonnes of fun activities to see and take part in – including pumpkin boat races!
Stuttgart in Winter
Stuttgart’s beautiful historic buildings lend themselves well to the season as Winter turns the city into a dreamy storybook scene. Temperatures typically have around 5 degrees. Here are a few of Stuttgart’s winter highlights:
- The Stuttgart Christmas Market: You’re in Germany over the Christmas period, of course, you have to visit the Christmas market! To be honest it’s probably impossible to avoid it. The Stuttgart Christmas Market fully takes over the city centre bringing all the traditional festive joy.
- Christmas Gardens at Wilhelma Zoo: In the run-up to Christmas Wilhelma is transformed into a winter wonderland. Waterways are lit up, illuminated sculptures are displayed and plenty of fairy lights are hung for a magical experience.
Day trips from Stuttgart
If you like to get out of the city and explore, you’re in luck. Stuttgart Germany is surrounded by lots of fantastic day trips. It’s ideally situated, right next to the black forest, a stone’s throw away from some great castles and palaces and close by to lots of beautiful towns. Here are just a few great day trips from Stuttgart:
Ludwigsburg Palace
Nicknamed the “Versailles of Swabia” and just a 15-minute train ride from Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg Palace is a must-visit. The palace itself is extraordinary, a true baroque masterpiece and its grounds offer so much to see and do. Stroll along the fairytale trail to see Rapunzel’s tower, explore the aviary and meet the flamingos, or simply wander through the beautiful gardens.
Bad Wildbad – The Black Forest
For me, visiting the Black Forest had to be on my itinerary when visiting Stuttgart. I found Bad Wildbad to be the easiest town to travel to and it’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. Nestled in a valley on either side of a small river, surrounded by the forest, the town exudes charm and looks like a postcard in every direction.
Esslingen am Neckar
Another short train ride from Stuttgart is Esslingen am Neckar. Filled with timbered houses, cobbled streets and surrounded by vineyards, Esslingen is the definition of a storybook town. Stroll through its pretty streets, take a walk around the vineyards, or hike up to the castle for incredible views of the town and beyond. This is definitely one of the best places to visit near Stuttgart!
Munich
Although it’s a bit of a longer journey, a day trip from Stuttgart to Munich is well worth it, especially if it’s your first time visiting. The Bavarian capital is filled with traditional German charm—you’ll find plenty of beer, pretzels, lederhosen, and beautiful buildings. Watch the surfers on the river, explore lush parks, visit grand churches, and grab a bite at the huge outdoor market!
Neighbourhoods in Stuttgart
Like any major city, Stuttgart is split into lots of smaller neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive flair. Here’s a brief overview of the main neighbourhoods you’re likely to encounter:
Stuttgart Mitte
Stuttgart-Mitte, the heart of the city, is home to most of Stuttgart’s major landmarks and attractions. It offers a vibrant cultural scene, so many restaurants, cafes and hotels, and, with Königstraße at its centre, plenty of shopping. If you’re visiting Stuttgart, you’ll likely spend much of your time here!
Stuttgart West
Stuttgart-West is primarily a residential area, but it still offers some gems worth exploring. Here, you’ll find Feuersee overlooked by St. Johannes Church, and, a bit further out, you can climb Birkenkopf Hill or visit the Solitude Palace. The streets are nice to walk around, lined with beautiful neo-Gothic townhouses that give the area a trendy, laid-back vibe.
Stuttgart Nord
Another residential area, but you’ll also find a lot of parks in Stuttgart Nord. Killesberg Park and Rosenstein Park are located here and are both popular outdoor spaces in the city.
Bad Cannstatt
Home to one of the biggest beer festivals outside of Oktoberfest, Bad Cannstatt is a quintessential German inner-city neighbourhood. It’s home to both the Mercedes Benz museum & Porsche museum as well as MineralBad, a popular mineral spa.
Summary
Often overlooked when thinking about major cities to visit in Germany, Stuttgart should definitely be on your list of places to consider. It offers all the traditional old German charm of Munich coupled with beautiful views in every direction and close proximity to the Black Forest. I can’t recommend a visit enough!
