Destination

The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Stuttgart

Stuttgart is perhaps Germany’s most underrated city. Located in southwest Germany, many people know it as a center of industry. This is no doubt because Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have their HQs and some fantastic museums here. However, Stuttgart has even more to offer than this.

From modern art to historic masterpieces, from beautiful old architecture to wonderful contemporary buildings, from magnificent castles to world-class zoos, Stuttgart has an attraction to appeal to every visitor, from solo travelers, to honeymooning couples, to families. Fortunately, Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart will have you covered in any case too! As for the rest, read on.

Blog and Images by Voyage Provocateur

30 May 2024 6 min to read

Getting To And Around Stuttgart

It is easy to reach Stuttgart using many forms of transport. As the home of two of Germany’s most famous car manufacturers, it’s no surprise the road links to the rest of the country are excellent. However, Stuttgart airport is also conveniently located south of the city and provides flights to destinations all over Europe and beyond. Finally, it’s also well-connected by rail. You can catch direct trains to Stuttgart from other major European cities such as Paris. So, what are you waiting for?

Getting around the city couldn’t be easier either. You can of course drive, however you might have an easier, cheaper time using public transport. There’s a handy network of metro trains that will get you anywhere in the city and beyond. Otherwise, the bus, tram, and long-distance rail connections mean making the most of the city and its surroundings is easy.

If you aren’t yet convinced, you will be when you’ve read about the…

Blog images - 2024 - The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Stuttgart description A

Blog and Images by Marta

Top Things To Do

Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart

Stepping into Stuttgart’s library feels like walking into a sci-fi movie. Marvel at the building’s contemporary architecture as you wander around it with an audio guide. Kids will love the fun-filled children’s department. Also, the exhibitions on Stuttgart’s literary history are fascinating and the roof terrace is free to access and offers great views of the city.

Blog and Images by Marta

Landesmuseum (Württemberg State Museum)

Located in Stuttgart’s ‘old castle’, this museum tells visitors all about the captivating history of the city and the region around it. The setting is impressive, and the displays and exhibitions are fascinating. Marvel at everything from gemstones to antique musical instruments! Make sure you get a close look at the crown jewels!

Markthalle

From the freshest fruit and veg, to the finest meats and cheeses, to the prettiest and most fragrant flowers, you’ll find it all at Stuttgart’s amazing covered market. However, there’s more to it than just produce! Head upstairs for homewares and stylish clothing. Go early in the day if you want to find the best produce. Otherwise, head to the Markthalle on a weekday afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

Seilbahn (Stuttgart’s Funicular Railway)

Enjoy a ride on one of Stuttgart’s most iconic vehicles - the funicular. The Seilbahn’s beautiful wooden carriages are over 80 years old but still more than fit for service. It was built so that visitors to Waldfriedhof cemetery could avoid a steep climb up the hill if they wished. The journey is enjoyable and there’s a cafe at the top. Kids will love it!

Grabkapelle chapel

This magnificent religious building has an equally impressive location. It is on a hill above the Neckar valley with stunning views of the city center - only 20 minutes away by car. King Wilhelm I built the Grabkapelle as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Queen Catharina. Step inside to marvel at its ornate, historic design and then enjoy the scenic views outside.

Wilhelma Park

Wilhelma Park is a unique combination of zoo and botanical gardens. Therefore, there are all kinds of natural wonders to be discovered here. The zoo’s amazing animals range from monkeys, to penguins, to zebras, with many more besides. In terms of plants, there are giant redwoods, a gorgeous magnolia grove, and some of the biggest water lilies in the world.

Blog and Images by Marta

Schlossplatz

This glorious square is the heart of Stuttgart. With large green spaces and pretty gardens, it’s perfect for a stroll when the weather’s fine. However, it’s also great during the winter as it is the site of Stuttgart’s Christmas market! Schlossplatz is a stone’s throw from Stuttgart’s best museums and galleries and Konigstrasse, Germany’s longest shopping precinct.

Calwer Passage

Calwer Passage is a shopping arcade built in the seventies with amazing listed glass and metalwork. However, it has just been renovated to make it even more stylish and environmentally friendly. Come to take pictures of the gorgeous architecture and the incredible plants hanging from the floors above you. Stay for some shopping or a sweet treat at one of the mall’s great bakeries.

Blog and Images by Marta

Porsche museum

The Porsche museum’s design is as sleek and pleasing as any of the gorgeous cars inside. And, with hundreds of exhibits and lots of Porsches on show, there’ll be plenty to keep you fascinated when you step through the doors too. With information on the history, design, and engineering of these iconic cars, there’s something to interest and thrill everyone. Don’t miss a photo in front of the incredible sculpture in front of the museum!

Hike Bietigheim-Bissingen (Felsengarten)

Just north of Stuttgart lies the idyllic town of Bietigheim-Bissingen. As well as having gorgeous architecture and attractions such as galleries, it is worth visiting for its natural beauty. It is in a part of the Neckar valley with rolling landscape and plenty of vineyards. Therefore, it’s ideal for hiking, and for checking out the impressive local wine scene.

Weissenburgpark

Many tourists miss this hidden gem of a park in Stuttgart’s southeast. The park used to form the grounds of a large, white castle (hence the name) which has since been demolished. However, in the 50s the land was acquired by the city and turned into a beautiful public park. Get lost in its winding trails or let your kids run free in one of its huge playgrounds. The top of the park, with its amazing views of the city, is the perfect place for a picnic!

Blog and Images by Marta

Ludwigsburg Palace

This magnificent baroque palace is in a town called Ludwigsburg, a short journey north of Stuttgart. Built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Wuerttemberg in the 1700s, there are 18 buildings and 452 rooms in the palace. These are all set in beautiful parkland. Inside, marvel at the gorgeous eighteenth-century design, and rooms such as the Marble Hall or the Palace Theatre. Visit, and you’ll see why people call it the ‘Swabian Versailles’...

Feuersee and St John’s Church

In the west of Stuttgart lies the pretty lake of Feuersee. This is overlooked by the imposing, Gothic St John’s Church (Johanneskirche). It’s a great spot to pause and unwind during a busy day’s sightseeing. Bring a book or a coffee, find a bench, and relax. If the weather’s right, this spot looks just as amazing in the winter when the trees are bare, as it does in the summer.

Rosengarten by Naturkundemuseum & Inselsee

You can spend whole afternoons or days wandering in Stuttgart’s large, beautiful, L-shaped Rosenstein Park. However, if you’re pressed for time head straight for its gems! We’d recommend the gorgeous, orderly rose garden next to the Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum) and the idyllic Inselsee pond. Obviously, kids and adults alike would enjoy a trip to see the dinosaurs in the museum too!

Schlossgarten und Oper

The Stuttgart State Opera (Staatsoper Stuttgart) is one of the best opera houses in Europe. Therefore, it’s worth going for a performance or even just to look at the amazing facade of the building. If you want to look inside its impressive auditorium without going to a show, you’ll have to pay for a guided tour. However, this is definitely worth it! As well as the public areas, you’ll be shown exclusive backstage bits of the opera, and will learn all about how it functions.

Best Places To Eat & Drink

Eduards: Ultra-chic bar serving coffee, snacks, and great cocktails in the heart of Stuttgart. For food, choose from pastries, small plates, and wraps.
Yuicery: This vegan cafe near Schlossplatz offers delicious, healthy bowls as well as juices and smoothies. It’s open from 10am until 8pm so is a perfect lunch spot with a lively atmosphere.
Wyld Stuttgart: This trendy, Scandi-style cafe is the perfect place for breakfast! It serves everything from home-made muesli to vegan paninis as well as great coffee. It’s also a good place to stop in the afternoon for a sweet treat.
Claus Eismanufaktur: This cool coffee shop and deli near Feuersee serves coffee, cakes, light lunches, and - most importantly - ice cream! They have all kinds of flavors, from new and unusual to old favorites. They also have dairy-free options!
Tatti Stay & See: Inspired by the village of Tatti in Tuscany, this trendy spot is a cafe by day and a bar by night. Come early for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch with great coffee and soft drinks. Later, enjoy delicious, unusual Italian and German drinks and a buzzing atmosphere.
Fritz: As central as it gets, sleek cafe Fritz offers great breakfast options. Choose from plates of deli meats, shakshuka, bowls, baked goods, and more. There’s also outdoor seating on the terrace so it’s an ideal summer option.
The Gardener’s Nosh: With a minimalist, botany-inspired design, The Gardener’s Nosh offers an all-day menu. This includes everything from healthy vegan bowls to naughty-but-nice truffle and parmesan fries. And there’s even live jazz on Thursdays!
Die Metzgerei: Just west of the city center, this industrial-chic option serves steaks, big breakfasts, and even vegan choices. Perfect for a hearty lunch or date-night dinner. They also have a great wine list including local options from the vineyards around Stuttgart.
Da Nello 1998: One of Stuttgart’s best Italian restaurants, Da Nello offers trattoria dishes and delicious pizza. It has the great service and decor you’d expect from a family-run Italian place and is in a cute neighborhood near the Porsche Museum. Just book early to avoid disappointment as it gets very busy!
Enso Sushi: Right next to the Markthalle, trendy, buzzing Enso Sushi serves the best sushi and Japanese cuisine in Stuttgart. Go for one of the amazing Omakase sharing boards to try a bit of everything. Otherwise, it has a chic, vibrant atmosphere and plenty of private tables too.
TinTin: On the edge of Stuttgart’s city center, this quiet, sophisticated bar offers cocktails of the highest quality. The expert bartenders are warm and welcoming and will be happy to guide you through a menu of old classics and bold new inventions.
TA OS Weinb: This stylish wine bar has an impressive selection of drinks and serves delicious small plates. Obviously, there are lots of excellent German wines on offer, but there are great choices from all over Europe too. The decor is bohemian and comfortable. There’s also a lovely, sunny terrace out front.

Where To Stay?

To have the best time possible on your trip to Stuttgart, you’ll need to choose the right hotel. Luckily, this choice is easy thanks to Radisson Hotels. Booking a room at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart is the first step to an unforgettable trip to Stuttgart.

From luxurious, comfortable rooms with sleek, modern design, to great food, and brilliant staff and facilities (who doesn’t love having access to a sauna?) Radisson Blu has everything you could wish for. One of our favorite features was the bar and roof terrace with enviable views of the city skyline and Killesberg Park. Otherwise, the Levantine restaurant downstairs serves delicious dishes, and the bar is perfect for a nightcap. Moreover, it is reasonably priced and has a convenient central location with great transport links throughout the city and to the airport.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart today and discover all the wonderful things this city has to offer.