Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is famous not only for its automotive industry but also for its rich historical heritage and cultural offerings.
Stuttgart has become a significant cultural and economic center over the centuries. The city offers a unique combination: on one hand, it’s the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and on the other hand, it boasts beautiful baroque and renaissance architectural monuments. With more than 600,000 inhabitants, it’s Germany’s sixth-largest city.
Table of Contents
Stuttgart attractions
New Palace
One of Stuttgart’s most impressive baroque buildings located in the heart of the city’s historic center.
The palace was built between 1746 and 1807 on the orders of Duke Charles Eugene III. The building served as the residence of the Württemberg rulers and today houses the government and parliament of Baden-Württemberg state. The palace facade was created in stunning baroque style with rich decorations and sculptures depicting significant figures from the state’s history.
The palace’s interior spaces received magnificent decoration, including brilliant reception halls adorned with crystal chandeliers and antique furniture. During visits, visitors can explore the representative halls where period paintings and artifacts showcase the life of the Württemberg court. The square in front of the palace is often the venue for cultural events and celebrations, especially during the Christmas market, when the baroque architecture gains an even more magical atmosphere.
The environment around the building is also special: Schlossplatz square lends a European atmosphere to the city center, while the nearby buildings form a harmonious unity with the New Palace. The parks and fountains surrounding the palace provide an excellent place for rest and strolling.
Castle Garden
One of the largest and most beautiful green areas in the heart of Stuttgart, a beloved resting place for both city residents and tourists.
The Schlossgarten spreads over nearly 600 hectares and is divided into three parts: the Lower, Middle, and Upper Gardens. The park’s history dates back to the 18th century when it was designed as a representative garden for the Württemberg dukes. The original baroque design was later transformed into English landscape garden style, which still defines the area’s atmosphere today.
Among the most beautiful parts of the garden are the lakes, around which mill wheels and small bridges make the environment even more romantic. Along the park’s walkways, numerous statues and monuments can be found that pay tribute to significant personalities of Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg. The area also houses the Opera House and the Planetarium.
Old Palace
One of the oldest and most significant buildings in Stuttgart’s historic center, the most important witness to the city’s medieval past.
The Old Palace was originally built in the 10th century and served as the residence of Württemberg counts and dukes for centuries. The building was rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, so in its current form, renaissance and baroque style elements blend together. The palace’s exterior facade features massive stone walls and towers that still reflect the character of the medieval fortress.
In the palace’s inner courtyard is the famous Dürer fresco, one of the outstanding works of German renaissance art. The building’s historical significance is extraordinary, as many important political decisions that influenced the entire history of Germany were made here. The palace also functions as a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Württemberg ruling house and local cultural traditions.
Königstraße
Stuttgart’s longest pedestrian street stretching from the main railway station to Schlossplatz square.
The 1.2-kilometer-long street was converted to a traffic-free zone in 1977, making Stuttgart one of the first German cities to create such a large-scale pedestrian area. Along Königstraße, numerous department stores, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants can be found.
The street’s architecture presents a varied picture: alongside traditional German urban buildings, modern commercial buildings and office complexes can also be found. Along the street, numerous street artists and performers entertain passersby, lending a European metropolitan atmosphere to the area.
The pedestrian street offers not only shopping opportunities but is also culturally significant. Several historic buildings are located here, including churches and museums that showcase Stuttgart’s rich cultural heritage.
Stiftskirche
Stuttgart’s oldest and most significant religious building, a defining element of the cityscape with its towers.
The church was founded in the 12th century and was continuously expanded and beautified over the centuries. The Gothic-style building’s two towers are visible from far above the city and have become one of Stuttgart’s most recognizable symbols. The church’s interior features stunning Gothic vaulting and colorful stained glass windows that create a special atmosphere during services and concerts.
The building’s historical significance is outstanding, as it contains the burial sites of several Württemberg rulers, including Duke Ulrich, who played a significant role in spreading the Reformation in the region. The museum in the church’s crypt presents Stuttgart’s religious and cultural history, as well as archaeological finds documenting the various phases of the church’s construction.
The environment around Stiftskirche is also special: the church, located between Stiftstraße and the market square, is surrounded by historic buildings that evoke the atmosphere of Stuttgart’s old town. The church regularly hosts classical music concerts and cultural events.
TV Tower
Stuttgart’s and the world’s first television tower, which represented a revolutionary architectural solution in the history of television broadcasting.
The Fernsehturm Stuttgart was built in 1955 and stands 216 meters high on one of the hills surrounding the city. The tower’s designer was Fritz Leonhardt, who applied such an innovative solution that later served as an example worldwide for the construction of other television towers. The reinforced concrete structure tower, with its slender, elegant form, is not only functional but also an outstanding creation from an aesthetic standpoint.
The observation deck at the top of the tower offers a breathtaking panorama of Stuttgart city and the surrounding Swabian Hills. On clear days, you can see as far as 40 kilometers to the Black Forest landscape. Below the observation deck, a rotating restaurant also operates where guests can enjoy gourmet food while experiencing a 360-degree view.
Weissenhofsiedlung
One of the most significant experimental areas of modern architecture, an outstanding example of the progressive architectural movement of the 1920s.
The housing estate was created in 1927 by the Deutscher Werkbund organization as part of the „Housing” exhibition. The world’s most renowned architects participated in the project, including Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Peter Behrens. The goal was to demonstrate how modern, functional, and affordable housing could be designed to meet the needs of the 20th century.
Of the estate’s 21 houses, 11 remain today, two of which are Le Corbusier’s work. These buildings represented revolutionary innovation: flat roofs, large window surfaces, clean lines, and functional floor plans characterized them.
Today the area is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and functions as a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of modern architecture and gain insight into the development of 20th-century housing culture.
Killesberg
One of Stuttgart’s most popular recreational areas.
It spreads over 50 hectares in the northern part of the city and was developed in 1939 as part of the Reichsgartenschau. The park’s specialty is that it takes advantage of natural topographical conditions by being arranged on terraces, so its stepped design provides varied viewpoints and beautiful panoramas of Stuttgart city. The area contains several special gardens, including a rose garden, rock garden, and a small lake around which pleasant walking paths have been created.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Killesberg Tower, a 40-meter-high observation tower that offers a unique architectural experience with its spiral staircase and modern design. From the top of the tower, a stunning 360-degree panorama unfolds of Stuttgart city and the surrounding landscape. The park also features a narrow-gauge railway that is particularly popular with children and connects different parts of the park.
Killesberg regularly hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. There is a large outdoor stage in the park area where numerous musical and theatrical performances are held in summer.
Rosensteinpark
Stuttgart’s largest park impresses visitors with both its natural beauty and rich history.
The 100-hectare park was created in the early 19th century when it was designed in English landscape garden style on the orders of King William I of Württemberg. The park’s namesake is Rosenstein Castle, which the king had built in memory of his wife, Catherine, Grand Duchess of Russia. The castle now houses the Stuttgart Natural History Museum and is one of the park’s main attractions with its impressive classicist architecture.
The park contains the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is one of Europe’s most beautiful zoos. The area’s original layout still reflects 19th-century landscape garden traditions: winding walkways, carefully maintained lawn areas, groves of native tree species, and natural watercourses.
Chinese Garden
A symbol of friendship between Stuttgart and its sister city Changchun, showcasing authentic Chinese garden culture in Europe.
The garden was opened in 1993, and its design followed traditional Chinese architectural and garden design principles. During the project, Chinese specialists worked together with Stuttgart colleagues to create a truly authentic experience. The garden area contains pagodas, traditional Chinese bridges, tea houses, and a carefully maintained bonsai collection, all showcasing different aspects of Chinese culture.
The garden’s philosophical foundation rests on feng shui principles: every element, from the placement of rocks to the flow of water, forms a carefully planned harmony. Visitors can admire traditional Chinese architectural style, colorful roof tiles, finely carved wooden decorations, and examples of calligraphy art. Around the lake in the garden, plants that bloom in different seasons ensure that different beauty unfolds before visitors in every season.
Wilhelma Zoo
One of Europe’s most beautiful and diverse animal parks, functioning simultaneously as a zoo and botanical garden.
The Wilhelma was originally designed as King William I of Württemberg’s summer residence in 1846. The buildings’ exotic architecture, the Moorish arches, mosaics, and decorated columns found everywhere still maintain their special atmosphere today. The zoo’s area is 30 hectares and is home to more than 10,000 animals from around the world, including rare species that are barely visible elsewhere.
One of the zoo’s most special parts is the complex of huge greenhouses where exotic animals live among tropical and subtropical plants. The Amazon greenhouse creates a rainforest atmosphere where visitors can walk among colorful parrots, butterflies, and monkeys. The snake house and aquarium section are also outstanding, where visitors can become acquainted with marine and freshwater wildlife, as well as dangerous and exotic reptiles.
All information can be found here!
Mercedes-Benz Museum
One of the world’s most modern and impressive automotive museums showcasing the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the automotive industry.
The museum was opened in 2006, and its futuristic architecture immediately became one of Stuttgart’s most recognizable symbols. On the museum’s nine floors, 160 vehicles can be found, including the first automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from 1886, as well as the latest electric and hybrid models.
The exhibition presents not only cars but also the entire history of transportation and technological development. Visitors can learn about the pioneering work of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, who laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry. The museum brings history to life with interactive elements, simulations, and audiovisual technology. The Formula 1 cars are particularly impressive, representing Mercedes-Benz’s sports car traditions.
The museum building itself is also a technical marvel: the double spiral system allows visitors to walk around the entire exhibition without having to return on the same path. From the top of the building, there is a beautiful view of Stuttgart city.
All information can be found here!
Porsche Museum
The museum showcasing the history of the legendary German sports car brand is another pride of Stuttgart’s automotive heritage.
The museum was opened in 2009 in the immediate vicinity of the Porsche factory. The building’s modern, minimalist design perfectly reflects the Porsche brand’s values: elegance, precision, and innovation. The museum area contains more than 80 cars, including the legendary Porsche 356, various versions of the 911 model, and winning cars from Le Mans races.
The exhibition presents the life and work of Ferdinand Porsche, who not only founded the Porsche brand but also designed revolutionary vehicles for other car manufacturers earlier. The museum offers interactive experiences: visitors can drive simulators that try to recreate the driving experience of Porsche sports cars. A separate section is dedicated to Porsche motorsport history, where everything from Formula 1 cars to rally cars can be found.
The Porsche Museum’s specialty is that it’s closely connected to the factory: visitors can also participate in factory tours where they can watch live how the world-famous sports cars are made.
All information can be found here!
Staatsgalerie
Stuttgart’s most significant art museum boasts an unparalleled collection of classical and modern art.
The museum opened in 1843 and has been continuously expanding since then. The building consists of two parts: the classical 19th-century part and the postmodern wing designed by James Stirling. The collection encompasses the history of European painting and sculpture from the 14th century to the present day, with particular attention to German and Austrian artists.
One of the museum’s greatest prides is its collection of German Expressionism and 20th-century art. Here you can find numerous works by Max Beckmann, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Emil Nolde, as well as works by Picasso, Matisse, and other international masters. In the classical section, everything from medieval altarpieces through Renaissance portraits to Baroque paintings can be found, representing the great periods of European art history.
All information can be found here!
Linden Museum
Stuttgart’s ethnological museum, with its presentation of different cultures from around the world, is one of Germany’s most important ethnographic collections.
The museum was founded in 1911 and since then has preserved a collection of objects showcasing the cultures of all continents of the world. The museum is named after Count Karl Graf von Linden, who played a significant role in developing the collection. The exhibitions present the lifestyles, religious customs, art, and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Asia, America, Oceania, and Europe.
One of the most impressive sections is the presentation of American Indian cultures, where original totem poles, traditional clothing, and ritual objects can be seen. The Asian section contains Buddhist and Hindu artistic creations, as well as Japanese samurai armor and swords. The African collection features special tribal masks, carved sculptures, and traditional musical instruments.
All information can be found here!
Stuttgart weather: when is the best time to visit?
Stuttgart has an oceanic climate that results in mild winters and warm summers, with continental influences.
Spring (March-May):
Spring in Stuttgart brings pleasant and gradually warming weather. The average temperature ranges between 8-18°C, and precipitation is moderate. At the end of April and in May, the city’s parks and gardens bloom, with Rosensteinpark and Killesberg offering particularly beautiful sights. This period is excellent for sightseeing and outdoor programs.
Summer (June-August):
During summer months, Stuttgart has warm and relatively sunny weather. The average temperature ranges between 15-25°C, although it can sometimes rise above 30°C. Precipitation is quite frequent in summer too, but usually appears in the form of short showers. This is the ideal time for outdoor programs, park visits, and exploring the surrounding regions.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn is one of Stuttgart’s most beautiful seasons. The weather is still pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 10-20°C in September and October. Precipitation increases, but the autumn foliage makes the city’s parks and surroundings particularly beautiful. November is already cooler but still suitable for sightseeing.
Winter (December-February):
Stuttgart’s winter is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 0-8°C. Snowfall occurs but is not frequent and generally not lasting. The winter months are somewhat rainy, but due to museums and indoor attractions, this period can also be suitable for visiting, especially during the Christmas markets.
Best time to visit:
For visiting Stuttgart, the most ideal period is late spring and early autumn (May-June and September-October), when the weather is pleasant, precipitation levels are lower, and the city’s natural beauty can be best enjoyed.