Best things to do in Stuttgart

Stuttgart, Germany’s sixth most populous city, lies in the picturesque Neckar Valley and is filled with wonderful reminders of the past. Once the seat of kings and counts, the Baden Württemberg capital has buildings and palaces of splendor to enrich any visitor experience. We want to share with you some ideas on the best things to do in Stuttgart to get the most out of your stay. Even if you’re only able to find a spare couple of days here, you’ll not be left wanting… If you are going to visit this German city, we recommend you staying in one of our hotels in Stuttgart and consult the following travel guide.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

What to see in Stuttgart city center

As you step out of your chosen mode of transport from the NH Stuttgart Airport hotel into downtown Stuttgart, the Schlossplatz, or Palace Square, will give you a real sense of its grandeur. 

This is the city’s popular meeting point and certainly a great place to begin our short tour as we take in some of the buildings that adorn its perimeters. From the imposing statue of William I atop a tall column in the center of the square, to the gardens and fountains that make it so appealing, it is easy to see why so many gather here. Concerts are a common occurrence too. 

To the north of the square you will find the cupola of the Kunstgebäude, which we’d suggest you take a closer look at. This was built in the very early years of the 20th century for the art association of Württemberg, we are sure that it will be one of the things to do in Stuttgart that you will never forget. 

Another museum to see here is the Kunstmuseum, not only for the artwork that lies within – and the ingenious way the galleries are designed using disused tunnels – but also for the exterior. During the day it appears to be a huge glass cube that reflects light back, however, after the sun drops the inside is illuminated to stunning effect. 

Take a wander around the square to admire the rest of it and make your way south on the beautifully pedestrianized Königstraße

Shopping may not be on the agenda right now but on this street you’ll see the throng that Stuttgart can produce, as locals and tourists alike dot in and out of the stores, many of them well-known brands. There is over a kilometre to enjoy, but for the time being let’s leave it and head east along Johannes-Brenz-Platz towards Markthalle, taking in the impressive Stiftskirche en route.

Stuttgart’s market hall sits inside an art nouveau building steeped in history and will be a treat for your senses. Colors and smells fill the aisles and the air as the Mediterranean meets the Orient with high quality meats and fish, spices and sauces, and so much more. Note that there’s a small gallery upstairs where you can grab a coffee and look out over the hurried activity below.

Heading in a northerly direction, an essential activity on the list of what to do in Stuttgart is to go up the tree-lined Konrad-Adenauer-Straße and you will notice along the way buildings and statues that suggest there is a fascinating story behind them. 

After a short walk, we reach Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, a gallery filled with pieces of the world’s greatest artists. From the likes of Dalí, Miró, Matisse and Picasso, to Rembrandt, Rubens, Carracci and Ratgeb, this truly is a wonderful collection. 

Crossing back over the main road to the west, we enter the delightful park, Schlossgarten. With a lake taking pride of place, lush green grass to relax on, and then eye-catching buildings like the Die Staatstheater to admire, you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of a major city. Use the serenity to call into the office for an update…only if this feels necessary, of course.

Top attractions in Stuttgart

As with most modern cities, there is a zoo, a planetarium and the likes, but there are also places to visit that have a special place in Stuttgart’s traditions and culture

Another thing you can do in Stuttgart is to visit the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums. Especially if you are interested in luxury cars or the history of this industry. You will see from the most rudimentary designs of the first models, through the most iconic sports cars. You shouldn’t miss the experience of getting into a Porsche and accelerating its famous engine.

The best Stuttgart outdoor activities 

Why not try out Killesbergpark for some green escapism. Wide open space, carefully landscaped gardens, flower displays to inspire Constable or Klimt, and a small farm where children can be seen playing with animals, all help to reinvigorate the mind. Another special treat here is Killesbergturm where you can climb a 40-meter tower that won awards for its spiral design. Great views from the most curious of vantage points. 

For more spectacular views of the city and surrounding region, take the lift to the top of the Fernsehturm on the south east of Stuttgart. This modern television tower was the first of its kind in Germany and as you enjoy some refreshment and gaze out from 150 meters high, you’ll quickly understand why it’s proven so popular. 

Another classic plan to do in this city is to go to Birkenhopf, the city’s highest hill, which is also a memorial to those who died in the Second World War and has used bombed remains to aid its altitude.

If you’re in search of a unique place, you can jump onto the Standseilbahn funicular railway. The two carriages are made from rich teak and, despite some necessary repairs, are originals from its completion in 1929. A trip up to the Degerloch cemetery and woods only takes around four minutes from the Südheimer Platz U-Bahn station but then affords you the chance to wander around before descending.

Stuttgart gastronomy

There is no doubt that you will enjoy good gastronomy during your stay, but you will also need some tips for when you are exploring the city and want something to eat. 

If you are thinking about what to do in Stuttgart, eating in the most typical restaurants will not disappoint you. You may want to get a true taste of the Baden Württemberg region with some Gaisburger Marsch (stew), Linsen and Spätzle (lentils with sausage) or Flädlesuppe (pancake soup) to name but three Swabian classics

  • Best restaurant to have breakfast 
Waking up in an NH Hotel Group venue tends to lead to a rather quick decision about where breakfast will be had (something to do with the fresh coffee aroma, we hear). When you’re out and about in Stuttgart, however, you’re spoilt for choice for quaint stop-offs for a caffeine, or other, injection. If you can, check out Hüftengold for a delicious drink and some homemade goodies to keep you going. 
  • Best spot for lunch 

You'll also need help figuring out where to eat in the afternoon. Schönbuch Braumanufaktur is a downtown brewery house where you’ll be able to sit comfortably in an open and relaxed environment, enjoying watching the locals tuck in around you. 

Regional dishes can be tried here, often adapted for the season of your visit, and these can be washed down by one of the many delicious beers on offer. 

  • Best dinner restaurants 

With a retro and vibrant look, your eyes, and maybe your mouth, will open as you enter the doors of Reiskorn. Vegetarian and vegan preferences are well catered for on what is an impressively creative menu, while the atmosphere is fun and engaging. 

Stuttgart has a generous selection of top-notch eateries and one in particular that will fit the bill is Olivo on Arnulf-Klett-Platz. Michelin-starred chef Nico Burkhardt ensures your dining is in safe hands with a modern take on French cuisine in a setting that oozes style and class. Obviously, this is a mandatory stop among the things to do in Stuttgart.

Stuttgart nightlife

Whatever the decision, be it letting your hair down to party or taking in an operatic performance, Stuttgart has you covered… 

Right in the heart of the city, next to Schlossplatz that we looked at earlier, is Waranga. Here you can enjoy a drink overlooking the charming square, and when the weather allows, you can take a seat on the terrace. It’s generally quite a young, affluent crowd that devours the varied cocktails on offer, and weekend DJs keep the vibe lively if your stay ticks over till then. 

Live music can be found all through the week at Kiste in downtown Stuttgart. Take your pick of a beer or cocktail and mingle with the locals as you listen to smooth jazz tunes and a selection of other styles. Another central club that provides you with both live music and DJ sets is Zwoelfzehn

If a more refined option is desired, look no further than the aforementioned Die Staatstheater in the beautiful surrounding of the Schlossgarten. Scintillating acoustics reverberate around this plush auditorium as the live orchestra adds the accompanying track to the artists onstage. I real delight and what a way to end a long day. 

Undoubtedly, among the things to do in Stuttgart there is a lot of culture, history and fun at your disposal. Our team at the NH Stuttgart Airport hotel is waiting to give you even more advice on how best to do that during your stay.

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