
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.