Top 10 Things To Do In Stuttgart, Germany (2023)

1. Watch the people passing by at Schlossplatz

Schlossplatz, or the Palace Square, is Stuttgart’s center and its pride and joy. The central square is beautiful, but it’s more than just a decorative attraction - it’s also a place for residents and tourists to linger and go people watching. Many of the other attractions in the city are within walking distance from Schlossplatz, including Neues Schloss (New Palace), which houses several government ministries. If you’re lucky, you can catch a concert, a fair, or a festival held here during your visit.

Schlossplatz

Address: Schloßpl., 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Learn more about the automobile industry at Mercedes-Benz Museum

Car enthusiasts should not miss out on visiting this eye-catching museum, which not only traces the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand but the automobile industry itself. Located right beside the headquarters and factory of the company, it has over 1,500 exhibits and 160 vehicles on display. There are audio guides available so you can better appreciate the brand’s story. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany

Website: Mercedes-Benz Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 11 USD

3. Explore the secrets of Old Castle

If you want to learn more about the story of Stuttgart, be sure to visit Altes Schloss or Old Castle. While it retains its medieval look, it actually went through several transformations over the years. Built around the 10th century as a water fortress, it was later expanded when it served as the residence of the Counts of Württemberg. Its moats were removed sometime during the 18th century, and the castle itself became severely damaged, first by a fire and then during World War II. It was renovated to its current appearance in 1969, and it now serves as a museum that houses a wide collection ranging from prehistoric artifacts to medieval religious art.

Old Castle

Address: Schillerpl. 6, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

4. Go on the fast lane at Porsche Museum

This museum should also not be missed if you’re a fan of automobiles, especially sports cars. It features a collection of luxury vehicles from its first model from the pre-war era to the latest - with most, if not all, vehicles in the collection in pristine condition. Special exhibits are held throughout the year. The museum also serves as the starting point for a factory tour. There is a cafe as well as a restaurant on-site in case you want to get something to eat or drink while checking out the exhibits.

Porsche Museum

Address: Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Stuttgart, Germany

Website: Porsche Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 11 USD

5. Marvel at the collection inside Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart (State Gallery) has one of the most extensive art collections in the world and houses works across the ages, with the oldest from seven centuries ago. The displays range from traditional and classic art to modern works. Picasso, Beckmann, and Schlemmer are some of the artists whose works you will see in this museum. Do note that the special collections have additional entrance fees on top of the regular entrance fee. On the other hand, free admission is offered on Wednesdays.

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 30-32, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Website: Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm Thu: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: from 8 USD

6. Say hello to the animals housed in Wilhelma

Wilhelma, a zoological and botanical garden, is one of the most well-known attractions here, seeing millions of visitors on a yearly basis. Interestingly enough, it was not always open to the public, having been commissioned in the 19th century by King Wilhelm I to architect Karl-Ludwig Zanth. He was to design and build a Moorish-style pleasure garden and bathhouse. Housing over 11,000 animals from around the world, it is ranked second only to Berlin Zoological Garden and is the only garden that combines both zoological and botanical attractions.

Wilhelma

Address: Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany

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Website: Wilhelma

Opening hours: 8:15am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 9 - 22 USD

7. Enjoy the great views from Castle Solitude

Castle Solitude, otherwise known as Solitude Palace, was commissioned by Charles Eugene, Duke of Württemberg to Johann Friedrich Weyhing and Philippe de La Guêpière to serve as a hunting lodge. Tours here are offered in German and run for approximately 45 minutes. You can enjoy views of the towns of Weilimdorf, Korntal, and Ludwigsburg from here.

Castle Solitude

Address: Solitude 1, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany

Website: Castle Solitude

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 1:30pm - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

8. Stroll along Killesbergpark

Killesbergpark is considered the most beautiful public park in Stuttgart. Built back in the 1930s, the park is constantly updated so you get to see new attractions each time you visit it. Sights include gorgeous fountains, a tower, a swimming pool, and a petting zoo. If you’re traveling with children, you can take them to the playground to have fun.

Killesbergpark

Address: Stresemannstraße, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Take photos outside New Palace

New Palace, or Neues Schloss, is a Baroque palace that dates back to the 18th century. The three-winged complex was commissioned by Duke Karl Eugen to Nikolaus Friedrich Thouret, Leopold Retti, Philippe da la Guepière, and Reinhard Ferdinand Heinrich Fischer. The structures became severely damaged during the war but was fortunately reconstructed. Special arrangements need to be made in order to explore the interiors because the building houses many government offices.

New Palace

Address: Schlossplatz 4, 70173 Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

10. Check out the city view from Fernsehturm Stuttgart

Fernsehturm holds the record for being the first telecommunications tower in the world. While it is now one of the most popular destinations in Stuttgart, its construction, which took place between 1954 and 1956, was actually marred by controversy. It has since been used as the model for other towers in the world. Today, it serves as a viewing deck that gives guests incredible panoramic views of the city.

Explore the best of Stuttgart

Stuttgart is one of the most underrated cities in Germany in terms of tourism, but look closely at it and you’ll get to see that it has something to offer everyone. These attractions barely scratch the surface of what you will see in the capital of southwest Germany, so do visit and see its offerings for yourself.