Being born and raised in Stuttgart and having lived in other German cities, I would say I can provide authentic and efficient guidance on how to tackle the city of engineers and the birthplace of the Automobil.
Table of Contents
Willkommen In Stuttgart
Many believe that Stuttgart is a bit of a “lost case” the likes of San Francisco. Ok, not as bad just yet, but locals love to vote for socialist policies and always elect the green party. Then they’re surprised that everything gets expensive.
Nobody will blame you if you prefer Munich, Hamburg or Dresden, or take the next train to Paris (3h) from Stuttgart. Bear in mind you’ll need up to 20mins to get to the platform due to ongoing construction. While you’re walking, you can watch how Stuttgart spends $11 billion dollars on a new railway tunnel station (which created a year-long conflict).
Now, if you do get stuck in Stuttgart, there’s a flower bucket of things that should make for an enjoyable time.
Architecture
Sadly, Stuttgart suffered massive bombings during WW2 and suffered even more architectural “sins” in the years after where lots of quick-cheap-and-dirty architecture replaced the ruins of many classy properties. Nonetheless many historic and post-modern buildings might grab your attention.
Castles
Lords of Southern Germany always had a great sense for generous architecture and luxurious living. Paired with the German eye for detail and focus on efficiency, we can admire many stunning relics of better times (gold standard).
My favorite is Solitude Palace and Hohenheim Palace. 100% worth a visit during summer. If there’s snow it’s also cool.
Schloss Solitude
A baroque palace perched on the city’s edge. Great for a scenic walk, photos, or a relaxed coffee at the palace café.
📍 Solitude 1, Stuttgart
🕒 Grounds open daily, café has separate hours
🔗 schloss-solitude-gastronomie.de
Bärenschlössle
A small hunting lodge turned popular destination for walkers. Surrounded by forest and lakes, it’s perfect for a day hike.
📍 Rotwildpark, Stuttgart
🕒 Open access, depending on trail routes
🔗 baerenschloessle-stuttgart.de
-> Full list of castles
Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
The Stuttgart TV tower is unique as it was the first telecommunications tower in the world constructed from reinforced concrete in 1954. It is the prototype for many such towers worldwide. The design is timeless and a great reflection of our drive to innovate, engineer and perfect things. Today, it offers sweeping panoramic views over Stuttgart, plus a café for a well-earned break after the climb.
-> Link
📍 Jahnstraße 120, Degerloch
🕒 Open daily, hours vary by season
🔗 fernsehturm-stuttgart.de
Modern Architecture
There’s also the Weissenhof Siedlung which is famous among socialist architects and the library cube by North Corean, excuse me, South Korean architect Eun Young Yi. I’d favor any castle visit over any of the modern stuff.
The “Altes Stuttgart” Instagram channel reflects on the “before” and “after” of Stuttgart’s urban appearance: https://www.instagram.com/altesstuttgart/
Cars
The car was invented in Stuttgart. Period. And we didn’t invent the speed limit. There are three highways without speed limits that you can reach from Stuttgart.
Here’s a map.
Porsche Rentals
Porsche Museum offers rentals. You need to create an account with Porsche to book it and it’s good to reserve early. They will also assist with good routes to explore.
Link
There are also luxury rental options which might have more variety. Further you can book with budget rentals like Starcar which offer Porsche models.
If you’re hungover, the Mercedes Benz Museum is a relaxed option. For more more excitement, of course the Hockenheim ring is calling with driving experiences.
Bonus: Trains
For those who enjoy train rides, the “Zahnradbahn” and the only funicular “Seilbahn” are spectacular rides and a must-do.
Food
Swabian Cuisine is super tasty and heavy. You definitely want to try “Maultaschen” which are huge dumplings. It’s not easy to find really good ones, so check tripadvisor and Google for reviews before. It should look like this:
Otherwise Swabian Cuisine is famous for “Linsen Spätzle Saitenwürstle” ; “Zwiebelrostbraten”; “Schnitzel” ; “Sauerbraten” and of course Pretzles.
Swabian Cuisne Wikipedia
Restaurants / Cafes
WIELANDSHÖHE
Karlshöhe Beergarden
₿ Bitcoin-Friendly Spots
The German bitcoin community is massive and very active. In Stuttgart, there are a few places that usually accept Bitcoin and Lightning Payments:
Herbert’z Espresso Bar – BTC Map
Lucky Lounge Lotto Kiosk – Google Maps Bit hard to locate and the owner isn’t always around, but if you’re in that area, give it a shot.
Hotel Princess in Plochingen – Just outside Stuttgart, this hotel is a Bitcoin pioneer with its own Satoshi Bar, Bitcoin ATM, and Lightning acceptance. hotel-princess.de; BTC Map
Sultan Saray – A local restaurant
Bitcoin Stuttgart Community Group: https://t.me/einundzwanzigStuttgart
More Things
Still want to spend more time in Stuttgart?
Japanese Garden
A small, peaceful oasis tucked away in Stuttgart, the Japanese Garden is perfect for a short escape from city life. With its pond, pavilion, and carefully arranged plants, it’s a great spot for reflection.
📍 Google Maps
🕒 Open during daylight hours (public park)
🔗 Official Info
Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
One of Germany’s most renowned art museums. Its collection spans over 800 years, from Old Masters to contemporary works, housed in a striking mix of classical and modern architecture.
It has free admission every Wednesday!
📍 Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 30–32
🕒 Tue–Sun: 10:00–17:00, Thu until 20:00, closed Mondays
🔗 staatsgalerie.de
Zacke (Rack Railway)
Hop on the “Zacke” tram, a rack railway that climbs Stuttgart’s steep hills. It’s a nostalgic way to see the city and enjoy the views as you head toward Degerloch.
📍 Operates between Marienplatz and Degerloch
🕒 Runs on public transport schedules
🔗 SSB Info
Wilhelma Zoo & Botanical Garden
A rare combination of zoo and botanical garden, Wilhelma is a must for animal and plant lovers. Stroll through lush greenhouses and visit one of the most diverse zoos in Europe.
📍 Neckartalstraße, Bad Cannstatt
🕒 Daily, hours vary seasonally
🔗 wilhelma.de
Cannstatter Volksfest
Stuttgart’s answer to Oktoberfest. Every autumn, Bad Cannstatt transforms into a carnival of beer tents, rides, music, and local traditions.
📍 Cannstatter Wasen, Bad Cannstatt
🕒 Late September – early October
🔗 cannstatter-volksfest.de
Tschechen & Söhne at Karlshöhe
A beer garden with some of the best views over Stuttgart. Ideal for a relaxed evening with friends and a local beer in hand.
📍 Humboldtstr. 44, Karlshöhe
🕒 Typically 11:00–24:00, weather dependent
🔗 biergarten-karlshoehe.com
misch misch (Café)
One of Stuttgart’s coziest coffee spots, located on Tübinger Straße. Known for quality brews and a warm, creative atmosphere. Easy to reach from Marienplatz (Zacke Stop).
📍 Tübinger Str. 95
🕒 Mon–Thu 08:00–18:00, Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–19:00, closed Sun
🔗 misch misch
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