Stuttgart: 10 Things to Do

You’ll find Stuttgart offers more than just automotive heritage, though its car museums certainly steal the spotlight. This German city balances industrial innovation with surprising green spaces, world-class art, and a walkable historic center that won’t break your budget. Whether you’re drawn to racing legends or prefer wandering through botanical gardens, Stuttgart’s compact layout means you can experience multiple attractions without constant transit costs. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Baden-Württemberg’s capital.

Tour the Mercedes-Benz Museum to See Where the Automobile Was Born

First opened in 2006, the Mercedes-Benz Museum stands as Stuttgart’s crown jewel and most-visited attraction, drawing nearly 900,000 visitors annually to witness automotive history unfold.

You’ll start your journey on the ninth floor with Carl Benz’s 1886 Patent Motor Car Number 1—the world’s first automobile with an internal combustion engine.

The building’s DNA double helix design guides you through two distinct tours: “Legend Rooms” chronicling Mercedes-Benz’s evolution and “Collection Rooms” showcasing everything from Silver Arrow race cars to Princess Diana’s red SL.

With free multilingual audio guides and multimedia displays enhancing your experience, you’ll explore over 160 vehicles across 16,500 square meters. Among the remarkable collection, you’ll find Pope John Paul II’s Papamobile and vehicles once owned by Emperors Wilhelm II and Hirohito.

The museum’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 6pm.

Experience Porsche’s Racing Legacy at the Porsche Museum

Just minutes from Mercedes-Benz’s showcase, you’ll discover Porsche’s €100 million tribute to racing excellence at Porscheplatz 1 in Zuffenhausen. This futuristic museum sits where Ferdinand Porsche’s engineering office relocated in 1938, marking the birthplace of what became the VW Beetle and early Porsche prototypes.

You’ll explore 5,600 square meters housing over 80 vehicles from Porsche’s collection of 500 cars. The exhibits span from Ferdinand’s pre-brand designs to modern electric vehicles, including iconic 911s and racing prototypes. The minimalist design lets the cars speak for themselves without flashy distractions. All vehicles in the Museum on Wheels are fully functional and maintained in excellent running condition.

Interactive programs like “Children’s University” and special racing broadcasts enhance your experience. With 260 parking spaces available, visiting this motorsport shrine is both accessible and affordable for automotive enthusiasts.

Stroll Through Schlossplatz and the Historic City Center

When you step into Schlossplatz, Stuttgart’s beating heart unfolds before you as a magnificent blend of Baroque grandeur and modern city life. You’ll find yourself surrounded by architectural treasures like the imposing Neues Schloss, inspired by Versailles, and the historic Altes Schloss housing the Württemberg State Museum.

The central Jubilee Column topped by Concordia creates a perfect photo opportunity.

This pedestrian-friendly square transforms throughout the year—summer brings open-air concerts and wine festivals, while winter sparkles with Christmas markets. You can easily spend hours exploring the surrounding Königstraße shopping district, then relax on the lawns for a budget-friendly picnic. The square’s rich history spans from its origins as a ducal pleasure garden to its later role as a military drill ground before becoming today’s cultural centerpiece.

The illuminated glass cube art museum adds modern flair to evening strolls, making this historic center equally mesmerizing day or night.

Spend a Day at Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens

As you venture beyond Stuttgart’s city center, Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens awaits as Germany’s only combined zoological-botanical garden, where 11,000 animals and 8,500 plant species create an extraordinary day-long adventure.

You’ll explore 30 hectares featuring everything from the state-of-the-art Amur tiger enclosure to historic Moorish architecture dating back to 1842.

Don’t miss the magnolia grove (Europe’s largest north of the Alps) blooming in March, or the remarkable water lilies with leaves supporting 70 kilograms. The warm greenhouses stay open year-round, making this a perfect winter escape.

With nearly two million annual visitors, you’ll want to arrive early. The gardens open daily at 8:15 a.m., providing consistent access throughout the week. Take the S-Bahn for convenient, budget-friendly access from downtown Stuttgart.

Climb the Fernsehturm for Stuttgart’s Best City Views

For Stuttgart’s most spectacular panoramic views, you’ll want to head to Fernsehturm Stuttgart, the world’s first reinforced concrete telecommunications tower that rises 217 meters above the city. Located on Hoher Bopser hill in Degerloch, this 1956 architectural marvel offers two observation decks at around 150 meters with complete 360-degree views of Stuttgart’s urban landscape, vineyards, forests, and the distant Black Forest.

You’ll reach the viewing platforms via high-speed elevators that zip up at 5 meters per second.

At approximately $14.58, tickets are reasonably priced for the experience you’ll get.

The tower features a special lower-height section for children and a Panorama Café where you can grab refreshments while soaking in the stunning vistas. The tower’s construction costs of 4.2 million DM were fully recovered within five years through visitor revenues alone.

It’s easily accessible from downtown Stuttgart by public transport.

Wander Through Höhenpark Killesberg’s Gardens and Lookouts

Nestled in Stuttgart-Nord, Höhenpark Killesberg spans 123 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens that won’t cost you a penny to explore. You’ll discover seasonal flower displays, thematic garden areas, and tranquil water features connected by scenic pathways perfect for leisurely strolls.

Don’t miss climbing the 40-meter Killesbergturm observation tower for stunning panoramic views of Stuttgart’s skyline and surrounding hills. It’s an excellent spot for photography and understanding the city’s layout without breaking the bank.

The park offers great value with free admission to gardens, playgrounds, and animal meadows featuring flamingos and cattle. While the miniature railway requires a small fee, you can easily spend hours exploring the diverse landscapes, from intimate garden corners to open green spaces year-round. A highlight of any visit is riding the historic steam locomotive that has been delighting visitors since 1939.

Explore Ancient Fossils at the Natural History Museum

Don’t miss the marine reptile exhibits featuring ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs from local Jurassic formations. The triple-height exhibition hall showcases specimens from famous Baden-Württemberg fossil sites like Holzmaden and Nusplingen.

Interactive displays organize fossils by geological periods, making complex paleontology accessible. The museum houses remarkable amber specimens containing preserved insects and other organisms from tropical forests millions of years ago. With over 3,500 square meters of exhibits focusing on regional discoveries, you’ll gain deep insights into southern Germany’s prehistoric past.

Browse World-Class Art at Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

While Stuttgart’s Natural History Museum showcases the region’s ancient past, the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart brings 700 years of artistic heritage to life under one roof. You’ll discover an impressive collection spanning 5,500 paintings and sculptures plus 250,000 works on paper, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary art.

Don’t miss the German Renaissance section featuring Albrecht Dürer’s works alongside Italian masters like Rubens and Rembrandt. The museum’s modern extension, designed by James Stirling, creates a striking architectural contrast that’s worth seeing itself.

With 550,000 annual visitors, you’re experiencing one of Germany’s premier cultural destinations. The extensive graphic arts collection offers rare prints and drawings that provide deep insights into European art history, making this a must-visit cultural stop. The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the world-class collections.

Discover Local Culture at Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Just steps away from Schlossplatz, the striking glass cube of Kunstmuseum Stuttgart houses the city’s most impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. You’ll find over 15,000 works spanning from the late 19th century to today, with Otto Dix’s powerful paintings serving as collection highlights.

The museum’s underground galleries occupy 5,000 square meters of thoughtfully designed space beneath the square. You can explore works by regional masters like Adolf Hölzel and Willi Baumeister alongside international contemporary pieces. The museum also features works by global artists such as Joseph Kosuth, Wolfgang Laib, and Markus Lüpertz.

Three to four special exhibitions rotate annually, ensuring there’s always something new.

At €5-11 admission, it’s budget-friendly culture. Open Tuesday through Sunday (until 9pm Fridays), you’ll want several hours to appreciate the four floors. The top-floor restaurant offers panoramic city views.

Walk the Königstrasse Shopping District From the Train Station

As soon as you step off the train at Stuttgart’s Hauptbahnhof, you’re at the perfect starting point for one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.

Königstrasse stretches 1.2 kilometers through the city center, offering everything from budget-friendly chains like Primark, H&M, and Zara to department stores like Karstadt and Breuninger.

You’ll find great deals at vintage outlet Picknweight and can explore the modern Königsbau-Passagen shopping center with its 27,000 square meters of retail space.

The pedestrian-only street makes browsing easy and safe, with plenty of cafés for budget breaks. The area underwent major modernization in 1977, transforming 400 meters into today’s pedestrian precinct with fountains, trees, and leisure areas.

Plan 1-2 hours to walk the entire route, which takes you past Schlossplatz and through Stuttgart’s historic core.

Avoid weekends if you prefer smaller crowds.

The Sum Up

You’ve got nine amazing attractions to explore in Stuttgart, from world-class car museums to beautiful parks and cultural hotspots. Don’t feel pressured to hit everything in one trip—pick what interests you most and take your time. Many parks and outdoor areas are free, while museums often offer student or group discounts. Save money by walking between nearby attractions like Schlossplatz and Königstrasse, and you’ll discover Stuttgart’s charm along the way.