STUTTGART – ULTIMATE GUIDE
Are you going to Stuttgart in Germany and you need help with planning your trip? You’ve come to the right place!
Stuttgart is perhaps Germany’s most underrated city. So together with Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Tower in Stuttgart we explored the city and its surrounding areas to convince you to visit and see for yourself how much this city has to offer.
This complete and up-to-date guide will lead you straight to the best restaurants & bars as well as things to do, and all the logistics necessary to make this an unforgettable experience.
So let’s not waste any more time and go straight into planning your perfect holiday!
*This post has been sponsored by Radisson Blu Porsche Tower
What you need to know before you go
There are a few things you need to know before you visit Stuttgart. We have broken them down into the below key four questions:
Is Stuttgart worth visiting?
Stuttgart is perhaps Germany’s most underrated city. Located in southwest Germany, many people know it as a center of industry. This is no doubt because Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have their headquarters and some fantastic museums here. However, Stuttgart has even more to offer than this.
From modern art to historic masterpieces, from beautiful old architecture to wonderful contemporary buildings, and from magnificent castles to world-class zoos, Stuttgart has an attraction to appeal to every visitor, from solo travelers to honeymooning couples, to families.
Beyond culture and sightseeing, come to Stuttgart for a great food scene and fun nightlife. From Michelin-starred restaurants to homely places serving hearty Swabian food, Stuttgart caters to every appetite. The city also has great bars for the night owls.
Start your trip off right by booking a room at the superb Radisson Blu Hotel. As for the rest, read on…
How to get to Stuttgart?
It is easy to reach Stuttgart using many forms of transport. As the home of two of Germany’s most famous car manufacturers, it’s no surprise the road links to the rest of the country are excellent. However, Stuttgart airport is also conveniently located south of the city and provides flights to destinations all over Europe and beyond.
Finally, it’s also well-connected by rail. You can catch direct trains to Stuttgart from other major European cities such as Paris. So, what are you waiting for?
Getting around
Getting around the city couldn’t be easier either. You can of course drive, however you might have an easier, cheaper time using public transport. There’s a handy network of metro trains that will get you anywhere in the city and beyond. Otherwise, the bus, tram, and long-distance rail connections mean making the most of the city and its surroundings is easy.
Additionally, get a StuttCard Plus during your stay and you’ll have free travel across the whole network! This will make your stay cheaper, smoother, and much more enjoyable.
Best Time to Visit
Stuttgart is also a great year-round destination. Firstly, it has a mild climate, with comfortably warm summers and winter temperatures that normally don’t drop below zero. However, the city also hosts a variety of amazing events and attractions virtually every month.
From the enchanting Christmas market, to spring and autumn festivals, to the beauty of Stuttgart’s parks and gardens in summer, there isn’t really a bad time to visit.
Is Stuttgart a good base?
I was really surprised to find out that Stuttgart is surrounded by incredible countryside and beautiful nearby towns. Therefore, it makes a great base for day-trips. See our article on the towns and sights you won’t want to miss if you fancy exploring the area around Stuttgart.
We have created a list of top 10 places to visit.
If you aren’t yet convinced, I’m certain you will be when you’ve read about the…
Where to eat in Stuttgart
Tatti
Inspired by the village of Tatti in Tuscany, this trendy spot is a cafe by day and a bar by night. Come early for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch with great coffee and soft drinks. Later, enjoy delicious, unusual Italian and German drinks and a buzzing atmosphere.
Wyld Stuttgart
This trendy, Scandi-style cafe is the perfect place for breakfast! It serves everything from home-made muesli to vegan paninis as well as great coffee. It’s also a good place to stop in the afternoon for a sweet treat. And, pick up thoughtful gifts from its cool concept store next door.
The Gardener’s Nosh
This trendy, Scandi-style cafe is the perfect place for breakfast! It serves everything from home-made muesli to vegan paninis as well as great coffee. It’s also a good place to stop in the afternoon for a sweet treat. And, pick up thoughtful gifts from its cool concept store next door.
Eduards
Ultra-chic bar serving coffee, snacks, and great cocktails in the heart of Stuttgart. For food, choose from pastries, small plates, and wraps. Otherwise, there’s a great menu of signature drinks and classic cocktails.
Die Metzgerei
Ultra-chic bar serving coffee, snacks, and great cocktails in the heart of Stuttgart. For food, choose from pastries, small plates, and wraps. Otherwise, there’s a great menu of signature drinks and classic cocktails.
TinTin
On the edge of Stuttgart’s city center, this quiet, sophisticated bar offers cocktails of the highest quality. The expert bartenders are warm and welcoming, and will be happy to guide you through a menu of old classics and bold new inventions.
TA OS Weinbar
This stylish wine bar has an impressive selection of drinks and serves delicious small plates. Obviously, there are lots of excellent German wines on offer, but there are great choices from all over Europe too. The decor is bohemian and comfortable. There’s also a lovely, sunny terrace out front.
Where to stay in Stuttgart
To have the best time possible on your trip to Stuttgart, you’ll need to choose the right hotel. Luckily, this choice is easy thanks to Radisson Blu at Porsche Tower.
From luxurious, comfortable rooms with sleek, modern design, to great food, and brilliant staff and facilities (who doesn’t love having access to a sauna?) the Radisson has everything you could wish for.
One of our favorite features was the bar and roof terrace with enviable views of the city skyline and Killesberg Park. Otherwise, the Balaustine – the Levantine restaurant serves delicious dishes, and the bar is perfect for a nightcap. Moreover, it is reasonably priced and has a convenient central location with great transport links throughout the city and to the airport.
So what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Radisson Blu today and discover all the wonderful things this city has to offer.
What to do in Stuttgart
You could find enough for a week to do In Stuttgart but realistically you will only be able to do a few things, so we have listed our favourites below:
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart
Stepping into Stuttgart’s library feels like walking into a scifi movie. Marvel at the building’s contemporary architecture as you wander around it with an audio guide. Kids will love the fun-filled children’s department. Also, the exhibitions on Stuttgart’s literary history are fascinating. Be aware that photos with your smartphone are allowed without prior permission but all other photography and filming needs approval!
INSIDER INFO: The roof terrace is free to access and offers great views of the city.
Porsche museum
The Porsche museum’s design is as sleek and pleasing as any of the gorgeous cars inside. And, with hundreds of exhibits and lots of Porsches on show, there’ll be plenty to keep you fascinated when you step through the doors too. With information on the history, design, and engineering of these iconic cars, there’s something to interest and thrill everyone.
INSIDER INFO: Don’t miss a photo in front of the incredible sculpture in front of the museum!
Wilhelma Park
Wilhelma Park is a unique combination of zoo and botanical gardens. Therefore, there are all kinds of natural wonders to be discovered here. The zoo’s amazing animals range from monkeys, to penguins, to zebras, with many more besides. In terms of plants, there are giant redwoods, a gorgeous magnolia grove, and some of the biggest water lilies in the world. Finally, the zoo has some beautiful historic architecture and is surrounded by the lovely Rosenstein Park.
INSIDER INFO: Check what flowers and plants are in bloom before you visit to make the most of your trip!
Calwer Passage
Calwer Passage is a shopping arcade built in the seventies with amazing listed glass and metalwork. However, it has just been renovated to make it even more stylish and environmentally friendly. Come to take pictures of the gorgeous architecture and the incredible plants hanging from the floors above you. Stay for some shopping or a sweet treat at one of the mall’s great bakeries.
INSIDER INFO: Isabella, with its gluten-free baked goods, makes for a great pit stop in an afternoon of sightseeing.
Grabkapelle chapel
This magnificent religious building has an equally impressive location. It is on a hill above the Neckar valley with stunning views of the city center – only 20 minutes away by car. King Wilhelm I built the Grabkapelle as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Queen Catharina. Step inside to marvel at its ornate, historic design and then enjoy the scenic views outside.
INSIDER INFO: Visit around sunset to take in the views during golden hour!
Rosengarten by Naturkundemuseum & Inselsee
You can spend whole afternoons or days wandering in Stuttgart’s large, beautiful, L-shaped Rosenstein Park. However, if you’re pressed for time head straight for its gems! We’d recommend the gorgeous, orderly rose garden next to the Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum) and the idyllic Inselsee pond. Obviously, kids and adults alike would enjoy a trip to see the dinosaurs in the museum too!
INSIDER INFO: Get a drink at Flora & Fauna and enjoy the views of the lake. This was one of our favorite spots in the city!
Final tips
I really believe that Stuttgart is Germany’s most underrated city. I was really surprised to discover so many beautiful places in and out of city. Of course staying on the top floor of the Porsche Tower added to the experience.
Please consider the following points to make the most of your stay:
- Stuttgart is a year-round destination but I would advise to visit it in May when the city is in bloom and Wilhelma Park is at its best
- Use Stuttgart as the base to discover some incredible towns nearby, such as Tubingen, Bad Wimpfen, and Schwabisch Hall.
- Eat your way through the city, as it has some incredible restaurants. As per usual, book those in advance to avoid disappointments.
- Finally, book your accommodation in advance to get the best deals! Radisson Blu at Porsche Tower currently offers very attractive rates given that the hotel opened at the end of 2023.
Enjoy,
Voyage Provocateur
CHECK OUR GUIDE TO TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWNS IN GERMANY HERE
