Stuttgart, Germany — Where to Go
Stuttgart Sightseeing Overview
Stuttgart suffered heavy damage during WWII bombing raids, and the city center is characterized by modern buildings. However, there are a number of impressive exceptions, notably the huge baroque Neues Schloss (New Palace), which dominates Schlossplatz, a large open grassy square right in the heart of the city.
Other central highlights include the Schillerplatz, around which historic buildings such as the Altes Schloss, a palace dating back in parts to the 1300s, and the Alte Kanzlei delight the eye. Stuttgart is notable for its extensive range of museums and galleries housing numerous important collections.
The marketplace, although dominated by post-war architecture, does offer the historic Stiftskirche church. The art nouveau Markthalle nearby is a fascinating working indoor market, while a short distance to the south is the Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter), the oldest part of the city, now known for its many cafés, bars and restaurants.
Away from the city center, major attractions include the spectacular new Mercedes Benz Museum and the Wilhelma, a park containing a large zoo.
Stuttgart Tourist Information
Touristik-information ‘I-Punkt’
Königstrasse 1A
Tel: (711) 222 8240 or 22280.
Website: www.stuttgart-tourist.de
The tourist information office is located immediately opposite Stuttgart central station at the head of Königstrasse, the city’s main pedestrianized shopping street.
Stuttgart Sightseeing
The Stuttcard pass gives free or reduced admissions to many attractions, museums and galleries, discounts on sightseeing tours and theater tickets, and reduced fares on bicycle hire, boat trips and other leisure activities. The Stuttcard Plus pass also includes three days’ use of public transport.
Stuttgart Sightseeing
The Stuttcard pass gives free or reduced admissions to many attractions, museums and galleries, discounts on sightseeing tours and theater tickets, and reduced fares on bicycle hire, boat trips and other leisure activities. The Stuttcard Plus pass also includes three days’ use of public transport.
Key Attractions in Stuttgart, Germany
Mercedes Benz Museum
Opened in 2006, this impressive new museum traces the history of motor vehicles from their invention by Gottlieb Daimler, a native of Baden-Württemberg and founder of Daimler-Benz, precursor of the modern luxury car brand, to the present day. Its collection includes 160 historic vehicles, plus 130 new models.
Mercedesstrasse 100
Tel: (711) 173 0000.
Website: www.museum-mercedes-benz.com
Admission charge.
Staatsgalerie (State Gallery)
An art gallery in three buildings, the oldest of which dates from the 1830s and contains works ranging from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The new section contains collections by Picasso, Braque, Chagall, Klee and other 20th-century artists, while Germany’s largest assembly of drawings and printed graphics also features.
Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 30-32
Tel: (711) 470 400.
Website: www.staatsgalerie.de
Admission charge.
Kunstmuseum (Art Museum)
What is claimed as the world’s most significant collection of works by 20th-century German painter Otto Dix forms the backbone of the collections here. Housed in a striking new building right in the heart of the city center, the gallery additionally features special exhibitions throughout the year.
Kleiner Schlossplatz 1
Tel: (711) 216 2188.
Website: www.kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de
Admission charge.
Landesmuseum Württemberg (Württemberg State Museum)
Situated in the Altes Schloss (Old Palace) on historic Schillerplatz, the State Museum is home to sculptures and artifacts from the Stuttgart region and dating back to prehistoric, Celtic and Roman times. It also displays the Württemberg Crown Jewels, watches and clocks, furniture and jewelry collections.
Schillerplatz 6
Tel: (711) 279 3400.
Website: www.landesmuseum-stuttgart.de
Admission charge.
Wilhelma
Extensive zoological and botanical gardens in the north east of the city, in gardens created by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg during the 1850s. Redeveloped following WWII, the park now provides home to around 10,000 animals and 5,000 species of exotic plants.
Neckartalstrasse
Tel: (711) 54 020.
Website: www.wilhelma.de
Admission charge.
Further Distractions
Porsche Museum
Paying homage to the other well-known Stuttgart automotive product, the Porsche Museum follows, according to the company, the motto of ‘small but good’, housing a collection of around 20 exhibits giving an insight in the development of this distinctive sporting marque. For the enthusiast.
Porscheplatz 1
Tel: (711) 911 25685.
Website: www.porsche.com/international/faq/museum
Deutsches Spielkartenmuseum (German Playing Card Museum)
This unusual attraction in the Echterdingen district near Stuttgart contains a collection of more than 500,000 playing cards collected from all over the world, some more than 700 years old. Visitors can also see equipment used in the production and use of playing cards. Guided tours are available in English, French and Italian.
Schönbuchstrasse 32, Leifelden-Echterdingen
Tel: (711) 756 0120.
Website: www.spielkartenmuseum.de
