The ‘cradle of the automobile’, Stuttgart is renowned for cars and motorcycles, with a number of big brands, including Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, housing their headquarters there.
Spread across hills, valleys and parks, Stuttgart is home to some unusual and world-famous architecture.
Must sees for free
After WWII, rubble was piled up on top of a hill, creating an artificial mountain, Monte Scherbelino. Originally standing 980 feet above the city, the rubble added an additional 130 feet. The highest point in Stuttgart, it allows a somber view of the city, with a plaque that translates as the rubble serving as ‘ a memorial to the victims and a reminder to the living.’
If you want to get out in nature, Max-Eyth-See is ideal for a relaxing day, or trip out onto the lake. A former quarry, it is now an official nature reserve, and has paths, a park, and row, pedal, or electric boat hire.
A landmark of Stuttgart, The Killesberg tower was originally planned for the 1993 World Horticultural exhibition, but was only erected in 2001. 40.4m high, it provides the perfect opportunity for both day and night time landscape photography.
Top sees for a fee
Housed in an old abattoir, the Pig Museum is a must-see for those who enjoy an oddity. It houses 42,000 pig artefacts in 25 different themed rooms, including one with a giant, rotating golden pig statue. There’s also a shop, downstairs restaurant and a beer garden for when the sun is out. Entry prices are €5.90 for adults (around £5), €3 for children seven to 14 (around £2.50), €1.50 for children four to six (around £1.30) and free for children under four.
With any Stuttgart public transport day ticket, you can take a ride on the Stuttgart Cable Car. Made of preserved teak and mahogany in 1929, the cable car the city to a local cemetery and works as a funicular railway, with both cars connected and looped round on a pulley system.
If you want to see that infamous Banksy art piece (the previously named Girl With Balloon, shredded and renamed Love is in the Bin) up close and in person, it is currently on permanent loan at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart. The museum is also home to pieces by Dali, Matisse, and Picasso. Entry costs €7 (around £6) for the permanent collection, and €12 (around £10) for special exhibitions.
Getting around:
Stuttgart has an extensive public transport system of trains, trams, buses, cog railway, and cable car. Day tickets can be bought to cover multiple modes of transport and range from €5 to €1 in price (between £4 and £11).
Eating out and going out:
For a traditional German dinner, try Weinstube Am Stadtgraben. Serving everything from lobster and duck, to dumplings and schnitzel, there’s even a gourmet set meal of four courses.
If you’re feeling less adventurous, Triple B offers a menu of burgers, fries and vegetarian options. With reasonable prices all under €10 (around £8), it won’t break the bank either.
Schwarz Weiß Bar offers a quiet and sophisticated drinking experience, with background jazz music, advice on your perfect drink as standard, and a stunning setting. They even offer cocktail making classes you can pre-book online.
Hotels:
Luxury:
Jaz in the City Stuttgart offers a 24-hour gym, rain showers in every room, and restaurant. Wolframstraße 41. From £76 per night.
Mid-range:
Aloft Stuttgart boasts free internet, pet friendly rooms, and a 24-hour self-service gourmet pantry. Heilbronner Str. 70. From £58 per night.
Budget:
A&O Stuttgart City offers late check-out, free Wifi and family rooms. Rosensteinstraße 14/16. From £16 per night.
Fact file:
Currency: Euros (€) £1 = £1.19
Time zone: GMT+ 1
The flight: Fly from Manchester Airport with Lufthansa via Frankfurt.
Best time to visit: June has the cheapest flights and the warmest weather, but any month between May and September should be warm and clear.
Visas, injections and precautions: None.
