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Stuttgart

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, pairs its automotive heritage with vineyard-covered hillsides, modernist architecture and mineral springs. Its museums, parks and valley setting give the city a distinctive, welcoming character.

Country

Germany

Population

about 610,000

Area

207 km²

Time zone

CET (UTC+1)

Language

German

Nearby airport

Stuttgart Airport (STR)

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About Baden-Württemberg

Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and one of Germany's leading economic and cultural centres. Set in a bowl of forested hills, vineyards and the Neckar valley, the city pairs an industrial and engineering heritage with a relaxed Swabian identity, green spaces and a strong wine culture.

The city's history is visible around Schlossplatz, where the Neues Schloss and Altes Schloss frame a central square, while the Staatsgalerie, the Stiftskirche and the Markthalle add to the architectural mix. The Stuttgart Fernsehturm, the world's first television tower, offers panoramic views, and Wilhelma combines a historic palace with a botanical garden and zoo.

Museums and neighbourhoods give Stuttgart its depth. The Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum trace the city's role in automotive history, while the Kunstmuseum and Staatsgalerie cover art from old masters to modern works. Central Königstraße is the main shopping spine; Bad Cannstatt is known for its mineral springs, Wilhelma and the Cannstatter Wasen festival grounds; Stuttgart-West and districts around Marienplatz offer lively cafés, bars and restaurants.

Business travellers come for a powerhouse economy built around automotive, engineering and technology companies, as well as Messe Stuttgart and a busy calendar of trade fairs. Leisure visitors enjoy Swabian cooking such as Maultaschen and Spätzle, Württemberg wines served in seasonal Besenwirtschaften, beer gardens and events including the Cannstatter Volksfest, the Stuttgart Wine Village and the Christmas market.

With direct rail links, nearby vineyards and easy access to the Black Forest, Swabian Alps and Lake Constance, Stuttgart works well as both a city break and a base for exploring southwest Germany.

Stuttgart's Schlossplatz at golden hour with the baroque Neues Schloss and Jubiläumssäule column, capital of Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and are ideal for exploring parks, vineyards and the city's terraces. Summer brings warm days and open-air events, while late September to early October is dominated by the Cannstatter Volksfest, and winter features one of Germany's largest Christmas markets.

How to Get Around

Stuttgart's VVS network combines S-Bahn, Stadtbahn (U-Bahn), trams and buses, making most sights easy to reach. The city's hills are served by the Zacke rack railway and the Standseilbahn funicular, while central areas around Königstraße and Schlossplatz are walkable.

Where to Stay

Stuttgart-Mitte is convenient for Schlossplatz, Königstraße and the main museums. Bad Cannstatt suits visitors attending the Volksfest or Wilhelma, while Vaihingen and Möhringen are practical for Messe Stuttgart and the airport, and Degerloch offers a quieter hillside setting.

Food & Drink

Swabian specialities include Maultaschen, Käsespätzle and Zwiebelrostbraten, found in traditional Weinstuben and modern restaurants. The surrounding Württemberg wine region supplies Trollinger and Riesling, and seasonal Besenwirtschaften, the Markthalle and beer gardens add local flavour.