Stuttgart Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Planning & General Tips
Q: How many days should I spend in Stuttgart?
A: Most travelers suggest 2-3 full days is perfect to see the city highlights and maybe one major day trip.
Q: Is Stuttgart worth visiting, or should I just go to Munich?
A: Travelers often says Stuttgart is more “authentic” and less touristy. If you love cars, wine, and a more local vibe, it’s absolutely worth it. Munich is more for the classic Bavarian postcard experience.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Stuttgart?
A: Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the vineyards and beer gardens. The Christmas Market in December is also a huge draw.
Q: Is Stuttgart a walkable city?
A: The city center is quite walkable, but the city is spread out across a series of valleys. You’ll definitely need public transport to reach some attractions.
Q: What area should I stay in?
A: Mitte (City Center) for proximity to main sights, Bad Cannstatt for a more local feel and the Cannstatter Wasen festival, or near the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) for easy transport connections.
Q: I’m a solo traveler. Is Stuttgart a good destination?
A: Yes, it’s very safe and the public transport system is easy to navigate alone. The museums and car museums are great for solo exploration.
Q: Is the Stuttgart Card worth it?
A: If you plan on using a lot of public transport and visiting several museums, yes. It offers free transport and discounts. Do the math based on your itinerary.
Q: What’s one thing I should book in advance?
A: Absolutely the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Museums, especially on weekends. They can get very busy.
Q: Can I get by with just English?
A: Yes, especially in tourist areas, museums, and restaurants. However, learning a few basic German phrases (Hallo, Danke, Bitte) is always appreciated.
Q: What’s a common tourist mistake in Stuttgart?
A: Not getting a public transport pass and trying to pay for every single trip. Also, not venturing out of the city center into the surrounding hills and vineyards.
Transportation & Getting Around
Q: Which airport is better for Stuttgart: STR (Stuttgart Airport) or FKB (Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden)?
A: STR is much closer and more convenient. FKB is an option for budget airlines but involves a longer train ride.
Q: How do I get from Stuttgart Airport (STR) to the city center?
A: The S-Bahn (S2 or S3) is the easiest and cheapest way, taking about 30 minutes to Hauptbahnhof (main station).
Q: Is it worth renting a car in Stuttgart?
A: Travelers strongly advises against it for staying within the city. Traffic and parking are expensive and difficult. Public transport is excellent. A car is only useful for specific day trips to the Black Forest or Romantic Road.
Q: How does the public transport system (VVS) work?
A: It’s a zone-based system. You buy a ticket valid for all trams, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses within the zones you’re traveling. You must validate your ticket before boarding.
Q: What ticket should I buy for a day of sightseeing?
A: A TagesTicket (Day Ticket) for the zones you need (usually Zone 1 and 2 for the city). It’s unlimited travel for one day until the end of service.
Q: Can I use a credit card to buy tickets at the machine?
A: Most newer machines accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have a German EC card or some cash as a backup.
Q: Is the public transport safe at night?
A: Generally, yes. It’s well-used and patrolled. Standard big-city caution applies.
Q: How do I get to the Mercedes-Benz Museum from the city center?
A: Take the S-Bahn (S1, S2, S3) to “Neckarpark (Mercedes-Benz)” station. It’s a short, well-signposted walk from there.
Q: How do I get to the Porsche Museum from the city center?
A: Take the S-Bahn (S6) to “Neuwirtshaus (Porscheplatz)” station. It’s directly next to the museum.
Q: Is biking a good way to get around Stuttgart?
A: It can be, but be prepared for hills! There are bike lanes and rental services like RegioRadSTuttgart.
Attractions & Things to Do
Q: Which is better, the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum?
A: Travelers consensus: Mercedes-Benz Museum is larger, more comprehensive, and tells a broader history of the automobile. Porsche Museum is smaller, more focused, and sleeker. Car enthusiasts should do both.
Q: How much time should I allocate for the Mercedes-Benz Museum?
A: At least 3-4 hours. It’s massive and has nine floors of exhibits.
Q: How much time should I allocate for the Porsche Museum?
A: Around 2-3 hours.
Q: Is the Staatsgalerie (State Gallery) worth visiting for non-art lovers?
A: It has a great collection, including modern classics like Picasso and Dalí. The architecture is also impressive. It might surprise you.
Q: What is the Schlossplatz (Palace Square)?
A: The large, central square in front of the New Palace. It’s the heart of the city, perfect for people-watching and relaxing.
Q: Is it worth going up the TV Tower (Fernsehturm)?
A: Yes, for the iconic view. It was the world’s first TV tower. The views over the city and the surrounding hills are fantastic.
Q: What is Wilhelma?
A: It’s a combination zoological and botanical garden, located in a former royal palace. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Germany.
Q: How long does it take to see Wilhelma?
A: You can easily spend half a day or more there, especially if you enjoy gardens.
Q: What’s the deal with the Bibliothek (Library)? Should I visit?
A: The Stadtbibliothek (City Library) is a stunning, all-white cubic building. It’s a photographer’s dream. You can go in and explore the interior for free.
Q: Is the Pig Museum (Schweinemuseum) a real thing?
A: Yes, and it’s bizarrely popular. It’s the world’s largest museum dedicated to pigs. Travelers says it’s weirdly entertaining, especially after a few beers.
Q: What can I do in Stuttgart for free?
A: Walk around Schlossplatz, explore the Rosensteinpark, visit the Stadtbibliothek, and hike up to the Grabkapelle for a great free view.
Q: What’s a good activity for a rainy day?
A: Any of the car museums, the Staatsgalerie, or the Wilhelma (as many exhibits are indoors).
Q: Is the Old Castle (Altes Schloss) worth going inside?
A: It houses the Württemberg State Museum, which covers regional history. If you’re into history, yes. Otherwise, admiring the courtyard is free and sufficient for many.
Q: Where can I get the best view of the city?
A: The TV Tower, the Karlshöhe hill, or the Grabkapelle (Burial Chapel) in Rotenberg.
Q: What is the Weissenhof Estate (Weissenhofsiedlung)?
A: A housing estate built for a 1927 exhibition, featuring works by pioneering modernist architects like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. A must for architecture buffs.
Q: Is the beer tour at the Stiftskeller worth it?
A: Travelers reviews are generally positive if you want a structured beer tasting and history lesson.
Food & Drink
Q: What is a Maultasche?
A: Stuttgart’s signature dish. It’s a large pasta pocket filled with meat, spinach, and herbs, similar to a giant ravioli. Often served in broth or sliced and fried.
Q: Where can I get the best Maultasche?
A: Most traditional Swabian restaurants (Gasthäuser) will have it. The Markthalle (Market Hall) is also a great spot to try different versions.
Q: What is a Besenwirtschaft?
A: A temporary wine bar run by local vintners in their own garages or cellars. They are marked by a broom (Besen) outside. Travelers highly recommends this for an authentic, local experience.
Q: When do Besenwirtschaften open?
A: They have two main seasons: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). They are only open for a few weeks at a time.
Q: What’s a good area for restaurants and bars?
A: The Theodor-Heuss-Strasse area (Theo for short) is popular for its diverse range of bars and international restaurants. The Hans-im-Glück-Brunnen area is also lively.
Q: Is the Markthalle (Market Hall) worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. It’s a beautiful Art Nouveau building filled with gourmet food stalls, perfect for lunch or picking up snacks.
Q: What’s the local beer?
A: Stuttgarter Hofbräu is the most famous local brewery. Dinkelacker is another popular Swabian beer. You’ll find them everywhere.
Q: What is Spätzle?
A: A soft egg noodle (or dumpling) that is a staple of Swabian cuisine. Often served as a side dish or as Käsespätzle (with cheese and fried onions).
Q: Where can I find a good traditional Swabian restaurant?
A: Look for places like “Weinstube”, “Gasthaus”, or “Besen”. Recommendations from travelers often include Weinstube Schellenturm and Wirtshaus Troll.
Q: What’s a Viertele?
A: A quarter-liter of wine, typically served in a small, stemless glass. It’s the standard way to drink wine in the region.
Q: What’s the local wine like?
A: Stuttgart is one of Germany’s largest wine-growing cities! The region is known for its excellent Trollinger (a light red wine) and Riesling.
Q: Can I visit any vineyards within the city?
A: Yes! The vineyards in the Uhlbach and Untertürkheim districts are easily accessible by public transport. You can just walk through them.
Q: What’s a Kehrwoche?
A: A Swabian tradition of轮流打扫 (rotating cleaning duty) for shared spaces in apartment buildings. You won’t participate as a tourist, but it’s a fun cultural quirk to learn about!
Q: I’m a vegetarian/vegan. Will I find food?
A: Yes, Stuttgart has plenty of options. Most traditional restaurants will have at least one vegetarian option (like Käsespätzle or Maultaschen without meat), and there are many fully vegan/vegetarian cafes.
Day Trips from Stuttgart
Q: What is the best day trip from Stuttgart?
A: Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is the most popular and easiest. For a half-day trip, Esslingen is a close second.
Q: How do I get to Ludwigsburg Palace?
A: It’s a direct 15-20 minute S-Bahn (S4, S5) ride from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Ludwigsburg station, then a short walk.
Q: Is Ludwigsburg Palace worth it?
A: Yes, it’s one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany. The guided tour is highly recommended. The fairy tale garden (Blühendes Barock) is great for kids.
Q: What is Esslingen like?
A: A beautifully preserved medieval town with half-timbered houses, a castle on a hill, and cobblestone streets. It’s like stepping back in time.
Q: How do I get to Esslingen?
A: It’s a direct 15-minute S-Bahn (S1) ride from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz Factory Tour worth it?
A: If you are a huge car fan, yes. You need to book months in advance. Travelers says it’s an incredible look at modern manufacturing.
Q: Can I do a day trip to the Black Forest?
A: Yes, but it will be a long day. You can take a train to Baden-Baden or Freudenstadt, but renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore.
Q: Is Tübingen a good day trip?
A: A fantastic one. It’s a classic German university town with a gorgeous old town, a river, and a hilltop castle. About a 45-minute train ride.
Q: What about a day trip to Heidelberg?
A: It’s possible (about 1 hour by train) and Heidelberg is beautiful, but it’s a major tourist destination. Travelers often suggests Tübingen for a similar but less crowded experience.
Q: Can I visit Hohenzollern Castle on a day trip?
A: Yes, but it requires a train to Hechingen and then a shuttle bus up the hill. It’s a stunning castle, but logistically a bit more complex.
Culture & Festivals
Q: What is the Cannstatter Wasen?
A: Stuttgart’s massive Volksfest (people’s festival), which is the second largest beer festival in the world after Munich’s Oktoberfest. It happens in late September/October.
Q: How is the Wasen different from Oktoberfest?
A: It’s considered slightly more family-friendly and a bit less international/touristy, but the core experience of huge beer tents, music, and rides is very similar.
Q: What is the Stuttgart Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest)?
A: A smaller version of the Wasen that takes place in April. It’s also a lot of fun and a good alternative if you’re visiting then.
Q: Do I need a Dirndl/Lederhosen for the Wasen?
A: No, but about 70% of locals wear them. It definitely adds to the fun! You can buy or rent them in the city.
Q: How do I get a seat in a Wasen beer tent?
A: For weekends or large groups, you must book a table months in advance. For weekdays or small groups, you can try your luck arriving early (around 3-4 PM).
Q: What is the Stuttgart Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) like?
A: It’s one of the oldest and largest in Europe, spread across several squares in the city center. It’s famous for its beautiful decorations and festive atmosphere.
Q: Is the Christmas Market very crowded?
A: Yes, especially on weekends. Go on a weekday evening for a slightly less hectic experience.
Q: What is a “Glühwein”?
A: The classic German mulled wine, a staple of the Christmas Market. You pay a deposit (Pfand) for the mug.
Q: Are there any unique festivals?
A: The Stuttgart Wine Village (Weindorf) in August/September is a fantastic event where the main square becomes a huge wine tasting area.
Q: Is the State Theater (Staatstheater) good?
A: It has an excellent reputation for opera, ballet, and theatre, but performances are usually in German.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Q: Where is the main shopping street?
A: The Königstrasse, one of the longest pedestrianized shopping streets in Germany. It has all the major chain stores.
Q: Where can I find more unique, boutique shops?
A: Explore the side streets off Königstrasse, like Calwer Strasse and the Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter).
Q: What’s a good Stuttgart-specific souvenir?
A: A bottle of Trollinger wine, a Maultaschen cooking kit, a Stuttgarter Hofbräu beer glass, or something from one of the car museums.
Q: Is the Breuninger department store worth it?
A: If you’re into high-end luxury fashion, it’s the place to go. Think Germany’s version of Harrods or Bloomingdale’s.
Q: Are there any good flea markets?
A: The flea market at Karlsplatz on Saturdays is popular and has a wide variety of items.
Practicalities & Money
Q: Is Stuttgart an expensive city?
A: It’s not as expensive as Munich or Frankfurt, but it’s not cheap. Expect prices similar to other major German cities.
Q: Should I tip in restaurants?
A: Yes, but it’s simple. Round up to the nearest euro or add 5-10%. Just tell the server the total amount you want to pay when you hand them your money/card.
Q: Do I need to carry a lot of cash?
A: Germany still has a strong cash culture. While most hotels and larger restaurants take cards, many smaller bars, Besenwirtschaften, and market stalls are cash-only. Always have some euros on you.
Q: What’s the best way to get Euros?
A: Use your debit card at a German bank’s ATM (Geldautomat). Avoid Euronet ATMs due to high fees.
Q: Are shops closed on Sunday?
A: Yes, by law, almost all shops are closed on Sunday. Only restaurants, bakeries in train stations, and some kiosks are open.
Q: What is the electrical plug type?
A: Germany uses Type F plugs (two round pins), 230V. You will need an adapter.
Q: Is the tap water (Leitungswasser) safe to drink?
A: Yes, it’s of excellent quality. However, it’s not common to be served free tap water in restaurants. You’ll usually order bottled water (still for flat, mit Kohlensäure for sparkling).
Accommodation
Q: What’s a good, central but affordable hotel?
A: Motel One hotels are a frequent travelers recommendation for being stylish, central, and reasonably priced. The one at the Hauptbahnhof is very convenient.
Q: Is it better to stay near the Hauptbahnhof (main station)?
A: It’s very convenient for transport, but the area can be a bit sterile and busy. For more character, look at Mitte or Bad Cannstatt.
Q: Are there good hostel options?
A: Yes, the A&O Hostel and the Jugendherberge Stuttgart (HI Hostel) are both well-located and get good reviews.
Q: Is Airbnb a good option in Stuttgart?
A: Yes, there are many options, especially in neighborhoods like Süd (South) which is known for its cafes and nightlife.
Off the Beaten Path & Local Secrets
Q: What is the Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter)?
A: A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow, cobblestone streets, now filled with art galleries, small cafes, and unique boutiques. A great place to wander.
Q: Where can I find the best views without going to the TV Tower?
A: Hike up to the Grabkapelle (Burial Chapel) in Rotenberg or to the Karlshöhe beer garden. Both offer fantastic views and are popular with locals.
Q: Is there a good place to swim outdoors?
A: The Killesbergpark has a small paddling pool, and the Max-Eyth-See is a lake where you can swim and relax.
Q: What’s a local tradition I should experience?
A: Find a Besenwirtschaft for a casual drink with locals, or do a hike through the vineyards to a Weinprobierstand (wine tasting stand).
Q: Where do locals go to hang out?
A: The Schlossgarten and Rosensteinpark on a sunny day, or any of the numerous beer gardens like Biergarten am Schlossplatz or Biergarten Karlshöhe.
Q: Is the “Weindorf” (Wine Village) worth it?
A: Yes, if you’re visiting in late summer. It’s a huge, lively festival in the city center dedicated to local wine and food.
Q: What’s a good walk or hike within the city?
A: The “Weinwanderweg” (Vineyard Hiking Trail) through the vineyards of Untertürkheim and Uhlbach. You are in a vineyard landscape just minutes from the city center.
Q: Are there any good public baths or spas?
A: The Leuze mineral bath is a classic, with both indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural mineral water.
Specific Travelers-Inspired Questions
Q: (From a traveler) “I’m a huge Formula 1 fan. Anything special in Stuttgart?”
A: The Mercedes-Benz Museum has a dedicated section for their Silver Arrow F1 cars, which is a pilgrimage site for F1 fans.
Q: “I’m visiting Stuttgart for a business trip and only have one free afternoon. What should I do?”
A: Travelers would say: Pick one museum (Mercedes or Porsche) based on your interest, then head to the Markthalle for a quick bite, and finish with a walk through Schlossplatz.
Q: “Is the ‘Stuttgart 21’ construction project still a mess for travelers?”
A: The new station is open! While there is still construction around the area, it’s much less disruptive than it was for years. The new station is modern and functional.
Q: “I’m traveling with young kids. Is Stuttgart a good idea?”
A: Yes! Wilhelma zoo, the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum), the fairy tale garden at Ludwigsburg, and the playground at Killesbergpark are all fantastic for kids.
Q: “I’m into architecture, beyond the standard sights, what should I see?”
A: The Weissenhof Estate is a must. Also, check out the IBM Building by Mies van der Rohe and the Liederhalle concert hall.
Q: “What’s the one thing I absolutely cannot miss?”
A: Travelers’ answer is split, but it usually comes down to this: The Mercedes-Benz Museum (for its sheer scale and history) or an evening at a Besenwirtschaft (for the pure, local Swabian experience). You won’t find either of those quite like this anywhere else.