Beautifully situated in south-west Germany, the city of Stuttgart is the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state – and is renowned for both its modern attractions and historic sites.
Home to stunning palaces, gardens and galleries, not to mention two of the world’s biggest car manufacturers in the shape of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, there’s something to discover around every corner of this picturesque city.
This guide takes you through the best things to do in Stuttgart if you’re planning a visit, so you won’t miss any of its highlights.
Fernsehturm Stuttgart
Discover the world’s first ever concrete television tower, built in 1956 and designed to be a visitor attraction too – an ambition that’s paid off as it’s still probably the most popular landmark here.
Visible from all over the city, heading up the tower provides you with the best panoramic views over Stuttgart from its position on the hill.
At the top of this 217-metre high tower, the observation deck and restaurant mean you can enjoy some refreshments while basking in the glorious city views, and with it opening well into the evening, it offers the opportunity to see the city’s skyline lit up at night. Guided tours are also available and there’s free parking available at the tower.
Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens
Wilhelma was formerly a bathhouse and pleasure garden built for King Wilhelm I, only accessible by royal decree.In the 1950s however it was restored, and became the zoological and botanical gardens that you can visit today.
As you wander around this popular zoo, you can see more than 1,200 different species that live here. Make sure you stop to see the orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees – the zoo is famous for its resident apes.
For a moment of peace and tranquillity meanwhile, wander among the 8,500 species of plants in the botanical gardens.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Get to know more about one of the car manufacturers that put Stuttgart on the automobile map, with this must-see destination for motoring enthusiasts.
Housed in a futuristic-looking building, made of steel and glass, the Mercedes-Benz Museum takes you back to 1886 when Karl Benz invented the first ever car. Learn about the history of the brand and its many innovations over the years within the museum.
There are around 1,500 items and more than 160 vehicles to see across a dozen rooms. You can take two tours – ‘Legend’ and ‘Collection’. The first chronologically displays the brand’s historic cars, while the latter is a variety of themed rooms, with vehicles grouped by type.
Shop on Königstraße
If you fancy some retail therapy, you’re in the right place. Stuttgart is home to one of the longest and most popular shopping streets in the whole of Germany.
The pedestrianised street extends through the heart of the city for over a kilometre, and is lined with famous high street stores and luxury boutiques.
Shop until you drop and then take advantage of one of the many restaurants, where you can sample delicious and traditional local dishes.
Porsche Museum
Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only motoring manufacturer to call Stuttgart home, and Porsche also makes its presence felt in the city.
Start in the early days of the famous company and work your way through to the present at this exciting museum. As you explore you’ll see more than 80 vehicles, including the classic Porsche 356 and 550, the iconic 911, and futuristic 917.
You can learn about the firm’s story before 1948, or take a look at the brand’s products and motorsports history, while the ‘Porsche Ideas’ section joins the two together. Don’t forget to visit the impressive 12-metre interactive touch wall either.
You can also take a tour of the factory, which starts in the museum and is available throughout the week. Before you see the impressive vehicles, you can leave your own car in the underground parking lot.
Ludwigsburg Palace
Be truly amazed by the largest Baroque building in Europe and one of the biggest palaces of its kind in the country, with a trip to Ludwigsburg Palace.
Dating to the 18th century, this is a grand and extraordinary structure to behold, and one of the region’s most acclaimed attractions.
Once inside, take a moment to admire the walls – these were hand-painted for Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg by Matthäus Günther. When you arrive in the Marble Hall, look up so you don’t miss the blue sky and white fluffy clouds that form the ceiling, and the beautiful chandelier hanging from the centre.
You can only explore the palace as part of an insightful guided tour, but there are also wonderful gardens to wander around as well as a museum.
Schlossplatz
Schlossplatz, or Palace Square, is the heart of the city and home to Neues Schloss, the ‘New Palace’.
Wander around Stuttgart’s main square and you’ll see beautiful fountains and the 30-metre high Jubilee Column, which is topped by Condordia, goddess of harmony. It’s an ideal place to grab some food at a nearby café, and soak up the grand atmosphere.
This space is often used for open-air concerts – so be sure to check if anything is on while you’re there. Experiencing a show in such surroundings is quite the experience. 
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart
This modern and contemporary art museum can be found in the city centre. The building itself is formed of reflective glass, which is illuminated at night so you can see the stone inside. Whatever time you visit, inside you’ll see two former traffic tunnels that house work by the likes of Otto Dix.
Take a guided tour and learn more about the extensive collection, or find your own way around the exhibits at a pace that suits you. Make sure you end your time here with a visit to the rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy magnificent views across the streets and buildings beyond.
A rental car in Stuttgart is the perfect way to get around the city, and discover the best things to do, whether you stay in and around the region – or head out to discover more of Germany.