How to Spend a Weekend in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital city of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state and one of its most populous cities. Though it is best known for its automotive industry, Stuttgart is also a lively city full of things to do and see. If you’re looking to spend a weekend in the city, this guide will give you an overview of some of the best leisure activities to experience in Stuttgart.

Exploring Leafy Parks and Gardens

Stuttgart is often called one of Germany’s most attractive cities, not least because of its many parks and gardens. Some of the most beautiful places to explore include:

• Schlossgarten Stuttgart, a vast green space in the heart of the city.
• Rosengarten, full of fragrant blooms, perfect for a romantic stroll.
• Solitude Lake, an artificial lake with a beach and plenty of leisure activities such as swimming, kitesurfing and stand-up paddle boarding
• Mini golf course, located within Schlossgarten, which is fun for the whole family.

Experience The Klösterle District

The social and cultural heart of Stuttgart is known as Klösterle and is an eclectic mix of small boutiques, hip cafés, independent shops, bars and whimsical alleyways. This remains one of the oldest places in the city, with many buildings dating back centuries. Klösterle also offers a selection of art galleries, music gigs, artisan markets and quirky events. Here you can find something to entertain you on any given day, be it a live concert or performance. You can also learn about the history of Stuttgart with a tour around the museum at Klösterle, which focuses on shapes and stories from the city’s past.

Visit Popular Attractions

Stuttgart has plenty of major attractions for visitors to explore. Many of these historic buildings were constructed during the 19th century, when the city was under the rule of King Wilhelm I.

• Stuttersheim Castle, a Renaissance-style palace, built in 1609.
• New Palace, a stunning 18th century building now used as a museum.
• House Of History, this museum offers insight into regional politics, culture and society.
• TV Tower, the highest point in Stuttgart offering incredible views across the city.

There is also an abundance of ethnological and natural history museums for visitors to explore, such as:

• Wilhelma Zoo & Botanical Garden, Germany’s largest zoological-botanical garden.
• Regional Museum Of Natural History & Technology, providing an insight into geology, prehistoric archaeology and mining.
• Plaza Art Museum, which houses many original masterpieces from both classic and modern artists including Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
• House Of Nature Museum, with its wildlife gallery, planetarium and interactive exhibitions.

Savour Traditional Dishes

No visit to Stuttgart is complete without sampling some of its traditional dishes. This region is the birthplace of Maultaschen – a type of large ravioli filled with savoury ingredients, often spinach and minced meat or vegetables – which is a popular dish served in many local restaurants, such as Restaurant Schwabentor. The area is also renowned for original Swabian cuisine which includes dishes such as Rotes Haus (red house) – a pork stew cooked with red onions and tomatoes – and Gaisburger Marsch (Gaisburg Marsh) – a beef stew full of root vegetables and herbs, served with dumplings or noodles.

Take In Local Opera And Theatre Productions

There is plenty to entertain culture vultures in Stuttgart and the area boasts more than its fair share of historic theatres, concert halls and open air stages; each offering unique performances throughout the year. Notable venues include:

• State Theatre Stuttgart, showcasing opera, ballet and theatre performances.
• Porsche Stadium Festivak, featuring live music events and screenings throughout the warmer month.
• Theaterhaus Stuttgart, an independent venue presenting avant garde dance theatre.
• Theater Der Stadt Waiblinen, which hosts regular classical music concerts.

Explore The German Wine Road

Finally, no trip to Stuttgart would be complete without venturing out into the wider “wine region’; comprised of ancient villages, areas carpeted with vineyards, and plenty of places to sample some delicious local wines! Starting at Uhlbach near Heilbronn, this 75 mile wine route takes visitors through some picturesque towns such as Ipoville and Stetten, before ending at Bühl near Baden Baden. Along the way you’ll find many scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views across the vineyards and villages dotted along wine route. There are plenty of wineries and eateries at which you can stop along the route – such as Weingut Dreifaltigkeit – allowing you to make a real day (or even weekend) out of this experience. Though it has been shaped by its illustrious car industry, Stuttgart is also a vibrant city which is ripe with both culture and leisure pursuits; offering something to suit eve nthe most discerning traveler! From wildlife trails through Schlossgarten park to wine tasting along the German Wine Road, this guide has provided an overview of some exciting activities for you to explore during your weekend in Stuttgart – providing you with enough variety to make this a trip you’ll never forget!