How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Stuttgart
Welcome to Stuttgart, a city known for its green planning and innovative urban designs. Whether you are a nature lover or a car fanatic, Stuttgart has something to offer for every traveler. Its name “Stuttgart” means garden for horses, which is subtly reflected in all aspects of the city, such as the car logos that the city manufactures. Stuttgart is also unique in its architecture that weaves around the hills, creating a picturesque town that tells a unique story. Here is my Stuttgart Travel Guide on where to eat, stay, and see!
Best Hotel to Stay At
The Premier Inn
Located in the heart of the city, the Premier Inn is your most convenient stay. With just a few steps from the train station and a modern shopping centre, this hotel ensures that the city is within your reach. Whether your plan is to take a short trip to downtown and take a stroll along the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) or a day-trip to the university city of Tübingen, the Inn makes it possible to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural city. Beyond its prime location, the breakfast station at the Inn is also incredible. My “go-to” breakfast every morning is bacon, egg, beans, and croissant — a perfect meal to start the busy day!
Best Things to Do
Mercedes-Benz Museum
If you are passionate about cars and German history, you’ve come to the right place. With six floors, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is as comprehensive as it can get. Its self-paced exploration offers a unique experience that begins at the top of the structure and gradually spirals down, thanks to the museum’s architectural design. Along the way, you can encounter a combination of a traditional pictorial exhibition and a captivating collection of vintage cars. If you are concerned about missing the details usually provided by a guided tour, the museum has you covered. The museum offers visitors audio headsets that give a detailed explanation of an exhibition, including a version suitable for younger audiences, as well as a general and technical overview. In my opinion, it is a must-go for anyone interested in exploring the enriching history of German automobiles.
Porsche Museum
Unlike the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Porsche Museum offers a personal tour guide, taking you from each exhibition and explaining the rich history behind each car on display. This interactive experience not only showcases the vintage cars but it also unveils the fascinating milestones that have shaped the legacy of Porsche. Additionally, the museum offers a unique opportunity for car enthusiastic to explore cars in the development phases. I was also able to open the car doors for one of their Formula 1 models. Can you believe that the car door only weighs a mere 6 pounds?
Tour of Stuttgart 21
If you are in Stuttgart, you probably would have heard about the Stuttgart 21 railway project. Expected to be completed in the near future, this new railway system aims to sustain twice as many passengers and extend its reach from Stuttgart to Wendlingen. But, did you know that you can actually go underground and see the project being constructed firsthand? This tour provides an unique opportunity to dress entirely in construction wear — yes, complete with a hard hat, reflective vests, rubber boats, and even a GPS tracker just in case you get lost in the massive tunnel.
Tübingen City Tour and the French Quarter Tour
After visiting the world of cars and the construction of the railway system, you may want to take a step away and delve into the country-side scenery that surrounds Stuttgart. Approximately an hour train ride away from the city, Tübingen showcases a picturesque neighborhood with vibrant buildings, a beautiful river, and a medieval site of the Hohentübingen Castle. A true hidden gem, Tübingen transport you back in time with its rich tapestry of cobblestone alleys and beautifully preserved architecture. I highly recommend dedicating a day to explore this beautiful town and strolling along the Neckar River.
Stuttgart Mailänder Platz
If you are a shopping addict like me, you would love this modern shopping centre. With three levels and three buildings, the mall beckons an array of stores from trendy clothing brands to well-stocked supermarkets. It is also at this mall that I discovered the German chain retail stores of dm. With most prices under $5, I surely experienced a culture shock as an American traveler. Needless to say, I spent a lot of money at dm for household and healthcare items to bring back to the states for my friends and family.
Best Restaurants
Ludwig
After a long day exploring Tübingen, treat yourself to a meal at Ludwig. The atmosphere offers a perfect blend of sophistication and coziness, making an ideal dinner spot for tired travelers. From savory starters to delectable main courses to mouthwatering desserts, Ludwig is an unforgettable experience. My favorite was the Crème brûlée, and it was the best I’ve ever had! The salmon main course was also delicious, and I finished every last bite.
Lautenschlager
If you are looking for some place louder and more lively in downtown Stuttgart, Lautenschlager is the place to go. This restaurant offers an energetic ambiance that is an ideal choice for a night-out. On a personal note, Lautenschlager holds a special place in my heart as it was the first restaurant that I ate at after arriving in Germany. It was also here did I savor my first taste of German beer, the classic Schnitzel, and Käsespätzle.
Das Nudel Ding
Located on the upper level of the Stuttgart Mailänder Platz, Das Nudel Ding has quickly become a favorite spot of mine. This eatery stands out for its extensive menu option, offering an array of selections that I wasn’t able to get back in Boston. I was also pleasantly surprised by the owner’s multilingual ability, speaking in three languages — English, German, and Chinese. As a result, I was able to connect with the owner who then went above and beyond by fulfilling my last minute order even after the store closing. Thus, I would give this a 10/10 experience.
Last Words
Overall, I highly recommend Stuttgart as your next travel destination. The city is sure to offer a fit to anyone seeking a diverse and enriching travel experience. Its harmonious combination of culture, history, nature and innovation will definitely make your trip a memorable one!
