From famous vehicle museums to palaces and food halls, there’s something here for everyone
First off, we’re starting with my favourite food spot, the Stuttgart Food Market Hall. Usually open from 7:30am – 6:30pm, the market hall has an abundance of produce from wine, fruit, chocolates, fruit and international specialties. If you’re especially hungry, I’d recommend the Marktstüble restaurant (on the ground floor near the entrance) for a cosy atmosphere and delish Swabian specialties.
Next is the most insane modern library known as Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz. I know a library sounds boring as hell but it’s pretty epic, trust me. Upon entering, locate an elevator that takes you up to the eighth floor for the best views, bathrooms and a cute cafe if you’re in need of a coffee or pastry fix.
For great shopping head over to Königstraße shopping street where you’ll find most major brands and German boutiques. For the Gen Z’s and Millennials, I recommend shopping at New Yorker. This super cool and relatively affordable German clothing brand gives off the same vibes as Glassons, Supre and Universal Store. I have so many comfy sweaters and jeans from them, and I admit, I do love flexing that I got it from Germany.
Close by to the shopping street is Stuttgart’s Palace Square (Schlossplatz), home to the Old Palace, the Kunstgebäude art gallery and the Königsbau shopping arcade. There’s also free wifi available in this area for those without a sim card!
Staatsgalerie is another art gallery about a ten minute walk from the Palace Square with work dating back to the 1800s.
The Solitude Palace is a super gorgeous residence worth seeing from just the outside alone. There’s guided tours included with entry for as little as 7 euro and discounts for university students up to age 28 (with ID).
Motor lovers definitely don’t miss out on the very famous Mercedes and Porsche museums. Even if you’re not a fan or you get roped in by a family member (yes you dad), these museums are actually really cool and offer both history, mechanical engineering and race information that is actually engaging and interesting. There’s free audio guides at both museums too! I’d recommend visiting on a weekday and booking them in advance as tourists and school tours call for some busy periods. If you’re tossing between which one to visit, the Mercedes museum has a super cool Formula One section where you can test out your pit crew, reflex response and strategy skills. Note, these museums will take about 3-4 hours to get through and are out of the main city of Stuttgart, so make sure you plan for transport.
Last but not least is the Baroque-style Stiftskirche church, dating back to the 1700s. I’d totally visit just to see the stunning ceiling paintings.
Notes for Christmas travellers
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling during the Christmas season, be sure to check out the Old Palace (Schiller Square) Christmas markets with picturesque stalls, food and music until 9pm and the various winter Illuminations in the inner city.
Tschüss,
Jacqui.
