Photo: Mika Stetsovski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stuttgart, Germany
Germany's automotive capital, centrally placed for a meeting point between northern Europe and the Alps.
Stuttgart sits in a bowl of hills and vineyards unusual for a German city, home to both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums as well as a genuine wine-growing tradition inside the city limits. It's less of a classic tourist stop than Munich or Berlin, but well connected for business travelers and easy day trips into the surrounding region.
Best time to visit
May–September brings the warmest weather for the surrounding vineyards and outdoor terraces.
Top attractions
- •The Mercedes-Benz Museum
- •The Porsche Museum
- •Schlossplatz and the New Palace (Neues Schloss)
- •The city's vineyard trails (Stuttgarter Weinwanderweg), some within walking distance of downtown
- •The Wilhelma zoological and botanical garden
Practical tips
- •S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 run every 15 minutes between the airport (Flughafen/Messe station) and Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, taking about 27 minutes.
- •Seek out a Besenwirtschaft, a small seasonal wine tavern run by local growers, for a more local experience than the beer-hall stereotype.
- •Book Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museum tickets online ahead, especially on weekends, since both draw significant crowds.
Frequently asked questions
What airport serves Stuttgart?
Stuttgart's main airport is Stuttgart Airport (STR).
When is the best time to visit Stuttgart?
May–September brings the warmest weather for the surrounding vineyards and outdoor terraces.
Is Stuttgart a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?
Germany's automotive capital, centrally placed for a meeting point between northern Europe and the Alps.
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