Stuttgart was chosen as the least stressful city in the world. Here are maybe 101 reasons why.
1. The Stadtbibliothek
It’s the first thing that pops into my head. Before it may have been Stuttgart Ballet or Porsche, but after witnessing this architectural marvel, it just sticks with you: Stuttgart has one amazing library. Books aside, photos of this particular library appear at least a dozen times on Instagram feeds under #stuttgart and photographers have won awards with their photos of it. If you’re in the area, pay a visit. I dare you to try not to whip out your camera or cell phone. For more info, visit here.
2. The first ever TV tower: the Fernsehturm
A feat by itself: it was the first TV tower in the world and offered many cities a guideline on how TV towers should look like. You can go up for a view or a cup of coffee at the cafe up there. It’s such a landmark of the city, you find yourself looking for it wherever you are. For more info, visit here.
3. The view from Fernsehturm
I feel like it deserves its own number. I personally like to go up high to get an idea or a picture of that city and the Fernsehturm is an obvious choice if you’re like me. Because Stuttgart is surrounded by luscious trees, it’s beautiful during summer but it also has a bit of that haunting kind of look during the colder months. Especially with snow. (You can’t go up there during the main winter months) There are more than enough viewpoints that offer nice views, but the one from the tower is certainly hard to beat.
4. Wilhelma
Wilhelma is the biggest and only zoological botanical garden in Europe and it’s beautiful. It gets a bit crowdy on the warmer months but it’s an amazing place to have a picnic, date or even a stroll. It was one of the first places I went after we settled down in Stuttgart six years ago and I remember thinking, yup, this city is amazing. The Wilhelma will do that to you. And it’s so close to the city center! Oh, and the peacocks just wandering around casually. A thing of beauty. For more info, visit here.
5. Schillerplatz
One of my personal favorites. Surrounded by beautiful architecture, including the hard-to-miss Schiller memorial. It’s the oldest of its kind in Germany, built in 1839. Schillerplatz is a wonderful square and such a treat to look at, but also perfect to sit for a beer at Alte Kanzlei, near the statue of Friedrich Schiller himself or stroll around when the weekly market is open. Most of the vendors around Schillerplatz sell flowers, so it’s quite the view. Perhaps one of my most photographed places to date.
6. Let the beer begin: Wasen
Munich has Oktoberfest and yes, it’s the biggest in Germany, but it’s always good to know the second biggest just in case you can’t make it to the first. But then Stuttgart’s Wasen has its own little charm, with ghost rides, merry-go-rounds, wurst stands, arcades and obviously, the beer tents. It gets crowded but you can find a place eventually. For more info, visit here.
7. Frülingsfest
Wasen’s spring version because you need two big beer events per year. It’s the biggest spring fest in Europe and a very anticipated event after a long, eventless winter. For more info, visit here.
8. Cheers for summer: Sommerfest
There’s the Christmas markets for winter, Wasen for fall, Frülingsfest for spring and for summer? Sommerfest is mostly held in front of the Stuttgart Oper and Schlossplatz and it’s glorious. Cocktails, beers, wursts are obvious choices for Stuttgarters, but there are a lot more to choose from, including Spanish food, burgers, desserts, proper German cuisine and even some Italian under spacious, white tents. And the music! For more info, visit here.
9. Stuttgart Ballet
I love ballet. When I was working at the culture desk for The Korea Times, I used to cover ballet and I loved it. The dancers, the music, the stage, backstage, the costumes. (My fav is Onegin and Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Cinderella) Stuttgart Ballet is one of the most prestigious, thanks to the dancers and legendary choreographer and founder John Cranko. I feel so lucky to live so close to such a company. It’s quite well known in Korea because of former principal dancer Kang Sue-jin and current principal dancer Kang Hyo-jung. If you haven’t seen a performance, do yourself a favor and do it. For more info, visit here.
10. Getting fancy: Dorotheen Quartier
A rather new addition to the shopping scene in Stuttgart, Dorotheen Quartier is connected to Breuninger but it’s actually a shopping area of its own. There are quite pricy brands like Rolex, Louis Vuitton and even Tesla but these just make this area that much special and unique. The modern architecture goes surprisingly well with the more traditional buildings and makes shopping all that more enjoyable. Personally I feel like it makes the area that much special, a bit of a mix of old and new, but done very well. For more info, visit here.
11. The center: Schlossplatz
The primary meeting point for, well, everyone. It’s at the heart of what we all call Stuttgart and the main location for many events, such as the Jazzopen, Trickfilm festival and other similar concerts and shows. During the colder months, it looks and feels like a Rembrandt painting with all the shadows, eerie lights and voids, but once the sun hits the trees and grass, the best place to just sit around, spend time with loved ones and enjoy the surroundings.
12. Animation central: Trickfilm festival
Held annually, it’s a festival of animation films. Traditionally, and quite unfortunately, it always rained, but this year (2018) we’ve seen brighter, drier days. Some films are screened at movie theaters and for those you need a ticket, but various films from around the world are screened at none other than Schlossplatz for everyone to watch. Organizers also lay out sturdier “carpets” for people to sit down and enjoy the films. For more info, visit here.
13. New palace (Neues Schloss)
As one of the last large city palaces built in Southern Germany, the 18th century Baroque palace is now the home of government offices and is only available by public tours. It was the residence of the Kings of Württemberg and was built to replace the Old Castle by the Duke Carl Eugen, hence the “New Palace.” After World War II, it went through quite a turmoil, almost completely burned down, later threatened to be demolished, rebuilt into a hotel but it was agreed that the castle would finally be rebuilt. And it’s a good thing it was. It may be the youngest palaces in the area, but its size and exterior is impressive, living up to Stuttgart’s more grandeur, majestic side. My favorite time to visit is actually after sunset, when the lights add more character and even romance to the already grandeur architecture.
14. “Kompact” but a keeper: Stadtpalais
Previously a state library, the newly opened Stadtpalais is a gem and if you’ve been following its social media, you would know that it’s making an impressive presence in the current museum scene. Small but packed with information and history. If all museums were like the Stadtpalais, I would go every day just to learn something new. The collection is fun, informative, historical, some interactive, some traditional, but overall, a keeper. For more info, visit here.
15. Kaiserbau Gelateria
I’ve known gelato for a long time and I consider myself a fan and somewhat expert. I’ve tried all different types of gelato from different countries and cities, and I have to say, while Italy does make a point in terms of creaminess and affordability, Kaiserbau does an excellent job in richness, creativity and most importantly, consistence (My favorite is salted caramel). During the winter months, however, the owners drop the “Ge-” and add another “l” to create a “latteria” and sell cheese and wine. Smart.
16. (Still) number one: La Signorina
The best pizza in town. The title of best pizza tends to move from here to there, but La Signorina has been the best for quite a while now. The dough, the toppings, the fact that they have a quite lively outdoor eating area (the insides can get a bit crowded and loud) all comes down to a local favorite, especially among the Italians. They spruce up their menus depending on the seasons and they sometimes do have some unusual toppings, like chestnuts, red carrots and baby octopuses but overall, best pizza. Please don’t change.
17. Marienplatz
There are a number of squares that are popular in the city, and one of them is Marienplatz. There’s a playground, a basketball court, restaurants, cafes, a fountain, gelato shops and a grocery shop all within walking distance but most of all, it’s a nice, big space where you can meet friends, eat food, drink beer and enjoy a nice evening.
18. Tour on wheels: Stuttgart bus tours
The easiest and fastest way to learn about the city, not to mention entertaining. There are currently two lines, Blue and Green, depending on your style of travel. I’ve tried both and liked both of them. They both tap the right places. They’re interesting and informative and most conveniently, you don’t have to wander around searching for the U-bahn or public bus. For more info, visit here or check here or here for more information.
19. Beans with history: Hochland Kaffee
Officially the Hochland Kaffee Hunzelmann, it’s Germany’s biggest coffee manufacturer and has been producing coffee since 1930. They offer an array of coffee beans, teas, gifts, coffee-related accessories and chocolates. Yum. For more info, visit here.
20. Tritschler
In the 17th century, a glassware company called Tritschler & Cie started their business with high hopes and big dreams. The sellers would bring their glassware in baskets on their backs all the way to Stuttgart for annual and weekly markets. Michael Tritschler settled down in Stuttgart in 1723, right in the heart of Marktplatz, and after two wars and numerous bombing raids, it still stands today. The shop now is a collection of everything lifestyle and kitchenware and even if you don’t buy anything (because I have to admit, it’s not the cheapest shop), it’s such a joy to go in and browse. Or is that just me? For more info, visit here.
21. Königsbau
One of the many landmarks in the Schlossplatz area, it was once used as a business, concert and ball venue and was built in the mid-19th century. It’s now a shopping area with a fairly new food court, furniture shops, supermarket, post office and more. If you’ve seen photos of Schlossplatz, it’s most likely you’ve seen photos of the structure’s magnificent pillars, which are 34 in total and 135 meters long.
22. Currywurst at Martha’s
I’ll be honest and say I’m not the biggest fan of wurst. Nor currywurst. For those who haven’t tried it, currywurst is basically chopped up wurst with a special sauce and sprinkled with curry powder. In my opinion, it’s the sauce that makes the difference and the sauce at Martha’s seems like it has been simmering for quite some time. And like any good sauce, time is one of the most important ingredients. It’s rich, full of flavor and more than enough to impress even a non-currywurst fan.
23. Mercedes Benz Museum
One of the must-sees for anyone, really. The museum not only covers the brand, it delves into history, economy, war, social issues and even marketing. It’s like walking into a history book. It’s informative, extensive, fun and a pity if you miss it. For more info, visit here.
24. Porsche Museum
Stylish and compact. Just like their cars. Porsche Museum has all that I need in a museum: not too overwhelmingly huge yet full of information, up-to-date, interactive but not too much, enough space to enjoy without hovering over strangers and just a joy to walk around and look at. While the Mercedes Benz feels like a historical documentary in a good way, the Porsche Museum seems more like a stylish catalogue of the brand and company’s history. For more info, visit here.
25. Old Castle
The Old Castle was originally built as a water fortress in the 10th century. It’s beautiful. Probably one of my favorite structures in Stuttgart. After being used as a court and an accessory building, it is now the home of a royal collection of antiquities and the Württemberg State Museum, or the Landesmuseum.
26. The street that connects them all: Königstrasse
Where all the shopping begins and ends. Ther are now more places to shops outside this famous street like Milanoe and Das Gerber, but Koenigstrasse is still the it-place for shopping in Stuttgart. It’s actually one of the the longest (1.2 kilometers) and most popular shopping streets in Germany. With the Stuttgart 21 project underway, I’m assuming the street will have to go through some facelifts (extensions through the current train tracks), but it’s no doubt that when it comes to Stuttgart center, it’s impossible to step away from the street eventually.
27. Landesmuseum
Located in the Old Castle, it’s the main historical museum of the southern region of Germany with an impressive collection and programs along with whimsical details here and there for both adults and children. A great place to learn more about Stuttgart, especially if you live here. The museum often holds special events and also offers free entry on special days, like very hot days where the temperature hits a certain number. That was fun. For more info, visit here.
28. That tower: Stiftskirche
Literally meaning the Collegiate Church, it’s one of the main landmarks of the city. The structure dates back to the 10th century and the current state is the result of a number of events, including new residencies, Reformation, renovations and, of course, World War II. The clocktower is a part of the church and I can bet any tourist visiting Stuttgart may have one or more photos of the famous tower on their camera roll.
29. Art and architecture: Staatsgalerie
The architecture is rather peculiar, and according to critics has been controversial when it first opened its doors back in 1984. There are interesting angles, slants, colors and asymmetry, which is makes it all that more interesting. And yes, it houses a collection of some impressive 20th century modern art, including those by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Oskar Schlemmer. The building itself is unique enough to pay a visit. For more info, visit here.
30. Cube Restaurant
Located in the heart of Königstrasse overlooking Schlossplatz, there’s a clear glass cube that resembles a, well, cube. The lower levels are part of the Kunstmuseum but the top floor is none other than a restaurant/bar. With floor to ceiling windows, posh waiters and sleek interior design, I can’t guarantee they have the best, affordable food and service in the city, but the view is truly one of the bests you can get within the city center, both summer and winter. For more info, visit here.
31. At the heart of art: Kunstmuseum
Located on the lower levels of a cubic building, the Kunstmuseum is an art form in itself: during daylight it just looks like a glass cube with writings, posters or sometimes images of currently running exhibitions, but at night, it turns into a glorious transparent cube lighted from within. It’s quite a sight, a glistening cube right at the heart of the street. You can find many prominent German artists here, including Otto Dix (his works are beautifully horrifying) and Willi Baumeister. For more info, visit here.
32. State Museum of Natural History
Located in Rosenstein park, the state-owned museum consists of paleontology and geology exhibitions (Loewentor Museum) and biology and natural history exhibitions (Museum Rosenstein). The Baden Württemberg region is quite famous for its abundance in fossils, and these are very well shown at the permanent exhibitions. So for kids and any history and nature buff, this is the place to be. The museum also made headlines when a famed paleontologist of the museum was “let go” after his controversial studies and beliefs on Intelligence Design. Interesting. For more info, visit here.
33. Shop til you drop: Milaneo
Located right next to the Stadtbibliothek, it’s a recent add to the shopping scene. It’s big, has more than 200 shops, both kid and dog friendly and on Fridays it’s open until 22:00. It’s very spacious with even areas designated for hanging out between shopping trips because, let’s face it, shopping is tiring. They also have a quite decent food court. For more info, visit here.
34. Das Gerber
Das Gerber may be smaller than Milaneo but it has interesting shops to make up for it. Some of my favorite shops are here, including Søstrene Grene, Pano (we had my daughter’s first birthday party here) and a local favorite Urban Outfitters. It’s much easier to navigate but like I said, has more than enough shops to satisfy any shopping needs. For more info, visit here.
35. Keeping it green: Stuttgart’s Green U
Starting from Rosentstein Park, the Leibfreidschen Garden, Wartberg to Killesberg, this U-shaped area is protected by law and is one of the reasons why Stuttgart is such a green city. An overall area of almost 6 square kilometers has been offering the city dwellers greenery, peace and quiet, fun recreational facilities and just a good time. Whenever the sun’s out, you’ll find a heap load of people relaxing under the sun, playing sports and having picnics. Without such parks and strict protection, I don’t know what the Stuttgarters would do. And I’m grateful for that.
36. When’s the next fest?: Street festivals
Stuttgart may not be the biggest city in the world nor the most summery, but it does know how to have a good time when the weather is actually good. Streets and quarters big and small arrange various festivals with different themes, so when the weather’s right, there’s bound to be a street festival somewhere. My favs are the Stuttgarter Kinderfest, Sommerfest, Marienplatzfest and Bohnenviertelfest.
37. Breuninger
Quite a luxury department store in Stuttgart, Breuninger first opened its doors in 1881. News reports of poor sales and the closings of several outlets and stores may have tarnished the Breuninger name but it’s still one of the best department stores in Stuttgart, in my opinion. I’m not a big fan of Germany’s service department overall, but Breuninger has been and still is quite a symbol when it comes to a high quality, luxury shopping experience here in the city. And some fun facts about it: it was one of the first German outlets to install elevators, first German retailer to introduce loyalty cards and also a multi-level parking space. The exterior also changes every season and it’s a treat to see as well. For more info, visit here.
38. And all that wine: Weindorf
One of my personal favorites when it comes to city events. Held during the autumn months, the city center turns into a wine wonderland. More than 30 wineries across the region offer their best wines and all you have to do is to attend (for free) and enjoy an afternoon with a glass. Or two. For more info, visit here.
39. Wineries and vineyards
Interestingly enough, Stuttgart is one of those rare German cities where they produce wine. Personally, I prefer the whites but the city does boasts a number of whites, reds and their own type of a sparkly called Sekt. The city is shaped like a dish, where the city center area is surrounded by hills and vineyards and while this characteristic makes it a bit vulnerable to feinstaub (or fine dust) but if you’re a wine fan, it’s amazing to walk past vineyards by just taking the subway or even walking. You can also easily book winery visits and wine tastings at any of the wineries around the city.
40. An international crowd
More than half of the city’s population is not of Swabian background, and this mainly comes down to the employment situation along with historical reasons like wars and refugees. Around 40 percent of the population is of foreign background, which makes it quite international. Another reason why it’s so darn hard for me to perfect my German: basically everyone speaks English.
41. Coffee for days: Misch Misch
There are a number of cafes in Stuttgart, with a lot of new ones popping up here and there. Misch Misch opened in 2016 and it has become a steady favorite among Stuttgarters. It’s not the biggest, but the charm and coziness is indeed a selling point. It’s easy to get a cup of coffee in the city, but it’s hard to get really good coffee and I mean it. Good coffee, not from a capsule, not from a push of a button, but good-beans-well-grounded and poured-to-perfection kind of well-made coffee. And Misch Misch doesn’t disappoint. And their pastries. Seriously, their chocolate croissant is one of the best you can get in the city.
42. Killesberg Park
One of the prettiest parks in Stuttgart. There are fountains, a tower, playgrounds, a petting zoo, a swimming pool and a children’s theater. So basically a feast for everyone. It’s a beautiful space really and during summer months, there are a handful of events and festivals to pick and choose from. And again, very close to everywhere.
43. Less stressful city in the world
Among fellow 149 countries, Stuttgart was chosen as the less stressful city in the world. It’s not a daily thing we Stuttgarters feel and think of, but it’s true. According to Zipjet’s study, Stuttgart was chosen for its green spaces, near perfect score for family purchasing power and mental health. Of course, there were some downsides, such as the noise and light pollution (but have you lived in Seoul?), not much sunlight and an average score for traffic (again, have you been to Seoul or any Asian city for that matter?). Do I agree? Somewhat. (If you want a more in-depth explanation, we’ll need coffee. Or wine. Or both.) For more info, visit here.
44. Das Leuze
To be frank, I’ve never been to the Leuze but this is because I’m not a big fan of public swimming pools, baths, saunas etc. But it’s one of the most visited mineral baths in Germany and dates back to 1842! There are indoor and outdoor pools, baths and also a children’s area. Again, I haven’t been, but I hear it’s glorious and the architecture is also impressive, winning a number of architecture prizes over the years. Maybe this is one of the reasons the city was chosen as the less stressful? For more info, visit here.
45. It’s a small world, after all: Linden Museum
Germans are known to be avid travelers and this also applies to Stuttgarters. But for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time and money (yet) to travel to the other side of the world, enter Linden Museum. It’s an ethnological museum with exhibits on various cultural artifacts from around the world, including South and Southeast Asia, Africa, Pakistan, China, Japan and even from North, Latin America and Oceania. It’s not the biggest so not at all overwhelming, but enough to spend a good couple of hours. A more educational, less musical “It’s a Small World.” For more info, visit here.
46. Thrilling city hall: Rathaus
Perhaps not the prettiest one in Germany, but practical and historical it most certainly is. In my opinion, it’s one of the two pillars of meeting points when it comes to Stuttgart city center, the other being Schlossplatz. My favorite time to enjoy the building itself is during the Christmas market when they put up the dates of the month on the windows like an Advent calendar. There’s also a special elevator called a paternoster, which is basically an open elevator shaft with no doors to close in. You have to jump on and off. Thrills at the city hall, not something you see everyday. For more info, visit here.
47. Marktplatz
Ground zero, if you will. The square was first documented as a more “bourgeois center” in 1290. It’s also where many shops yearn to open their flagships stores (some have succeeded for example Tritschler and Thomas Sabo) and also where something is almost always happening, including festivals, shows, demonstrations and markets (open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and dates back to 1304). Plus, it’s beautiful to look at. I consider these things very important when living in a city: beauty and style.
48. One classy market: Markthalle
Markthalle is a historic art nouveau market hall close to the city center. It’s quite a view, with more than 40 booths and 30 retailers selling everything from wine, honey to produce, fish, bread and desserts. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to walk around, take photos and enjoy the glitz and glam of one of the most beloved market spaces in Stuttgart. For more info, visit here.
49. Toys for all: Kurtz
Stuttgart’s very own toy store that has been in business for the past 180 years. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to purchase toys online these days, but there’s something about walking into an actual workshop, surrounded by toys, children, parents running around after their children and just the overall joyful, sometimes even nostalgic, atmosphere. It was once located facing Marktplatz, but moved to the back of the building; a bit smaller but the same charms and temptations. For more info, visit here.
50. Reach for the stars: Carl Zeiss Planetarium
You wouldn’t think Stuttgart is so into star gazing or astronomy, but you would be surprised. I certainly was. Although a bit hidden both literally and figuratively near the Stuttgart 21 project near the main station, the Carl Zeiss Planetarium has been satisfying astronomy lovers from 1928. And throughout history it went through air raids, facelifts, redesigns, renovations and was eventually reborn to what is known to be the currently running Carl Zeiss Planetarium. For more info, visit here.
51. Swabisch romance: Sepulchral Chapel
Although Stuttgart doesn’t have any kings or queens currently reigning over it, it has more than enough castles and stories that proves its history of romance, loyalty and love. The Sepulchral Chapel is located on Württemberg hill and is widely known as the Grabkapelle auf dem Württemberg, was built by King Wilhelm I in memory of his wife Katharina, who died at a young age. It’s a beauty, built on top of the hill surrounded by neighboring hills, forests and vineyards, thus offering glorious views of the city and is also an impressive feat of architecture, with the mausoleum being inspired by none other than the Pantheon in Rome. For more info, visit here.
52. Not your typical pretzel: Brezel
If you translate Brezel on Google, it will come up Pretzel, something you already may know. But Brezel and Pretzel are two very different things, according to the Swabians. The so called “belly” is thicker and the “arms” thinner and and crispier. The thicker and rounder belly makes it better to cut open and plop a thick layer of butter, because the more butter, the better. It’s enjoyed any time of day, as breakfast, snack, dinner and even for crying toddlers.
53. Hans Im Glück Brunnen
It’s the OG when it comes to the typical weekend hangout. A small area around the Hans im Glück fountain, there are cafes, bars, shops and restaurants where you can have a drink and meet friends. There was a time when we would have dinner somewhere else and naturally head to this area, no reservations and not expecting much, waiting for available tables or even sometimes just talking with friends on the street, drink in hand. There’s always space for everyone, music and all.
54. Schloss Solitude
This beauty of a castle was built for the Duke Carl Eugen who wanted to rest and enjoy the surroundings while he was hunting in the area. It’s a jewel indeed and is literally connected to the city of Ludwigsburg. From the northern gate of the castle starts the Solitude-Allee, a tree lined avenue that directly leads to the city for over 13 kilometers. (The Duke wanted to use it as a connecting route to the residence palace in Ludwigsburg. Smart.) At the time, there was a high school called Karlsschule and one of its most famous alumnus, none other than Friedrich Schiller himself.
55. Rosenstein Park
It’s the largest English garden in the southwest Germany and was created on the orders of King William I of Württemberg from 1824 to1840. Quite a long time to build a garden, but it was worth it. Within the park, which is now preserved as a historical monument, there’s the Rosenstein Palace, Wilhelma Zoo and the State Museum of Natural History, complete with the Löwentor, or Lion’s Gate, at the upper park entrance. It’s part of the Green U of Stuttgart, along with the Schlossgarten, Leibfried Garden, Wartberg and the Killesbergpark. Quite a feat.
56. Picnic on the hills: Karlshöhe
A public park located high up away from the hustle and bustle, it was just a matter of time someone decided to open a restaurant/cafe/bar where you can get a glimpse of the lovely green and red roofed skyline and enjoy a beer or two. You can bring your own drinks and food to sit around the vineyards and, of course, take a load of photos with the vines, the view and the picnic. It gets busy and packed fast during the warmer months, so better head out early if you want to get a good spot.
57. A quick bite indeed: Brezelkörble
Literally Brezel basket, it all started when a renowned baker back in the 1960s, Ursula Füess, won a scholarship to the U.S., found the food stands on the street interesting and brought it back to the center of Stuttgart. It wasn’t much of a stand at first, she started with a baby carriage of some sort and a parasol, but it has transformed into a quick and easy brezel stop for a fast bite or breakfast for passersby.
58. A wine or two at Calwer Strasse
There are a couple of streets, or strasses, that make up Königstrasse, and Calwer Strasse is one of the most historic and also currently the most trending of them all. Along the street there’s a mixture of everything; a burger place, fancy Italian restaurants, a Starbucks, jewelers, boutiques , interior shops, bars, cafes and wine bars.
59. (Merry) Christmas market
One of the biggest in Germany, the Christmas market is quite a sight. You may think they sell only Christmas related products, but you would be wrong. You can purchase everything; from clothes, mittens, hats, socks, kitchenware, baskets and of course, Christmas ornaments. And the food. The glorious food and the Glüwein. Be careful with the Glüwein though. It’s cold and windy and the drink is warm and wine, so you’ll get drunk real fast. Enjoy with caution. For more info, visit here.
60. Jazz in the city: Jazzopen
Every year, famous jazz artists from near and far gather in Stuttgart to perform in a week long festival. Schlossplatz during the summer time is already great, but add jazz musicians and it’s amazing. The lineup differs every year but it’s most likely you’ll find someone you know or like. Some previous artists include Jamie Cullum, Santana, Jamiroquai and Van Morrison. For more info, visit here.
61. The two pillars of Stuttgart beer: Dinkelacker and Stuttgarter Hofbräu
Dinkelacker opened its door in 1888 at the exact same location in Tübingerstrasse. The family brewery, which includes Schwabenbräu, the Wulle and Sanwald brands, is quite famous in the area and you can also take factory tours. If you’re not into visiting the actual brewery, you can also enjoy the beer at various locations, including one of my personal favs, Carls Brauhaus. They even have beer cocktails. Hofbräu dates back to the 17th century and has been one of the favorites among both Stuttgarters and non-Stuttgarters. It was also the official supplier for the Württember royal court. I’m a fan of Dinkelacker’s Wulle, because of that swish! sound and chill when you open the bottle.
62. Hamburg in the city
Being surrounded by hills and forests, Stuttgart isn’t quite the best place for seafood lovers. In fact, it’s difficult to get your hands on really fresh fish. Which is why once a year, the good people of Hamburg and Stuttgart exchange their goodies: fish for wine. Held at Karlsplatz, it’s a week long festival of fish, drinks, pickles, desserts and more. For more info, visit here.
63. Wittwer
I struggle to read books these days with a toddler, but I do love the idea of actually holding a book, turning pages and reading. Bookstores have become a must visit whenever I travel, we all love to browse through books regardless of the language. Wittwer celebrated its 150 year anniversary last year and it’s still going strong. I do have to admit I don’t buy as much books as I have before offline, but I do still love stopping by for a look. These days, mostly baby-related books and cookbooks. For more info, visit here.
64. People watching at Alte Kenzlei
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the actual restaurant but more of the outside area on Schillerplatz. It’s the perfect spot on a warm summer day, beer or cocktail in hand and enjoy the beautiful view of one of the best squares in the city. And because it’s not in the busiest area but still the center, it’s great for people watching. Because let’s face it, it’s one of the reasons we all love to sit outside. Oh, and the sun too.
65. Sonnenhof
A beautiful farm that offers variety of activities, including petting zoos, horseback riding and also a perfect venue for weddings, birthday parties and reunions. This place has a special place in my heart because it’s where we got married. We loved it, it was a big open space, a lot of green, beautiful sunlight and perfectly fine to sing and dance all through the night. For more info, visit here.
66. Karlsplatz
One of the prettiest squares in the city. Not the biggest, the fanciest or the most colorful, but I love how it works with the background. The cafe, the Dorotheen Quartier, the old castle roofs, the cobblestone and the grand sculpture of King Wilhelm I. A number of events are held here throughout the year, including flea markets and the Hamburg Fish market.
67. Beachy vibes: Sky Beach
Stuttgart is nowhere near the beach so it was natural someone came up with an idea of bringing the beach to the city. Kept away on the top floor of the department store Kaufhof in Königstrasse, the appropriately named Sky Beach is a hip beach bar with sand, palm trees, music, drinks and a great view of the city. It can get a little smoky (with cigarettes, not bbqs) and crowded and it’s not the most kid friendly place around. For more info, visit here.
68. Die Lange Nacht der Museen
If there’s something Stuttgart does well, it’s welcoming visitors to museums. One of the best ways to enjoy them is the Lange Nacht der Museen. The main museums such as the Landesmuseum, Porsche and Mercedes Benz Museum offer tours, activities, concerts and various events, not to mention the smaller ones including galleries and art studios. Most of the venues are open until late, allowing visitors to explore in a different light, quite literally. To make things easier, the tickets not only include the entries of the venues, but also the transportation and shuttle buses that run through the night. For more info, visit here.
69. German hip-hop central
I’m not the biggest fan of hip-hop but if you are, Stuttgart is the place to be. I always wondered why hip-hop was so dominant in clubs and bars here, but Stuttgart is in fact hip-hop central. Mostly thanks to the German hip-hop group Die Fantastischen Vier, which was formed here in Stuttgart. Along with another group called Advanced Chemistry (love that name), they were among the first groups to rap in the German language (their famous Die Da? It’s really catchy and even I can understand the lyrics!). The band may have left Stuttgart as its home base to meet other fans around the world, but they do come back for concerts and events, and Stuttgart remains loyal to their humble beginnings, one hip-hop song after another. (This is my fav)
70. A venue for everything: Liederhalle
Liederhalle is located near Berliner Platz and is a concert hall and conference center. But it’s actually much more than that. Not only is it one of the leading concert halls in Germany, which staged performances for the New York Philharmonic and Jimi Hendrix, it’s also one of the most important cultural building of the post war period. It still offers the best concerts, conferences and events throughout the year, including the Blickfang event and various concerts both classical and commercial. For more info, visit here.
71. The lady of Stuttgart: The Jubiläumssäule
If you walk around Schlossplatz or even google it, chances are that you’ve seen the tall monument at the heart of the square. Simply named as the “anniversary column,” it was made to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the government and also the 60th birthday of King Wilhelm I of Württemberg. On top of the 30 meter high shaft is the statue of the Roman goddess Concordia. The goddess represents harmony and is surrounded by four lions, which are the symbolic animals of the region. She is holding a palm leaf which symbolizes peace and a wreath that represents victory. She went through some cleanings and facelifts but she now stands tall and strong, overlooking the city.
72. Stuttgart 21
Stuttgart 21 is a railway and urban development project and is in part of the framework of the Trans-European Network. The basic idea is the renewal of the main station, Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, along with new underground railways, tunnels and high speed lines. The project was initiated in 1994 and construction work began in 2010. The construction is expected to complete in 2021. For more info, visit here.
73. And the still ongoing debates and protests on Stuttgart 21
The project Stuttgart 21 is underway, but it’s not difficult to find people still protesting against it. A lot of people have buttons and bumper stickers with a red cross on the words Stuttgart 21 on their backpacks and cars, which shows how they feel about the very expensive project. There are still weekly demonstrations mostly on Monday evenings. (For more info on the protests, visit here) The total cost is estimated at 6.5 billion euros, a lot more than the previous estimate of 4.5 billion. The debate concerns a broad range of issues, including financial, geological, environmental, cultural and performance issues. And this debate has been going on from the mid 1980s when discussions of the project first started.
74. Olivo
Stuttgart’s Michelin star restaurant Olivo is a bit tricky to find, but that doesn’t stop it for being one of the top choices when it comes to fine dining. I haven’t been to this institution of elegant dining, but hopefully one day. Chef Nico Burkhardt whips up dishes inspired by the French cuisine and reading the menu in a glance, it seems they offer dishes indeed with French influence but with classic German ingredients such as asparagus and cabbages. If you are up for a fancy night or even lunch, Olivo should be on your list. For more info, visit here.
75. Eberhardstrasse
I didn’t add this one just because I used to live here, but because it really is a unique street. It reminds me of a mini Garosu-gil in Seoul, where there are small shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafes lined up in a rather secluded street, making it a bit more personal and special. My favs are Harry’s, Old Bridge and the very new The Meat Club.
76. Top Air
Europe’s only Michelin-starred airport restaurant and it’s in Stuttgart. Run by chef Marco Akuzun, it offers a variety of dishes from around the world, fit for a proper airport restaurant if you ask me, including courses with Thai, Japanese, French and German flair. If you have some time to kill and don’t want to spend time filling up with McDonald’s or Burger King, enter Top Air. For more info, visit here.
77. First Vegetarian Association in Germany
According to the International Vegetarian Union, the history of German vegetarian societies goes to the 19th century. In 1867, Eduard Baltzer founded the German Natural Living Society or the Deutsche Verein für natürliche Lebensweise, which doesn’t technically uses the wording “vegetarian,” but was the first anything in Germany to promote the concept of vegetarianism. But then the following year, Gustav von Struve founded the Stuttgarter Vegetarierverein or the Stuttgart Vegetarian Association. This official association for vegetarians became the starting point of the concept in Germany, and yes, it started here in Stuttgart. The association no longer exists under this name but is now represented by ProVeg Deutschland.
78. Teehaus im Weissenburgpark
Built in 1913, the Teehaus was originally built as a gift by a businessman to his wife and is now one of the favorite tea spots with a great view. Just one of the many places in Stuttgart where you can pay a visit, take a tea or cake, beer, coffee, enjoy the surroundings (which includes a pond and a big terrace) and the view.
79. That famous horse: The coat of arms
Many may know the symbol as a company logo but it was and still is the coat of arms of Stuttgart city. Back in the 10th century, Stuttgart was known as “Stutengarten” literally a stud (male horse) farm or garden. Because the founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche wanted to build an emblem devoted to the city of Stuttgart, where they found their now famous company, they “borrowed” the main image of the black horse on its hind legs, not to mention the symbols of Baden-Württemberg (the black and red stripes and antlers).
80. Where there’s wine, there’s a museum: Weinbaumuseum
This beautiful museum offers the 2,000 history of winemaking in the city of Stuttgart. Not the biggest museum, but the structure of the building is amazing. And of course, wine tasting. I’m always in favor of actual wineries than museums, but this short trip will be able to inform you of the unique winemaking process and history of the city. For more info, visit here.
81. Swabian Dialect
I can’t detect so much of this dialect, but the proper Swabian dialect includes different vocabulary, making it even difficult for people speaking “standard German” to understand. The only detail I have learned is the “-le” at the end of some words but what I find interesting and respectable is the pride Swabians have for it.
82. Maultaschen
The traditional dish of the region, Maultaschen is a favorite among Stuttgarters. You can find it in various forms: soups, grilled or even as salads. It’s basically a German version of a dumpling or a ravioli, but it’s actually its own thing in all its right. It’s mostly square shaped and very versatile. I consider it as the gimbap of Stuttgart thanks to many instagrammers in Stuttgart (for example @mojofromtheblog), you can eat it by itself, with a salad, as lunch, as dinner, with other side dishes, make it yourself and/or buy it from the shops and it can be enjoyed dressed up and both dressed down.
83. Fluxus
I was a bit hesitant to add Fluxus to the list because it’s closed, but I feel like it’s significant enough to mention for future reference and maybe something similar. Located on Calwe Strasse, Fluxus was a temporary concept mall that opened in 2014 under the motto “Fashion, Design, Vintage, Zeitgeist.” It was lined up with shops and boutiques ranging from bars, cafes, fashion, vintage shops, wine bars and more. It was popular with everyone, both young and old, during the entire day and into the night where it would transform into this small club/bar with music, lights and good times. It bid farewell to fans and will now go through a facelift, hopefully a good one.
84. Spätzle
Along with Maultaschen, Spätzle is a popular southern Germany cuisine. A type of egg noodle that you can eat alone with cheese or as a side dish. While it’s also consumed in different countries such as Hungary and Austria, it’s mostly known as a southern dish in Germany and can be found in most German restaurants. I personally like it on its own with a creamy cheese sauce.
85. Max Eyth See
A lake where you can sunbathe, kayak and basically sink in the views of the trees and vineyards nearby. You can also take a walk, bike around the trails and enjoy barbeques at public pits. Two things are forbidden though which are swimming and ice skating but you can still enjoy some beer and food at a nearby beer garden and restaurants. Just another pleasant weekend retreat to soak up nature and relax.
86. Feuersee and Johanneskirche
Feuersee literally means “fire lake” and was made to be just that: a lake to put out possible fires. The church is located right in the middle of the lake, on a little peninsula. It was the first post-medieval church in Stuttgart but nowadays, it’s a great area to take a walk, have lunch or even have some drinks along the newly created pavements and stairs. It’s also quite a scene to look at during darker hours, with the lights of the church illuminating across the lake and the glorious reflections.
87. The stairs of death (for me): Stäffele
Stuttgart was once, and yet still is, a city of grapes and vineyards. And while more and more people came to join these wine lovers, the city expanded and houses had to be built up the hills. This meant a way of transportation was called for, and the old vineyards were replaced with stairs to reach the higher residential area. These stairs can still be found within streets in certain areas of the city, and while it’s historical and pretty, it’s a hell to walk up. There are a couple of famous ones, the Eugenstaffel, the Taubenstaffel and the Saengerstaffel, just to name a few.
88. Hegel Haus
I’m not much of a philosophy buff, but I do know that Germany was the home of many famous and influential philosophers, and one of them is Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Some of his famous quotes: “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion” and “Whatever is reasonable is true, and whatever is true is reasonable.” Hegel was born in Stuttgart, or on Eberhardstrasse to be exact, and you visit the birth place which has now turned into a museum. He lived in Stuttgart for the first 18 years of his life and although the museum is quite small (it was his actual home), it’s informative and personal and must see if you are a fan. For more info, visit here.
89. Original afterwork party: Palast der Republik
With all the new cafes and bars popping up, it’s interesting to find that some places just never go out of style. And Palast Der Republik is one of them. It used to be a public toilet (that’s right) located between Bolzstrasse and Friedrichstrasse, it’s a humble little hangout but humble the number of people who come to enjoy is not. There are tables and chairs, but it’s like an unwritten rule: you just plop down on the sidewalk with your beer and that’s that. It opened 25 years ago and has been one of the most popular “afterwork beer” venues in the area, even before there was a concept of “afterwork” parties or gatherings.
90. Sichuan China Restaurant
I almost don’t want to share this place. It’s a Chinese, Sichuan technically speaking, restaurant and it’s as authentic as it can get. No Thai, Vietnam, Korean, Japanese and Chinese all into one, but strictly Sichuan. So very Chinese and very spicy. My favorite way is to go with a bunch of friends, order various dishes and share. It’s the only way to do it right.
91. Zahnradbahn
Zahnradbahn an electric rack railway and is the only urban one in Germany, making it that much special. So what is a rack railyway? Easily known as a cogwheel railway, it’s a steep grade railway with a toothed rack rail, allowing trains to operate on steep grades above seven to 10%. Most are used as mountain railways, but some have been used in cities to overcome steep gradients in urban environments. The one in Stuttgart, commonly known as the “Zacke” (spike), goes through a maximum incline of 17.5%, which is quite scary, but you also get an amazing view of the city. You can most commonly find the Zacke at Marienplatz.
92. Weissenhofmuseum
The Weissenhofmuseum is a museum of architecture and history. It’s located within a house designed by famed architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect, designer, urban planner and one of the pioneers of what is now called modern architecture. The museum offers a glimpse of the masterminds of the architect, the spaces, colors and furnishings. For example, the “transformable flat” shows the visitors how he made the space both practical yet functional through moving walls and furniture, very futuristic even for nowadays. The museum was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. For more info, visit here.
93. A clean space for all: Kehrwoche
The Kehrwoche culture began at the end of the 15th century, so it’s safe to say Swabians took cleanliness quite seriously even during those days. It was a system where people were given the responsibility to “make order” and clean inside common areas of buildings, such as the staircase or entrance and also the exterior of the structure and sidewalks. This tradition is still intact and is also included in the rental agreement, describing which parties must clean on which given day, and while these tasks vary depending on the building management, most often than not it includes cleaning the sidewalk, shoveling snow during winter months and cleaning the stairs. If anyone gets hurt because you didn’t take your Kehrwoche seriously, expect a hefty bill of insurance and complaints.
94. StuttCard
Something that many cities have but nonetheless very useful if you’re into saving money and still exploring the city fully. I was lucky enough to try out the StuttCard and loved it: easy, quick, practical, more affordable than paying for everything separately and no fuss or muss. For more info, visit here.
95. Getting cozy: Besenwirtschaften
Winter in Stuttgart can be brutal, not just because it’s cold, but it’s dark, gloomy and there’s not much to do. But there is! And it involves really good food and wine. Besen means a “broom” in German, and it was one of the ways to identify if a “Besenwirtschaften” are open. Literally broomstick inns, these are small and temporary wine bars, open for around four months in various locations, including someone’s own home, barn, basement or even a garage. And because of these restrictions, there are rather strict regulations. No more than 40 people can be served at a time and hygiene inspectors control them weekly. Being wine bars, visitors are usually served homemade wine from last season’s harvest, paired with some local favorites like homemade sausages, bread rolls, soups and sometimes straight full meals.
96. White gold: White asparagus
The love for white asparagus, or white gold as some people here call it, is very serious. During Spargelzeit, or white asparagus season which normally starts in April, it’s hard to miss these veggies everywhere, from farms, market stalls and sometimes here in Stuttgart, in the middle of the Königstrasse, mostly in front of the WMF shop. It’s a bit more tender in both texture and taste and enjoyed slightly cooked in boiling water, with salt and pepper and/or butter, or with a special Hollandaise sauce. Many restaurants offer special menus during white asparagus season, so you really can’t miss it.
97. VfB Stuttgart
If you walk around at the right time, you’ll find a lot of people dressed in red, most likely with a matching red scarf around their necks. Behold the fans of VfB Stuttgart. It’s a sports club and famous for its football team. It has won the national championship five times and their fans are hardcore. It’s the largest sports club in Baden Württemberg and the fifth largest in Germany.
98. Bärenschlössle
One of the great things about Stuttgart is it’s hard to miss the greenery. Take about 20 minutes by car or even subway and you can already find yourself surrounded by forests. Literally Bear Castle, Bärenschlössle is a park and popular among walkers, hikers, families, joggers and basically anybody who wants to enjoy some trees, shade and water. Originally built as a pleasure palace, now it’s used as a restaurant and a public space where you can stop by after a run, jog or bike ride. It’s a beautiful area, with water and surrounded by a luscious forest. A perfect getaway from the city.
99. Stuttgart Open
Also known as the MercedesCup because of its sponsor, the Stuttgart Open is an ATP World Tour 250 series tennis tournament. It first started in 1916 and is quite a scene for tennis fans here. The tournament awards the title winner with a Mercedes car, along with the prize money. Appropriate, if you ask me. Previous winners include Rafael Nadal, Lucas Pouille and the 2018 champion, Roger Federer.
100. Public transportation
We don’t have a car, which is “gasp” impossible with a toddler, but in fact, it’s not. I’m used to public transportation in Korea as well, but I have to say, Stuttgart’s public transportation is great. It’s on time (most of the time), there’s A/C, which is important on those sticky summer months, clean (have you tried other European cities’ subways? Gross.), fast, safe and practical. From October to April, there’s also something called the Feinstaubalarm, which literally means fine dust alarm, and when this rate reaches a certain point, public transportation costs go down, down. But really, Stuttgart’s public transportation has made not living with a car so easy, and we don’t plan to get one any time soon.
101. Killer views: Eugensplatz
Another popular place where you can enjoy the city skyline and all the greens surrounding it. There’s a fountain, gelateria and benches where you can just relax and enjoy the view. It’s so romantic. Plus, if you need some extra love, there’s a gelato shop called Pinguin, a city favorite.
Photo of Sonnenhof by Kate Bauer. Rest by rachelsanghee. 2018 July.
What an awesome love letter to my hometown! Thank you Rachel for this beautiful piece 🙂
Thanks so much for reading dear 🙂 See you soon!