Stuttgart

Palace Square (Schlossplatz) is Stuttgart’s central gathering spot, framed by the New Palace and the Königsbau. At its centre stands the Jubilee Column, topped by the goddess Concordia, commemorating King Wilhelm I’s 25th year of rule. Once a military parade ground, the square was opened to the public in the 19th century and now hosts open-air concerts, festivals, and parts of the Christmas market.

Perched atop Württemberg Hill, the Sepulchral Chapel (Grabkapelle) was built by King Wilhelm I in the early 19th century as a tribute to his late wife, Katharina. Designed by court architect Giovanni Salucci, the neoclassical structure features a domed rotunda and houses the tombs of the royal couple and their daughter. The chapel is surrounded by vineyards and offers panoramic views over the Neckar Valley and Stuttgart.

Wilhelma is Stuttgart’s unique zoological and botanical garden, set in a 19th-century Moorish-style palace complex built for King Wilhelm I. It’s the only place in Germany that combines a zoo and botanical garden, with around 11,000 animals from roughly 1,200 species, and about 8,500 plant species from all over the world. The grounds are a mix of historic architecture, greenhouses, and themed enclosures like the new Terra Australis area, home to koalas and other Australian species.

Completed in 1956, the Stuttgart TV Tower was the world’s first television tower built with reinforced concrete and remains a model for others globally. Standing at 216.61 metres, it offers stunning views from its observation decks and is home to a rotating restaurant and café.

Located next to Porsche's headquarters in Zuffenhausen, the museum showcases around 80 vehicles and 200 smaller exhibits, all displayed within a striking 5,600-square-metre space. The building itself is an architectural highlight—a futuristic structure designed by Viennese firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, appearing to hover above the ground on just three supports. Inside, the exhibits are arranged chronologically, offering a comprehensive look at Porsche's evolution from its early days to the present. The museum also features a glass-walled workshop where visitors can observe vehicle restorations in progress.

The Stuttgart State Gallery (Staatsgalerie Stuttgart) is one of Germany’s leading art museums, showcasing works from the 14th century to the present. Its collection includes approximately 5,500 paintings and sculptures, 250,000 works on paper, and up to 250,000 archival documents from artists' estates. The museum comprises three main buildings: the original 1843 structure, the postmodern extension designed by James Stirling in 1984, and a 2002 addition by architects Wilfrid and Katharina Steib. Stirling’s extension, known as the Neue Staatsgalerie, is celebrated for its innovative design that integrates a public walkway through the museum, blending classical and modern elements. The Staatsgalerie's extensive collection features masterpieces by artists such as Oskar Schlemmer, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró.

The Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History is split between two locations in Rosenstein Park: Schloss Rosenstein and the Museum am Löwentor. Schloss Rosenstein focuses on biology and ecosystems, featuring exhibits like a 13-metre-long sei whale model and displays on biodiversity, evolution, and various habitats. The Museum am Löwentor showcases paleontological and geological collections, including fossils from the region. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at the natural world, from prehistoric times to present-day ecosystems.

Stuttgart has the second-largest mineral water reserves in Europe, just after Budapest. In Bad Cannstatt, 19 springs produce around 44 million litres of mineral water daily. Locals have been using these waters for centuries, and today, three public mineral spas keep the tradition alive: DAS LEUZE, Mineralbad Berg, and SoleBad Cannstatt. DAS LEUZE is the most modern of the three, with indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural mineral springs, a large sauna area, and a dedicated children’s section. It’s located right by the Neckar River and easily accessible via public transport.