Top Rated Attractions in Stuttgart

Baden-Württemberg's elegant capital, Stuttgart blends old-world Swabian charm with industrial verve. The city rests in a rolling valley carved by the Neckar that winds its way up to lush hills dotted with vineyards. Consistently ranked among Europe's top cities, Stuttgart is an economic powerhouse that is home to world-famous auto and engineering companies like Daimler AG and Porsche as well a number of vineyards, publishers, and communications industries. With its prehistoric roots and Roman legacy, the city's origins can be traced back thousands of years. A large part of the city was destroyed in World War II; however, historic buildings like the 13th-century Altes Schloss, imposing Romanesque Stiftskirche, Wilhelma Gardens and the majestic Schlossplatz remain to tell the tale of the city's glorious achievements.

A longstanding testament to Baroque architecture, the palace dominates the city center of Stuttgart. Built in 1806, this palace has stood the trials of time and nature for centuries. A visit to this palace is a treat for those who appreciate architecture. During the 1900s, the castle functioned as a museum but sadly it was left in ruins during World War II. Subsequently, the rooms were painstakingly restored to their former beauty. Presently the building serves as the administration office for several ministries of the Baden-Wuerttemberg state government. Rolling lawns, fountains and a columnar monument embellish the front yard of the sprawling edifice of the palace. While the White Hall is used for various conferences and meetings, the Parade Rooms can be visited with special permission. The palace is breathtakingly beautiful at night and makes for a lovely stopover during an evening stroll through the city.

Altes Schloss is a spectacular castle that was built in the 10th Century. Its Innenhof (courtyard) is a magnificent space, surrounded by three stories of arcades, doors and balconies. The entire castle was renovated in the 16th Century, hence the courtyard exhibits German Renaissance architecture. Today, it serves as an open-air venue for classical concerts. Seated in the cool air, encircled by architectural marvels, listen to traditional German songs and international tunes. You can also watch enthralling fire shows, replete with colorful lighting and props.

Junges Schloss is the state capital's first children's museum. The museum focuses on the regional history of the area, making the state's history engaging and exciting for the youngest generation of Stuttgarters. The museum's goal is to foster a love of art and culture by allowing kids to explore unique exhibits that teach them about these topics without being overbearing or too dense. Adults will love to watch their children engage with the exhibits and may even learn a thing or two themselves.

The 10th-century Altes Schloss, or Old Palace, is located in the heart of the city adjacent to the 19th-century New Palace. The castle has served as a residence for the city's sovereign counts and dukes of the area since its construction. By the command of several of the 16th-century dukes, the moats of the castle were removed and it was converted into a Renaissance castle. The castle that visitors can admire today was reconstructed in 1969, as the original was destroyed during World War II. The castle is currently the headquarters of the Württemberg State Museum that houses archaeological collections, as well as collections related to local history and culture.

The Neues Schloss Ehrenhof is a large concert venue located within the premises of the New Palace in Stuttgart. It hosts major music concerts every year, with German artists like Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter and Max Herre making an appearance.