Essential Practical Tips for Visiting Stuttgart, Germany
Planning a trip to Stuttgart? Check out these tips to make the most of your visit!
Stuttgart Airport, or STR, is the seventh busiest airport in Germany. It’s about 13 kilometers or 8 miles from the city center and is a major hub for many global airlines. Once you land at Stuttgart Airport, you’ve got a few options to get to the city center:
- You can hop on the S-Bahn, a suburban train system. Lines S2 and S3 will get you to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, in about 27 minutes.
- There are also several bus lines that run between the airport and the city center. This trip will take you about 40 minutes.
- If you prefer a taxi, you can find them right outside the airport terminal building. A taxi ride to the city center takes about 25 minutes and will cost around €35, depending on traffic and your exact destination.
Stuttgart is well-connected by train to other major cities in Germany and Europe. For example, a train ride from Frankfurt to Stuttgart takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes. From Munich to Stuttgart, it’s about 2 hours and 7 minutes. There are also direct trains from other major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
If you’re driving, Stuttgart is at the intersection of the A8 and A81 autobahns. Driving from Frankfurt to Stuttgart takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Munich to Stuttgart, it’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Here are some additional tips for your trip:
- If you’re arriving at Stuttgart Airport on a weekend or during peak season, consider booking your S-Bahn or bus tickets in advance.
- If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, a taxi from the airport to your hotel might be your best bet.
- Stuttgart has an excellent public transportation system, so getting around the city without a car is easy.
- If you’re staying in the city center, consider purchasing a Stuttgart CityPASS. It gives you free admission to many of the city’s top attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.
When it comes to getting around Stuttgart, you’ve got several options.
The city boasts a reliable and integrated public transportation system that includes the S-Bahn (suburban trains), Stadtbahn (U-Bahn or underground metro), and buses.
The S-Bahn is a suburban train system that serves Stuttgart and its surrounding districts. It’s got 7 lines and 83 stations, covering over 200 km. During peak hours, you can catch a train every 15 minutes.
The U-Bahn, also known as the Stadtbahn or light rail, covers most of Stuttgart with its 14 main lines.
Buses in Stuttgart are great for shorter distances. They share the road with cars and bikes, but they’re usually on time unless there’s a major accident. You can buy tickets for all these services at ticket machines at the respective stations. If you buy a single ticket, you’re good to go. But if you buy a ticket for four trips, remember to validate it for each trip.
If you’re planning to drive, keep in mind that Stuttgart is located at the intersection of the A8 and A81 autobahns. However, parking can be tricky and many areas in the city center are designed for pedestrians.
Renting a car can give you more flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re planning to visit places outside of Stuttgart or if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or with family. However, keep in mind that parking in the city can be challenging and many areas in the city center are designed for pedestrians.
If your activities are mainly in the city center and well-connected areas, public transport might be more convenient. If you plan to explore outside the city or prefer having control over your schedule without depending on public transport timings, renting a car could be beneficial.
Stuttgart is a great place to visit, though it might not be for everyone.
I’m not really into cars, but I love the city’s hidden spots and scenic landmarks. And you can’t miss Ludwigsburg’s Residential Palace—it’s definitely worth seeing!
To really experience Stuttgart, you should plan for at least two days. You’ll want to check out the car museums, explore the city’s landmarks, and take day trips to nearby spots like Ludwigsburg’s Residential Palace or Lichtenstein Castle.
For example, spend your first day at the car exhibits, then enjoy a nice dinner at the Stuttgart TV Tower in the evening. On day two, dive into more of the city’s landmarks or go on a day trip to nearby attractions. Stuttgart is also a great base for exploring the stunning areas around Baden-Württemberg.
The best time to visit Stuttgart generally is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).
- For museums with fewer crowds, aim for weekdays in the off-season, particularly during the mornings. Early spring and late autumn are quieter, as these months tend to attract fewer tourists.
- If you’re keen on visiting palaces like Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, Schloss Solitude, and the Sepulchral Chapel, late spring or early autumn are ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner compared to the summer months.
- To explore the city and hang out at places like Schlossplatz, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are perfect. You’ll experience mild weather and the city will be lively but not overly crowded.
Besides what I’ve already mentioned in my Stuttgart guide, there are even more places to check out. If you love museums, don’t miss the Linden Museum and the Pig Museum. You can also explore Karlshöhe Park, Weinwanderung (wine tasting), and Marienplatz Square.
Want a stress-free way to explore Stuttgart? Try the Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It will take you straight to all these amazing attractions. No need to worry about routes and schedules. Just hop on the bus, sit back, and enjoy your Stuttgart adventure!
Let’s say you’ve wrapped up your day trip in Stuttgart and you’re thinking about heading back to your hotel or grabbing dinner at the usual spots, right? Well, hold up! How about trying something a little different? There’s this great restaurant by the River Neckar called Riverhouse S-Münster. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening in Stuttgart. They’ve got raclette, wines, a huge variety of sausages and cheese, fresh veggies, potatoes—the works! Plus, they even have a comedy show (it’s in German though).
If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to check out Bad Cannstatt. It’s a culinary journey through Stuttgart’s oldest district that’s sure to delight your senses. This is where you’ll find the best of Stuttgart’s regional cuisine. Have you tried the classic Hefezopf, braided bread? Or how about Maultaschen, pasta filled with meat or cheese and served in a clear soup?
When you’re in Stuttgart, you’re close to some amazing spots in Germany, like the Black Forest and Lichtenstein Castle. If you love beautiful scenery or just want to see some incredible sights, these are a must! There are also other great places to visit in Southern Germany outside Baden-Württemberg, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. Definitely worth checking out!
Before you go, check out WanderInEurope’s discovery guide to Stuttgart. It highlights the city’s top experiences, including Schlossplatz, impressive car museums, parks, and amazing day trips like Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, Schloss Solitude, and Sepulchral Chapel.
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