Unlike other prosperous industrial cities, Stuttgart isn't a city of concrete. Nearly 2/3 of its land being devoted to woodland, gardens and parks. Yet it is recognized as one of Germany's leading industrial centers and site of international congresses and trade fairs. It is also an important cultural center, home to world-famous Stuttgart Ballet, State Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to cultural festivals, museums and theater groups found in abundance here. This and much more can be experienced during Stuttgart holidays popular with thousands of travelers all year round.
Home to plentiful attractions and sights, Stuttgart has much to offer to each of its guests in terms of history, culture and entertainment. Of course, it's impossible to enjoy all of its renowned sightseeing sites during short Stuttgart holidays and city breaks. Listed below are some of the most popular attractions that are a definite must during your stays in the city.
One of the oldest standing structures in Stuttgart, Altes Schloss and Wurttembergisches Landesmuseum is housed in the huge palace that was constructed in the thirteenth century and redone in the sixteenth century in Renaissance style. The museum traces Swabia's culture and art from the Stone Age to present. Among the most valuable items are the ducal art chamber, the crown jewels and the European glass. Features by the museum is also an extensive collection of Swabian sculptures, renowned treasures of the Celtic prince of Hochdorf, an exhibition of musical instruments, coins and clocks, and a collection from Merovingian period to early Middle Ages.
A definite must-see for art lovers enjoying their Stuttgart holidays, Staatsgalerie is home to the finest exhibits in the city spanning over 550 years. The best collection covers the period from nineteenth through twentieth centuries and includes works of such renowned German expressionists as Barlach, Kirchner and Beckmann. You'll also find here examples of French art of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and of the American and European postwar avant-garde.
Stuttgart holidays are also a wonderful opportunity to pay a visit to Mercedes-Benz Museum honoring the world's oldest automobile factory and invention of the motorcar by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Over 75 historical vehicles are on display, including the first motor bicycle - a Daimler Reitwagen from 1885. Race cars date from 1899, such as the Silver Arrow, the Blitzen-Benz, the Sauber Mercedes and the Indy car.
Shopping enthusiasts consider Stuttgart short breaks a wonderful chance to discover treasures of numerous shops and boutiques ranging from interesting to elegant. The largest concentration of upscale shops can be found at the underground mall Klett Passage across from the train station. Some of the most expensive boutiques are located along the Calwer Strasse and in the arcade Calwer Passage. Bargain hunters should consider the flea market on the Karlplatz , where books, clothes, household items, furniture and art are likely to turn up. Another popular shop, Tritschler am Marktplatz offers porcelain, glass, fine china and decorative houseware.