Nestled in a valley on the banks of the Neckar river, Stuttgart is a forward-thinking city filled with glorious green spaces, religious relics and world-famous museums.
Stuttgart boasts plenty of monuments that celebrate its rich royal and religious history. The 18th-century baroque New Palace shines as the centrepiece of the iconic square Schlossplatz, while the Gothic St John’s Church towers over Feuersee lake with a classical grandeur. Elsewhere, the 10th-century Stiftskirche church hints at the city’s Roman heritage behind a mix of modern architectural features.
Car enthusiasts will find much to love in the capital of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state. You can discover the history of iconic vehicles at the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum – buildings which look as futuristic as the cars themselves. The city seems to be always looking ahead, as signalled by the Stuttgart TV Tower, renowned as the world's first telecommunications tower.
Surrounded by hills and covered with parks, there are plenty of things to do outside here. Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Rosenstein Park are definite highlights, and you can even follow the Neckar river to the nearby Black Forest for some picturesque landscapes. On your return, make sure you stop by a local wine tavern to sample the fruits of the vine-clad hills.
Stuttgart Airport is located south of the city, about 13 kilometres from the centre.