10 reasons why you should visit Stuttgart

It’s the capital of Baden-Württemberg and the home of its own dialect called Schwäbisch, but did you know that Stuttgart is also known as the least stressful city in the world? It’s high time you added Stuttgart to your list of must-visit German cities and here are 10 reasons why.

1. The city of cars

Germany is famous for its cars, yes, but Stuttgart is the home of two very special and important brands: Mercedes Benz and Porsche. Not only is it easy to see these beautiful cars while strolling around the city, but you can also find fascinating museums dedicated to their history. Even if cars aren’t 100 percent your thing, the museums will open your eyes to a whole new world of German innovation and design.

2. The Stuttgart Ballet

As well as being one of the top dance companies in the world, the Stuttgart Ballet has produced some of the most innovative and creative productions and dancers to date. Founded and shaped by British dancer and choreographer John Cranko, the ballet company is known for full-length narrative ballets such as “Onegin,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Taming of the Shrew.” It is also home to some of the world’s foremost choreographers, including Uwe Scholz, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián and Renato Zanella.

3. A library with style

The Stadtbibliothek doesn’t look so special from the outside, but when you step inside, you’ll want to get your camera ready. The building’s interior, with its sleek white walls, clean lines and huge array of colorful books, is the epitome of modernity and sophistication. Even if you’re not a photographer and are just popping in to borrow some books, it’s very hard to resist taking a photo or two.

4. Wine is the city’s cup of tea

Stuttgart’s residents have made good use of the hills surrounding the city, turning them over to something you might not expect to find in Germany: vineyards. The city is one of the most famous winemakers in Germany and has the wine, winery tours, wine museum and even a wine festival to prove it. Stuttgart is the only German city to own over 17 hectares of grapevines and produces 150.000 bottles of Trollinger and Riesling per year.

5. Stuttgart is stress-free

Back in 2017, Stuttgart was named in a Zipjet survey as the least stressful city in the world, thanks to its green spaces, near-perfect score for family purchasing power and the mental health of its citizens. Indeed, Stuttgart has a lot of green both outdoors and in its citizens' wallets, but the city is also international, friendly and safe.

6. Kehrwoche keeps things clean

Everyone knows the Germans like order, but Stuttgarters take it to the next level. Dating from the end of the 15th century, the Swabian Kehrwoche is a communal law which states that individual households must keep common properties, such as staircases, hallways and public pathways, clean. It was eventually abolished as a communal law in 1988 but it is still included in most rental contracts or house rules in Stuttgart. If there’s no order, there’s no renting.

7. Festivals for every season

Like many other big German cities, Stuttgart also hosts its own local beer festival every spring and autumn. But there are also more! As soon as the weather starts to warm up, the International Festival of Animated Film opens its doors to animation fans. During the warmer months, you can watch performances at the Sommerfest or try fish delicacies at the Hamburg Fish Festival. Later in the year, wine sellers from the region showcase their wines at the Weindorf and the Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the biggest in the country.

8. Wilhelma

Stuttgart is the home of the biggest and only zoological botanical garden in Europe: the Wilhelma. Originally built as a bathhouse and summer villa for royalty, it’s beautiful throughout the year and a favourite picnic, day trip and playtime spot for all. With more than 2 million visitors per year, it’s also a top tourist destination. The opulent Moorish-style hall has been the location of many a wedding, while the incredibly photogenic Magnolia Grove is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe.

9. The green U

Stuttgart’s “green U” - a U-shaped area of the city, densely packed with parks and gardens - is one of the reasons why it was chosen as the least stressful city in the world. An area of six square kilometres offers recreational facilities, beer gardens and a big open space of trees, plants and flowers. No surprise, then, that it’s a favourite spot for Stuttgart residents in the warmer months! Most importantly, these green areas are protected and preserved under strict regulations, making it possible to enjoy them throughout the year.

10. Hip-hop central

If you go into any bar or club in Stuttgart, you will most likely hear hip-hop music. Stuttgart is the home of the German hip-hop group Die Fantastischen Vier, one of the first groups to rap in the German language. Another well-known band called Advanced Chemistry followed suit, and the popularity of German rap began to take off. German hip-hop fans consider Stuttgart the birthplace of the genre and you only need to visit the city to understand why.

Ready to visit Stuttgart?

Inspired? Pack your bags, make the journey down and discover for yourself all the wonderful things that will make you fall in love with Stuttgart. Did we miss anything off our list? Let us know in the comments below!