• The only city in the world with two automobile museums
Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum, Stuttgart is the only city in the world to have two automobile museums. The Mercedes-Benz Museum documents automotive history and Mercedes-Benz brand history from the very beginning up to the present day. And at the Porsche Museum visitors can trace the development of the brand of this Stuttgart sports car manufacturer.
• Who would have thought it…?
Many inventions from Stuttgart have enhanced or facilitated people's daily lives. Gottlieb Daimler and Robert Bosch are without doubt two of our most famous inventors. But the power saw (Andreas Stihl), the high pressure cleaner (Alfred Kärcher) and Leitz files (Louis Leitz) also originated in the Stuttgart Region. And of course Ritter Sport chocolate bars, still with their characteristic, uniquely square shape (Alfred and Clara Ritter).
• Aesthetic pioneer
The forerunner of television towers all over the world is still considered an aesthetic and architectural masterpiece: the Stuttgart Television Tower. Built 65 years ago, it is today one of the city's main landmarks.
• Heart of the city
Palace Square is the heart of the city. A 360° turn on your own axis takes in many of Stuttgart's main attractions: the Old and New Palaces, the Stuttgart Museum of Art, Königstrasse and the Palace Gardens with the Opera House. All year round this is the hub of many events and festivals – from the International Festival of Animated Film to the jazzopen and the "Stuttgart Highlights".
• Europe's biggest triple-branch theatre
Stuttgart State Theatres are Europe’s largest triple-branch theatre. Each season this traditional yet innovative cultural institution sets new standards in opera, ballet and theatre with top-calibre performances. It's also worth taking a closer look at the exterior architecture in the style of Classicism.
• Museum Mecca
With the Stuttgart State Gallery and the Stuttgart Museum of Art the city's art scene boasts two outstanding flagships. The Stuttgart State Gallery is one of Germany's most important and most visited art museums and presents works of art from some 800 years. The collection of the Stuttgart Museum of Art comprises more than 15,000 exhibits dating from the late 18th century to the present day. The museum also owns an important collection of around 250 works by Otto Dix.
• Stuttgart is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
The two Le Corbusier houses – the semi-detached house containing the Weissenhof Museum and the family house behind it – have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016: the first in Stuttgart. Insights into the history and architecture of the Weissenhof Estate can be found in the museum of the same name.
• Culinary trip round the world
Built in 1914 in the style of Art Nouveau, Stuttgart's Market Hall is considered one of the most beautiful market halls in Germany. The listed building with its decorative frescos is a gourmet's paradise full of Lucullan delights: traders present their wares at a total of 33 stalls.
• Wine-loving Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a city of wine. Especially unique: the vineyards stretch right into the centre of town. All year round the vineyards around Stuttgart are a popular place for outings. One of the most magnificent views over the idyllic Neckar Valley, Stuttgart and the large expanses of vines is from the Royal Burial Chapel on the Württemberg. Also typical of the region are the "Besenwirtschaften" ("broom taverns") – temporary wine taverns run by local vintners serving only their own wines. A broomstick at the door shows that the tavern is open for business.
• Stuttgart – excellent food
Baden-Württemberg's capital has no fewer than eight restaurants with a Guide Michelin star. But traditional regional food is no less delicious, particularly the specialities served in the numerous wine taverns. Zwiebelrostbraten (fried steak with onions), Maultaschen (filled pasta) and lentils with Spätzle (noodles) are just a few of the typical local dishes on offer.
• Drinks in strange places
Cocktails in what was once a strongroom, long drinks where there used to be toilets or regional beers in a former saddlery – some way-out locations have established themselves in Stuttgart's bar scene.
• Stuttgart lookouts
Stuttgart's topography is unique: the city lies in a valley basin, surrounded by green hills and vineyards. They offer splendid panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and Stuttgart's city centre. Karlshöhe, Eugensplatz and the Tea House are just a few of the city's most popular scenic lookouts.
• Unusual walks…
Stuttgart's "Stäffele" ("flights of steps") are relics of a bygone age. In the second half of the 19th century local wine growers built steps and paths to facilitate access to their steep vineyard terraces. More than 400 of these stairways are still in existence today and lead to spectacular scenic viewpoints and other enchanted places.
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