Also known as Stuttgart-Mitte, Stuttgart City Centre is the historic heart of the Baden-Württemberg capital. It encompasses an attractive mix of modern and medieval landmarks, as well as enchanting green spaces that originated as castle gardens. Dominating Stuttgart City Centre is a soaring column dedicated to King William I of Württemberg.
Things to do in Stuttgart City Centre
In the heart of Stuttgart City Centre is the Schlossplatz, an 18th-century square watched over by the Baroque-style New Castle. On the southern edge of the square is the Old Castle, which houses the historical exhibits of the Württemberg State Museum. In the middle of the square is the 30-metre-high Jubilee Column, which is flanked by two monumental fountains.
On the south-west corner of the Schlossplatz is the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, a glass-cubed museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is renowned for its collection of works by the Expressionist painter Otto Dix and showcasing artists of the Swabian Impressionist movement. The building designed by Hascher and Jehle is particularly impressive when illuminated at night.
Adjacent to the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof is the Middle Schlossgarten, a picturesque garden with landscaped flower beds and leafy walking trails. You can relax in the lively Beer Garden or enjoy coffee and cake at the lakeside Cafe am See. A short stroll south takes you to the magnificent Staatstheater Stuttgart, an early 20th-century theatre that hosts operatic performances.
Getting around Stuttgart City Centre
Stuttgart Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Inter-city trains connect to the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof while subway services travel throughout the city centre. Most of Stuttgart City Centre’s attractions can be accessed on foot.