Marie Claire Travel

Sunday 7 September

 

Travel Search

Select


Stuttgart

An overview of Stuttgart

WHY GO?
Stuttgart might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of Germany (often overlooked by Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg) but it would be a crying shame to underestimate this super-friendly, culturally-dense, bustling metropolis. Situated in the heart of one of Germany's largest wine-growing regions, in an idyllic valley basin, the state capital of Baden-Wuttemberg has something for everyone. An art buff? The Stuttgart State Gallery houses masterpieces from Gothic to Romantic, while the adjacent New State Gallery - an impressive piece of post-modern architecture itself - showcases Expressionist classics and contemporary art. Car mad? This 'automobile city' is the birthplace of Mercedes and Porsche, and hosts wow-factor museums dedicated to both. A dizzying mix of ambient street cafes, lively bars and boutique shops will keep even the most discerning traveller entertained, while the surrounding forests, parks and vineyards create a breathtaking city backdrop - and the perfect place for picnics.

SHOP AT...
Whether you're a flea market frequenter or a designer label-loving lady, you'll find what you're looking for in Stuttgart. The Konigstrasse - over a kilometre in length - is Germany's second longest pedestrian shopping boulevard and packs a powerful punch. Starting at the central station, it passes through the majestic Palace Square and, along with high-street staples like Mango, Zara and H&M, you'll find specialist shops, department stores and charming cafes and restaurants. Streets to the right and left of it, like the Stiftstrasse and Calwer Strasser, offer elegant boutiques, while the charming Schiller Square and the next-door Market Place are also nestled behind the Konigstrasse. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are market days - get lost in the beautiful flowers, fresh local fruits, jams, jewellery and trinkets. Head to the Karlsplatz for the flea market, and Schiller Square for the weekly Saturday flower market. Need a designer fix? Head to Breuningers department store, just behind the Market Place.

PARTY AT...
The 20 to 40 in-crowd start at the Waranga Bar situated in the Kleiner Scholssplatz (Small Palace Square), where you can sip cocktails and take in views of the grand New Palace. From there head to the Theodor-Heus-Strasse - aka 'party mile'. This party-lover's paradise runs parallel to the shopping precinct, and is buzzing with everything from cheesy disco tunes to funky beats and house and techno (very popular here). The highlight: Suite 212, a trendy lounge bar that serves up chilled-out tunes - and cocktails - and sees night owls spilling out on to the fairy lantern-lit terraces.

EAT AT...
Amici - an upmarket Italian restaurant that combines first-class food with all the glamour of a suave cocktail bar. There's even a plasma screen showing sport to keep the boys occupied. Want to sample some traditional Swabian dishes? Head to Alte Kanzlei in the charming Schiller Square where you can munch on Swabian noodles and Maultaschen (filled pasta squares) and sip locally-made wines, like Rohracker and Trollinger.

EXPLORE...
For information on city trips, guided tours, rail connections and every need-to-know question about how best to enjoy Stuttgart, visit the Tourist Information Centre, i-Punkt, opposite the main railway station at Konigstrase 1A. Visit www.stuttgart-tourist.de for more information.

GETTING THERE...
Fly Germanwings, one of Europe's most successful low-cost airlines, which heads to Stuttgart from Stansted. Prices start from 19 euros. Visit www.germanwings.com, or call 0870 252 12 50 for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR TOP TEN SIGHTS TO SEE IN STUTTGART

Review by Ruth Doherty

Release date: Tuesday 17 June 2008


Have your say ...

Rate this ...

Rate this content

Thanks, your rating has been counted!

  • Current rating:
  • Be the first to vote


Read More at ...

Breaking headlines ...

Marie Claire October issue: Beyonce Knowles

In Style rss feed