Stuttgart is Germany's sixth-biggest city, and its richest, thanks to a formidable car industry. Because the birthplace of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart has state-of-the-art museums dedicated to both, which magnetize rev-heads from all over the world. But when you've overdosed on cars, there's plenty more to help keep you busy in the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg. In honour from the locals' most renowned characteristic – thriftiness – listed here are 10 of the best free things to complete in Stuttgart.
Stadtbibliothek
The prisonlike exterior sets low expectations, but have a swift elevator ride as much as the seventh floor from the public library: the view that greets you is something else. Designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi in 2011, the area is serene, organised and not traditional, and also the ceiling of skylights creates a brightness not usually present in libraries. Grab a glass or two within the top-floor cafe, then head as much as the top for impressive views within the city.
Markthalle
Set in a 100-year-old art nouveau building in the city centre, the Stuttgarter Markthalle needs to be probably the most beautiful in Germany. Wander past over 30 stalls, tasting samples of local chocolates, cheeses, hams and breads. Don't miss the aromatic florist at the front entrance, along with the view in the second floor, where you can also find some of Stuttgart's most jaw-dropping homewares. Open daily except Sundays.
Paternoster within the Town Hall
A ride in a vintage elevator might not have been on your bucket list, but trust us about this one! In the Rathaus (Town Hall) you will find a doorless Paternoster elevator, one of just a few still operating around the world. It runs continuously, which means you must jump in among the cabins once you feel brave. There's no waiting, no buttons and certainly no doors. You can visit weekdays between 8am and 5pm.
Grabkapelle Rotenberg
Stretch your legs having a meander through vineyards (or catch the No 61 bus) on your way as much as Stuttgart's most romantic spot, the Grabkapelle Rotenburg (Sepulchral Chapel). It had been built by King Wilhelm I in 1820 in memory of his beloved wife, and the view from the neoclassical chapel over vineyards and villages is simply stunning.
Stuttgarter St”affele
One from the surprising stuff you notice about Stuttgart is simply how many vineyards cover the slopes around the inner city. While many of those vines happen to be replaced by apartments, the hidden St”affele – stairways that winegrowers used since the 19th century to scurry between the vines – remain. Over 400 hidden stairways are dotted round the city that will transport you quickly, albeit slightly breathless, as much as incredible views. A favourite may be the Willy Reichert Staffel that takes you up to Karlsh”ohe park along with a well-earned drink in the summertime beer garden.
Free walking tour
As with many European cities, one of the best free things to do is a walking tour. Over two hours, your guide will recount a beginner's guide to Stuttgart while you explore some architecture within the downtown area, both beautiful and hideously ugly. Most significantly, you'll find out about the best places to try the neighborhood dishes K”asesp”atzle (cheese noodles) and Maultaschen (stuffed pasta pouches). Tips are welcome, but not compulsory.
Max-Eyth-See wine walk
A busy place in summer with picnics, bikes and pedal boats, Max-Eyth-See is a big city lake having a backdrop of sloping vineyards. The best way to explore is by following a Weinwanderweg (walking trail) that loops up through the vineyards, and back around while watching lake. The entire loop takes around three hours.
B”arenschl”ossle
B”arenschl”ossle (Bear Castle) is a popular park and lake area close enough to the city that you could escape for an afternoon stroll. While there aren't actually any bears here, a loop through the park will take you beyond the real residents: deer and hogs. Stop for any rest at the prince's old hunting lodge for a bite to consume – the Flammkuchen (Alsatian 'pizza') is delicious – and enjoy views within the lake.
Weihnachtsmarkt
Stuttgart's Christmas market unravels with the main square and wraps itself around every corner from the city. Over 300 stalls, each stunningly decorated, offer Christmas trinkets, snacks and enough Glühwein (mulled wine) to warm your bones. Don't miss the incredible miniature village complete with ride-on train and quaint Fachwerk (timber frame) houses in Schlossplatz. Weihnachtsmarkt runs from late November until 23 December.
Staatsgalerie
Feeling artsy? Go to the Staatsgalerie on Wednesdays free of charge admission to begin to see the assortment of 800 functions by artists which range from old Dutch masters to Banksy. Banksy's infamous shredded artwork Love is incorporated in the Bin is displayed here until March 2022.
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