My Own Walking Tour in Stuttgart
I decided to have my own walking tour in Stuttgart on my second morning in the city. Yes, I did spend two full days here but on my first day, my friend and her husband whisked me away to Hohenzollern Castle, an hour drive from Stuttgart. We had a short stop at Tubingen for late lunch to meet another friend I’d never seen for ages. Then, we drove back to the city before the Porsche Museum closed that day.
This walking tour was realized with the help of two of the staff from Novum Hotel Rieke Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof where I stayed. I started at 10:30 in the morning and was done by 1:00 in the afternoon – just in time to meet another friend for lunch. That’s right, I have had three reunions on this trip to Stuttgart. 😉 What can I say – the Germans are inclined to my personality! 😀
When you follow this walking tour route, I would advise having these places in your google map ready.
1. Stuttgart Main Train Station
It is good and wise to start from here – assuming you’ll be taking the train from other parts of Germany. If you fancy seeing the city’s panoramic view, climb the tower attached to the end of this station.
2. Konigstrabe Street
From Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, go across the road and on to Konigstrabe Street. This 1.2 km-long pedestrian street is the city’s shopping paradise and it might be the country’s longest shopping thoroughfare. Continue walking until you reach Schlossplatz.
3. Konigsbau
At the end of Konigstrabe Street, you’ll see Stuttgart’s largest square, Schlossplatz. But, the first monumental structure you’ll see here is the Konigsbau. This might look like a government office, but don’t be fooled. There’s a shopping arena here, a ballroom, a cinema, and a concert hall.
4. Schlossplatz
This is the heart of the city. Everywhere around you screams of Baroque architecture. Of all the massive buildings here, the Neues Schloss Palace stands out the most here. Today, the palace is a host to some government offices; thus, touring inside needs a
5. History Museum Württemberg (aka Old Castle)
The Old Castle is now home to Wurttemberg History Museum. If you are impressed with its imposing fort, you should go inside and see the tiny square. It’s free to stay in the square for photos, but if you have the luxury of time, you should see the museum.
Here’s what you see inside – a view from the tiny square inside.
6. Schillerplatz
I was there on a weekend, so there was some sort of outdoor market going on, but mostly flowers. In the middle of this square is a statue of Friedrich Schiller, a German poet for whom the square is named after.
7. Stiftskirche
In Schillerplatz, you’ll find these two buildings standing side by side – Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church). As you can see, one has a Romanesque style (right) and the other has a Gothic design (left).
8. Markthalle
Love food and local delicacies? Then, this is your paradise. It is a good idea to have your lunch here.
When you exit Markthalle, walk on your right until you reach the end of the building. Look up and admire the art on its wall.
9. Karlsplatz
Across Markthalle is Karlsplatz. The weekly flea market happens here. Unfortunately, it was deserted and quiet on the day I was there.
10. Schlosspark
Have a break – and listen to the sound of the gushing fountain here.
11. Schlossgarten
Oh, the gardens here are wonderful. Unfortunately, there are no shades here where you can escape the heat of the burning sun.
12. Stuttgart Opera House
The facade might look small to you but this is a three-branch theatre complex (playhouse, ballet, and opera). It can accommodate 1,404 people at the same time.
13. Relax at the Eckensee Lake
Right in front of the Opera House is a calm lake. Occupy one of the benches surrounding the lake and find your zen. You can end your tour here. The train main station is not far from here.
WHERE TO STAY IN STUTTGART
I stayed at Novum Hotel Rieke Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. As the name suggests, it is right opposite the city’s main train station. I did not choose this but my friend did – because she was the one who paid for this. 😀 I also wanted to stay near the train station because I had two heavy luggage and I had an early trip to Cologne from this city. This is a boutique hotel that is clean and has friendly, helpful staff. The bed was comfortable, too. The hotel itself is within walking distance of shopping, bars, and restaurants. For a cheaper place/hostel, you’d never go wrong staying at A&O Hostel franchises.
no comment