What to do in Stuttgart

Advice on what to do in Stuttgart, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Stuttgart

Enjoy a night at the opera at Stuttgart's Opera House. As well as hosting numerous rousing operatic shows, the House is also home to the Stuttgart State Theatre, famed for its dedication to innovative drama. It also houses the Stuttgart Ballet, meaning there should always be something on to sate the culture vulture.

The Stuttgart State Gallery contains some of Germany's most proudly-treasured collections, including works from Rembrandt and Canaletto. While the main organ of the gallery contains older works through the ages between the 14th and 19th centuries, the recently launched New State Gallery wing, is dedicated to modern art.

An art gallery that is as impressive on the outside as some of the works on the inside is the giant, glass cube-shaped Kunstmuseum Stuttgart. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon walking round the 5,000 square metres of calm, admiring works by impressionist painters Adolf Holzel, and the world's largest collection of works by the German painter and graphic artist, Otto Dix.

Relaxation in Stuttgart

The Art Nouveau Market Hall is the place to be for a daily, buzzing market selling all manner of fresh produce. From the traditional to the exotic, this old vegetable market hall sells fresh meat, fish, fruit, veg and bright flowers. Once you have had your fill, take time out at the exquisite restaurant on the first floor, above the bustling market.

Superb landscaped greenery can be soaked up at the Palace Gardens, which back on to the Art Building on Schloss. It is an oasis of ponds, sculptures and ornate floral borders, making it an ideal location for a lazy picnic in the sun or a brisk, enlivening walk on a crisp, cold day. There are also beer gardens, cafes and even a planetarium, to keep you refreshed and entertained.

Stuttgart is the home of the world-beating car brand, Mercedes Benz, and petrol heads can gain an insight into this luxury car range with a visit to the Mercedes Benz Museum. Car fans make pilgrimages from all over the world to soak up knowledge and history surrounding the brand. Tours around the birthplace of an automotive legend are available, giving visitors the chance to take an informed look at the way the car has evolved over the years.

If you are in Stuttgart, you should ensure you do not miss bathing in one of the city's many mineral baths. You can either try lazing with the bright young things in Leuze or take in the impressive MineralBad Cannstatt. For more information about these baths visit www.stgt.com

Nightlife in Stuttgart

Ideal for a chilled-out evening enjoying the quieter things in life, Bravo Charlie is a lounge bar with a difference. Regarded as one of Stuttgart's best, it serves a wide-range of boutique beers, wines and cocktails, all in the unique environs of an airport-themed bar. It used to be a Lufthansa city terminal, but rather than being a target for commuters, it is now frequented by lounge lovers who enjoy some smoky jazz and soul.

Try mounds of traditional German food and locally-brewed beer at Calwer-Eck-Brau. Unpretentiously ornate inside, the stained glass windows are a nice touch, and its popularity with the locals makes it a fair bet for an evening beverage and chat.

Sport in Stuttgart

A game of football can be caught with VFB Stuttgart at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.

Recommended restaurants in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is proud of its Swabian heritage, and one place that embraces it more than most is the Kochenbas Restaurant on Immenhofer Strasse. Dig into some top quality steak, onions and roast potatoes while sitting on a terrace in the sun.

Excellent local delicacies can also be devoured at the Alte Kanzlei, or the Old Chancellory. Located on the corner of the Schlossplatz in a grand, Renaissance building, the meals are great value, with a lively atmosphere and dishes such as locally made ravioli.