Must Visit Attractions in Stuttgart

Opened in 2001, the Killesbergturm is an observation tower which rises to a height of 42 meters (137 feet). Recognizable by its unique design where the curvy surface is supported by a steel net from the outside, the highest point of the tower offers a panoramic view of the city.

Schlossplatz is a famous square in Stuttgart that is also home to the New Palace. The square underwent renovation in 1977 for the State Garden Show. It was again given a touch-up during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The Jubilee Column in the center of the square was built to commemorate the silver jubilee of King Wilhelm I's reign in 1841. There are two fountains from the 19th Century with four cherubs each that stand for each river of Württemberg. Many local events take place at the square, including fairs and markets.

Birkenkopf is a tall hill which is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Wangen. This artificial hill was created post World War II with the rubble of the city ruins as a memorial for the locals who lost their lives. The hilltop is adorned with a cross that is a symbol of peace and happiness for the city's future. The hill also has some ruins from the war that are interesting to look at. A visit to this hill is like paying homage to the martyrs of the city. A few ruins of the war are still intact and are worth a look.

Few gardens offer such a unique combination of fabulous architecture, flora and fauna as Stuttgart's Wilhelma. Located on the grounds of an old castle, the garden was established in the 19th Century and receives millions of visitors from all over the world annually. More than 11,000 animals from 1,000 species and countless plants from over 5,000 different species live and flourish here. From primates, elephants, hippos to an aquarium and a sea lion pool, the zoo evokes awe among kids and adults alike. The botanical garden is also home to greenhouses and rare plants including one of Europe's oldest Magnolia Grove. With so much to see, the Wilhelma is a must-visit.

One of Stuttgart's most prominent landmarks, built in the mid-1950s, is the (217 meter high including the antenna) Fernsehturm Stuttgart, which is also referred to as the Stuttgart TV Tower. This steel and concrete structure was the first of its kind in the world at the time of its inception. During its conception, many doubted its stability, but the tower has since been hailed as a popular attraction. The TV tower served as a model for many others in the world. Apart from a restaurant, the four-story tower also houses the transmitters of the South-German radio station. Two observation platforms offer a gorgeous view of the city and the surrounding platform offers the perfect location for a stroll.

Among Stuttgart's architectural highlights, this one shines the brightest: the Weissenhof Estate is an architectural monument of international status and is now a World Cultural Heritage site. The estate was built in 1927 under the city's public housing properties. There are many buildings in the estate which belong to the bygone working class residents.

Originally planned as a quiet little hunting seat, Castle Solitude turned into quite an ambitious project with Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam serving as an example to strive for in Duke Karl Eugen's mind. The palace was built in three construction phases, starting in 1764 and recurring restoration projects have made sure that the palace is still at its aesthetic best. It is a popular location, not only because of the views and its architectural beauty, but also for the concerts and exhibitions that are held here regularly. Events also take place in the Main Hall of the palace and its chapel is a dream setting for any intimate wedding. The Fritz Graevenitz Museum is located in one of the palace's buildings and guided tours of the palace are open to the public.

A longstanding testament to Baroque architecture, the palace dominates the city center of Stuttgart. Built in 1806, this palace has stood the trials of time and nature for centuries. A visit to this palace is a treat for those who appreciate architecture. During the 1900s, the castle functioned as a museum but sadly it was left in ruins during World War II. Subsequently, the rooms were painstakingly restored to their former beauty. Presently the building serves as the administration office for several ministries of the Baden-Wuerttemberg state government. Rolling lawns, fountains and a columnar monument embellish the front yard of the sprawling edifice of the palace. While the White Hall is used for various conferences and meetings, the Parade Rooms can be visited with special permission. The palace is breathtakingly beautiful at night and makes for a lovely stopover during an evening stroll through the city.

Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald or the Black Forest Treetop Path is an outdoor attraction which was established in the year 2014. The path traverses between treetops, with several viewing towers along the way. There are also specific themes and mini-attractions aimed towards children, making it the perfect way for a family to spend the day outdoors.

Erected some 1000 years ago as a simple village church, the Collegiate Church is Stuttgart's main Protestant church and one of its landmarks. During the course of its history, the church went under many structural and stylistic modifications. Around 1944, the church was completely destroyed due to heavy bombing. Later, the church was rebuilt in the modern style and a war memorial was created for those who lost their lives there. After another renovation which was completed in 2003, the church is now open for visitors and worshipers.

Dating back to 1977, the Carl Zeiss Planetarium is popular for its attracting visitors with its realistic simulation of the Milky Way, sun, moon and stars. This is achieved with the use of the Universarium IX projector. Named in honor of German optician Carl Zeiss, the center also organizes laser shows and other special events ideal for visitors of all ages.

The art chamber, historically the core of Landesmuseum Württemberg, dates back to the 16th Century when dukes of Württemberg collected anything rare, precious, or unusual. The royal house of Württemberg is represented here by the crown and by many other curios. In addition to the exhibits on display, the collection offers a glimpse into the bygone lives. There are different interesting areas within the palace, too, to explore and marvel at.