Take a walking tour of Stuttgart-Mitte, or central Stuttgart, to see impressive architecture and learn about the region’s past. Relax in the pretty squares and reflect on the many centuries of histories in this district.
Appreciate the changes in the city and state’s governmental rule and architecture as you see three different centers of parliamentary and administrative offices. Start with the 10th-century Old Castle, or Altes Schloss. The stone building houses the Württemberg State Museum, with artifacts from the Stone Age to modern days.
Cross the street to see the large 18th-century New Castle, or Neues Schloss Stuttgart, where government ministries have offices. The modern Landtag of Baden-Württemberg, a few steps northeast, houses Stuttgart’s current state government offices in a modern block-style building.
Surrounding the government buildings are several lovely squares. Walk around the tiered fountains of Schlossplatz, or Palace Square, gazing up at the statue of Concordia high on top of a column in front of New Castle. Step inside the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, a glass cube west of the square, to enjoy modern and contemporary art.
Schillerplatz is the cobblestone square outside Old Castle. Step inside Stiftskirche, the landmark Evangelical Lutheran church that originated nearly 1,000 years ago and was transformed multiple times over the centuries. Stroll along Konigstrasse, an ancient roadway that is now a popular pedestrianized shopping street lined with inviting restaurants and boutiques.
Walk to the Oberer Schlossgarten, the Upper Garden established during the Kingdom of Württemberg in the 1800s. This opera house hosts plays, symphonies, concerts and other performances. Join thousands celebrating the Stuttgart Sommerfest in August at this pretty setting. Stand on the west side of the Eckensee to view the reflection of the Staatstheater in the small lake, very pretty with nighttime illumination.
Get to Stuttgart-Mitte easily using S-Bahn, subway or streetcar, with stops at the various squares. Driving is not advised because many of the areas are low-emission zones requiring special stickers for car access.
