Things to Do in New Palace (Neues Schloss), Deutschland

New Palace (Neues Schloss) is located in Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. This magnificent Baroque palace, built between 1746 and 1807, serves as the centerpiece of Stuttgart's historic Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and represents one of the last great palatial buildings constructed in Southern Germany. The palace was the residence of the Kings of Württemberg and now houses government offices, making it both a historical monument and active administrative center. Stuttgart itself is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends royal heritage with modern innovation, being the headquarters of automotive giants Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The city offers visitors a rich cultural landscape with world-class museums, opera houses, ballet companies, and extensive parks. Beyond the New Palace, Stuttgart's attractions include the State Opera, numerous art galleries, the famous Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, and the surrounding wine-growing regions that produce some of Germany's finest vintages.

Top Things to Do in New Palace (Neues Schloss)

Explore Schlossplatz and Palace Grounds

Stroll through Stuttgart's largest square surrounding the New Palace, featuring beautiful Baroque architecture and manicured gardens. The square hosts various events throughout the year and offers perfect photo opportunities of the palace facade. Visit the adjacent Old Castle (Altes Schloss) which houses the Württemberg State Museum.

Booking Tip: Access to the square is free year-round. For guided tours of the palace interior (when available), book through the Stuttgart Tourist Office. Best visited in morning light for photography, with tours typically costing €8-12 per person.

Mercedes-Benz Museum and Factory Tour

Discover the fascinating history of automotive innovation at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, featuring over 160 vehicles spanning 130 years. The museum's unique double-helix architecture guides visitors through nine levels of automotive evolution. Factory tours offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of luxury car production.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €10 for adults, with audio guides included. Factory tours require advance booking (€7 additional) and have age restrictions. Visit weekday mornings for smaller crowds and better factory tour availability.

Wine Tasting in Stuttgart's Vineyards

Experience Stuttgart's unique position as one of the few major cities with vineyards within city limits. Visit local Besenwirtschaften (traditional wine taverns) or take guided tours through hillside vineyards. Sample regional specialties like Trollinger and Lemberger wines while enjoying panoramic city views.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range from €25-45 per person including tastings. Book directly with local wineries or through Stuttgart Tourism. Best from May to October, with harvest season (September-October) offering special experiences.

State Opera and Ballet Performances

Attend world-class performances at the Stuttgart State Opera, renowned globally for its ballet company and opera productions. The historic building itself is an architectural gem, and the Stuttgart Ballet is considered one of the world's leading dance companies. Evening performances create magical experiences in elegant surroundings.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from €15-120 depending on seating and performance. Book well in advance through the official website for popular shows. Dress code is smart casual to formal, with student discounts available.

Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden

Explore one of Europe's most beautiful zoos, set within historic Moorish-style buildings and extensive botanical gardens. Home to over 11,000 animals and 8,000 plant species, Wilhelma combines wildlife conservation with horticultural excellence. The historic pavilions and greenhouses create a unique atmosphere blending nature and architecture.

Booking Tip: Adult admission costs €20-24 depending on season. Annual passes offer good value for multiple visits. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Allow full day for comprehensive visit.

Getting There

Stuttgart is easily accessible by various transportation modes. Stuttgart Airport (STR) connects the city to major European destinations, with S-Bahn trains running every 10-20 minutes to the city center (30-minute journey). The city is well-connected by Germany's efficient rail network, with regular ICE high-speed trains from major cities like Munich (2.5 hours), Frankfurt (1.5 hours), and Berlin (3.5 hours). By car, Stuttgart sits at the intersection of major autobahns A8 and A81, making it easily reachable from across Germany and neighboring countries.

Getting Around

Stuttgart's public transportation system includes buses, trams, S-Bahn trains, and the unique rack railway (Zahnradbahn) and funicular systems that navigate the city's hilly terrain. A day pass costs around €7.20 and covers all public transport within the city. The historic center around New Palace is compact and walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance. For exploring surrounding wine regions or attractions like the Porsche Museum, the S-Bahn system provides efficient connections, while bike-sharing systems offer eco-friendly alternatives for shorter distances.

Where to Stay

Mitte (City Center)

Bad Cannstatt

Degerloch

Vaihingen

Feuerbach

Möhringen

Food & Dining

Stuttgart's culinary scene reflects both traditional Swabian cuisine and international influences. Local specialties include Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), Spätzle (egg noodles), and Sauerbraten, best enjoyed at traditional restaurants around the palace area or in the historic Bohnenviertel quarter. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, numerous wine bars serving local vintages, and vibrant international cuisine reflecting its multicultural population. Traditional Besenwirtschaften (seasonal wine taverns) offer authentic local experiences, while modern gastropubs and international restaurants cluster around Königstraße and the surrounding pedestrian zones.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stuttgart and the New Palace is from May through October when weather is pleasant for exploring outdoor attractions and palace grounds. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, perfect for vineyard visits and outdoor dining, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage, with autumn being particularly attractive for wine enthusiasts during harvest season. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets around Schlossplatz, though some outdoor attractions have limited hours.

Insider Tips

Visit Schlossplatz during the annual Stuttgart Summer Festival for free concerts and cultural events with the New Palace as backdrop

Take the historic rack railway (Zahnradbahn) from the city center to Degerloch for panoramic views of the palace and city below

Many museums offer free entry on certain days - check Stuttgart Museum Pass for significant savings on multiple attractions

Things to Do in New Palace (Neues Schloss)