Things to Do in Old Palace (Altes Schloss), Deutschland

Stuttgart's Old Palace (Altes Schloss) stands as one of Germany's most significant Renaissance castles, serving as the former residence of the Counts and Dukes of Württemberg. Located in the heart of Stuttgart's city center at Schillerplatz, this magnificent 10th-century castle has been transformed into the Württemberg State Museum, housing an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning over 1,000 years of regional history. The palace's distinctive architecture features a beautiful Renaissance courtyard surrounded by historic wings that showcase everything from medieval crown jewels to ancient Roman artifacts. The surrounding area of Stuttgart offers visitors a perfect blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication. Beyond the Old Palace, the city boasts world-class automotive museums, extensive parks and gardens, renowned ballet and opera performances, and a thriving cultural scene. Stuttgart's location in the Baden-Württemberg region makes it an ideal base for exploring the Black Forest, numerous castles, and charming medieval towns that dot the landscape of southwestern Germany.

Top Things to Do in Old Palace (Altes Schloss)

Explore Stuttgart Castle Museums

Visit the Württemberg State Museum housed within the Old Palace to discover royal treasures, medieval artifacts, and regional history spanning millennia. The museum features impressive collections including the Württemberg crown jewels, ancient Celtic artifacts, and Renaissance art. Don't miss the beautiful Renaissance courtyard and the palace's historic chapel.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around €5-8 for adults with discounts for students and families. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider purchasing a Stuttgart Museum Pass for multiple attractions. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for €3-4.

Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museum Tours

Explore Stuttgart's automotive heritage at two world-class museums showcasing the evolution of German engineering excellence. The Mercedes-Benz Museum features over 160 vehicles spanning 130 years of automotive history, while the Porsche Museum displays iconic sports cars and racing vehicles. Both museums offer interactive exhibits and guided tours.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €10-16 per museum with combo tickets available for savings. Book online in advance, especially on weekends. Audio guides are included, and special behind-the-scenes tours cost €20-30 extra but provide factory access.

Stuttgart Historic Walking Tours

Discover Stuttgart's rich history through guided walking tours that cover the Old Palace, New Palace, Stiftskirche, and the charming old town squares. These tours provide insights into the city's royal heritage, architectural evolution, and cultural significance. Many tours include visits to local markets and traditional German beer gardens.

Booking Tip: Group walking tours cost €12-18 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book morning tours for better weather and photos. Private tours cost €150-200 but offer personalized experiences and flexible scheduling.

Black Forest Day Trips

Take day excursions from Stuttgart to the nearby Black Forest region, famous for its dense woodlands, traditional villages, and cuckoo clock craftsmanship. Tours typically include visits to picturesque towns like Calw or Hirsau, forest hiking trails, and opportunities to sample regional specialties like Black Forest cake and local wines.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €45-75 per person including transportation and guide. Small group tours offer better value and more personal attention. Book tours departing Tuesday-Thursday for lower prices and fewer crowds.

Stuttgart Wine Region Tours

Explore the Stuttgart wine region, one of Germany's most northern wine-growing areas, known for excellent Riesling and red wines. Tours include visits to local vineyards, wine tastings, and scenic drives through terraced hillsides. Many tours combine wine tasting with traditional Swabian cuisine at family-owned restaurants.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours cost €35-55 per person including tastings and transportation. Book tours during harvest season (September-October) for the best experience. Private vineyard tours cost €80-120 but include premium wines and personalized attention.

Getting There

Stuttgart is easily accessible via Stuttgart Airport (STR), located about 13 kilometers south of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and international connections. The airport connects to the city via S-Bahn lines S2 and S3, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach the main train station. Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof is a major railway hub with excellent connections throughout Germany and Europe, including high-speed ICE trains from Frankfurt (1.5 hours), Munich (2.5 hours), and international services from Paris and Zurich. For those driving, Stuttgart sits at the intersection of major autobahns A8 and A81, making it easily reachable from all directions.

Getting Around

Stuttgart's efficient public transportation system includes buses, trams, S-Bahn suburban trains, and the unique rack railway (Zahnradbahn) that climbs the city's hills. The VVS network covers the entire metropolitan area, with day passes costing around €7-8 for unlimited travel within the city zones. The historic city center, including the Old Palace area, is highly walkable with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. For exploring the surrounding hills and vineyards, consider renting a car or using the regional S-Bahn network, which provides scenic routes through the Stuttgart valley and connects to nearby towns and hiking areas.

Where to Stay

Stuttgart City Center

Bad Cannstatt

Stuttgart West

Degerloch

Stuttgart Airport Area

Esslingen am Neckar

Food & Dining

Stuttgart's culinary scene beautifully blends traditional Swabian cuisine with international flavors, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan character. Local specialties include Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), Spätzle (egg noodles), and Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), best enjoyed at traditional restaurants around the Old Palace area and in the Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter). The city boasts several Michelin-starred establishments, numerous wine bars serving local vintages, and vibrant food markets like the Wilhelmsplatz Market. Stuttgart's large international community has contributed to excellent Turkish, Italian, and Asian restaurants, while the traditional Besenwirtschaften (seasonal wine taverns) offer authentic regional dining experiences in a rustic atmosphere.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stuttgart and the Old Palace is from May through September when the weather is warmest and most outdoor activities are available. Spring (April-May) offers mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the palace grounds and nearby attractions. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather for outdoor dining and festivals, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds. Fall (September-October) is excellent for wine enthusiasts, as it's harvest season in the surrounding vineyards, and the weather remains pleasant for sightseeing. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets, but some outdoor attractions may have limited hours.

Insider Tips

Visit the Old Palace courtyard during the annual Summer Festival (July-August) when classical concerts and cultural events take place in the historic setting

Purchase the StuttCard for free public transportation and discounts at museums, including reduced entry to the Württemberg State Museum in the Old Palace

Explore the underground shopping areas and pedestrian tunnels near the Old Palace, which connect major attractions and provide shelter during inclement weather

Things to Do in Old Palace (Altes Schloss)