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

Things to Do in Old Palace (Altes Schloss)

Old Palace (Altes Schloss), Deutschland - Complete Travel Guide

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany, is a city where automotive innovation meets cultural heritage. Home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche headquarters, this dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with centuries of history. The city's crown jewel, the Old Palace (Altes Schloss), stands as a testament to Stuttgart's royal past, having served as the residence of the Counts and Dukes of Württemberg for over 800 years. Beyond its automotive fame, Stuttgart boasts world-class opera and ballet companies, extensive green spaces, and a thriving culinary scene. The city's unique geography, nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards and hills, creates a distinctive landscape that combines urban sophistication with natural beauty. From exploring medieval castles to experiencing state-of-the-art museums, Stuttgart offers visitors an authentic German experience enriched by Swabian culture and traditions.

Top Things to Do in Old Palace (Altes Schloss)

Explore the Old Palace and Württemberg State Museum

The Renaissance-style Old Palace houses the Württemberg State Museum, showcasing centuries of regional history, royal artifacts, and cultural treasures. The palace's courtyard regularly hosts concerts and cultural events, while the museum's collections include medieval art, crown jewels, and archaeological finds. The building itself is an architectural marvel, representing one of Germany's most important Renaissance structures.

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

Tour Mercedes-Benz Museum and Factory

Discover the fascinating history of automotive innovation at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, featuring over 160 vehicles spanning 130 years of automotive history. The museum's unique double-helix architecture guides visitors through nine levels of exhibitions. Factory tours offer behind-the-scenes access to modern car production processes and engineering marvels.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €10-12 for adults, while factory tours are €7-9 and must be booked in advance online. Tours fill up quickly, especially in summer months. The museum is closed on Mondays, and factory tours require closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Visit Porsche Museum and Experience Center

The Porsche Museum showcases the evolution of this iconic sports car brand through interactive displays and rare vehicle collections. The adjacent Experience Center offers driving experiences and simulators for automotive enthusiasts. The museum's sleek architecture mirrors the precision and design philosophy of Porsche vehicles.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is €8-10 for adults with family packages available. Driving experiences at the Experience Center start at €200 and require advance booking and valid driver's license. Visit early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer tour groups.

Stroll Through Stuttgart's Wine Region

Stuttgart is unique among major German cities for having vineyards within its urban boundaries. Take guided tours through terraced hillside vineyards, visit traditional wine taverns called 'Besenwirtschaften,' and sample local Trollinger and Riesling wines. The wine harvest season offers special festivals and events celebrating local viticulture.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range from €25-45 per person including tastings. Book tours during harvest season (September-October) for the most authentic experience. Many tours include traditional Swabian food pairings, and advance reservations are essential for weekend tours.

Experience Stuttgart Opera House and Cultural Quarter

The Stuttgart State Opera is renowned worldwide for its exceptional ballet company and innovative productions. The surrounding cultural quarter includes the State Theatre, art galleries, and concert halls. Evening performances showcase world-class artists in one of Europe's most prestigious cultural venues.

Booking Tip: Opera tickets range from €15-150 depending on seating and performance. Book popular shows months in advance through the official website. Student discounts and last-minute tickets are often available at the box office 30 minutes before performances.

Getting There

Stuttgart is easily accessible via Stuttgart Airport (STR), located 13km south of the city center with direct flights from major European cities and international connections. The airport connects to the city via S-Bahn trains (S2/S3 lines) in 30 minutes for €4.20. High-speed ICE trains connect Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to major German cities including Munich (2.5 hours), Frankfurt (1.5 hours), and Berlin (3.5 hours). The city is also well-connected by Autobahn highways A8 and A81, making it easily reachable by car from anywhere in Germany or neighboring countries.

Getting Around

Stuttgart's efficient public transportation system includes buses, trams, S-Bahn suburban trains, and the unique rack railway (Zahnradbahn) to Degerloch. A day pass costs €7.20 for unlimited travel within the city zone, while single tickets are €2.90. The city center is very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Car rentals are available but parking in the city center can be expensive (€2-3 per hour). Bike sharing systems and electric scooters provide eco-friendly alternatives for short distances.

Where to Stay

Stuttgart City Center (Mitte)
Bad Cannstatt
Stuttgart West
Degerloch
Vaihingen
Stuttgart East (Ost)

Food & Dining

Stuttgart's culinary scene celebrates traditional Swabian cuisine alongside international flavors. Local specialties include Spätzle (egg noodles), Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), and Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef). The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Gasthäuses serving regional dishes, and vibrant food markets like Markthalle. Wine taverns (Besenwirtschaften) offer authentic local experiences with seasonal menus and regional wines. The Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter) features cozy restaurants and cafes, while the cultural quarter offers upscale dining options. International cuisine thrives here, reflecting Stuttgart's multicultural population and business connections.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Stuttgart

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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60 seconds to napoli Stuttgart

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Valle

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Ristorante u. Pizzeria Da Peppone

4.8 /5
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Da Nello

4.8 /5
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Don Via Restaurant Stuttgart

4.7 /5
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Roberts Stuttgart

4.6 /5
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When to Visit

Stuttgart is enjoyable year-round, with each season offering unique attractions. Spring (April-May) brings mild weather perfect for exploring vineyards and outdoor attractions, while summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures ideal for festivals and outdoor dining, though it's the busiest tourist season. Autumn (September-November) is particularly magical with wine harvest festivals, beautiful foliage, and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Winter (December-March) features charming Christmas markets and fewer crowds, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours. The Stuttgart Ballet season runs September through July, making fall through spring optimal for cultural enthusiasts.

Insider Tips

Purchase the StuttCard (€17-27) for free public transport and discounts at major attractions including museums and restaurants
Many traditional Besenwirtschaften (wine taverns) are only open seasonally and don't accept reservations - look for the traditional broom hanging outside to know they're open
The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) offers the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding vineyards, especially beautiful at sunset

Explore Activities in Old Palace (Altes Schloss)