Things to Do in Stuttgart Ballet, Deutschland

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends industrial prowess with cultural sophistication. Known worldwide as the birthplace of the automobile and home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart has evolved into one of Germany's most important cultural centers. The city's crown jewel is the Stuttgart Ballet, one of the world's most prestigious dance companies, which has revolutionized contemporary ballet under the direction of choreographic legends like John Cranko and Reid Anderson. Nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards and parks, Stuttgart offers visitors a unique combination of cutting-edge automotive heritage, world-class performing arts, and traditional Swabian culture. The city's compact center is filled with elegant squares, modern architecture, and cultural venues, while the surrounding hills provide scenic hiking trails and wine-tasting opportunities. From the iconic Stuttgart Opera House to the futuristic Mercedes-Benz Museum, the city caters to diverse interests while maintaining its reputation as a leader in both technology and the arts.

Top Things to Do in Stuttgart Ballet

Stuttgart Ballet Performance at State Opera

Experience world-renowned ballet performances at the Stuttgart State Opera, home to one of the globe's most celebrated ballet companies. The Stuttgart Ballet has premiered countless groundbreaking works and continues to push artistic boundaries with both classical and contemporary productions. The opulent opera house itself is an architectural marvel that enhances every performance.

Booking Tip: Book tickets well in advance through the official State Opera website, with prices ranging from €15-120. Best seats are in the first tier; avoid booking during school holidays when popular shows sell out quickly.

Mercedes-Benz Museum Experience

Journey through 130 years of automotive history at this architectural masterpiece that showcases the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The museum's unique double-helix structure guides visitors through nine levels of exhibits featuring over 160 vehicles and 1,500 exhibits. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring the story of automotive innovation to life.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed-entry tickets online for €10 adults to avoid queues; audio guides cost an additional €4. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and allow 3-4 hours for the full experience.

Porsche Museum and Factory Tour

Discover the legendary history of Porsche sports cars at this sleek, modern museum featuring over 80 vehicles spanning the brand's entire history. The museum showcases rare prototypes, racing cars, and iconic models alongside interactive exhibits about engineering excellence. Factory tours offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of current production processes.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €10; factory tours are €9 additional and must be booked separately online. Tours are conducted in German with English audio guides available; book factory tours 2-3 weeks ahead.

Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden

Explore one of Europe's most beautiful zoos set within stunning 19th-century Moorish architecture and botanical gardens. Originally built as a royal palace's pleasure garden, Wilhelma now houses over 11,000 animals and thousands of plant species. The historic greenhouse complex and aquarium are particularly spectacular, featuring exotic flora and diverse marine life.

Booking Tip: Adult tickets cost €20; purchase online for slight discounts and to skip ticket lines. Visit early morning or late afternoon for active animals; the greenhouse complex requires extra time and is climate-controlled year-round.

Stuttgart Wine Region Tours

Venture into the surrounding hills to discover Stuttgart's unexpected wine heritage, with vineyards stretching right into the city limits. The region produces excellent Riesling and Trollinger wines, and many vineyards offer tastings with panoramic city views. Traditional wine taverns called 'Besenwirtschaften' provide authentic local experiences with seasonal opening times.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range from €25-60 per person; book through local tour operators from April to October. Look for tours that include multiple vineyard visits and traditional Swabian food pairings.

Getting There

Stuttgart Airport (STR) is located 13km south of the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities and some international destinations. The airport connects to the city via S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 (30 minutes, €4.20) or taxi (20 minutes, €35-45). Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof is a major railway hub with excellent ICE high-speed train connections to Frankfurt (1.5 hours), Munich (2.5 hours), and other German cities. The station is currently undergoing major reconstruction as part of the Stuttgart 21 project, so allow extra time for navigation.

Getting Around

Stuttgart's efficient public transportation system includes S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and a historic rack railway. A day pass costs €7.50 and covers all public transport within the city. The city center is compact and walkable, with many attractions within easy reach of each other. Taxis are readily available but expensive; bike rentals and e-scooters offer eco-friendly alternatives. The Stuttgart Card (€17 for 48 hours) combines public transport with discounts at major attractions and museums.

Where to Stay

Stuttgart-Mitte (City Center)

Bad Cannstatt

Stuttgart-West

Degerloch

Stuttgart-Süd

Feuerbach

Food & Dining

Stuttgart's culinary scene blends traditional Swabian cuisine with international influences and modern gastronomy. Local specialties include Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), Spätzle (egg noodles), and Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), best enjoyed at traditional restaurants like Zur Weinsteige or Alte Kanzlei. The city boasts several Michelin-starred establishments, including Restaurant Christophorus atop the Porsche Museum. For casual dining, explore the Markthalle, a beautiful Art Nouveau market hall filled with international food stalls, or visit one of the seasonal Besenwirtschaften wine taverns in the surrounding hills for authentic local wines and hearty regional dishes.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stuttgart is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the city's parks, vineyards, and outdoor attractions. Summer months offer the most Stuttgart Ballet performances and outdoor festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful colors in the surrounding wine regions. Winter can be cold but offers a cozy atmosphere, Christmas markets, and reduced hotel rates, plus the ballet season is in full swing.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Stuttgart Card for significant savings on attractions and free public transport - it pays for itself after visiting just two major museums

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (2:30-6:00 PM), so plan your meals accordingly or seek out cafes and international restaurants that stay open

The best views of Stuttgart are from the Fernsehturm TV Tower or the Birkenkopf hill, which offers panoramic vistas and is accessible by public transport

Things to Do in Stuttgart Ballet