Things to Do in Stuttgart TV Tower

Mercedes-Benz and Porsche both started here. Stuttgart sits in a valley surrounded by vineyards and hills in southwestern Germany, making it one of the more attractive major cities in the country. But there's much more than cars. You'll find excellent ballet and opera, excellent museums, and a busy food scene that goes well beyond traditional German fare. The Stuttgart TV Tower changed everything. Built in 1956, it was the world's first television tower of its kind and remains an iconic part of the city's skyline. Standing ~217 meters tall on the Hoher Bopser hill, it offers panoramic views across the entire Stuttgart valley and beyond to the Black Forest on clear days.

You should definitely try local specialties like Maultaschen (similar to large ravioli) and Spätzle. Stuttgart's food scene has evolved considerably beyond traditional Swabian cuisine, though the traditional dishes remain excellent. The Markthalle offers good variety for lunch. The Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter) has numerous restaurants ranging from traditional Gasthaus to modern international cuisine. Wine is particularly good here—Stuttgart is surrounded by vineyards, and many restaurants have excellent local wine lists. The city has several Michelin-starred restaurants, though reservations are essential.

May through September offers the best weather for outdoor activities and clear views from the TV Tower. Stuttgart is pleasant from late spring through early fall, with summer bringing outdoor festivals and events that make the city feel most alive. Summer can get quite warm though. Winter isn't particularly harsh, but views from the tower can be limited by fog and low clouds. December is lovely for Christmas markets—despite the shorter days and potentially limited visibility from observation points.