Stuttgart Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Stuttgart.
Healthcare System
Germany operates a dual public-private healthcare system with universal coverage for residents. Stuttgart's healthcare infrastructure is among the best in Europe, with state-of-the-art hospitals, specialized clinics, and a dense network of general practitioners and specialists. The city hosts several university hospitals and research centers.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Katharinenhospital (central location, full emergency services), Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus (comprehensive care with international patient services), and Klinikum Stuttgart (university hospital with all specialties). All accept international patients and work with most international insurance providers. Emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) are open 24/7.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widely available and identifiable by a red 'A' sign. They stock prescription and over-the-counter medications, though some common OTC drugs in other countries require prescriptions in Germany. At least one pharmacy in each district operates a rotating night/weekend service (Notdienst), with schedules posted on pharmacy doors and available at www.apotheken.de.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel health insurance as medical costs can be substantial and must typically be paid upfront before insurance reimbursement.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ in Germany
- Pharmacists in Germany are highly trained and can provide medical advice for minor ailments
- Keep your insurance information and emergency contacts readily accessible
- Medical facilities expect payment upfront from non-residents; keep receipts for insurance claims
- Dental care is excellent but expensive; ensure your insurance covers dental emergencies
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and during major events. Thieves typically work in pairs or groups using distraction techniques.
Bicycle theft is common in Stuttgart, affecting both residents and tourists who rent bikes. Thieves target poorly secured bikes, especially expensive models.
Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates may be targeted for break-ins, particularly when valuables are visible inside.
Stuttgart has heavy traffic and complex road systems. Pedestrians unfamiliar with German traffic rules may be at risk. Cyclists must follow strict regulations.
While extremely rare, isolated incidents have been reported in nightlife areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards asking for signatures on petitions (often claiming to support deaf/disabled charities). While you're signing, accomplices pickpocket you, or they demand a 'mandatory donation' after you've signed.
Unlicensed or dishonest taxi drivers at the airport or train station may claim the meter is broken, quote inflated flat rates, or take unnecessarily long routes.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants may add items to bills that weren't ordered, charge for bread/water that should be free, or add excessive service charges.
Someone approaches offering a 'free' friendship bracelet or flower, ties it on your wrist, then demands payment and becomes aggressive if you refuse.
Criminals attach card skimmers and hidden cameras to ATMs to steal card information and PINs.
Scammers impersonating police officers ask to check your wallet for 'counterfeit money' or your passport for verification, then steal cash or information.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation
- Validate tickets before boarding (fines for riding without valid tickets are €60)
- Keep belongings close and visible on crowded trains and buses
- Be aware of your surroundings at night, especially at less-busy stations
- Use official VVS (Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart) transportation apps for tickets and schedules
- Night buses (N-lines) are safe and well-monitored
- Women-only areas are not designated, but conductors and security are present on trains
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Verify hotel booking confirmations to avoid fake booking scams
- Check that windows and doors lock properly upon check-in
- Note emergency exits and procedures
- Be cautious of unsolicited knocks; verify identity through peephole or by calling front desk
- Keep room numbers private and don't leave room keys unattended
Money and Valuables
- Carry only necessary cash; Germany is increasingly card-friendly though cash is still common
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person
- Inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocking
- Keep photocopies of important documents separate from originals
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Cultural Awareness
- Respect quiet hours (typically 22:00-06:00 and 13:00-15:00 on weekdays, all day Sunday)
- Jaywalking is illegal and taken seriously; always use crosswalks and wait for signals
- Public drinking is legal but be respectful; public intoxication is frowned upon
- Photography restrictions apply in some museums and private property; always ask first
- Tipping 5-10% is customary for good service; round up or add to card payments
- Germans value punctuality and direct communication; be on time for tours and reservations
Nightlife Safety
- Stick to well-known venues and avoid unlicensed establishments
- Travel in groups when possible, especially late at night
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking long distances at night
- The Theodor-Heuss-Straße area is the main nightlife district and generally safe but crowded
- Be aware of noise ordinances; clubs and bars typically close by 03:00-05:00
- Keep an eye on your drinks and don't accept drinks from strangers
Driving and Road Safety
- International driving permits may be required depending on your country of origin
- Environmental badges (Umweltplakette) are mandatory for driving in Stuttgart's environmental zone
- Autobahn sections have no speed limit, but recommended speed is 130 km/h; drive defensively
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving (0.05% BAC limit, 0.00% for new drivers)
- Winter tires are required in winter conditions (snow, ice)
- Parking regulations are strictly enforced; use parking garages or paid spaces
- Be extremely cautious of bicycles; they have right-of-way in many situations
Technology and Communication
- Free public Wi-Fi is available in many areas but use VPN for sensitive transactions
- EU roaming applies for EU visitors; others should check international plans or buy local SIM cards
- Download offline maps in case of connectivity issues
- Emergency apps like 'nora' provide emergency services access
- Be cautious of public charging stations (USB ports); bring your own adapter
- Keep phone charged and accessible for emergencies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Stuttgart is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Germany has strong gender equality, and women will find Stuttgart welcoming and respectful. Harassment is uncommon and socially unacceptable. Women can move freely throughout the city, use public transportation at all hours, and dine alone without issue. The city has excellent infrastructure, well-lit streets, and responsive emergency services.
- Solo dining and traveling alone is completely normal and accepted in German culture
- Public transportation is safe at night, though sitting near the driver or in populated cars is advisable on late-night services
- Trust your instincts; Germans generally respect personal space and boundaries
- Dress as you wish; Stuttgart is cosmopolitan and there are no restrictive dress expectations
- Be firm and direct if uncomfortable; German culture appreciates directness
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps late at night rather than walking alone in isolated areas
- Hotel staff and police are professional and helpful if you experience any issues
- Women-focused travel groups and meetups are available through apps like Meetup
- Carry a charged phone and know your accommodation address in German
- The emergency number 110 (police) can be called for harassment or feeling unsafe
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Germany has strong LGBTQ+ protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, discrimination is illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals have equal rights under law. Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg are progressive regions with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
- The main LGBTQ+ scene is around Hans-im-Glück-Brunnen and scattered throughout the city center
- CSD Stuttgart (Christopher Street Day) takes place annually in July/August with large celebrations
- LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations are widely available; many hotels display rainbow flags
- Dating apps are commonly used and safe to use in Stuttgart
- The LGBTQ+ center 'Weissenburg' offers resources and information for visitors
- Most restaurants, bars, and venues are welcoming regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
- While generally safe, exercise normal caution in late-night situations as anywhere
- Gender-neutral bathrooms are increasingly common in modern establishments
- Transgender travelers will find Stuttgart respectful; legal name changes are recognized
- German culture tends to be private; overt displays may attract attention but rarely hostility
- English-language LGBTQ+ resources are available through tourism offices
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Stuttgart despite its safety and excellent healthcare. Medical care is world-class but expensive for non-EU visitors who must typically pay upfront. Germany's efficient systems mean that trip disruptions (flight cancellations, missed connections) can be costly to resolve without insurance. The high cost of living in Stuttgart makes trip cancellations or interruptions financially significant.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries