STUTTGART, GERMANY
As you may or may not know, I lived in Stuttgart, Germany for 15 months when I was in high school to study at the John Cranko Ballet School on my journey to becoming a professional ballerina. Long story short, my brother, who is also a dancer, was already living there for the same reason, and I decided I wanted to study at that school as well, as it is renowned school in the ballet world. However, after going through many difficult experiences there that were hurting my body mental and physically, I decided to walk away from ballet after 12 years (if you want to read more about that journey, you can here). Although my experience living there was one of the hardest things I've gone through in my life, I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to live in another country and build a life somewhere outside of my comfort zone of the midwestern lifestyle I grew up knowing.
Since I moved back to Indiana, I have revisited Stuttgart many times - mostly because my brother was still there (at least up until summer 2023) so it was the perfect excuse to visit him, as well as old friends and my old life there. Over the years, I have found many great places to enjoy food, coffee, and other activities around the city. This guide is an ongoing list that I will continue to add to every time I revisit Stuttgart; a city that will always have a special place in my heart.
Things to Do
Stuttgart Ballet, Oberer Schloßgarten 6, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
If there is one thing you decided to spend money on, let it be on going to watch the Stuttgart Ballet. While I may be a little biased, they are such an amazing company and never cease to amaze me in how well the dancers work together on the stage. Of course, I always get the pleasure of watching my old classmates perform (who are now working in the company) and it's such a wonderful experience. The performances sell out quickly so I would plan ahead of time and book your tickets in advance!
Mineralbad Berg, Am Schwanenpl. 9, 70190 Stuttgart, Germany
These thermal baths are a great option if you have a lot of extra time and want to relax. The mineral baths have medicinal benefits such as boosting circulation and minimizing stress and anxiety. You can go any time of year as there is both and indoor and outdoor pool - and you can swim to the outside one in the winter as well!
Schlossplatz
A large square in the city center to sit, people watch or take a break in the middle of your day. It's always packed with people reading, chatting, or little kids playing.
This is Stuttgart's largest museum for art and displays a mix of traditional and modern works. A great option on a cold or rainy day!
Day trip to Esslingen
Esslingen is a little medieval town about 15 minutes outside of Stuttgart by train. It was barely hit during WWII so the town was well-preserved of it's historic architecture and to visit feels like you've gone back in time. I would also recommend visiting the Esslingen am Neckar Castle to see a beautiful view of the town and river - but put your walking shoes on because it's all uphill!
Going Out for Drinks
If you're wanting a fun night out, the best areas to find a nice bar are in Marienplatz, Wilhelmsplatz, or by the Rathaus (all of these are fairly close to each other). Here is a list of a few places I've been to and loved:
Hanky Panky, Sophienstraße 3, 70180 Stuttgart, Germany
Suessholz, Wilhelmspl. 3, 70182 Stuttgart, Germany
Holzmaler, Weberstraße, 70182 Stuttgart, Germany
A few other things to do:
Dining
Hüftengold, Olgastraße 44, 70182 Stuttgart, Germany
This cafe has great food but I always go for coffee and cake - their raspberry cream cake is the best. However their hours are very limited so definitely plan ahead of when you can find time in your schedule!
Achillion, Schwabstraße 32, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany
Really amazing greek food and a really nice ambience.
Poffers Cafe, Urbanstraße 86, 70190 Stuttgart, Germany
A really cute cafe - you must try their mini pancakes!
Mattis, Hafenmarkt 12, 73728 Esslingen am Neckar, Germany
This restaurant is in Esslingen (I would honestly make the trip solely to eat here) but they have the best maultaschen I've ever had - it's a traditional Swabian dumpling and they're so yummy.
Breitengrad 17, Eberhardstraße 35, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Great Vietnamese food but you have to make reservations beforehand. The ambience is also really nice here!
Markthalle, Dorotheenstraße 4, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
A huge indoor market with little stands that sell everything from produce, cheese, meats, to different international cuisines. You have to visit to the Feinkost Guschee stand which has different Persian specialties. My family became acquainted with Halil, the seller, during our time living there so we always go say hi and get some good snacks! Sometimes there is also a woman who works the stand, so don't feel like you're in the wrong spot if he's not there.
Kim So's, Neue Brücke 8, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
My brother took us to this casual restaurant one evening for a quick meal but it was honestly some of the best Korean food I've ever had. I definitely recommend getting the Beef Bulgogi.
Restaurant Ilysia am Bubenbad, Gänsheidestraße 41, 70184 Stuttgart, Germany
Another great Greek restaurant but this one is on the top of the hill in Stuttgart so you can see the whole city from across the street. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio and is perfect for a summer evening dinner.
Safran Restaurant, Schloßstraße 57A, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
This might be the best Persian restaurant I've ever been to and the owners are extremely welcoming. Everything is great but you at least need to try the kashke bademjan which is an eggplant appetizer that is just to die for!
Umami, Eberhardstraße 47, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Really great ramen - perfect for a colder day if you're craving a cozy meal. The place is always packed and they don't take reservations so plan ahead!
Madagascar, Filderstraße 61, 70180 Stuttgart, Germany
This African restaurant was probably one of the coolest restaurants I've ever been to. The interior design is so cool - the floor is covered in sand, and it almost feels like you're eating in a tent with all the drapes/tapestries on the walls and ceilings. It's definitely a whole experience and a great opportunity to try a cuisine that isn't very accessible - they serve zebra, crocodile and other dishes I'd never heard of!
Shopping
Walk along Königstrasse
Königstrasse is the main street in Stuttgart that goes through the heart of the city and connects to the main train station. If you're wanting to visit Zara, H&M, and other big retailers, this is the place to do that! They also have some great shoe stores - Görtz always has a great selection of shoes and usually has sales going on.
Rosenrot, Vogelsangstraße 16B, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
A really chic second hand clothing store that had everything from luxury and designer brands such as Rag & Bone and YSL, to other retailers such as & Other Stories. I found a cute black dress here and I will definitely go check out what else they have when I go back!
Geschwisterliebe, Breite Str. 4, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
A cool boutique that sells very trendy/edgy pieces!
So, what should I wear?!
Stuttgart is a very casual city in terms of style and fashion. Most people dress comfortably in jeans, joggers and sneakers, but of course any fashion girly like me is going to make the most of being in a European city. While yes, sometimes I feel a little over dressed, I'm totally fine with that as long as I'm wearing what makes me feel comfortable and stylish. I will warn you that Stuttgart is extremely hilly and you will walk a lot so I wouldn't overdo it. I have made the mistake of wearing heels and I usually end up looking like an idiot. At least if you wear heels, get a wedge heel so it's easier to walk through cobblestone streets (or if you're going to a performance or something, just wear sneakers and change your shoes when you get there). Stuttgart also gels a lot of rain, so I'd bring an umbrella/rain jacket no matter what time of year you visit. Even in the middle of summer it can cool down a bit at night, so always have an extra layer with you in the evening. The center of the city also sits in a bowl surrounded by hills - this means that there isn't much of a breeze. While that is nice for the winter, it can make the summers feel much hotter. All of these are things I'd keep in mind in packing, but other than that, just do you!
Below are my outfits from my most recent trip which was in May 2023 (I definitely wouldn't want to share what I wore living there in 2015 as outfit inspiration, lol). Again, I will keep these up to date as I revisit Stuttgart!