When it comes to choosing a great city break, all signs point to Stuttgart
Germany's car capital boasts spectacular culture, some of Europe's most popular Christmas markets, and enchanting countryside
Stuttgart is a city of contrasts. As the home of luxury car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Baden-Württembergnown’s state capital is unofficially known as ‘Wiege des Automobils’, or ‘Cradle of the Automobile’.
With twice-daily flights less than two hours from London via British Airways, visitors to Stuttgart can enjoy touring impressive museums dedicated to both renowned car brands. They can even rent a 911 or Boxster for the day to take beyond the city limits, onto the autobahns and down twisting country roads.
And it’s here that you’ll see the other side of Stuttgart - the enchanting countryside that draws travellers from across the globe for magnificent winery tours, hiking through the Black Forest, and visiting the grand palaces perched on the hilltops.
The centre of Stuttgart itself is also curiously car-free and given over to pedestrians - not what you might expect in Europe’s motoring capital. With King Street home to a variety of department stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and the grand Schlossplatz, or Palace Square, it’s the perfect place to begin your tour of the city.
Wander past the wooden-fronted cabins and through the medieval cobbled streets, taking in the New Palace on your way to the Staatsgalerie, the State Art Gallery.
Designed by British architect Sir James Stirling, the city boasts one of the continent’s finest collections, from Old Masters through to contemporary pop art. Highlights include works by Picasso, Matisse, Rembrandt and Salvador Dali.
Also nearby is the city’s stunning Opera House, with an incredible year-round programme of events, from classical ballet to contemporary dance featuring performers from more than 20 countries.
In winter, Stuttgart’s stunning streets and squares become home to one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets. It’s quite a spectacle, with more than 300 traders each competing for the honour of ‘best decorated stall’ by rigging up extravagant fairy light displays.
Choirs and musicians deliver night performances in the courtyard of the Old Palace beneath the city’s Christmas tree, and there’s also an outdoor skating rink and miniature steam railway.
You can also head to the top of the 185-feet railway station tower, with its large, rotating and illuminated Mercedes-Benz badge on top.
Or visit the 217-metre high TV Tower, the world’s very first television tower, and enjoy the sight from the viewing platform and Panorama Café. From here, you’ll see why the surrounding countryside is known as the Stuttgarter Kessel - The Cauldron.
Sitting at the foot of a natural valley bowl, Stuttgart is ringed by miles of woodland and hundreds of acres of ancient vineyards still producing the local Trollinger wine.
Most are within easy reach of the city centre by public transport, or by using one of the 500 steep urban staircases dotted around the edge of the city and run up the hillsides into the vineyards.
Book a guided tour of the wineries - many host their own - or explore one of the many marked wine trails, taking in a visit to the Museum of Viniculture in Uhlbach.
Here, you can sample wine from local producers in the glass-walled ‘Vinothek’. Visit the Kessler winery, Germany’s oldest sparkling wine cellar located in Esslingen am Neckar, just 20 minutes from Stuttgart. You can even tour the vineyards on a Segway.
If you’re travelling in spring or late autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique experience when some of the winemakers open private, pop-up bars to serve their own produce.
German law means they are permitted to have a maximum of 40 seats and can open for a total of just four months across these two periods. Look out for the old-fashioned twig brooms above the doorways of the wineries - the symbol to show they are open for business.
If you’re feeling adventurous, travel further afield into the enchanting Black Forest - just an hour away from Stuttgart - and explore the many walking trails, lakes and mountains.
It’s also not too difficult to make the journey beyond the city limits, even if you’re only in town for a short visit. Hire a car with British Airways Holidays and you’ll receive great benefits, including the cover of mandatory charges, 24-hour customer support, and more.
Back in the city centre, the impressive Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums are a must for any car enthusiast, with hundreds of historic models on display charting the histories of each.
It’s clear, when it comes to choosing a great city break destination, all signs point to Stuttgart.
Why travel with British Airways
British Airways has an extensive route network - with over 200 destinations including Stuttgart - and operates from three London airports: Gatwick, Heathrow and City, providing greater choice for travellers.
The airline offers frequent flights to key destinations - daily or even multiple times per day - so you can pick a time most suitable for you.
British Airways' Executive Club loyalty programme is free to join, and has matching status across the OneWorld alliance of airlines. All members are entitled to free Wi-Fi messaging on board the airline's Wi-Fi enabled aircrafts.
Customers can pay for flights and holidays with Avios, as well as use Avios on much of their everyday shopping to help make that next trip come around even sooner.
New aircraft cabins are designed to reflect a British, modern yet classic interior, combining a progressive approach with traditional elements that draw inspiration from British Airways' rich heritage.
Or if you're looking for the full 'city break' package, then why not book your flights and hotel together with British Airways Holidays?
All British Airways Holidays packages include a 23kg baggage allowance per person.
Customers can benefit from a 24-hour dedicated support helpline during their trip.
Find a range of hotel options to suit all pockets, from budget-friendly to five-star luxury.
