For a first visit, base yourself in Stuttgart-Mitte (the city centre) around Schlossplatz — it's the most central and walkable option. Stuttgart-West suits those wanting a residential, café-lined base close to the centre, Bad Cannstatt works for events, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the autumn festival, and Vaihingen or areas near the Hauptbahnhof suit travellers prioritising transport links and value.
The areas, by traveller
Stuttgart-Mitte (City Centre)
The central district built around Schlossplatz, Königstraße shopping street and the main museums, with the Hauptbahnhof at its northern edge. Everything is walkable and transport connections radiate from here.
Explore Stuttgart-Mitte (City Centre) →Stuttgart-West
A leafy, residential quarter just west of the centre, known for its grid of streets full of cafés, bakeries and small restaurants. Quieter than Mitte but still an easy walk or short U-Bahn ride to Schlossplatz.
Explore Stuttgart-West →Bad Cannstatt
A historic borough across the Neckar with its own old town and mineral baths, near the stadium, the Cannstatter Wasen festival grounds and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Well connected by S-Bahn to the centre.
Explore Bad Cannstatt →Stuttgart-Süd
A busy, mixed district south of the centre with a young, lively feel and plenty of bars around the Marienplatz area. Close enough to walk into Mitte or hop on the U-Bahn.
Explore Stuttgart-Süd →Stuttgart-Ost
A largely residential eastern district with parks and the Wilhelma zoo and botanical garden nearby. Less central but reliably linked to the city by U-Bahn.
Explore Stuttgart-Ost →Vaihingen
A well-connected hub in the south-west with its own S-Bahn interchange and proximity to the airport and fairgrounds. Practical rather than scenic, and handy for early departures.
Explore Vaihingen →
Practical basics
- Getting in
- Stuttgart Airport (STR) sits south-west of the city and connects to the centre and Hauptbahnhof directly by S-Bahn in roughly half an hour.
- Getting around
- An integrated S-Bahn, U-Bahn (Stadtbahn) and bus network (VVS) makes most districts easy to reach, and the centre is compact enough to explore on foot.
- Best time to visit
- Late spring and early autumn offer mild weather, while the Cannstatter Wasen festival and Christmas market draw crowds in autumn and December.
- Currency
- Germany uses the euro (EUR), and card payment is widely accepted though some smaller venues still prefer cash.
Frequently asked
Which area is best for first-time visitors?
Stuttgart-Mitte, the central district around Schlossplatz, is the easiest base — it's walkable, close to the main sights and shops, and next to the Hauptbahnhof for onward travel.
Where should I stay without a car?
Anywhere in Mitte, West or Süd keeps you within walking or short U-Bahn distance of the centre, and the VVS network covers the wider city and airport well.
Is it worth staying near the airport?
Vaihingen and the airport area suit early flights or trade-fair visits, but they're less atmospheric — most leisure travellers prefer a central base and use the S-Bahn to reach STR.
Cities near Stuttgart
Hand-picked hotel guides for Stuttgart — real hotels, exact prices and distances — are on the way. This page will grow into the full recommendation set.
An independent guide to where to stay in Stuttgart — hotel recommendations are on the way.