The 5 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart on a Budget

[rohny jones]

Andreas Praefcke

Two points regarding travel to Germany's sixth largest city and capital of Baden-Würtemberg state: 1. it's very undersung as a destination, and 2. visiting Stuttgart is generally not a cheap proposition, as with any other city in this country. But the home of auto icons Porsche and Mercedes Benz also offers some exciting things to see and do which don't have to break the bank. And here are five of them!

Stuttgart TV Tower

Broadcasting FM frequencies, the Stufttgart's Fernsehturm was the world’s first television tower still stands tall after more than 60 years, and has been a model replicated from Hong Kong to Johannesburg. And it also offers visitors some fantastic panoramic views over the city and out toward the Black Forest from its observation platform 217 meters (712 feet) up. There's also a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant. Adults 9 euros, kids 6-15 5€, under 6 free.

Killesberg Tower

Also called the Schlaichturm, another tower well worth climbing is located in Killesberg Park north of central Stuttgart. Rising 42m (138 ft.), it was built in 2002 with an open-air double-helix design, metal stairs spiraling upwards on steel cables, four viewing platforms, and it sways in the wind. The park below is also a great place to spend part of your day, with cool fountains, a children's theater and play areas; a petting zoo; a narrow-gauge railway; an open-air swimming pool; and various options for eating and drinking. Free of charge.

pjt58

Birkenkopf (Rubble Hill)

Also dubbed by locals Monte Scherbelino (Mount Shards) this 511m (1,677-ft.) manmade hill overlooking the city was made from the rubble of from the destruction wreaked by World War II, when nearly half of Stuttgart was destroyed. Here at Stuttgart's highest point you can walk on the paths between the rubble but it's dangerous to climb on the debris itself.  Free of charge.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum

This imposing, nine-story piece of modern architecture with a double helix interior.of some 6,500 square meters (17,605 sq. ft.) has 1,500 exhibits (manhy of them multimedia and/or interactive) including 160 vehicles from throughout the history of this iconic car maker. A bit pricier to enter, but well worth it.  Admission 10€.

The Markthalle (Market Hall)

Last on our list of cool Stuttgart attractions, this Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) covered market built in 1914 in the heart of the old city has 33 stalls and three dining spots packed with sights, sounds, and smells from all over Baden Würtemburg, Germany, and beyond, including the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, also some home décor items. Great tastes and great photo ops, too!  Free of charge.

To learn more about great ways to #EnjoyStuttgart, click here, here and here!