Surrounded by a variety of vineyard-clad hills, the German town of Stuttgart is ripe with history and rich with culture. This 10th-century town sits in the south-west region of Germany and is home to the famous Old and New Castles, which were restored after World War I.

Things to do

Stuttgart is the birthplace of the Mercedes-Benz car and the home of its international headquarters. As such, a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum should be on the cards, especially for auto enthusiasts. The museum’s building features a spiral walkway that guides you around the 160 vehicle displays and exhibitions.

Consider yourself an animal lover? Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden sits in the north of the city on the grounds of a historic castle. With over 1,000 species of animals and a brand-new ape house, you can spend an entire afternoon exploring the grounds and gardens.

In the centre of the city sits the Old Castle. Built in the 10th century, the building impressively survived the atrocities of World War I. Today it proudly sits as an active place of worship. You can pay a visit to admire the decor and watch the locals in prayer.

Schlossgarten is Stuttgart's open green area and beer garden that draws large crowds in the summer. Head here for a spot of people watching before enjoying retail therapy in the Schlossplatz area.

Getting around

Take a taxi or bus into the city from Stuttgart Airport, located 20 minutes south. Once in Stuttgart, you’ll find the inner city can be explored on foot, while the Stadtbahn light rail system is another easy way to get around. Take the S-Bahn trains if you’re travelling further afield.