Where to stay in Stuttgart: best areas and neighborhoods

Stuttgart is a city not yet discovered by mass tourism. An important manufacturing centre rich in history and art, it hosts many museums, including the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes Benz Museum. Obviously, the best area to stay is the centre, but there are several alternatives to consider. Here are all our tips on where to sleep in Stuttgart.

Is Stuttgar safe? Stuttgart is one of the safest cities in Germany. From a tourist point of view, it is better to avoid too peripheral neighbourhoods, so as not to waste too much time on public transport.

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart

The best area to sleep in is Stuttgart-Mitte, which is the centre, full of attractions, services and nightlife. However, if you are traveling with your family, the only area inside the centre that we recommend is that around Oberer Schlossgarten, which is greener and quieter. Alternatively, it is better to move to other districts, such as Degerloch and Bad Cannstatt if you are traveling on a budget
Another area recommended for low-budget stays is Stuttgart-West, well connected to the centre by the efficient public transport network. If you want to experience local vibes, choose Stuttgart Ost, the eastern side of the city.

Our Favorite Stuttgart Hotels

If you are in Stuttgart for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Stuttgart-Mitte, the best for first-timers and nightlife

If you are planning a trip to Stuttgart, especially if it is your first time visiting the city, the best neighbourhood to stay in is Stuttgart-Mitte. This area represents the historic centre and here you will find some of the main attractions, such as Schlossplatz, with the Old Castle and the New Palace, the Markthalle Stuttgart and the Stuttgart Opera.

It is an ideal area for everyone, but of course it is also one of the most expensive neighbourhoods. Here, you can find luxury hotels and smaller ones, B&Bs and affordable hostels, the important thing is to book early.
In addition, the Mitte District is also the hub of nightlife, especially the area around Bohnenviertel (known as "the bean quarter". So if you are traveling with your family and still want to stay in the city centre, stay in the Oberer Schlossgarten area, which is the greenest and quietest in the neighbourhood.

In the district there are several metro stations and Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof central railway station, but staying here makes it easy to walk to places.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €75,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Bad Cannstatt, to stay on a budget

North of Stuttgart-Mitte is the district of Bad Cannstatt, one of the most famous. This is because some of the most popular tourist attractions are here: the Wilhelma Zoo, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. And after all the visits you can relax for a few hours at the MineralBad spa. In addition to the museums, this is the beer district: Oktoberfest is held here!

It is an ideal neighbourhood for those on a budget, as costs are lower than in the centre. It is also an ideal area for families, with attractions and large parks for the youngest travellers. There is no shortage of services, hotels of different types and lots of activities to do!

Staying here, you will have to use public transport to get to the centre: the reference point is the central station of Bad Cannstatt, with trains that lead directly to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (lines S1, S2 and S3, 3 min).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €210,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Stuttgart-West, for nature lovers

To the west of Stuttgart-Mitte, we find the Stuttgart-West District, a less touristy area but full of activities and surrounded by nature. In the main avenues you will find restaurants, shops and pubs, very quiet and not crowded with tourists. Also here is Schloss Solitude, one of the most fascinating places in the city.

This area is ideal for families and those seeking tranquillity, given the presence of many services, numerous accommodations and many parks where you can relax and walk. At the same time it is a recommended area for those with a lower budget, as it is possible to find good offers and lower prices than in the centre.

Also in this case, you must use public transport to reach the centre. The area is served by several metro and train stations, which take you to the centre in about ten minutes. From Schloss Solitude, however, you have to travel by bus (line 92, Solitude stop, 22 min).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €180,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Stuttgart-Ost, for local vibes

Stuttgart-Ost, or East Stuttgart, is a diverse and dynamic, lively and evolving district that offers a mix of cultural attractions, green spaces, and a diverse community. Whether you're interested in exploring cultural venues, enjoying parks, or experiencing local markets, Stuttgart-Ost has much to offer.

It is an ideal area for those who want to feel local vibes. It is home to several cultural attractions, including the Wagenhallen, a cultural and artistic venue located in a former tram depot. This space hosts events, concerts, and exhibitions.
The district features the Karlshöhe Park, a green space with walking trails and panoramic views of Stuttgart. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
Stuttgart-Ost is well-served by public transportation, including buses and trams, making it easy to explore other parts of the city. It also has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing residents and visitors with a range of dining and entertainment options.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Degerloch, perfect for families

Finally, south of the centre we find the Degerloch district, completely immersed in nature. Here there are elegant houses and parks full of play areas. Furthermore, in this area is the Stuttgart Fernsehturm, the TV Tower which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

This area is especially recommended for families, who can find a lot of tranquillity here. Furthermore, the neighbourhood can also be easily discovered by bicycle, thanks to the many cycle paths. In terms of accommodation, there are mainly hotels and B&Bs, even family-run ones.

Again, you will need to use public transport to reach the centre: the area is served by the Degerloch metro station (lines U5, U6 and U12, 13 min). There are no train stations, so a car can also be useful if you are traveling with your own vehicle.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Places to stay near Stuttgart

The best solution is to stay in Stuttgart. As we have seen, there are very different neighbourhoods, numerous accommodations and solutions for all budgets. Staying in the city will allow you to save a lot on accommodation, an expense not to be underestimated!
It is also true that Stuttgart is surrounded by wonderful nature and many vineyards, as well as unique villages. So if you are looking for an authentic experience surrounded by greenery, you could consider staying in the neighbouring villages:

• Ludwigsburg (15 km / 20 min): located on the left bank of the Neckar River, this town is known for its Baroque castles and gardens. Connected to Stuttgart by direct train line S5 (20 min) - compare accommodation on booking
• Leonberg (18 km / 25 min): location surrounded by greenery, with typical architecture of medieval German villages, very quiet. Connected to Stuttgart by direct train line S6 or S60 (30 min) - compare accommodation on booking

Stuttgart accommodation price map

Booking.com

Cool things to do in Stuttgart

Stuttgart offers a variety of cool activities for visitors. Whether you're interested in cars, art, nature, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Stuttgart has something for everyone. Here are some suggestions:

• Head to the Stuttgart TV Tower (Fernsehturm): best spot for panoramic views of the city. The tower has a revolving restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenery - info, prices and booking.
• Explore the Mercedes-Benz Museum: the innovative architecture and extensive collection of cars make it a must-visit for car enthusiasts.
• Experience Porsche Museum: if you're a fan of sports cars, the Porsche Museum is a great option. It showcases the evolution of Porsche vehicles and the brand's engineering excellence.
• Spend a day at Wilhelma Zoo: one of the largest zoos and botanical gardens in Europe. It features a diverse range of animals and beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Visit the Staatsgalerie: it houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Beuys.
• Take a stroll along Königstrasse: it's Stuttgart's main shopping street. It's perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Don't forget to explore the side streets for hidden gems.
• Visit Solitude Palace: a beautiful Rococo palace surrounded by extensive gardens. It's a peaceful retreat located just outside the city center.
• Feuersee and Johanneskirche: Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Feuersee, a picturesque lake, and visit the nearby Johanneskirche (St. John's Church), known for its impressive architecture.
• Relax at MineralBad Cannstatt: a spa with thermal baths. It's a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
• Discover Stuttgart Beer Gardens: experience the local culture by visiting one of Stuttgart's traditional beer gardens, such as the Biergarten am Weißenburgpark or the Teehaus im Weissenburgpark.

Travel tips

1. Transports: Stuttgart is pretty huge, better use public transport. Best solutions are S-Bahn and U-Bahn, bikes are commonly used. Car is not recommended due to traffic. Better rely on Uber. Airport is quite close, 12 km from the town, the S-Bahn runs from the airport to the main train station in about 20 minutes.
2. Wifi: all major squares have a free wifi, so you won't need any data sim as long as you're in the center. Just look for "free-wifi-stuttgart (official)".
3. Best areas/clubs for nightlife: Stuttgart has a vibrant nightlife. Central district (especially the area around Bohnenviertel), Theodor-Heuss-Strasse (aka "party mile") and Stuttgart-Ost are the best.  Best clubs and bars are Jigger & Spoon, Sky Beach, Fou Fou, O’Reilly’s, Muttermilch, BIX Jazzclub.