Stuttgart - a tour in pictures

Visitors can take the waters in the Leuze mineral baths complex after a visit to the Zoological and Botanical gardens at Wilhelma right next door. The vast complex consists of three indoor mineral spas, two outdoor spas, mineral water saunas, solariums, a cafe, sport areas and playgrounds. The Leuze can get busy, but it is absolutely massive and there are lots of kids, so it makes a great add-on to a day at the Zoological and Botanical gardens.

Once inside, you'll find two concentrated carbonated medicinal springs and one mineral spring, all of which are used like swimming pools. The pools range in temperatures; start at the Kalts Bad Halle where you have a hot shower before leaping into the cold water pool which is absolutely frigid (it feels a bit like swimming through an ice cube). As your body acclimatises, the water is positively refreshing. Look out for bathers paddling around with mugs of steaming tea. After this, swim through the plastic gates and find refuge in the warmer mineral water baths - or head to the larger pool where you will find massaging water chutes, sun loungers, steam rooms and a sauna.

See stars
A must for opera and ballet lovers is a visit to the Stuttgart Opera House. The opera house is home to the one of the world's leading dance ensembles: the Stuttgart Ballet Company which became legendary through its much acclaimed choreographer, John Cranko.

Compared with stuffy old theatres and opera houses that command a respectful hush, Stuttgart's venue was animated and relaxed when I visited. In the grand main room, kids were hanging off the chairs, swinging from the banisters and cheering and clapping along to the music of Swan Lake. The ballet was played by the resident orchestra and acted out by a group of local school kids dressed up in costume with elaborately painted faces. Children's open days such as these occur once or twice a year; visitors can also choose from a diverse and impressive grown-up programme, including Don Giovanni, Madame Butterfly and The Marriage of Figaro. Visit www.staatstheater.stuttgart.de for more information.

For budding astronomers, head over to the Carl Zeiss Planetarium; Europe's most modern star theatre. Here you can admire the constellations from this uber-futuristic building situated right next to Willy-Brandt-Str. 25 station. The first show starts at 10am, and once inside you can marvel in the boundless depths of the universe, the Southern Cross or the midnight sun over the Antarctic.