Stuttgart - a tour in pictures
What to eat
Without a doubt you should have lunch or dinner at The Cube restaurant at the top of the Museum of Art. Not just for the impressive views across the valley and city, but also for the incredible food. I ate a delicious traditional meal of veal and spaetzle, which is a pasta-like mix of flour, water, egg and salt, washed down with the local Stuttgarter Hoffbrau beer. This lively restaurant makes a great rejuvenating midday shopping rest stop.
Local cuisine
Maultaschen is a popular Swabian dish ('Swabian' refers to the region in Germany of Stuttgart) served by locals, specifically at Easter time. Similar to ravioli, Maultaschen consists of spinach-filled pasta pillows fortified with ground veal, pork, beef, bacon, or sausage. It was said to have been created by bored cooks during Lent, to hide ground pork and spinach in a doughy ball. I ate a particularly good Maultaschen in the Balmicher Bau - a traditional Swabian restaurant in Esslingden.
Shopping
Stuttgart has all the usual suspects (from Cartier to Vuitton) near Schiller Square and at the big shopping centre, Breunlinger. For something a bit unusual, head to Merz and Benzing in the Market Hall (Markthalle) inbetween the old castle and the marketplace. This is the sort of place where you can pick up an assortment of unusual bits and bobs that you never dreamed existed. It's great for gifts, especially at Christmas when you can pick up an assortment of glassware, jewellery, furniture and household goods, and delicious Hochland coffee plus books for children and adults. The art nouveau style Market Hall itself sells a wide assortment of exotic delights, with fresh fruit and vegetables and herbs and spices from across the globe - ideal browsing for gastro fans.
Over the Christmas season, Stuttgart is the home to one of the oldest and most beautiful European Christmas markets, held at the Marktplatz and Schillerplatz. Traditionally it opens on the last Thursday of November and includes a 'magical fairytale land', merry-go-rounds, concerts and carols and other atmospheric treats. Grab a cup of mulled wine and watch the children on the ice rink.
Smart Tips
On arriving, get hold of the Stuttgart Plus card (17 Euros) which is valid for three consecutive days. This will give you access to many of the museums for free, plus free travel on the public transport systems throughout the city, undoubtedly the best way to get around.
More information
I stayed at the hotel Schlossgarten hotel, well located right in the city centre. For prices and availability, visit www.hotelschlossgarten.com.
I flew with no-frills airline Germanwings, who fly daily from London Stansted to Stuttgart from as little as £13 each way. For further information visit: www.germanwings.com.
Booking options
Flights can be booked at www.germanwings.com, by calling +44 (0) 870 252 12 50 (GMT 7:00 - 20:00 hrs)
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