You’re going to LOVE Stuttgart. This city is so unique and is bursting with activities to fill your time with.
As the capital city of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, Stuttgart is a large metropolitan city. The city is filled with lush green spaces that wrap the city like the seaweed on a sushi roll. Keep an eye out for Schlossgarten, Rosensteinpark and Killesbergpark – they are the best.
You can’t talk about Stuttgart without talking about Mercedes-Benz and Porshe, who both famously have headquarters and museums here. You know how I said you’re going to love Stuttgart? If you’re into cars, you’ll be bloody head over heels for it!
Sounds pretty good so far, right? Deciding to visit Stuttgart is the easy part – who could resist this exciting city? But deciding where to stay in Stuttgart, now that’s not so easy. Stuttgart is the largest city in Baden-Württemberg, which means that it covers a lot of ground.
Lucky for you, you’ve got me to help you! I’ve compiled the best places to stay depending on your travel style and budget. I’ve even included the best places to stay and things to do in each – you’ll be an expert on Stuttgart and ready to book your trip in no time!
Whether you can get up close and personal with some of the finest cars ever created, enjoy a beer and a bratwurst or sip your way through some of Germany’s best vineyards – I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s get down to business and find the best place to stay in Stuttgart for you!
- Where to Stay in Stuttgart
- Stuttgart Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Stuttgart
- Stuttgart’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Stuttgart
- What To Pack For Stuttgart
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Stuttgart
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Stuttgart
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking to get the decision of where to stay in Stuttgart over as quickly as possible? These are our top two recommendations for places to stay in Stuttgart.
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Jugendherberge Stuttgart International | Best Hostel in Stuttgart
The Jugendherberge Stuttgart International, which also goes by the name the Youth Hostel Stuttgart, is situated halfway up a hill in Stuttgart-Mitte. With beautiful views of the city below, and several common areas, this hostel gives guests plenty of room to breathe. There is a TV room and a bistro inside so guests can enjoy more than just comfortable beds and clean bathrooms!
Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Stuttgart before starting your backpacking adventure!
Hotel Spahr | Best Hotel in Stuttgart
Hotel Spahr is a fairly priced hotel in Bad Cannstatt that is chalk full of retro vibes. We love this specially preserved and styled hotel. Everything is done with the utmost care. Each room has even been individually designed. And it’s super close to public transportation, which is definitely where to stay in Stuttgart for the first time!
Convenient private room | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart
Stuttgart has a lot to offer, so you want to make sure you’re staying in the right area during your first visit. This Airbnb offers you a good location. It’s close to public service and multiple hotspots are in walking distance. You can either take the train or metro to get around quickly. The home is shared with other Airbnb guests, but you’ll have a private room completely to yourself.
Stuttgart-Mitte
Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic city center of Stuttgart. The name itself means city center and is located true to its name, at the very heart of Stuttgart.
Bad Cannstatt
Bad Cannstatt is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart as it’s located just outside the central districts. Despite being slightly outside of the central areas, Bad Cannstatt has some of the most iconic sights in Stuttgart.
Degerloch
Degerloch is just a quick train ride from the center of the city and is one of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods for those traveling with their family. When you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, look no further than Degerloch.
Stuttgart West
Stuttgart West is one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart, given it’s abundance of restaurants, cafes, and theatres all while being close to, but not directly in, the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Stuttgart Ost
Stuttgart Ost is the eastern side of the city of Stuttgart. It is just a few minutes walk from the city center, but it is where locals live and go about everyday life. It’s certainly not brimming with tourists.
Stuttgart, Germany was first founded in the 10th century and was initially named Stutengarten, which translates to “mare’s garden.” Today, it is the 6th largest city in all of Germany and is most famous for being home to the luxurious automobile company headquarters, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Stuttgart lies on the banks of the beautiful Neckar river and is just about an hours drive from the Black forest. It is also approximately an hour from the beautiful Swabian Jura mountains. Given Stuttgart’s location, there are lots of wonderful day trip options. But as long as you are in Stuttgart city proper, you’re going to need to figure out where to stay in Stuttgart. With so many wonderful areas to choose from, it can feel a bit intimidating.
Luckily, Stuttgart is laid out in a pretty clear way. Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic heart of Stuttgart. It is located in the dead center of the city, in between Stuttgart-North, West, East and South. Conveniently named parts of the city, eh? Stuttgart-Mitte actually is German for Stuttgart-Center, so that name is perfectically sensical as well. The neighborhoods of Stuttgart that are a little farther out, like Bad Cannstatt and Mohringen don’t have such easy names but are still filled with beautiful sites and plenty to do. Let’s dive in deeper into Stuttgart and cover the five best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart.
Just remember when visiting Stuttgart that the locals speak the local Schwäbisch dialect of German, so even if you speak German, you might struggle to understand their language a bit!
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Stuttgart’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Ready to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Stuttgart? We’re ready to spill some secrets. Readers, read on!
#1 Stuttgart-Mitte – Best Area to Stay in Stuttgart for Nightlife
Stuttgart-Mitte is the historic city center of Stuttgart. The name itself means city center and is located true to its name, at the very heart of Stuttgart. The city center is bustling with activity and it’s definitely where you want to stay if you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart for nightlife.
The city center is full of big commercial shops and tall office buildings. It is crossed by the renowned Königstrasse Avenue, one of the most popular shopping areas in all of Stuttgart. Along with wonderful shopping, the city center is the main cultural hub of Stuttgart with beautiful art museums and famous theaters like the Friedrichsbau Theater. For the party lovers out there, Mitte is the best area of Stuttgart for epic clubs and bars. From the John Cranko Lounge to the Fou Fou Cocktail Bar, the party is on in Stuttgart-Mitte.
The city center is one of the best places to stay in Stuttgart as it’s simply pulsing with things to do and places to see. From the Landesmuseum Württemberg historical house exhibits to theatre shows at the Staatsgalerie, there hardly feels like there’s ever enough time to see and do everything you want to in Stuttgart-Mitte. Even if you’re just trying to figure out where to stay in Stuttgart for one night, Stuttgart-Mitte is the way to go.
Jugendherberge Stuttgart International | Best Hostel in Stuttgart-Mitte
The Jugendherberge Stuttgart International, also called the Youth Hostel Stuttgart, is located just on the very edge of Stuttgart-Mitte and is halfway up a hill. Its strategic position gives guests a gorgeous view of Stuttgart. There is a huge breakfast buffet every day too, so you can start your day with a happy belly! The metro and bus stop are also just a quick three minutes walk from the hostels front doors. And with hostel prices, it’s where to stay in Stuttgart-Mitte on a budget.
Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof | Best Hotel in Stuttgart-Mitte
Very conveniently located in the city center, the Novum Hotel Rieker Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof offers guests budget friendly hotel rates. Situated just across from the central railway station and just a quick five minute walk from the famous Königstrasse Avenue, you can’t get a better spot than this hotel. The rooms are bright, big, and have comfortable beds.
Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin | Best Hotel in Stuttgart-Mitte
A beautiful hotel with a huge swimming pool, the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin is the perfect luxury hotel in the city center. It is very close to all the popular sites, and is a great fit for those who are looking to stay in total comfort. It’s a boutique-style hotel with wonderful staff!
Apartment in heart of city | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart-Mitte
This charming little apartment is perfect if you want to explore the German nightlife in Stuttgart. It’s located just a short walk away from the lively streets, which are filled with bars, pubs and clubs but far enough from all the buzz, so it’s quiet at night – you’ll love this area. The Airbnb is cute, nicely decorated and makes you feel like you’re at home.
Things to do and see in Stuttgart-Mitte
- Head on over to the top-rated bars and clubs in the city center, Proton the Club is one of the most popular to go for dancing
- Check out the historical house exhibits at Landesmuseum Württemberg, including the Old Castle
- Let your jaw drop at the modern art shows at Staatsgalerie
- Snap a photo at the gorgeous Schlossplatz fountain at the very heart of the city center
- Tour the inside of the Grand Palace, the beautiful baroque castle that was once the residence of kings, and now serves as the offices for government ministries.
- Walk around the glass box museum called the Kunstmuseum that is filled with the work of artist Otto Dix
- Catch a show at the Friedrichsbau Theater
- Go shopping along Königstrasse Avenue
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Bad Cannstatt – Where to Stay in Stuttgart for the First Time
Bad Cannstatt is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stuttgart as it’s located just outside the central districts. Despite being slightly outside of the central areas, Bad Cannstatt has some of the most iconic sights in Stuttgart. Bad Cannstatt a true tourist magnet.
There is actually a rich mineral natural spa called MineralBad springs and is actually the second biggest natural spring in all of Europe.
Stuttgart is the famous home for the automobile industry of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and Bad Cannstatt is where both of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums are located. If you’re visiting Stuttgart, it’s likely you want to check out these dazzling museums. And after a day at the museums, relax in the natural mineral springs before dinner. It is days like that that makes Bad Cannstatt one of the best places to stay in Stuttgart.
If your timing is right, Bad Cannstatt is also where some of the biggest beer festivals happen in Stuttgart. We are talking about the Cannstatter Wasen and Cannstatter Volksfest people! These absolutely epic beer festivals are worth planning your entire trip around. If it’s at all possible to visit Stuttgart during one of the festivals, stay in Bad Cannstatt and get ready for the time of your life!
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Bad Cannstatt is also where VfB Stuttgart calls home, the most famous football club in Stuttgart.
B&B Hotel Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt | Best B&B in Bad Cannstatt
The B&B Hotel Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt is a budget-friendly place to stay in Stuttgart. The rooms are clean and the staff are kind. And the location is easily accessible by public transportation. The morning buffet breakfast is fantastic! If you’re wondering where to stay in Bad Cannstatt on a budget then look no further than this affordable B&B.
Hotel Geissler | Best Hotel in Bad Cannstatt
The Hotel Geissler is a great value hotel, promising guests a comfortable stay at a reasonable rate. They are known to have a rich breakfast available daily, and have very large beds. An added perk is that the Hotel Geissler is surrounded by lots of restaurants.
Hotel Spahr | Best Hotel in Bad Cannstatt
We love the retro vibes at Hotel Spahr, which couldn’t be cooler! It is carefully preserved and done with plenty of style! From Hotel Spahr it is less than a 30 minute walk from the football stadium, and there is a train stop quite close to the hotel. It’s one of the best Stuttgart Hotels because of it’s unique, retro style!
Convenient private room | Best Airbnb in Bad Cannstatt
Stuttgart has a lot to offer, so you want to make sure you’re staying in the right area during your first visit. This Airbnb offers you a good location. It’s close to public service and multiple hotspots are in walking distance. You can either take the train or metro to get around quickly. The home is shared with other Airbnb guests, but you’ll have a private room completely to yourself.
Things to do and see in Bad Cannstatt
- Catch a VfB football match at the Mercedes-Benz arena
- Visit both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums
- Take a relaxing and rejuvenating dip in the MineralBad natural mineral springs
- Let the beer flow and keep flowing at the local beer festivals like Cannstatter Wasen and Cannstatter Volksfest
- Visit the Wilhelma Zoo and see some darling animals from elephants to flamingos
- Enjoy a beautiful picnic at Kurpark and try to catch some sunshine
#3 Degerloch – Best Neighborhood in Stuttgart for Families
Degerloch is just a quick train ride from the center of the city and is one of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods for those traveling with their family. When you’re wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, look no further than Degerloch.
Experience a slice of peace and quiet in Degerloch, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, all while still having it easily accessible. You won’t feel isolated, but you’ll feel just far enough away to enjoy some silence and serenity.
As a quiet suburban neighborhood, Degerloch has lots of room and space for kids to play. There is also not a lot of traffic in Degerloch, which makes cycling around the neighborhood a wonderful way to explore!
Typical german home | Best Airbnb in Degerloch
This massive home has a proper german vibe to it. Furnished very comfortably, this Airbnb will feel like a home far away from home. Fitting up to 5 guests, it’s perfect for big families as well. The neighborhood is super peaceful and calm, with a great connection to public transport options. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can choose from various different restaurants and cafes which are close by.
Oase der Ruhe Nähe Messe Stuttgart | Best Hostel in Degerloch
As the biggest budget friendly option in Degerloch, the Oase der Ruhe Nähe Messe Stuttgart isn’t as fancy or as well-decorated as the other hotels out there. But what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for with price. If you’re looking for a deal in Degerloch, this hotel is for you.
Waldhotel Stuttgart | Best Hotel in Degerloch
This lovely 4-star hotel is just a fifteen minute drive from the center of Stuttgart but it is enclosed in forest surroundings. You’ll feel tucked away from the city amidst the beautiful trees. When wondering where to stay in Stuttgart with kids, the Waldhotel is the perfect choice.
Hotel Waldhorn | Best Hotel in Degerloch
Reasonable prices and cozy rooms, Hotel Waldron is a wonderful hotel in Degerloch. It is a family-run hotel and indeed has a very friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stay with kids in Stuttgart. The hotel also offers guests free parking, which is a huge bonus!
Things to do and see in Degerloch
- Cycle around the area and get a feel for the neighborhood
- Take a charming tram to and from the city center
- Visit the ForstBW, the House of the Forest, for a lovely walk in the woods and fun exhibits for the kids to see
- Enjoy a delicious traditional German meal at Gasthaus Zum Hirsch
- Go for an easy and fun hike at Falsche Klinge
- Stop in to the beautiful Galerie TonArt music store and see traditional handcrafted musical instruments
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Stuttgart West – Coolest Place to stay in Stuttgart
Stuttgart West is one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart, given it’s abundance of restaurants, cafes, and theatres all while being close to, but not directly in, the hustle and bustle of the city center. In Stuttgart West you’ll feel a bit more like a local. You’ll have to hunt down those neighborhood hidden gems yourself, or just follow our handy dandy list below of some of our favorite Stuttgart West neighborhood treasures. From indie shops to global eateries, there’s lots to discover!
Home to the university, Stuttgart West is filled with students which always means lots of events, nightlife, and shopping awaits you. University students always up the cool factor don’t they? With the beautiful lake Feuersee and the picture perfect Rot and Schwarzwild Park, Stuttgart West is definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Stuttgart.
Kulinarium an der Glems | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West
The Kulinarium an der Glems is located in a gorgeous location on the edge of West Stuttgart. It’s a charming styled hotel that almost feels more like a villa. It resides near the Bärensee lake and immersed in lovely green surroundings. The restaurant is lauded for its amazing food, and you may even spot some goats in the garden. Goats! What’s better than goats!?
Waldhotel Schatten | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West
The Waldhotel Schatten is located in a profoundly green location, on the outskirts of Western Stuttgart. It’s truly away from the noise, tucked into a little green oasis. This historic 1783 hotel has been luxuriously renovated to maintain all it’s charm while bringing it into the 21st century.
Very chic apartment | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart West
This chic apartment is located in one of the old german buildings but has been completely renovated inside. The host has a great eye for detail, since everything fits perfectly, from furniture to amenities and colours. You’ll have numerous restaurants just moments away from your doorstep, as well as cute and unique cafes. The nightlife is exciting too in this area, but don’t worry, your neighborhood is quiet and peaceful.
campus.guest Hotel | Best Hotel in Stuttgart West
Only a five minute walk from the Stuttgart City Forest, the campus.guest hotel has modern, clean, bright rooms that are affordable priced. There is a delicious buffet breakfast each morning for guests to enjoy on the terrace or in the bistro itself.
Things to do and see in Stuttgart West:
- Relax at the Rot and Schwarzwild Park and try to spot some deer wandering through their natural habitat
- Go ice skating on the Feuersee Lake in the winter, as the lake completely freezes over in the colder months
- Stop by St. John’s Church built in the gorgeous Gothic Revival style
- Hike to the Birkenkopf, the highest point from which to view Stuttgart below
- Walk through the forest and find the Heslacher Wasserfälle beautiful cascading water stream
- Nom on the delicious pancakes on Lumen or enjoy some Italian culinary delights at Vapiano or the warm and spicy Turkish food at Sultan Saray
- Grab a pint at 7Grad Club and More and enjoy their wonderful outdoor seating
#5 Stuttgart Ost – Where to Stay in Stuttgart on a Budget
Stuttgart Ost is the eastern side of the city of Stuttgart. It is just a few minutes walk from the city center, but it is where locals live and go about everyday life. It’s certainly not brimming with tourists. You definitely won’t feel lost in a horde of travellers. Stuttgart Ost also isn’t the prime location for all the iconic and popular sites of Stuttgart, however there are some fun things to see from the historic Berger Church to the unique pig museum, called the Schweine Museum. Best of all? It’s where to stay in Stuttgart on a budget.
This eastern district hugs the Necktar River and has some beautifully landscaped parks to enjoy. There are tons of charming restaurants to wander into and space to enjoy. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Stuttgart to stay in for those who looking for hotel deals and steals, while not being crammed into a hostel dorm room.
Budget Airbnb with style | Best Airbnb in Stuttgart Ost
This Airbnb isn’t the cheapest but still affordable, especially if you bring some friends along. There are two bedrooms with double beds, so you’ll be able to fit 4 people – enjoy the home as a group and split the bill at the end. The home is very spacious and super stylish, with a great view of the city and amazing interior design.
Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost
The Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz almost qualifies as a hostel with its mega low prices. Prices like these aren’t often seen in Germany without a dorm room being mentioned in the same sentence. The Hotel Astoria Am Urachplatz has small, quaint rooms that are very modern and clean. All rooms also have a private bathroom attached. The daily breakfasts to be enjoyed out on the terrace are are a big perk.
Hotel Discovery | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost
The Hotel Discovery is family-owned and couldn’t be more amazingly located— just 800 meters from the Mercedes-Benz Arena. We are particularly keen on their gorgeous breakfast buffet room. Eating breakfast there is the perfect way to start your day!
S-AN Daily Room Stuttgart Zentrum | Best Hotel in Stuttgart Ost
The S-AN Daily Room Stuttgart Zentrum in Stuttgart Ost is a great accommodation option for those who are looking for bright, modern rooms and pristine clean bathroom facilities. Even better, the hotel is located near the most iconic sites. All rooms come with everything you need from a kitchen to a TV to a hairdryer!
Things to do and see in Stuttgart Ost
- Sample the Portugese culinary delights at Tasca im Feui
- Spend the afternoon walking around the gorgeous Park Villa Berg, which spans an entire 24 acres and tour the – Renaissance-styled 19th century Villa Berg
- Visit the iconic Berger Church, originally built in the 13th century
- Check out the quirky pig museum, the Schweine Museum
- Snap a photo of the Gaskessel Stuttgart historical landmark
- Have a scrumptious curry lunch at Vinayaga Indian restaurant
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Stuttgart
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Stuttgart and where to stay.
What To Pack For Stuttgart
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Stuttgart
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Germany is a wonderful place to visit and is filled with amazing places to stay. From the more natural environments of Stuttgart-West and the quiet tree-lined surroundings of Degerloch, there are plenty of surprises to discover in all of Stuttgart’s best neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for the coolest place to stay in Stuttgart, Stuttgart West is the way to go. Kulinarium an der Glems is our favorite hotel, with it’s lovely location and charming style.
Our favorite hostel in Stuttgart is the Jugendherberge Stuttgart International in Stuttgart-Mittle. With plenty of common areas and beautiful views of the city below, this hostel is hard to beat!
If you’re looking at where to stay in Stuttgart for your first time, the Hotel Spahr in Bad Cannstatt is our top choice. With it’s carefully preserved retro style, the Hotel Spahr is a treat.
Do you have any Stuttgart travel tips to share? We’d love to hear them! Write us a note in the comments below.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Germany.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Stuttgart.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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