The Battery Show Europe: What to See in Stuttgart

Start your e-engines, the Battery Show Europe / Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo Europe is back in Stuttgart. It's the city where Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile, and it's still the heart of Germany's auto industry. That fact will be evident in and outside the convention center when you venture out to dine or visit local attractions. 

Food & drink

You’ll find many dining options near the suburban Killesberg expo hall, in Stuttgart proper, and beyond using TripAdvisor’s search filters. True foodies will want to sample the region’s unique Swabian culinary tradition (which you can learn about in this Movingtostuttgart.com roundup). Like what you see? Turn a meal into an adventure with a curated private, group, or corporate night out via Secret Food Tours.

It should be easy to find a good beer garden — or rather, biegarten, but Falstaff International’s list of 10 Best Pub Breweries in Stuttgart is helpful. If you're unfamiliar with the area, check out Military in Germany's guide for visiting Americans, which shares a list along with local biergarten customs.

Museums: Cars, tech, & more

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is Stuttgart's largest attraction of any sort with 1,500-plus exhibits ranging from historic firsts to futuristic concepts, inside a nine-story architectural marvel — much like another nearby attraction, the Porsche Museum.

The Technik Museum Sinsheim features broader automotive, science, and technology exhibits.

Beyond cars and tech, the Staatsgalerie features art masterworks dating back to the 14^th century. The Stuttgart Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) features regional treasures and includes modern art. Interestingly, the Stuttgart Public Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart) is one of the most-photographed buildings in the city, and houses exhibits of top regional authors and prize-winners.

More top tips & tours

Other top regional attractions include the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanic Garden (Zoologisch-Botanischer); a handful of local castles, and the Palace Square (Schloßplat). The square, built in 1841, is surrounded by pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining, and theaters. 

You can also take a guided tour that suits your time, budget, and tastes. These include a 95-minute HopOn-HopOff double-decker bus ride and various tours to see attractions or even take a private shopping excursion.

Want more ideas? Lists from TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, and Travel Stuttgart will help you decide.