Insider tips in Stuttgart
The Bean Quarter, Heusteig Quarter and Marienplatz – away from the main hotspots, Stuttgart is a real insider tip.
Bean Quarter (Bohnenviertel)
A part of town that’s steeped in charm and history: The Bean Quarter (Bohnenviertel) originated in the 15th century and takes its name from the beans which the poorer inhabitants planted in their gardens, and which were the staple diet of the population. Later, wine growers, small traders, pawnbrokers and artisans settled in the area. The Bean Quarter was restored after the Second World War and today is an inviting place for a stroll. Its oldest building is the Schellenturm – the “Shackles Tower”, which was part of the former city wall. The surviving old buildings with their green inner courtyards, and the alleyways with their cobblestones are typical of the quarter. Tucked away between them there are restaurants, cafés and antique shops. The main highlight each year is the Bean Quarter Festival at the end of July: with live music, culinary delights, cool drinks and a fantastic atmosphere.
Heusteig Quarter (Heusteigviertel)
Further south there’s an architectural gem: the Heusteig Quarter (Heusteigviertel). Urban development of this area started at the end of the 19th century, when the present quarter between Hauptstätter, Olga-, Filder- and Wilhelmstraße began to evolve. The Heusteig Quarter’s most outstanding feature is its Gründerzeit and Jugendstil architecture, mirrored in cohesive building ensembles. Typical of the quarter is its closed block construction with large inner courtyards, where many tradesmen used to have their businesses. Walking through the area today, you come across cafés, bars and restaurants. Each year at the end of June the Heusteig Quarter Festival, a street festival in the area around Mozartstraße, delights its guests with a varied programme that includes a flea market, art, music and international specialities.
Marienplatz
A visit to Marienplatz is an absolute must. This square is the starting point for a great many leisure activities and is the south of Stuttgart’s flagship. The “wild” South with its Mediterranean flair is the gathering place for the urbane and the “in” scene. This is where to find informal bars, popular restaurants and perhaps the best ice cream in Stuttgart. You can enjoy breakfast or supper, coffee and cocktails at long wooden tables and benches. From here you can take the rack railway, affectionately nicknamed “Zacke”, up the hill to Degerloch with wonderful views along the way, and Marienplatz is also the beginning of a section of the Stuttgart Wine Trail (City Centre-Degerloch route). Each year in summer, the south of Stuttgart becomes a stage. The Marienplatz Festival at the beginning of July invites you to enjoy live music ranging from electro to Indie, with street food and a hip atmosphere.
