Many of the most remarkable structures in today's Stuttgart are of progressive design, created by such architects as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, Hans Scharoun, and Le Corbusier. The Liederhalle, Schloss-Strasse, constructed in 1956 of concrete, glass, and glazed brick, is fascinating inside and out. The hall contains three auditoriums.
The town's older section is clustered around Schillerplatz and the statue of the great German poet and dramatist, Schiller. Neues Schloss, on Schlossplatz, can be visited only by group tour. It was originally constructed between 1746 and 1807 and rebuilt beginning in 1958. Today, it houses state government rooms. The modern Rathaus faces the old Marktplatz, where flowers, fruit, and vegetables are sold in open stalls.
For the best view of Stuttgart, climb to the top of the 510m (1,673-ft.) Birkenkopf, west of the city. The hill was created from the debris of Stuttgart dumped here after World War II. After the 20-minute walk to the top, you'll be rewarded by a view of the city and the surrounding Swabian Hills, covered with vineyards and woods.
Between April and October, every day at 11am, the local tourist office organizes an English- and German-language guided tour through the city's historic core. Beginning on the sidewalk in front of the tourist office (Königstrasse 1A; tel. 0711/2228240) and lasting for 90 minutes, it costs 8€ ($13). There's no discount for students or most age groups, but children 4 and under can tag along for free. A longer and more comprehensive walking tour, conducted entirely in German, is organized from the same location (May-Dec only) every Saturday at 10am. With a duration of 2 1/2 hours, it's priced at 10€ ($16), no charge for children 4 and under.
For insights into the areas surrounding Stuttgart's historic core, you might be interested in a guided bus tour of the city and its suburbs. Conducted year-round, in German and English, and departing every day at 1:30pm, the 2 1/2-hour tour costs 20€ ($32) for adults, 17€ ($27) for students, and 12€ ($19) for children ages 6 to 12; children 5 and under ride free. Be warned that this tour requires a minimum number of participants and will be canceled if there aren't enough candidates, so advance reservations are important.
